What's your business name and where can we find you?
My business name is 'Lottie's Things', and I can be found online at:
Etsy - http://www.lottiesthings.etsy.com/
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/cjlottiesthings, and more recently a few of my items are on Folksy - http://www.folksy.com/shops/lottiesthings.
I also have stalls at local craft fairs in the Sussex/Kent area and will soon be found at the Pantiles Farmers Market, Tunbridge Wells.
My business name is 'Lottie's Things', and I can be found online at:
Etsy - http://www.lottiesthings.etsy.com/
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/cjlottiesthings, and more recently a few of my items are on Folksy - http://www.folksy.com/shops/lottiesthings.
I also have stalls at local craft fairs in the Sussex/Kent area and will soon be found at the Pantiles Farmers Market, Tunbridge Wells.
How long have you been in business?
I have been making items by hand for many years but have only very recently set up 'Lottie's Things' (May 2011) after lots of encouragement from family and friends who are all proud owners of my 'things'! I started my career as a paper conservator working in a number of museums in London, but decided to stay at home after having my children a few years ago.
What items do you sell?
I currently sell bags in a number of different styles, kiss-lock purses, ipad covers and cushions. I also make bespoke items, and will soon be widening my range to include more children's items and some different styles of bags. All of my 'things' are unique, I work with many limited edition and vintage fabrics and buttons so no-one else will have exactly the same 'thing'!
Tell us about 2 of your favourite products or best sellers.
I really enjoy making this large shoulder bag and this is my bestseller. All of my items are unique - I never use exactly the same combinations of buttons/fabrics/detailing - but this design in this main fabric is proving my most popular. It is a very large and robust bag, I use mine in this style for holidays and days out with my family. It is large enough to be used as an overnight bag, measuring approx. 54cm (21") across the widest point x 66cm (26") tall, including handles, x 10cm (4") deep.
I have been making items by hand for many years but have only very recently set up 'Lottie's Things' (May 2011) after lots of encouragement from family and friends who are all proud owners of my 'things'! I started my career as a paper conservator working in a number of museums in London, but decided to stay at home after having my children a few years ago.
What items do you sell?
I currently sell bags in a number of different styles, kiss-lock purses, ipad covers and cushions. I also make bespoke items, and will soon be widening my range to include more children's items and some different styles of bags. All of my 'things' are unique, I work with many limited edition and vintage fabrics and buttons so no-one else will have exactly the same 'thing'!
Tell us about 2 of your favourite products or best sellers.
I really enjoy making this large shoulder bag and this is my bestseller. All of my items are unique - I never use exactly the same combinations of buttons/fabrics/detailing - but this design in this main fabric is proving my most popular. It is a very large and robust bag, I use mine in this style for holidays and days out with my family. It is large enough to be used as an overnight bag, measuring approx. 54cm (21") across the widest point x 66cm (26") tall, including handles, x 10cm (4") deep.
My classic kiss-lock purses have also been popular, they are lovely as gift items for adults or children alike and I make them in a wide range of designs including in many vintage and limited edition fabrics. They are a perfect size for keys and coins (I also keep a lipgloss in mine!) and all are hand finished - I never use fabric glue. All purses are one-off pieces.
How did you get started/what made you start your own business?
It had been my intention for some time to open 'Lottie's Things'. I decided to stay at home rather than return to my career after the birth of my boys. I knew when it was time to return to work I would need to be using my creative side, and over the last few months have naturally moved from giving my 'things' away to close friends and family, to starting to sell to a few friends of friends and acquaintances who had seen my work. So here I am with my shop perhaps a little earlier than I intended!
Do you personally handmake all your items or do you also have help?
I make everything myself.
How can you be contacted?
[email protected] or on my wall www.facebook.com/cjlottiesthings
Anything you would like to add/message to customers?
Please keep an eye on my facebook page as I post offers and all new items on there first. I currently have a 10% discount in my etsy shop with code happy10.
It had been my intention for some time to open 'Lottie's Things'. I decided to stay at home rather than return to my career after the birth of my boys. I knew when it was time to return to work I would need to be using my creative side, and over the last few months have naturally moved from giving my 'things' away to close friends and family, to starting to sell to a few friends of friends and acquaintances who had seen my work. So here I am with my shop perhaps a little earlier than I intended!
Do you personally handmake all your items or do you also have help?
I make everything myself.
How can you be contacted?
[email protected] or on my wall www.facebook.com/cjlottiesthings
Anything you would like to add/message to customers?
Please keep an eye on my facebook page as I post offers and all new items on there first. I currently have a 10% discount in my etsy shop with code happy10.