Corinne Robinson 25, AKA DAZED DOROTHY
Rachael Lamb 32, AKA HANNAH ZAKARI
Angharad Jefferson 31
What do you make? Luxurious leather and suede handbags, belts, purses and passport covers. I also run a revamp service where people bring old leather boots or jackets to me and have them remade into something new. When did you first became involved with MITS? Two years ago, when it first began. Are you a full-time ‘maker/crafter’ or do you have a day job? I also lecture part-time in Cardonald College – taking a printed textiles class. What do you remember about the first craft fair you took part in? It was Portobello Town Hall, on a gorgeous summer day. I was quite nervous as I had only sold to friends and family, but it was exciting when people began commenting on how much they liked my accessories. What do you like about your job? Everything! I like being my own boss, doing something different every day, and being responsible for a creation from start to finish. I love being able to run my own business and work at college; it’s so motivating to work with enthusiastic and creative students. What don’t you like about your job? Paperwork! Do you work from home? I have a small studio in my back garden.
What changes have you seen in the past two years? There seems to be a younger
audience
attending craft fairs. Customers realise
these events are brimming with young designers with their own
unique styles. What would you advise others who want to turn a hobby into something more serious? They need to have lots of determination, absolutely love what they do, and be prepared to learn a whole host of new skills. ■ See www.dazeddorothy.co.uk for info, from the end of May. Dazed Dorothy will also be at the Royal Highland Show, Ingliston, 24–27 June. All three featured designers will be at the MITS Springtime Jamboree on Sat 15 May.
What do you make? I started out making jewellery and bags. When I started the online shop, Hannah Zakari, in 2004 it was solely for selling my own designs. As I got more involved in the craft scene (on sites like www.craftster.org) I realised nearly all the wonderful designers I was talking to were in the US. I saw an opportunity to broaden my business by importing their work and decided to go for it – thankfully it worked out well. Now the craft scene has taken off in the UK in a big way and I stock designers from all over the world. The success of HZ means I don’t always get time to
make my own things, but I try and make time at least once a month to sit down and do something creative, even just for
myself. When did you first became involved with
MITS? I was at the first MITS at The Lighthouse. Are you a full-time ‘maker/ crafter’ or do you have a day job? Running Hannah Zakari is my full-time job. What do you remember about the first craft fair you took part in? It was organised by Miso Funky at Hillhead Library. It was my first time meeting other local crafters and makers, some of whom are still friends four years later. What do you like about your job? I love knowing that I’ve introduced customers to products they’ve not seen before. Hannah Zakari is full of my favourite indie designers, it’s one of the perks of the job that I get to surround myself with all this amazing stuff every day. What don’t you like about your job? Working for yourself has many perks, but it’s also a lot of responsibility. Having to work when you’re ill and do your tax returns have to be low points, but thankfully don’t happen too often. Do you work from home? I moved into a studio at the beginning of 2009 with Emma Henderson, who runs [design company] Showpony. I really enjoy having someone else around to discuss ideas with. What would you advise other people who want to turn a hobby into a full- time job? Stick to what you know and love, pay attention to the little details and treat your customers well! ■ www.hannahzakari.co.uk The first Hannah Zakari shop will open on Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh this July.
What do you make? I am an illustrator. I draw with stitch. When did you first became involved with MITS? After I had my baby, I was looking for a way to sell my designs directly. I’d been following Carrie and Clare’s shows, and when they auditioned local designers for their shop I thought it was about time I got off the sofa, so I ventured over to Clare’s house with bags of my work. They fed me party rings. Who wouldn’t love girls with good biscuits? Are you a full time ‘crafter’ or do you have a day job? Right now I am in a transitional phase; keeping my toe in until my toddler goes to school. I graduated from the GSA in 2005, and worked with an agent who sold my designs to clothing manufacturers (including Topshop and The White Company). Now I want more control over my designs, and to sell them with my name attached. What do you remember about the first craft fair you took part in? My stand looked great, but I forgot change and bags; all the basics. My newbie status was hideously obvious. The other stallholders were absolutely lovely; it was a wonderful community experience. What do you like about your job? That it doesn’t feel like a job. I would be happily drawing away anyway right now, but to have Carrie and Clare’s support is really valuable. And the cheques don’t hurt either. What don’t you like about your job? That I don’t have more time to do it! Do you work from home? Yes. I used to work from a studio on Argyle Street. Once the knee biter goes to school I’ll go there again. I really miss the routine and the chat from other designers. What changes have you seen in the past two years? People want value for money right now. Customers come back because they want a unique product, and a conversation piece. I believe buying directly from the artist, knowing the provenance, adds value. What would you advise other people who want to turn a hobby into a full-time job? Get a good idea, get crafting and get out there! ■ www.angharad. jefferson.com 13–27 May 2010 THE LIST 23