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.
So where can we get in touch with Melanie?
Reach her here:
Stay-tuned for tomorrow's giveaway! You don't want to miss it!
