It’s time for birthday cake as Creative Markets gets ready to celebrate their 1st Birthday. Its going to be a big weekend of celebration with back to back market days – 24th August at Mt Gravatt & 25th August 2013 at Springwood.
Expect a festive atmosphere with cake cutting and lucky door giveaways every half hour at both their handmade and boutique market.
Apple&Soda is where my passion to handcraft unique, timeless and classical pieces for the little people in your world comes to life. All my creations are distinctive and handmade with love to bring you a wonderful selection assured to compliment every taste.
My beautiful fabric combinations blend together perfectly, my style inspired by all time classics and each loving created for you to adore.
I hope you enjoy my range as my much as I have delighted in creating each piece.
What inspired you to start your business?
My inspiration came about after turning 40! I have always loved to sew & done so for friends & family, constantly hearing œYou should sell this. I figured it was now or never. I left a job I loved in a florist to pursue my own dream, great decision so far, I cant imagine not having Apple&Soda now.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
Not a great story, just love APPLES. Looking for something to compliment the word ˜Apples I came up with ˜Soda. I think they balance one another in many ways.
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
It is just so rewarding to create something with raw passion & enthusiasm, receive such positive feedback from customers, this makes all the late night sewing worthwhile.
Have you tried something in business that didnt work as planned, or on the flip side “ worked out better than expected?
I am continually shocked with the response I receive when I release stock. Often the style or fabric that I think will be a hit are slower to move & vise versa. The world would be a very dull place if we all thought alike & liked the same thing I guess.
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?
Follow your dream, have a clear view on your brand & how you want it to be viewed. Stay true to your style, you need to love what you do. Starting out is often hardest road, promote your brand whenever you can, be your best brand ambassador.
What is your favourite item you make?
Love all I create!! Have a real soft spot for my ˜Joannie dress, named in honour of my inspirational mum, my ˜Janice dress named after my late aunt & the ˜Heidi Cape inspired by my delightful daughter, Heidi.
Any personal or business highlights in the last year:
I am a goal setter in both my personal & business life. In my personal life I wanted to create a better work/life balance. Im heading in the right direction, certainly work to be done in that area still. On a business level I had my first magazine feature, very exciting to see my stunning œJoannie dress in print.
3 things about you that people might not know:
I am a mum of three beautiful children “ 1 boy, 2 girls (1 angel xxx)
I have seen so many lovely pincushions lately, I just had to share some of the ones I have found along the way. All are unique in their own right, with clever shapes and gorgeous fabrics. I feel very inspired to create one myself.
Now, how to choose which one!?
Image from Makerland
A totally adorable Hedgehog pincushion & tutorial from Makerland.
