I'm very excited to have teamed with the overly charming Ilene of Much Love Illy for this giveaway. I love her blog and she is a true sweetheart and very talented! I have been eyeing her super cute headbands for a while now and well now that I have them here I'm really really happy, so colorful and joyful!
Ilene was kind to answer some questions
Tell us a bit about yourself and your work. How did it all start?
My name is Ilene (where 'illy' comes from, which is a nickname my bf gave me). I am a current resident of Chicago; however, I grew up all over the globe since my daddy was in the US Navy. That is probably why I love to travel so much - and probably why I get antsy after living in a place for more than 3 years. Besides my passion for art, I love my family, missions work in the Philippines, my daily cup of coffee, time with my bf, fashion, and the color green (any shade really - sage to grass green, love it).
"Much Love, illy" started back in November 2009. I only started it because one of my best friends encouraged me to do so. We often would share art dates - I'd be painting or making cards and she would be creating jewlery for her shop. I opened up shop not knowing what to expect. I started the shop by creating notecards, then button hair charms, and eventually it was over Christmas break during my obsession with felt and poppies that the poppy garland headband was created. Like most etsy shop, it started out slow but once the headband made its appearance, I think that it was something different that caught customers eyes and so business hasn't stopped since. It's been a blessing!
Tell us a bit about yourself and your work. How did it all start?
My name is Ilene (where 'illy' comes from, which is a nickname my bf gave me). I am a current resident of Chicago; however, I grew up all over the globe since my daddy was in the US Navy. That is probably why I love to travel so much - and probably why I get antsy after living in a place for more than 3 years. Besides my passion for art, I love my family, missions work in the Philippines, my daily cup of coffee, time with my bf, fashion, and the color green (any shade really - sage to grass green, love it).
"Much Love, illy" started back in November 2009. I only started it because one of my best friends encouraged me to do so. We often would share art dates - I'd be painting or making cards and she would be creating jewlery for her shop. I opened up shop not knowing what to expect. I started the shop by creating notecards, then button hair charms, and eventually it was over Christmas break during my obsession with felt and poppies that the poppy garland headband was created. Like most etsy shop, it started out slow but once the headband made its appearance, I think that it was something different that caught customers eyes and so business hasn't stopped since. It's been a blessing!
My shop consists of mainly accessories - such as headbands, vintage-style rings, rosebud earrings, and corsages. It's funny to think that "Much Love, illy" started as a note-card shop. I still enjoy making cards but I enjoy making them for people, not so much selling them.
Who or what inspires you?
I think like most artists, every day life inspires me. I love taking pictures too so my eye is always on the look out for a good photo. I also have an eye for fashion - whether its on people walking down the streets of Chicago or while I read through a fashion magazine. I'm in love with color - so it's fun to play with different color combinations, whether that's with felt for the poppies or nailpolish for my nails! I also love blogs and you meet so many incredible, inspiring people through them.
What are your aspirations? Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
Oh wow, big question. I'm a little girl (standing at 5'3, folks) with BIG dreams. i hope to merge creativity (both thru art and writing) with mission work in the Philippines. How does that look like? I have no clue, but I believe that anything is possible. It would also be amazing to see my shop continue to grow! I believe that writing and art will always be a part of me. I've realized how much I've been wired to need a creative outlet, so I think that whatever I'll be doing, it'll def. involved some creativity in its mix!
Any advice for aspiring shop owners?
Don't give up! And ask yourself why you are doing this? For money? Or for the love of what you do? I think it's important to love what you do - or else what is the point? If you are doing it for money, your shop because pointless esp . when business is slow. When business is slow, it's an opportune time to grow the shop, design more, strategize, and dream. Also be teachable - ask other shop owners how they do it and how did they get there. I've found a lot of encouragement from blogs or from Etsy by reading testimonies of different artists' journeys. It's so inspiring.
*****
And the fun part? Win a $30 gift certificate from Much Love Illy
How?
- Follow A Diary of Lovely and visit Much Love Illy. Come back and comment with your favorite item.
Extra entries mean extra possibilities to win.
- Follow Ilene on Twitter
(thank you all so much! Winner will be picked at random next week, you have until Tuesday the 10th to enter)
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