Stallholder Profile Handmade by Sam

Stallholder Profile
Samantha from Handmade by Sam
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Handmade-by-Sam/206327146107969

Name: Samantha Cust

Business name: Handmade by Sam

Suburb/town Bertram, Perth

What is it that you make and what skills do you use? 

Bespoke cakes/cupcakes and cookies for EVERY occasion

What inspired you to start your business? 

I have a very creative streak and love giving Handmade items as gifts. I took a few cake decorating classes just to start out as a hobby and some time out 'just for me' and became totally addicted! I already work from home running a family day care, so to start another home based business was a totally logical thing to do :)

How long have you been ‘creating’? 

I have been creating all my life, but my business has been registered since 2013

Is it a full time/ part time/hobby or business? 

Currently a part-time business along with my other business, but it is slowly taking over

Where do you sell your creations? Online/markets etc..

Facebook/word of mouth, local markets in Rockingham/Secret Harbour (run by Street Hassle Events) as well as The Handmade Expo

What makes what you do special or different? 

There are many cake decorators out there, but I bet you have never seen one with a red mowhawk and tattoos! I am not your run of the mill decorator (I certainly stand out in a crowd) LOL

What is the most rewarding part of what you do? 

Seeing the faces of the people who receive my cakes - it doesnt matter how many hours the cake took to complete or how many late nights you had to do, just seeing the joy on a person's face when they receive their cake made especially for them makes it all worth it

What is your favourite product that you make? 

I enjoy birthday cakes, each one is so very different, my clients certainly think 'outside of the box' when they order their cakes from me - each cake is definitely a challenge

Do you teach classes or workshops? 

yes, I teach, cupcake/cake decorating classes (in groups and also one-on-one sessions)

Stallholder Profile Danielle from BEED Candles

Stallholder Profile.....Danielle from BEED Candles
https://www.facebook.com/BEEDCandles?fref=ts


Name: Danielle Craig

Business name: BEED Candles

The suburb/town  Mount Hawthorn, W A

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?  
Hand poured soy container candles and melts.

What inspired you to start your business?  
I was given a handmade candle andI thought, "ooh, I want to do that too."  

How long have you been creating?  
Two years.

Is it a full time/ part time/hobby or business?  
Hobby.

Where do you sell your creations? 
Guildford Markets, soon the Handmade Expo in Rockingham, Facebook, family and friends.

What makes what you do special or different? 
Putting a lot of love and care into my candles as well as adding my signature beads to the packaging.  

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?  
I love seeing my finished product packaged up ready to go and the delight in fragrancing someone's home. 

 

What is your favourite product that you make?  
They're all candles and melts but I love to use a recycled glass and jazz it up some way with twine and charms, or to make a specialised label for a candle.  

Stallholder Profile TLC Handmade Gifts and Cards

Stallholder Profile
Tania from TLC Handmade Gifts and Cards
https://www.facebook.com/TlcHandmadeGiftsCraftSupplies?fref=ts

Name:   Tania Wilson

           

Business name:  TLC Handmade Gifts & Cards

The suburb/town Gabbadah, Western Australia

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?  

Custom invitations, party decorations, greeting cards and misc gifts – decorated mugs, wine glasses, Birthday Boards, canvas art, glass night lights, t-shirts, stubby holders, birth announcements, home decor etc

What inspired you to start your business?  

I wanted to fund my craft habit – all things crafty are expensive!

How long have you been ‘creating’?  

I started scrapbooking approximately 12 years ago and I have always had an interest in anything crafty.

Is it a full time/ part time/hobby or business?  

Part-time and trying to build it up so that I can spend more time creating and trying new ideas.

Where do you sell your creations? Online/markets etc..  

Just started doing markets, but for the last 18months I have been successfully selling online.

What makes what you do special or different?  

I take a lot of care in the work that I produce and I think I treat all my clients with respect and bend over backwards to make sure they are happy.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?  

The feedback, the referrals and the repeat business.  I really enjoy and get a buzz when I hear how happy a client is with an order J

What is your favourite product that you make?  

Too many to choose – I love playing and creating and trying new techniques. Currently I am experimenting with sublimation printing J

Do you teach classes or workshops?  

I teach classes in Scrapbooking, Stamping and Beyond the Page projects.  I also run school holiday craft sessions for primary school aged children.  These can be done in your home or mine – minimum of three participants J

Stallholder profile Sugar and Spice Creations

Stallholder Profile

Mel from Sugar and Spice Creations

https://www.facebook.com/SugarSpiceCreations?fref=ts

Name : Mel Spicer

Business name:  Sugar and Spice Creations

Town you live in now: Rockhampton, Queensland

What is it that you make and what skills do you use? 

Sewn items for mums & bubs.

What inspired you to start your business? 

My 'creative other half' Bec Christiansen was my initial inspiration when she found out that she was pregnant.  I couldn't wait to make all sorts of gorgeous goodies for her & her girls! They are my current test subjects ;)

How long have you been ‘creating’? 

I brought my first sewing machine only just over 2 years ago & launched Sugar & Spice Creations soon after.

Is it a full time/ part time/hobby or business? 

It's my full time job at the moment!

Where do you sell your creations? 

Online/markets etc..  Online (Facebook), The Handmade Expo Market, Rockhampton, word of mouth, baby expos and other markets.

What makes what you do special or different? 

My core product is our Travel Change Mat, which is part of the Essentials Set.  I designed this product with advice from Bec.  I initially had made a simple version which we saw could use some altering to make it more practical & user friendly.  It's been a hit with my customers and I'm currently working on an even more improved version!!

What is the most rewarding part of what you do? 

Peoples amazement that I've created these items & when a customer says they 'have to have' something particular because they saw someone else with one.

