Articles tagged with 'story'
Seller Stories: Caylie Posted by 
rubidium about 1 year ago
We’d like to present the first in a series of Interviews with Mintd sellers. Since Mintd is primarily a community site, we figure getting to know the people that make up the space is a great way to find out a bit more about one another, their work and their processes.
So here is Caylie- (of La Ave fame) talking about making and minting.
1. When did you first get into making stuff?
I’ve been making things for as long as i can remember. I was known in my household as the stickytape kid when i was really little, because i would make everything out of tape. I learnt how to sew when i was about 5 years old from my Oma (which is dutch for grandma) she’s sewn all her life and i wouldn’t be doing what i’m doing now if it wasnt for her teaching me how to sew. And i love learning new craft skills. I like to knit as well as sew, and paint or draw. I do get into some quirkier crafts like learning how to spin my own wool, and i did a lot of woodwork in high school even in my VCE. I just love to work with my hands and let my imagination run wild.
2. How did you hear about Mintd?
I heard about mintd through a friend of mine. He’s the younger brother of one of the Mintd creators. He’d mentioned an online web mall that his brother was apart of and that I should try selling my things on there. I was lucky enough to see the concept take shape and every week i am amazed by how much it has grown.
3. How has Mintd changed you business?
I used to sell my bags and purses to friends and family. I was preparing to sell at markets but it’s a lot of hard work and being able to sell my things online has been a wonderful opportunity for me. It’s only a small thing at the moment. I’ve sold a few items and am enjoying the process so far. I guess Mintd has turned my hobby into something i can make a small profit from, so i can continue to make new things.
4. What are your future plans?
I’m always getting new ideas, and I like to make one of a kind things. I’m keen at hand sewing tiny felt animals/toy and would love to make some to sell on Mintd in the future. I’ll also continue making bags and purses and finding new ideas that people will enjoy and embrace. I’d actually like to pursue a career in the textile industry. I have a passion for fabrics and wallpapers and would love to eventually have my own textile designs and make and sell my own products using those designs.
5. What is your favourite aspect of Mintd?
I think Mintd has found a gap in the market where people can buy and sell specialty items. Theres a certain quality to the wares being sold. I’m sick of websites that sell items that are totally rubbish and would fall apart if you picked it up to actually use it. The items on Mintd are well designed, and constructed and each have a unique style. I also like how as a seller you can personalise your shop to suit the desired look you wish to achieve aesthetically. It allows you to keep your individuality.
6. Where do you get your ideas/inspiration for you products?
I’m an obsessive inspiration seeker. I feed of visual stimulation. I have many favourite websites such as Flickr which i look at daily for inspiration. I also cut up old magazines whenever i see something i like. I have a pile of books that i’ve cut and pasted images into, whether it be clothing, furniture, film or music related, it’s all working towards an individual style. I love flicking through childrens books too. I collect Richard Scarry Little Golden Books and have always seeked inspiration from those.
7. What can we expect from La Ave in the future?
At the moment i’d really like to make some little felt toys for my store. I also would like to screenprint some more designs and make bags out of them. There’s a few tshirt designs i’ve been working with also. Tshirts are something i’ve always wanted to design. I was lucky enough to collaborate with another Mintd shop Plastic and Milk, which is managed by friends of mine. They asked me to submit a design, along with their other creative friends and i was lucky enough to be chosen. Plastic and Milk is a great concept. Its a charity based project, the profits made from the tshirts sold go towards a charity chosen by the designer. In 2006 my mum was unfortunatly diagnosed with bowel cancer and when the opportuity came up to chose a charity there was no choice to be made. It was a great feeling to be able to give something back in a creative way. I’m very appreciative that i was able to be apart of it. The design sold really well and the Plastic and Milk boys are about to release the third design.
8. What would you like to see on Mintd?
I’d love to see some more unique products. I’m constantly amazed when i check it out and find some new very imaginative designed products for sale. Mintd is well set up and i like their system of “most interesting” , it gives you a feel for what other people are looking at. I can see Mintd growing and growing into something quite big one day. I feel privileged to be apart of it, it’s one of the best opportunities for a young designer.
