“My name is Sarah and I’m a SAHM of two little girls (Emma & Sophia). I’m also going to school to get my MA in English Education. Before I had my girls, I taught alternative education high school English & French, but my dream job is to be an English Education professor. For now, though, I can’t imagine going back to work.
My shop started out as tutus, which I began to make just as birthday gifts for my daughters and my friends’ daughters. I’ve slowly branched out from there, adding a few items any time I get the inspiration. If I don’t get good press from an item, I keep it posted, but don’t include any more. First and foremost, Gracie Jayne Boutique is a hobby and something fun to do. If it ever becomes a chore, I’ll stop selling my tutus. “
What got you interested in crafting?
My mom is always in the middle of a project. These days she crochets (ThisNThatNorthport is her Etsy shop), but over the years, she’s knitted, quilted, sewn, scrapbooked – you name it. The first thing I remember making is a knitted Barbie blanket when I was probably 9 years old. I’ve usually always got a project started, but for a long time, I rarely finished anything. Now I’m busy with Gracie Jayne Boutique and there’s always more I want to do!
What has been your favorite project to make and why?
My favorite tutu is the Fancy Linda Tutu. The doula/child birth company I’d used when I was pregnant with both of my girls was doing a silent auction for Friends of Michigan Midwives, and I decided to donate some tutus. I made one to represent Emma’s birth (Jessica Tutu) and one to represent Sophia’s birth (Linda Tutu). We had Fia at home in the water and our midwife’s name is Linda. That’s why the colors are water colors. It’s funny, because Emma will rarely ask to wear my tutus, but as soon as she saw it, she wanted to put it on. I couldn’t take it off her! I didn’t want to donate it to the auction because I loved it so much, but I did. And then the person who won it wanted a different size and color, so it’s still in my house. It’ll be sad when the original Linda Tutu sells.
What’s the secret behind your etsy name?
My shop name is my daughter’s middle names (Emma Jayne & Sophia Grace), but also my middle name (Sarah Jayne) and my best friend’s middle name (Tamara Grace). Tami and I have been friends for over 20 years now, and I love that we are ALL part of the shop.
If you could open up a shop in your town what would you call it and what would it be like?
In my wildest dreams, I’d love to open up a coffee shop/bookstore/candy shop/record store/toy store/bakery. Yes, I would. I have no idea what I’d call it. I’d definitely have to refine my business plan. 😉 I’d love a place where people could just come in, relax, play, and eat. Or maybe I’ll just keep inviting friends and family over.
What is the most challenging thing you have made?
As of right now, not many of my items have challenged me. But I have plans to start making crowns and wings – once my daughters get even more independent.
What are some of your goals you hope to achieve within the next year?
I’d love to have my shop make a little money instead of being a hobby. I should probably stop doing giveaways. 😉
What inspires you to be crafty?
My inspiration is definitely my girls. I look at items on Etsy and say, “I want that for my girls. I can make that!” I’ve also made a lot of items for family members and close friends. Most of my best friends have had daughters, and I always want to make them something new.
What is your best quality when it comes to your crafts?
People tell me I have an eye for bold and interesting designs. I just go with what looks good to me – and if I don’t like it, I start over. That’s probably the hardest thing about custom tutus for me. I made one once for my SIL and didn’t like it at all. I kept saying, “I’ll redo it if you want!” But she loved it!
If you could have one thing to help your store what would it be?
I’d love my own ORGANIZED craft room. That would help so much! <Deep sigh.>
If you haven’t already stopped by GracieJayne – click on the link!
To see more of what she’s up to check this out:
My FB page is www.facebook.com/GracieJayne and there’s a special discount code there just for fans (under the INFO tab). I also do regular promotions and giveaways as well. Right now I don’t really have time for Twitter or blogging – I have enough on my hands as it is. Actually, the other night my husband joked that if I were starving on a deserted island, it’d be a toss-up as to whether I’d choose Etsy and Facebook over food. 😉
Also, if you design a custom tutu, I’ll let you name it! I love naming tutus after my customers. 🙂
If you feel like shopping from GracieJayne be sure to use the coupon code: GRACIEJAYNE for 15%
Thanks for stopping by!
Love Always,