Hi again! Welcome to my Friday post, which I will do AT LEAST once a month! (Hey, I have to manage my time well, so I don't want to overcommit. BUT, seeing how fun this is, it may happen more than once a month! ;) We shall see...)This week I wanted to give a shout across the country to ZuZu Girl, simply because she is an extremely helpful person, and I have to say a big thank you to her for helping me to set up some of my promo spots for my shop! So, THANK YOU, Kristi! :)
Find her shop at: www.zuzugirl.etsy.com
1. Please tell us about yourself…
I'm a mom of two children that are my life. My son is 5 and my daughter 2 1/2. I quit a dream job after my d
aughter was born because I was struggling with being a great mom & a great executive at the same time. Although no one was complaining, I just didn't feel like I was doing anything well enough to feel proud of myself. But then, after 18 months out of the corporate world I longed for a creative outlet and something to give me a sense of accomplishment (other than potty training). The concept of my shop was born during a mommy and me ballet class. The teacher handed out plastic shower curtain rings with gift ribbon tied onto them and the girls LOVED them. They were spinning and dancing like I'd never seen before. I looked down at the cheap, crummy things in my daughters hands and thought, I can do that...and I can make them pretty.
aughter was born because I was struggling with being a great mom & a great executive at the same time. Although no one was complaining, I just didn't feel like I was doing anything well enough to feel proud of myself. But then, after 18 months out of the corporate world I longed for a creative outlet and something to give me a sense of accomplishment (other than potty training). The concept of my shop was born during a mommy and me ballet class. The teacher handed out plastic shower curtain rings with gift ribbon tied onto them and the girls LOVED them. They were spinning and dancing like I'd never seen before. I looked down at the cheap, crummy things in my daughters hands and thought, I can do that...and I can make them pretty. 2. What is your first crafting memory?
My mother made most of my clothes as a child. She was always sewing. I can't begin to recall all of the pillows and quilts that we made together as I was growing up although I do remember a fabulous white pillow I made in sixth grade home ec with felt ballet slippers on the front. I'm quite sure my mom still has it!
3. How did your shop get its name?
We were watching the movie It's a Wonderful Life about a month after I found out I was pregnant with our second child. I turned to my husband, jokingly, and said, "if it's a girl we can name her Zuzu" (after the movie's youngest). Eight months later our little girl was born. At the hospital I decided that the name Zuzu was just too weird so we compromised and used it as her middle name. She is 2 1/2 now and has no idea what her first name is. She is our Zuzu. She is the reason I am at home crafting today and the inspiration behind all of my designs.
4. What is your favorite medium to use in your crafting, and why?
I am a ribbon fanatic. I have no idea why. The colors, the patterns, the textures...the combination of all three. Not sure. I just like pretty things.5. If you could learn a new craft, what would it be? Why?
I would love to paint or sketch but I'm just not good at either. I bought a sewing machine last week and I hope to re-learn that craft. Stay tuned for zuzu girl handmade tutus hopefully coming your way this summer...
6. Tell us about your office. Then, tell us about your dream office.
My *office* started as a guest room four years ago...then turned into a guestroom/playroom when Zuzu was born...and then into a guestroom/playroom/craft room when I opened shop last Fall. My aesthetic is mid-century modern and I'm over the top tidy. My dream office would be simple and would definitely not involve a queen bed and enough toys to entertain an entire pre-school.
7. What or who is your biggest inspiration? Do you have an inspiring story you’d like to share?
Zuzu is my biggest inspiration. I love to spoil her and it makes it that much more special if I can make something with my own hands that I know she will adore.
8. Who is your biggest fan? How have they encouraged you?
My mom is definitely my biggest fan. She was visiting when I made my first set of movement rings, now hanging in Zuzu's room. After making a few sets of those I crafted a wand. It was my mom that encouraged me to open shop on Etsy and to try to sell my designs. She thinks I'm far more talented than I actually am but hey, that's what moms are for, right?9. What is your favorite item to create? Tell us about it.
My favorite item to create is probably my fairy princess halos. They are definitely not my best seller but there is just something so magical about a little girl in a floral crown. I love the way they look so angelic wearing them...if only just for a moment!
10. What are your business goals for 2009?
At this point, zuzu girl handmade is really just a hobby. I'd love to stay in business in 2009 and be able to contribute to my family's income. Wish me luck!
I do wish you the best of luck, Kristi! :) Thanks so much for being my first Fabulous Friend!
To learn more about zuzugirl and see more of Kristi's fabulous work, visit her at:
(She also blogs! I think you can find her in my list somewhere... :)
Thanks so much for the lovely feature. Your blog looks beautiful! I'm so lucky to have found such a supportive group of woman at Etsy Moms.
ReplyDelete