Over the last year, I’ve explored social media a bit more with my Etsy shop, Slipperie. I have a business account and have posted things here and there that I’ve made, information about sales, and other random photos of my sewing projects pertaining to the brand. I know this is not enough. Not enough to grow my business or really establish my brand.
I am so inspired by some of the people I follow; I often get lost viewing others’ posts and fail to spend the necessary time crafting my own image stories. So, that’s not very helpful to my own brand! But, I thought I’d briefly share some of the IG personalities that I like, and maybe you will too!
@IndieSew – This is probably my favorite. Allie usually posts an OOTD (outfit of the day) highlighting something she’s made from patterns and/or fabric she sells on her website. She also links to helpful blog posts and tutorials on making various garments. Her OOTD posts make me want to craft an entirely handmade wardrobe… ah, someday. I’ve ordered both patterns and fabric from IndieSew and have been thrilled with all my purchases.
@FabricBubb – My dear friend from elementary school’s beautiful online quilt shop. This is the definition of a modern quilt shop, featuring her brilliantly curated bundles of gorgeous fabrics. I’m not a quilter, but the photos of her fabrics curated in inspiring color combinations and patterns makes me want to BUY ALL THE FABRIC! I’m lucky she’s also been carrying rayon and linen and canvas, which I’ve made a few garments out of and have plans for many more…
@MMadalynne – The content on this IG is constant. Several stories and posts a day… taking all those photos has to be exhausting! Her kits look amazing and I’m so blown away with all the incredible information she is willing to share. The business she has built around bra making and the art of teaching bra making is inspiring. And her work is gorgeous. I have purchased almost all her bra patterns published by Simplicity… now I need to make them! I’ve been so intimidated but also excited about making bras, now I need to do it! I’m committing here to make a bra and review the pattern here in September – promise 🙂
@hnicholsillustration – Amazing fashion illustrations and a great, supportive, creative entrepreneur. Holly invited her IG community to join her private Facebook group, which has been a fun way to see the wide spectrum of artists engaged in fashion illustration. She also provides excellent tutorials and explanations of how she does her craft, which I find so engrossing. She definitely makes me want to spend more time practicing my sketching!
Overall, these entrepreneurial, creative women inspire me to take my work more seriously. I’ve started exploring and listening to podcasts from creative business leaders, and am figuring out strategies to better balance my work/mother/business start-up life. I know much of what I need to do – now I just have to commit to actually doing the work. Putting in the effort of getting great photos and posting regularly. I want to become a more active member of the great sewing community that is growing online.
Also, looking at this makes me realize I either need to change my bio or what I post about… it’s not clear what I do… another project for another day!