What is your favourite product that you make? 

Our newest product, the Lunch Bags, are my current favourite product.  It's so great to be able to offer a product that encourages reusing & sustainability.

Do you teach classes or workshops?

I would love the opportunity!  I have a great studio at home now & would welcome doing one on one sewing lessons ;)

Stallholder Profile House of Nicnax

Stallholder Profile..Nicole from House of Nicnax

www.facebook.com/houseofnicnax

Name: Nicole Macey

Business name: House of Nicnax

Town you live in now: Gosnells WA

What is it that you make and what skills do you use? 

I am best known for my handmade owl doorstops. I also make pillows, softies, nappy bag pouches and a few other bits and pieces. I love to sew – so I am always creating new things to bring to the markets! I also love to work with both new and upcycled materials

What inspired you to start your business? 

I started off making an owl doorstop for my grandma one day. From there I took a few orders and started selling to family and friends. I enjoy doing markets as I love meeting new people – both the customers and the other creative stall holders.

How long have you been ‘creating’? 

I have been making my doorstops and doing “House of Nicnax” for about 4 years now. I have been “creating” for as long as I can remember though. About 10yrs ago I used to sell handmade jewellery at a local market, and previous to that – as a kid- my sister and I used to make and sell finger puppets. I have very creative parents – so I blame them!!!

Is it a full time/ part time/hobby or business? 

It is still a bit of a hobby business but I do think it is becoming more of a part-time business as I am spending most of my days “owling”! I would like for it to become more of a part-time thing over the next year.

Where do you sell your creations? Online/markets etc.. 

Currently I have been selling at local markets and school fairs around the southern suburbs of Perth. I don’t have any regular ones at the moment – but as of August I will be attending the Rockingham Handmade Expo each month!!

I also sell online at www.etsy.com/shop/houseofnicnax and also on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/houseofnicnax

What makes what you do special or different? 

I love what I do! I create for me really and being able to sell it to people who love it is such a bonus!

My products are all handmade and designed by me.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do? 

Being able to do what I love! I love that people like my stuff so much that they want to buy it! It is also so rewarding when I stumble across my products on Instagram or Facebook. When people have taken the time to photograph their new doorstop and want to show it off to everyone!

What is your favourite product that you make?

Definitely my owl doorstops! Each one is so different and really does take on it’s own personality!

Stallholder Profile- Tina Barton designs

The third stallholder profile in our series is Tina from Tina barton designs.

https://www.facebook.com/tinabartondesigns?fref=ts

Name: Tina Barton

Business name: Tina Barton Designs

Town you live in: Rockhampton, Queensland

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?  

I make modern handmade clothing with vintage appeal for children and ladies, sewing everything myself on my home sewing machine. 

What inspired you to start your business?  

After I had my first child 3 years ago I fell in love with quilting, and then making clothing.  My business started as a hobby which kept me busy while I was at home with baby.

How long have you been ‘creating’?  

I have always had a love of craft, learning to knit and crochet while still at primary school.  I learnt to use a sewing machine when I was a young teenager, but didn't have a lot of time for craft when I left school and got a 'real job'. 

Is it a full time/ part time/hobby or business?  

Right now it is a part time business but when my kids start school I plan to grow my business to full time.

Where do you sell your creations? Online/markets etc.. 

I sell in an online shop on Madeit.com.au in between my pop up shop at The Handmade Expo.  You can also find me on Facebook!

What makes what you do special or different?  

I use a lot of vintage patterns of the 1950s era as well as modern patterns with a retro look.  I blend many different types of fabric in my clothing range, from quality 100% cotton, to linen, wool blends and even suiting fabrics.   I like to think that my range brings back memories of times gone by, but is still modern enough to wear today.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?  

I am a perfectionist so I get a lot of satisfaction from the construction of a garment pattern and having all my seams line up perfectly, but what I love the most is seeing that garment being worn for the first time.  Something that was just fabric and thread, that I made into clothing, and now someone is actually wearing it!  That is a really good feeling.

What is your favourite product that you make?  

At the moment my favourite would have to be the ladies dresses.  I love that I can make dresses for women of all sizes and shapes and help give them the confidence to feel beautiful no matter their shape.

Do you teach classes or workshops? 

No.  I just simply don't have the time or space.

Stallholder Profile Big Sistah Little Sistah

Our Stallholder profile this time is of Big Sistah Little Sistah,  look out for them travelling to country areas to Markets, Shows and Festivals.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Sistah-Little-Sistah-Womens-Clothing/557644657618444?fref=ts

Name: Nicola Matthews & Lisa Dunn (company partners)

Business name: Big Sistah little sistah

The suburb/town you live in now: Brisbane

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?

Handmade and designed women’s clothing with real sizes for real women.

What inspired you to start your business? 

Sick of trying to buy clothes to fit a us “matured aged women with real bodies” A genuine market need for beautiful clothes for larger real women!!

How long have you been ‘creating’?

Lisa has been designing for years I am the business brain behind the operation.

Is it a full time/ part time/hobby or business? Full time business we both work 24 /7 at the moment.

Where do you sell your creations? Online/markets etc.. 

The Handmade Expo regional markets, online through our website www.bigsistah.com.au, Handmade Canberra markets, Melbourne markets, Simply Handmade Yamba, Queens Park Toowoomba

WE love getting out of the city and going country!!!

What makes what you do special or different?

We design clothing for real women celebrating all shapes and sizes.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?

Genuine happy customers who become repeat customers and they really “love” our sizes NO large no extra large its all about “me”

What is your favourite product that you make?

My wardrobe is now enormous, too many clothes to choose from each weekend when we are out and about at markets. There are definitely not enough days in the week to wear all of Lisa’s new designs.