I hope your all ready for a dosage of cuteness and creativity...because Sarah and I were lucky enough to interview Jessica, the talented artisan and designer behind the kawaii inspired pouch/purse/clutch shop Shizuka Urasai.
That's right, so sit yourself right down and get to know the talent behind this amazing little shop :)
First off, could you tell us a little bit about yourself and what was the inspiration behind starting your Etsy shop?
Hi!
My name is Jessica. I started my shop, Shizuka Urusai (it means “Quiet Loud”when literally translated from Japanese – it's a cute oxymoron!), in July of 2010. Around my 19th birthday I decided I wanted to break up the monotony of summer vacation and learn a wonderful and useful hobby, so I bought my first sewing machine and taught myself to sew adorable little things with cute fabrics that I saw on Etsy.
At first it was tricky and I made a lot of wacky mistakes, but before long I was sewing more pouches than I could possibly own or give to my friends! I decided that I would love to open a shop to support my hobby and share my passion for crafting with people all over the world.
What makes your crafts stand out from others?
I really try to incorporate various elements of inspirations into each of my sewn crafts.
For example, while I may use a funky and vibrant Japanese fabric for the outside of my pouch, I try to coordinate a lining that is more kitschy and home-styled such as a gentle gingham. I also try my hardest to use all different kinds of cute fashion. I've branched out from using very typical kawaii style fabrics to using more interesting fabrics that incorporation designs of lace, gingham and more atypically cute and beautiful elements!
What is your favorite quote/poem/saying?
I've always found this poem to be especially beautiful:
"here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart"
~ "I carry your heart with me" by Edward Estlin Cummings
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart"
~ "I carry your heart with me" by Edward Estlin Cummings
What is your favorite food?
I have an addiction to southwestern food! I could eat a burrito any day!
Where would you love to travel to someday?
I'd love to visit Japan! I have such an adoration for the fabrics and aesthetics of kawaii culture, which is seen in my products, but I also have a love for the more ancient culture of Japan, such as Noh dance and geisha culture. I would love to see it all.
What are your hobbies?
Besides sewing, I really enjoy reading, writing (both typing and writing lovely snail mail!), origami, taking walks, trying new types of coffee with friends and browsing Etsy to admire all of the handmade talent.
What is something you love about running an Etsy shop?
When you sell on Etsy, you are not isolated within your shop as you may be if you sold on your own website.
You can easily connect and interact with sellers and buyers all over the world. When you post on the Etsy message board and add favorite shops, you build relationships that help enrich the selling experience!
What is your ultimate goal for your Etsy shop?
My ultimate goal is to make my own original designs of beautiful applique that I can combine with the kawaii fabrics that I love to make truly unique creations that will stand out as a noticeable Shizuka Urusai creation!
Sarah and I want to give the biggest thank you to Jessica for having this interview and also she was sweet enough to offer all readers of S & O Production a 15% discount all everything in her shop when you use the code: SANDOLOVE!
Have a great day!
xoxo
Olivia
