Meet Amanda of Bugaboo Bear Designs, our Saturday Artisan!
I adore all Amanda's creations. who wouldn't? Her handwriting is simply beautiful and you truly get one-of-a-kind piece of art. Her chalkboard signs are amazing! She also recently makes cute hoop arts adorned with washi tapes and her beautiful letters. So pretty!
Let's get to know her a bit more, shall we?
Tell us a bit about
yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?
I'm a wife and Mom of two living in beautiful sunny Florida. I create
custom art and decor for the whole home and special occasions. All hand
drawn, hand painted and hand made. Nothing digital, copied or printed.
What is the story behind
your shop name?
My shop is named after my son. His nickname is Bugaboo Bear.
Who is your target market?
Women and Moms.
Which part of creation
process that you enjoy the most?
I enjoy the sketching and writing done ideas part the most. My
sketchbook goes with me everywhere. Sketching is a great creative outlet
for me.
For us who love to travel,
could you share a bit about your beautiful town/ city?
I live just outside of Tampa Florida. The Tampa Bay Area is beautiful with it's beaches, palm trees and amazing sunshine.
Could you share on how your
organize your products, we all can use a little tips here and there in this
department?
Each supply I use has it's own place. I store all my paper in
scrapbooking boxes. My paint is stored in color order in an
organizational caddy. I have a shelf in my garage where I store wood
pieces. All my canvases are in a storage cabinet. My desk stores extra
paper, sketchbooks, and my ink and pencils.
What is your best seller?
My various Chalkboard Designs.
How does your day go in
general?
Being a Mom of two young ones, 5 and 2, they come first. I enjoy some
activities with my kids in the morning as well as catch up on some
business stuff online and go to the Post Office. During nap time and
evenings once the kids are in bed is when I get my work done. And
somewhere in there I find time to do laundry, clean and cook. Finding a
balance between kids, my shop and household chores can be tough.
How do you balance your
personal and work life?
I'm thankful for an amazing husband who helps out with the kids if I
need some extra time to work on orders. Some days it is overwhelming
balancing everything. A break helps. Taking a day off really helps.
What inspires you?
Definitely my kids. I love modern inspirational design.
What is the key to success?
Hard work and dedication
Any advice for others
running their on-line shop?
Time. Everything takes time. You cannot expect to have steady business
at the beginning. Learn how to take fantastic photos of your products.
And network. Get to know other small business owners and make
connections.
What does handmade mean to you?
To me, handmade means love and passion. When something is made from
someone's hands it means that they are passionate about what they do.
They do what they love. Time and effort have been put into that product.
What is your favorite
quote, song, or movie?
After all this time? ~Always (Harry Potter)
Would you like to be featured as a Saturday Artisan and sponsor a giveaway?
