I just adore Charlotte and am so happy I found her shop, BizzieLizzie, on Etsy over a year ago. Her creations are artfully crafted and the workmanship is impeccable. From messenger bags to travel tissue covers and everything in between, Charlotte really has a knack for choosing the finest fabrics and making exquisite and useful creations.
Okay...here is more information about Charlotte in her own words. I asked, she answered!
MJ: How long have you been creating/designing? When did you first learn you had a creative side?
Charlotte: I've been creating for as long as I can remember. Making doll clothes was my first successful attempt - without a machine! I've always loved to "stitch" and I cannot pinpoint an exact time frame, but this I remember. My first outfit I had to whip up for Home Economics in School won 1st place in an Arts contest and I was certainly hooked after that!!
MJ: What is your inspiration to create? What is your motivation to succeed?
Charlotte: My inspiration to create comes from deep within. The fabric choices I see is what brings that out. Knowing I can create something from a piece of fabric thrills me to pieces. Working with scraps gets me the most excited. I love re-purposing! I have always been a motivator, doesn't take much to get me motivated on most accounts. I'm one of them gals with lots of energy and drive! Maybe surviving being the middle child of 8 kids got me started!! LOL What drives me to continue is the response I get from my customers. There is nothing sweeter to me than getting a call, an e-mail or a referral - while money is a great driver - the fact that I get to become part of anothers life story - keeps me trucking forward. When someone chooses something that I make as a gift for their loved ones - that just catapults me to keep moving forward!!
MJ: When you are not working on your craft, what are you doing?
Charlotte: I LOVE a great book, but don't find as much time as I'd like to read. I'm not a TV watcher, but I do enjoy good movies - no commercials! Most of the time when I'm not crafting - I'm spending time with my family.
MJ: Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?
Charlotte: Yes, I do. I belong to Richmond, VA Street Team, C.A.S.T. and The Etsy Trade-A-Holics. I don't get much time to get over to the groups and chat, but knowing their support is there if I need it.
MJ: What is on the horizon for you? New products? Etc.?
Charlotte: I just started blogging. I've put this off for years and well, finally - I've done it!! AND, just opened a FaceBook account and Twitter - all within the last couple of weeks. New products are definitely on the horizon. I love perfecting my craft and coming up with different products to see what works and what does not. I've given up my part time day job - to stay home and sew for others! Whilst I am a bit nervous - I am ULTRA excited and look forward to the peace that comes from being home in my comfort zone while still helping the family along!! =0) Check out Charlotte's blog!
MJ: Share one thing about you that you think would surprise people.
Charlotte: 10 years ago most people that I know would have NEVER imagined me settling down, being married with a child. I was SUCH the ULTRA career gal. Made big money. Spent 8 years in the military (USN). Traveled 4 out of 5 days a week for Caterpillar Inc. and would have never thought I'd ever trade that life. My sewing was on hold. I've known my DH since 3rd grade - I would have never dreamed that he would be the one to change all that for me! =0) I couldn't be happier now, but boy was it a huge adjustment!! Lizzie is our Blessing and we get rewarded with her gifts daily!!
Here are some photos that Charlotte has shared, each with a wonderful little story!
The retro/vintage sundress was re-purposed from an adult's dress - it was my first big sale on Etsy and it went to Australia!
This is my patchwork messenger that took me forever to make and it took me a year to list it! That was my heart and it sold immediately!!
I love turning vintage lines into little girl's clothing such as this pillowcase top. I collect tulips avidly - so anything I see with 'em on it - I just have to buy!! =0)
My 3 largest sellers have been anything made with the metro blue fabric, the gorgeous Full Moon Forest fabric and the aqua and brown spa dot. I never tire of creating something with those fabrics, either!! =0)
Check out Charlotte's Etsy Shop.... BizzieLizzie.
