Sommer Designs

What do you create?
I design and manufacture (create!) a line of handmade handbags and accessories, which now includes hostess aprons, lingerie bags, lavender drawer liners and baby burp cloths.

How did you come up with your company name?
My business, Sommer Designs, was established 1999 as a web design studio. I wanted something that was easy to remember and something that wasn’t restricting in terms of industry in case I decided to do something else down the road. Which is interesting, because that’s exactly what happened.



When and why did you decide to start your business?
I started freelance writing in 1996 when my children (now 14,14,11) were quite young. I realized I needed to do something productive, but wanted to be available and at home to continue to care for them. My projects and assignments morphed into desktop publishing and some graphic design before I was asked to start a website for a local organization. That’s when I started my company. I was quite busy with that for several years until the market became saturated with web design firms, and more businesses started to design and maintain their own sites. I have a pretty short attention span and was beginning to become bored with web design and was looking for something else to do when I made a diaper bag for a friend on a whim. Interestingly enough, I started getting orders immediately, and soon thereafter realized it was the perfect opportunity to switch gears, and I went with it. I never expected it to become my full time gig.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I'm based in a coastal area of Southern California called the Palos Verdes Peninsula, which still has quite a bit of open space and amazing views. We have everything from beaches, tide pools, hiking and equestrian trials, you name it.

It sounds strange to say a location inspires me, but it does. All my handbags are named after little pocket areas on the Peninsula. It's a slice of heaven, and I'm very blessed to be able to live here and raise my family here. I make what makes me happy, and the addition of other products are mainly due to either customer requests, or something I wanted for myself.



What is your main goal for this year?
Last year my sales were triple what they were the year before. It will be hard for me to surpass that without extra hands. I’ve gotten to the point where I need help, and one of my goals this year is to look into contracting out part of my production.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Research! Research! Research! Talk to people, make contacts. I have a very good, close friend that has been in the accessory business for 20 plus years. He has helped me define where I want to go and has steered me in the direction of really good suppliers that I would not have found on my own. Also, seek out others in the online community for support. There is so much information out there, you just have to tap into it.

And just out of curiosity, what's your favorite tool of your trade?
My most important tool is my industrial sewing machine! I killed my little Kenmore after 6 months when I started out! It’s fast and it’s hardy! It can sew through anything, and it’s one of my most prized possessions! Other tools I can’t live without would be my iron, cutting mat and rotary cutter. And the secret stash of chocolate in my workshop.

Site:
Sommer Designs






I would like to thank everyone that supports Crafty Synergy. I hope you've been enjoying the interviews as much as I have. We were added to the ever growing directory of Delightful Blogs in April and have been on their most popular list for several months now. I hope that the Crafty Synergy audience continues to grow!

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If you have any comments, suggestions or questions regarding Crafty Synergy don't hesitate in emailing me at craftysynergy@alittlehut.com. I love getting feedback! Thank you to those of you that have written such encouraging emails!

xoxo,
Patricia

Betty Belts

What do you create?
I create handmade belts and jewelry inspired by one of my great loves, the ocean. They are made from materials such as mother of pearl, glass beads, sequins, wood, ceramic stone and silk.

How did you come up with your company name?
A lot of people ask this. Doesn't "Betty Belts" have a nicer ring to it than "Donna Belts"? The term "Betty", slang for girl or woman, means a lot to a lot of people. There's beach betty, surf betty, snow betty, Betty Boop... I started with belts only, but added jewelry a year later, which took off quickly. So I called the jewelry line Betty B.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I was freshly divorced and moved back to California after living in Europe (Berlin) for 17 years. I had taken up surfing and it changed my life and my priorities. I wanted to live at the ocean, so I chose Santa Cruz. I started my business in 2003 as a surf company because of my love of surfing and the ocean. So "ocean-inspired" is what Betty Belts has been from the start.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
The ocean, of course. The water glows during glassy sunset surf sessions with the reflections of all the colors in the sky and is much like the glow of the mother of pearl I work with. Mostly nature, but also travels and other cultures, my years all over Europe, the streets, architecture, people I know, and so much more...



What is your main goal for this year?
I'd say to grow steadily still surf a lot!

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Be prepared to work hard and learn from your mistakes. Know your weaknesses (be it financial savvy, discipline, whatever) and find ways to fill those holes, i.e. get an accountant/bookkeeper if you are not good with finances.
- Always be straightforward in business.
- Make sure you know what your customer wants and provide it.
- Stay focused on what you do best.

What makes your belts so unique?
People always tell me they never see anything like it anywhere else. A lot of people feel my designs remind them of their connection to the ocean.

And just out of curiosity, what’s your favorite tool of your trade?
Inspiration! You can never have too much of that. And there's never enough of it.

