Maria and Agnieszka of Hare and Drum
1. How did you get your start with your business?
I started Hare and Drum in March 2008 as a decoupage shop, creating and selling items inspired by historical design. History inspired the shop’s name: my Hare and Drum logo comes from a 1210 manuscript and carries symbolism of dexterity and rejuvenation. I really needed to feel rejuvenated after leaving the academic world and becoming a stay at home mom, a fantastic new job, but admittedly a bit repetitive and sometimes stifling. Soon, my mom, the embroiderer, joined my efforts; she is a caretaker for my disabled grandmother so she needed an outlet for her creative energy as well.
2. What inspired you when you’re creating?
Historical design was my original inspiration and still remains a favorite: many of my embroidery designs are based on or inspired by Art Nouveau museum finds. I decided, however, that my shop needed a clearer focus and now most of our creations are nature inspired. Color plays a big role in my design process: I usually start with a base or background color and match it with one or two more, not always in a predictable manner: purple and red or blue and green go really well together, in my opinion.
3. Has this been a long time passion of yours?
We are a creative family: grandma was a master knitter, mom sews and embroiders, and I took up decoupage some 10 years ago as a hobby. I’ve enjoyed making something for as long as I can remember and have always been praised for my good eye for color and design. I try to stay ahead of the curve, coming up with innovative applications for our creations. One example is my unique jewelry box design that hangs on the wall and includes pegs for necklaces and a looped wire for earrings. Right now I’m working on framing our embroideries in square and rectangular frames to stand out against mainstream round hoop framing. The need for innovation keeps me active and involved. Mom, in turn, created her first embroideries in grade school, when they were part of shop curriculum. She spent the last 30 years creating amazing cutwork tablecloths, English eyelet embellished linen bedding and Hardanger napkins. She was excited to take up the challenge of breaking the mold of traditional styles and start translating my designs and patterns into meticulously finished pieces.
4. What advice can you give in regards to running your own business?
After over a year of running my Etsy shop, I finally understand why others say “Have fun with it.” I used to consider it a cop-out answer but I am a believer now. Running a business is so engulfing; there is always more to be done, one extra thing to accomplish before you go out to play with your family or find time to sleep. It can become very frustrating, especially when, despite your efforts, the business is struggling. The sooner you realize that it’s only a part of your life and not all your life, the better it will feel.
5. What do you owe your success to?
I will consider my shop a truly successful venture when I see steady sales of, on average, 5 a week. I’m not there yet, but I know I’m getting there. For me, the road to success is paved with a few realizations. One is a conscious decision whether I want to fight the style and preferences of the venue I’m selling at, or go with the flow. I chose the latter and am now relatively consistently included in Gift Guides and Front Page treasuries, both prime advertising space. Another is planning: being prepared for ups and downs in sales, observing trends, stocking up on materials and items that sell well and discontinuing the ones that are not viable. That’s what happened with my hanging jewelry boxes: as much as I love the design and idea, they are too labor intensive for the price. Handmade business is a tricky one because of all the emotional involvement we have in our work, but also the necessity for some cold calculation and business savvy.
Special Links:
http://hareanddrum.blogspot.com/
HAREandDRUM.etsy.com
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