THE MOMMY AND ME BOUTIQUE

GRANDMOTHER PROVES AGE IS AN ATTITUDE

May 23, 2008 – 12:05 am (I brought this article to the top again to let people know who I am. Most people think I am the cute little model, that models my aprons .... no .... this is me!)

This week’s Featured Friday Female is Corline from the Etsy Store: The Mommy and Me Boutique.

I first met and discovered Corline’s amazing work when I first joined the Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network. Looking at her profile photo I noticed she was a bit older than the average Posh Mama. I was immediately intrigued so I went on to view Corline’s full profile. She is truely an inspiring woman!

The Mommy and Me Boutique’s specialty is beautiful handmade adult and toddler aprons. Some are updated and trendy, others are traditional. For each of her products Corline uses designer fabrics and ribbons. You can tell from her pictures that she takes pride in her sewing and workmanship.

Corline’s not only an online social networker and Etsy Store owner but she’s also a blogger too! Check out all Corline’s beautiful products at the Etsy Store: The Mommy and Me Boutique or read about her life and business on her Mommy and Me Boutique Blog.

Here is our question and answer session. I hope you are inspired as much as I was!

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your Etsy store? I have been happily married for 50 years, have 2 grown sons, and 4 grandchildren. I am convinced that age is an “attitude”. As for myself, I think young, enjoy people of all ages and applaud the uniqueness and talent of each individual.

I enjoy working with designer fabrics and ribbons because of the quality of the fabrics, the designs, and the feel; I want the best for the customer.

When did you start sewing? Actually, I did not start sewing until about 12 years ago. It started out making small Barbie size doll furniture (beds, chaise lounges, tea sets). I attended several craft shows, had great success and decided this was kind of fun. From there I moved to the larger size furniture which fit the American Girl Doll. I was fortunate to sell my doll beds in several children’s boutiques. This led to making American Girl Doll clothes for about 8 years and also sold them in boutiques.

One day while watching the Oprah Winfrey show, a lady was showing her new line of aprons. I thought, I can do that and maybe even a bit better, or at least as good! So, the aprons were born, sold them in boutiques and they have become my specialty. The first year I sold over 100 aprons. I was definitely encouraged and “on a roll!”

When did you open your Etsy store? And where else can someone you find your work? The Etsy store was opened about 1 year ago. My aprons and 3 Piece Japanese Baby Footsie Sets are sold in a very lovely, upscale boutique in Yuba City, California.

What has been the most challenging part of creating an online presence? The most challenging part of crating an online presence for me is being consistent in my presence and keeping up with new merchandise. It is a challenge just keeping up with the boutique sales.

Why did you start your blog and do you enjoy blogging? There is a lot of emphasis in the Etsy forums about the necessity of having a blog. So, I thought, why not? I was not sure what a blog was all about but I find it fun to do and enjoy featuring other artists. It gives them support and exposure and allows me the opportunity of learning about a lot of talented artists.

What is your favorite piece or pieces you’ve created? There is one particular hostess apron that I designed that I loved and kept it for myself. It is a black, a flocked dotted 5 tier nylon apron with black satin band and sash that can be tied in the back or in the front., It just make you feel happy, sassy, and ready for a great evening of entertaining.

What do your family and friends think of your online business? My family and friends give me great encouragement and applaud me for my online endeavor. My husband and sons cheer me on and say “Way to go, Mom!”

What are some of your favorite websites for business or pleasure? I try to keep up with Craft boom. They have a lot of good, practical information.

Also, I check in with the Etsy forums to see what is going on and what changes are taking place.

And of course, Posh Mom (PoshMama.com) … This is a unique, creative site and I admire how quickly it has grown and the entire staff of dedicated, talented young women who are behind it and work hard to create such a successful community.

Do you have any words of advice for anyone who is thinking about selling online? I would encourage anyone who has something that they love doing to just plunge right in and do it! The details come later and you soon find where your focus has to be. Allow yourself to keep changing, embrace the mistakes, learn from them and keep moving forward. This is not an exact science and there is no concrete formula. Success follows passion!

Corline’s story is all about growing and the continual process of learning to keep up with the changing time. She is truly an inspiration. Please remember to visit Corline’s Etsy Store: The Mommy and Me Boutique and read her blog Mommy and Me Boutique Blog.

And remember to live your life to aspire and inspire with HerBigIdea.com. Elaine of Her Big Idea, writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network