INCrowd Interview, 7/21/08 - HanaJean, MarchThirdDesigns

Wanna read funny? Get to know HanaJean of the INCrowd. She's a real hoot.

Where were you born & raised?
I was born and raised along the banks of the mighty Mississinewa River, between Wabash and Marion, Indiana...so to answer the question, the middle of nowhere.

Where are you now & what led you there?
I am currently residing outside of Rochester, Indiana on a wonderful 10 acre lot full of turkeys and other lovely critters. The joy of living rent free in the country and the draw of being able to build our dream home in 10 short months totally debt free.

What types of creations do you sell in for your Etsy shop(s)?
I stick with handmade infant and toddler clothing and accessories mostly, handmade toys and other things sneak in occasionally. But mostly it is fun kids' items.

What's your educational background, as it relates to your work?
I went to art school right out of high school, but I wasn’t fond of college. I liked the learning aspect but not the “because you have to” classes. I could never pick a major and I hated required classes. I loved the freedom to try new things and learning new skills. I suppose the way my college education relates to my work now is that it made me realize I never wanted to be creative on anyone else’s terms. I try to stick with that.

How'd you get started creating?
I have always been the “artsy” kid, always. I started sewing specifically in 7th grade. We had a mandatory home-ec class and we had to sew a pair of boxer shorts to complete the course. I finished mine way early and started sewing all kinds of other things for brownie points. I liked sewing and was proficient so that year my mother bought me a Brother sewing machine for my birthday and the rest is history.

What's your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on?
Honestly, there are a whole lot of things that inspire me. Of course first and foremost is my children, I have two boys. My oldest is the reason I started making children’s clothing in the first place. The two of them are the reason I create. But then again I get inspiration from everywhere else as well.

Do you belong to any Street Teams? If so, which ones and why?
Yes I am a street team member. I have been an Etsy member for...gosh nearly two years and I am just getting around to joining teams. I am a member of the INCrowd of course, because I live in Indiana and I love to meet other Indiana Etsyians. I am also a member of FabulousArtisticMoms, because well... I am one. Also EtsyMoms, again because I am an Etsy mom. I have a pending membership with Etsykids (don’t ask why it took me so long to apply), Etsyclothdiapers, and Cbdcetsyteam.

What's your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?
I love the diversity and community of Etsy. The fact that you can shop for shoes, soap, paintings, pottery, mature themed pincushions, and glasswork all in the same place, at the same time, and “talk” to the artisans in the same place is just so cool.

Recommend your five favorite shops on Etsy. My 5 favorite shops are:
weeonesbyjajoc - for diaper supplies
LeastLikely2Breed - for spectacular balms and chap stick
raegun - I love her shop
mradorable - again I would buy the whole store given the funds
mikiep - I have visions of his work decorating my home someday

Show us your three favorite items from your own shop.

A Pirates Life For Me reversible adjustable bib









Lime and Liquorice neon dot two toned bowling shirt 3T











Specialty Scraps ruffled skirt 2T/3T











Anything else to brag on?
I think that's all I have to share, not that there isn’t a lot to brag about. I just feel I have said enough. Much Love.

And to you too. Where can I find those pincushions?

Carolynn, aka nilochlainn