Adore By Nat: Saturday Artisan: Violet's Buds

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Saturday Artisan: Violet's Buds

Happy Saturday!

Meet our Saturday Artisan: Melanie, the artist behind Violet's Buds shop at Storenvy.

I truly love her flowers. They are all so beautifully made. Recently, she has added a new line in her shop: the hoops arts!

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?

I am a happily married SAHM with an energetic preschooler. When my daughter was 6 months old I decided to try making her some cute hair accessories. It quickly became an addiction, and I began making clips and headbands for my nieces and friends. After encouragement from friends and family I opened Violet's Buds in March of 2011. I started by selling headbands and clips for young girls, and have expanded to include hair accessories for all ages, fabric jewelry, photo props, newborn crowns, and holiday ornaments. I also make custom maternity sashes and wedding accessories upon request.
Currently I am starting a new line of hoop art decor that uses the same fabrics and flowers as the hair accessories.

Which part of creation process that you enjoy the most?

I enjoy matching various colors and patterns of fabrics, along with buttons and beads to create unique pieces.

For us who love to travel, could you share a bit about your beautiful town/ city?

I was raised and still live in a suburb of Kansas City, MO.

Our city has a growing artistic community, lots of beautiful sites, and amazing barbecue. Kansas City was recently named a top travel destination for 2014!

Could you share on how your organize your products, we all can use a little tips here and there in this department?

Currently, I organize all my stock by color. My shop is organized by accessory type. I am often seeking new methods of organization to see which works best.

What is your best seller?

Since the majority of my pieces are one of a kind, I don't have a single best seller. Lately, the button hair pins have been quite popular.

How do you balance your personal and work life?

Balancing work and personal life is a constant challenge for me. One of my goals for 2014 is to become better organized, both in business and my personal life, and stick to a schedule to prevent burnout.

What inspires you?

I greatly enjoy the creative process and the therapeutic outlet that crafting gives me. I've always been drawn to art, photography and crafts. I am inspired by the fabrics I use, my daughter and her style, and by brainstorming with other crafters.

Any advice for others running their on-line shop?

My biggest piece of advice is to plan on spending the same amount of time, if not more, on marketing, advertising, and networking as you do on the actual creation of your pieces. It takes sometimes months for customers to find you and your products.
Also, never be negative! No matter how discouraged you might be, never post something negative on your social media-- its likely to drive customers away.

Don't give up, just keep plugging away. Find a group of like-minded businesses that can help give tips and encouragement. A great support system is so very important.

Saving money is important; tell us one thing that you do to save money?

The majority of the fabrics used in my pieces are either remnants, or are upcycled from clothing & linens. Beads, pendants, & buttons in Violet's Buds accessories come from old & sometimes broken costume jewelry, old clothing, or scouted out at flea markets. This allows me to reduce waste, and give new life to otherwise forgotten items. Additionally, the majority of Violet's Buds pieces are one of a kind.