What motivated you to start your shop?
Growing up with a textiles inspired family, I recognized the comfort and love of quality fibers! “My family had a small farm and company of hand-spun yarns, cotton and specialty fibers. Watching my mother knit and sew clothes most of my life, encouraged me to be creative”. Inspired by my family, I received my art degree in Fashion & Design, an AA in Business & Marketing, and a BS in Child Psychology. After having my own three boys! I began creating handmade, clothing for children, in 1989, a line called Fuzzy Wuzzy Bear Wear Ltd, “ Our children were allergic to everything to include the chemicals put into fabrics “ to keep them safe”. After a divorce, I became a middle school teacher, taught sewing classes to kids, and began my company on Etsy in 2008. I found my place here on Etsy Handmade!
What is the story behind your shop name?
Inspiring design studio, LLC, began on Etsy.com { Tanjadlyn.esty.com } in 2008. We our part of the Etsy Success Team, and the Etsy Kids Team. Our philosophy of leaving a green footprint and creating all cotton handmade, USA made gifts is very important. From our tissue paper, supplies, and reuse of shipping materials, to our use of all natural and cotton fabrics for our products, we are intentional of a concept in business that leans into and inspires others in this living green life style. We inspire families in green living and cotton eco-friendly wear for children. Our designs are tm, and our own and we have both ready wear and custom orders! Most of our prints and selections are inspired by other families! Our companies focus is on inspiring designs that breath a LIVING GREEN color! : )
What is your favourite creations from your shop?
My favorite creations are our children's robes! There is something about the start and the finish that excites me!
The fabrics are all cotton and specialty soft cozy minky dot! When sewing the fabrics slip through my fingers and they are so soft! When we cut them out and set them up, there is the thrill of how cute "it will be"! And seeing the finished gifts, are the best! I imagine how each child will feel in our sweet cozy robes! Yes, I have one too! ha, ha, ha! This year we added sizes 8-14 and women's robes are coming this spring! Papa robes will follow in June of 2016 { Father's Day }!
What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
Everything! Our company went from being a wholesale company for 10 years { during my married life } to my own retail shop! Having my own shop were our handmade gifts are well received and appreciated brought a sense of " can do attitude ". This platform is amazing! And is perfect for anyone just starting out, or growing and finding their niche! For our company, it was about "finding our Niche"! We work hard with our handmade specialty Cotton Terries for Children! And it is a joy and a passion that is seen in our quality! USA made, Eco Friendly Cotton Wear For Children! What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Sometimes, our clients need help with custom orders! And we are limited on the variations we can offer! So, relying on the many e-mails that it may take to better understand what clients wants, can be cumbersome!
For example: we offer personalization: We need to collect: Name, color of embroidery, and font! But, the etsy format only allows for us to collect 2 variations! And of course, are robes come in size, color and print { 3 more variations }. Being part of a team community helps with these types of challenges! This is what Esty is really about: connection! It is a unique selling and buying experience that know one can put there finger on, but everyone wants to try to duplicate!
What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
Our philosophy of leaving a green footprint and creating all cotton handmade, USA made gifts is very important. From our tissue paper, supplies, and reuse of shipping materials, to our use of all natural and cotton fabrics for our products, we are intentional of a concept in business that leans into and inspires others in this living green life style. We inspire families in green living and cotton eco-friendly wear for children. Our companies focus is on inspiring designs that breath a LIVING GREEN color! : )
What do you do when you aren't working?
This is my full time job and we have a team of 5 working with us! I now have a business partner and our company is a LLC this year! I just finished my Family Studies/Psychology Degree and have an ISP working with children! I work with foster-care and celebrate recovery kid groups 3 hours every Thursday night! My whole heated perspective in living green starts with family!
Please tell us a little about the children's items market / handmade movement in your Country?
Here in the USA, green living is an important part of our children's market! Child care and families are seeking environmental friendly products and lifestyle! Our family is one in many that are allergic to to the chemicals that are put into fabrics!
Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
On a personal note: Here are some of my Favorite "inspirations"
Favorite Ah Moment: When my son told me he loved me. “ I wuvf you moma”
Favorite Flower: The Vanilla Bean
Design Inspirations: The colors of the garden, sky and nature!
Favorite Time of the Year: The summer and watching the sun set in Canon Beach, OR
Wisdom to share: Pick the weeds; water the plants and love your kids and they will grow! Make memories with your life on earth. Love, laugh, and listen! And yes, we all need to go green!
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