T.E.S.T. Interview: Maybe Made

We hope to introduce you to all the great etsy sellers to be found right here in Toronto. Here at the T.E.S.T. blog, we plan to interview them all. This is the 32^nd in our series with Jessica of MAYBE MADE



What inspired you to create an etsy shop?

There is something so special about purchasing handmade goods. There is a connection there that is truly exceptional. You can actually contact the maker, speak to them, and learn more about them and their process. You can feel their personality in every piece that they design. Etsy has created an environment where this connection is possible!

I started to create when I was very young because I wanted an alternative to what could be found at the big box stores in the small town where I grew up. I wanted to be different and I wanted to stand out, so I would spend the hours between school and supper sewing up crazy party dresses and making my own accessories. I believe that I have always known that I would eventually create a shop of my own. It just took me a while settle on that one brilliant idea that I would sell - until I had a lightbulb moment! When I figured that out, I felt that it was time to finally become a part of the Etsy seller community :)

What do you believe is the significance of a pouch in an average persons life?

Have you ever bolted out of the house and arrived at your destination only to realize that you left your favourite lip gloss in your OTHER purse? Yeah, me too. The pouch idea started because I felt the need to make one for my own forgetful self! Then I realized, "Hey, wait a minute.. maybe other people have this same problem and I could provide them with a stylish solution!" That's how MAYBE MADE was born.

What/who are your designs inspired by?

I'm so inspired by all of the cute, quirky ladies that I see around my city. Toronto is filled with smart, bold, confident women who aren't afraid to show their individuality. They sport pieces that are fresh, functional AND fun! That's the type of design I strive to create.

I'm also inspired by the myriad of prints and fabrics I stumble across around the city and online. My pouches are made to showcase those fun prints that I choose. I keep the design simple so that the print doesn't get lost in the shuffle.


As a part of T.E.S.T, what do you believe your shop brings to the team?

On a personal level, I'm really looking forward to meeting other sellers and learning from their experiences. I think that I will be able to offer some of my own thoughts and ideas, as well! It's really important for small business owners and crafty folk to stick together. Generally, we're all in it for the same reasons and we can learn so much from each other.

What can we expect in the future for "MAYBE MADE"?

My shop is still relatively new, so I feel like the sky is the limit! I plan on continuing to create the simple yet sturdy classic pouch design, but I would also like to expand my vision and create some fancier pieces for special occasions. I'm also really excited to create some items for the cyclists out there. I'm an avid cyclist myself and I'm always looking for cute bike stuff to show off my own style. Look out for that in the near future!

Check out the other items available from Jessica in her MAYBE MADE Etsy Shop!. You can find more of her work on her MAYBEMADE website and blog, the MAYBEMADE Facebook page and followe MAYBE_MADE on twitter.

Interviewed by Raechel from DaisyandBoss in July, 2012, in Toronto.

T.E.S.T. Interview: Ariannelim

We hope to introduce you to all the great etsy sellers to be found right here in Toronto. Here at the T.E.S.T. blog, we plan to interview them all. This is the 30^th in our series with Arianne of Ariannelim.

What led you to begin your business as an Etsy shop owner?

I always wanted to have my own business & when I found out about Etsy few years back, seeing all those accomplished shop owners made me tell myself, "I can be that too!" I started with jewelry at first, mainly fabric covered ones, since I had a lot of left over fabrics from when I was finishing my Residential Design program. Unfortunately, that didn't do well, and I closed my shop. Then last year, I saw this cute little sewing machine online and thought maybe I should take up sewing. So, a week later I signed up for my sewing lessons, and I was hooked =D I decided to open my shop and started selling purses & handbags.

I notice that your shop is full of beautiful vibrant colours. What colour is your favourite?

I love anything pretty and bright; however, if I were to choose, I would say pink - I know, I'm quite girly =)

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Not sure how to answer this question. I don't really know...lol I guess anything that catches my attention - which is pretty much everything. But seriously, I get it from my hubby, my mom & my sisters. As you notice in my shop, most of my items are bright and colorful, just like them! They inspire me to extend their craziness to whatever it is that I make.

What have you found to be the most rewarding thing about Ariannelim?

Since I started my purse business and Etsy shop, I've had this feeling of satisfaction and independence. It requires hard work and a lot of hours, but at the same time I get to be in control of running and growing my business. All of the decision making are up to me, once in awhile I would ask my hubby or my family for their opinions, but in the end I get to decide what's best for my business.

Also, it's most rewarding to know that customers love my work. Knowing that someone is happy with the item I made, makes the extra hours worthwhile =)

To date, what have you found to be the most challenging?

For me, it's locating wholesale suppliers to make my purses. It's odd that there aren't any in Toronto (maybe there are, I just haven't found them,lol)

Obviously purses are your passion, but if you had to choose one other fashion accessory what would it be?

Earrings! I love earrings! Can't or won't leave the house without them.

How big is your own personal purse collection?

Ohhh, I'm not sure...I think I have 2 boxes full of my own bags and purses.

If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

Short & Sweet: A charming tale of sweet little me. If you ask anyone I know, they'll all probably agree. Short because I only stand about 5' 1", can't even get into being a flight attendant, which was one of my dream jobs, because of the height requirements...lol. Sweet because I'm sweet & charming, haha, and I love sweets and desserts ♥♥♥

You can find more of Arianne's work in her etsy shop. Interviewed in Toronto in May, 2012, by Wendy of aTanaDesigns.