Herbst Handmade

Artist: Amy Herbst
Web site: Herbst Handmade

Where are you located?
San Jose, CA

What do you create?
Baby shoes, stuffed toys, quilts, blankets, bags, purses and whatever else I get my mind set on!

How did you come up with your company name?
My married name is “Herbst” which also means “Autumn” in German. Fall happens to be my favorite season. I also started my business in the Fall so Herbst Handmade just seemed like the perfect name.



When and why did you decide to start your business?
October 2006. By that time I had been at home with my newborn son (Kai) for over 3 months. For some reason I had been feeling more creative than ever. I started making some things for him and the more things I made the more ideas I had for OTHER things I could make (It really is an addiction you know!..). I had a lot of support from friends and family, and I figured I really didn’t have anything to lose, so I decided to open a shop on Etsy.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I can’t cite just one source. I know it sounds cheesey, but I feel inspired by so many things. I always try to pay close attention to my surroundings--colors, shapes, light. I can find inspiration in an odd-shaped crack in the sidewalk! OK, well, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch, but you know where I was going...:)

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
I love, love, love my new Viking sewing machine! I can't believe I put up with my old, ancient sewing machine for as long as I did.



What keeps you motivated?
Positive feedback is a huge motivator. I just love that I can take an idea, turn it into a sketch, then turn the sketch into an object--a baby shoe for example--put the object in my shop on Etsy, sell it, and make someone happy on the other side of the country (or world). It really is a great feeling!

How do you get the word out about your work?
I do a little bit of viral marketing by spamming my friends and family once in awhile (lol!). Seriously though, for now, I get a large part of my business through word of mouth.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
My main goals are to keep working on new projects, build inventory and continue to get the word out about Herbst Handmade. I have a sketchbook full of ideas! I would love to see many of those ideas come to life.



What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Follow your instincts and do what you love. I know, I know, it’s trite and kind of corny (again with the corny reply... what is with me?!) but I really think there is some truth to it. If you are into what you're making it really shows in your work. I think people respond to that.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
I just can’t choose!

What is on your nightstand?
My sketchbook and a little brass statue of Ganesh.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
If I can get more than one project completed and still spend quality time with my family, that’s pretty much a perfect day for me!


Thanks Amy!