moxie mandie

When did you start doing your craft?
I attempted to sew just over 2 years ago. I’d been into paper crafting for about 2 years, but wasn’t really satisfied, and definitely had an interest in design. I began collecting fabric for ‘one day’ when I knew I’d learn to sew, and then my mom offered to pay for sewing lessons for me as a birthday gift. I was really nervous & honestly, was just not ready. I got so tense during my lessons that my neck & shoulders were sore because I thought for sure that I’d mess it up. I was the mess.

I took a few months off & then my life sortof changed- my husband was laid off & suddenly working 2nd shift, so I was home alone 5 nights a week & then my sewing teacher emailed me to say that she was starting a week night class, something new, and for a killer price. I figured there was nothing to lose, so I signed up & took weekly classes for 2 months. To say that I was in love would be an understatement.

Who inspired you?
I don’t actually have *one* person that inspired me- I guess I began reading design blogs & just taking more of an interest in the current DIY movement, and kept having (what I thought were) great design ideas & tried to find people to translate & sew for me, but I found no takers. :/ I was going to have to figure it out on my own, apparently.

Where do you create? What surroundings get your creative juices flowing?

I create in my living room. We have a spare room, but currently, the floor is covered in fabric that is not organized whatsoever, and there is no tv with netflix, SO, the living room wins.

What is your favorite piece to create and why?

I love creating new products. I know that what’s best for my shop is consistency, so I offer the things that sell(ahem, chevron striped pillow covers), but what I really LOVE to do is create layered, pieced, one-of-a-kind items such as my little mug rugs.

What’s your biggest challenge owning an online store?

The biggest challenge that I have in running my shop is that I also work full time outside of my home. I have a good job and am really grateful to have it, but dang, it is definitely not easy to do both. I’m not the best time manager, so it’s hard to come home after being at work all day and then try to be creative. I try to roll with how I’m feeling- work hard when I have the energy, and not beat myself up too much on the nights that I just need to plop down in front of the tv & chill. Everyone needs to sometimes, right?

How do you promote your store?
I promote my shop in a variety of ways- twitter, facebook, my blog, and I also sell items locally at a really cool new consignment shop that sells exclusively New Mexican made items. I’ve been fortunate to get some good press from some generous people, and that never hurts. *wink*

What advice would you give to other Etsy Store owners?
To other shop owners, I’d say this- Don’t get stuck in a rut. If what you’re doing isn’t quite working, try changing it up a bit. You don’t have to change you, or your shop, necessarily, but just add a twist. When I opened moxiemandie a year ago, I sold punchy little zipper pouches exclusively. I don’t sell those anymore, but I still use fun, punchy fabrics on my items. My shop has evolved because I wanted to keep going & zippy pouches weren’t taking me anywhere. I still design, and I actually enjoy the variety of products that I get to work on. It keeps me from getting too bored with any one thing.

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Find Mandie here:

http://moxiemandie.etsy.com
Twitter: @moxiemandie
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MoxieMandie/163291420348414
http://moxiemandie.com