Site:
Betty Belts

Prismera Design

What do you create?
I create various things from illustrations to hand knit scarves to jewelry. My company is focused on my jewelry, however.

How did you come up with your company name?
My company name is a combination of the words "Chimera" and "Prism." Chimeras come from Greek Mythology and they were made up of various animals-- head of a lion, tail of a snake, etc. Now, the word chimera is used to describe something that is a hybrid of sorts. I consider myself somewhat of a Chimera because my interests and abilities are so multifaceted. I used the word "Prism" because my original designs were jewelry that acted as prisms to cast light on the wearer's body.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I used to work in the fashion district of NY and on my lunch break, I'd go to nearby bead stores. I wanted a new pair of earrings and couldn't find anything I liked, so I made myself a pair that I could wear any time of day. I wanted something versatile and simple but eye catching at the same time. People noticed the earrings almost immediately, and I got compliments and requests for them. I thought I might as well give this jewelry business a try! I started to gather designs and materials and all the things that are needed to start a business in the middle of 2005 and launched my online shop in February of 2006, this year.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I get alot of inspiration from nature; I really love simple designs that are delicate and bold at the same time. The idea behind my jewelry is that it should attract the eye but shouldn't detract from the natural beauty of a woman. They are accents and should complement you, rather than be the center of attention.

What is your main goal for this year?
Since I only launched a few months ago, my first goals are to make my name known by advertising and attending shows and getting my products in stores. My main goal for this year, since it's my first, is to keep consistent and maintain my motivation and to establish a routine. I'm still learning a great deal every day, from marketing to money management, so I'm really focused on being a sponge for information this year. Everything's about consistency and stability right now; I'm also trying to set the tone for my business and get used to doing this in the long run.



What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Spend some time to make sure of what your short and long term goals are with the business. If it seems practical and is something you really love to do and can see yourself doing for a very long time, get started right away. Take advantage of that momentum and make a basic plan and just dive into it.

What makes your jewelry designs stand out?
My original designs, the Prism collection, is very unique in its concept. Crystal is already a beautiful object in itself, but suspended, refracts light and creates sparkles and rainbows on the wearer. It's an aspect that people have really responded to and enjoy.

Does your work as an illustrator have any bearing on your jewelry work or vice versa?
It's an interesting question, because it would make sense, wouldn't it? For some reason though, I find that my jewelry and my illustration have completely different aesthetics. My jewelry is, for the most part, delicate. And my illustrations are bold and colorful. I think it's again the different facets of my personality manifesting itself into different types of creations.

And just out of curiosity, what's your favorite tool of your trade?
Honestly, for jewelry, I don't have a specific tool that I favor-- the whole process is a joy for me, from designing and sketching to cleaning up oxidized silver. It's fun every step of the way.

Site:
Prismera Design

Textile Fetish

What do you create?
Sewn goods, mainly clothing, bags, and accessories.



How did you come up with your company name?
I overheard my step-mother say the word "fetish" when referring to something she obsessed over (non-sexual of course!) and it clicked, that if I had a any kind of fetish, obsession, it was with regard to fabric, and not just the cute prints, but the textures and art of it.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I had been making clothing for my friend Amy's daughter and couldn't throw away any of the scraps. I decided I would try to piece them together and make a patchwork placemat, but then that turned into a purse and I sold it on eBay. That was back in mid-2001.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Often, inspiration comes from the fabrics themselves. Lately, though, I am developing new skills and putting those into play. Having children is sometimes a bonus. I get to see the practical aspects of what works and what doesn't with regard to design.

What is your main goal for this year?
To be better than last year.



What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Let your creative energy drive you. Don't get discouraged when business is slow - don't take it as a personal affront. Just keep on creating, even it is for yourself, friends, or family. Take it slow, 'cause it's true what they say, that slow and steady wins the race!

What obstacles have you had to overcome by being a stay-at-home mom with a business?
It's hard to say. I don't like to talk about my kids as obstacles, and truthfully, I have not been in business *without* kids, for me to answer this question might be presumptive. I do actually work around their needs and their schedules. I worry that others who hear I have this business as a mother at home with my children will attempt to pigeon-hole me. That is (in case this is a Southern term), discount my work as a "hobby," because I do have children, and assume there is no way I could provide sufficient attention to both my creative/business pursuits and my two children.

My business is who I am - driven and creative with a strong work ethic. It integrates well into my parental status in that I can demonstrate both creativity and the DIY ethic to my children. They need to see that first hand. Of course they assume every mom makes their kids' hats on Crazy Hat Day, but that is another story.

And just out of curiosity, what’s your favorite tool of your trade?
My new-to-me Husqvarna Viking 1+ !

Site:
Textitle Fetish