1. Tell us a bit about what you do and what first inspired you to do it?When it comes to jewelry and accessories, I always choose handmade and I often buy from online shops myself. I think a pair of earrings or a pin shows some of your personality and there's nothing worse than seeing girls in the street wearing identical pieces. Although I'm no professional artist, I always enjoyed doing things with my hands (like making clothes for my Barbie doll, for example, all of them my own design ;) and about two years ago I started buying pieces of fabric and beads and trying to make something out of it. Later I started giving my pins out to my friends who encouraged me to try selling them. Until recently I had a really boring office job so I really felt like being creative at home and put a lot of energy into my store. Also, I'm lucky to have a husband who loves taking photos so Etsy is something we're actually doing together having a lot of fun :)
2. What do you do when you're not creating/selling?
I'm a mommy so now I'm happily at home mainly focused on my family life (I love cooking!). I spend most of my time working as a translator and when I have nothing to translate, there are scissors, fabrics, beads and needles flying all around the house :)
3. What's your favourite piece / the hardest thing for you to sell?
Hmm.. the hardest thing to sell I guess would be felt pins, like the Matryosha dolls, which I personally really love but they don't seem to be much of a success... And my favourite? I only make things that I'd wear myself so I really love them all!
4. What is your most valuable possession?
That's a tough one... I don't get that attached to things...
5. What are your plans for the future / new ranges?
I have a head full of ideas, I hope I'll have enough time to put them into reality! I'm planning to start selling my things in art fairs in Lisbon. I'm also thinking of opening another store selling handmade cards with real photos (taken by my husband, of course :) that can be used as wedding invitations, etc. Another thing is a new range for little girls - headbands, pony tail bands, hair pins, etc. Many women ask me for this kind of things for their little daughters and you should listen to the market... And, of course, there'll be more wedding hairpins and brooches coming in spring.
6. Complete this sentence: "Happiness is..."
It's hard to come up with something revealing here but I'd say happiness is made of short moments, never lasts long. It's also the ability to find joy in simple things.
Photo no. 1: English Garden headband (made to order, 17.90 $)
Photo no. 2: Rosette trio necklace (24.90 $)
Photo no. 3: Galo (made to order, 14.90 $)
Photo no. 4: Bobby pin collection (made to order, 14.90 $ per 4 pins)
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