An Inspiring Woman

Following on from my Follow your Dream post I've decided share with you some of the women out there in blogland who inspire me. These are women who are getting on with following their dreams. I am sure that they will inspire you to in what ever you take on in your life.

One such woman who's career I have been following is Sandi Henderson from Portobello Pixie. Not only have I been inspired by Sandi's work, but I have also been intrigued by the Ebay Boutique Community. They are inspirational in many ways but mostly in the way that they support each other, even though in truth they are in competition with each other.

Sandi graciously agreed to an interview - so read on to be inspired.

Tell us a little about yourself - (as little or as much as you like).

I am a mom first and foremost! I have 2 little kiddos, Eliza age 3 and Ethan 1.5. I have been married to my husband, Dustin, for 4 years. I have a line of children's couture clothing, and am getting ready to launch my first line of fabric for Michael Miller.

How long have you been sewing?

My first real memories of sewing are way back when I was around 10, learning to make baby blankets.

Where and from whom did you learn to sew?

I remember my grandmother teaching me to make those baby blankets, and beyond that I am totally self taught. I remember when I was 12, sewing skirts for myself with a needle and thread and being so excited by the thought of actually wearing something that I had made.

What comes first, the fabric or the design? Where and/or how do you find your inspiration?

The fabric DEFINATELY comes first! I have tried doing it the other way-with an idea for an outfit in my mind and trying to find fabric to match-and it just does not work! When I see fabric, I usually know exactly what I'm going to do with it!

Many of your designs are one offs, is this to maintain exclusivity or because you enjoy constantly creating new designs?

A little bit of both. :) I really enjoy creating new things, and my customers like having special pieces so I limit the number of times I will create an outfit.

Do you have a favourite piece that you have created?

It changes so often, I hear myself saying a lot-"this is my favorite!" But as of right now, it is a formal I did recently. It was an adult vintage cocktail dress that I refashioned for a toddler I love taking vintage pieces and recreating them-it's preserving a piece of the past.

How did your business Portobello Pixie come about?

After I had my daughter, I began sewing for her and stumbled upon the ebay boutique community. When I found out I could make money doing what I already was-I knew I had to make a little business out of it.

Where and how do you market your work?

I have been selling on ebay, which gives me a certain amount of traffic in itself, but lately I have been putting more time into marketing myself on my blog. www.portabellopixie.typepad.com There is a huge community of creative people in blogland, and I get more visits to my blog in one day than I do in a whole week on ebay.

You are part of a group of boutique clothing designers who sell on Ebay. How did you all get together and in what ways is being part of the group a benefit to you?

There is a whole group of women who sell custom made, boutique clothing on ebay. There are selling groups within ebay as well. So you can type in one word and find a group of designers you like. Being in a group can lift you up and give you encouragement. Selling on ebay is Tough. Even if you make the big bucks, after all your costs and time is calculated in you are not making a very good profit. These women are doing it because they love it, not because of the money. It is so great to have a support group. Some of my very best friends I have never even met in person.

I understand that you are nearly finished designing your first fabric range. Tell us a little bit about it:

I have just completed my first line of fabric! It is called Ginger Blossom and will be available this fall in two colorways-Blush and Fresh. It is totally reflective of my style that I have represented in my children's line-vintage inspired, eclectic, fresh and youthful.

* was this a dream you always had or it come about as a result of your clothing design business?

This was something that I had always thought of, but never seriously until about 8 months ago. It was suggested in passing by another designer and for some reason, the idea just really sunk in deep to give it a go, and here I am 8 months later!

* what inspires your fabric range?

When I look at my fabric, I feel like I am looking at a little piece of me. Every piece in the line was inspired by something special to me. My sons' crib, colors from my garden, a favorite dish, photographs I had taken - I drew inspiration from things that were special to me.

* when can we see it?

As soon as I receive the first strike offs (samples) I will share it! So probably July/August.

Where do you see yourself and Portabello Pixie in 5 years time?

My business is in a bit of a transition point right now, with my fabric getting ready to debut. I am going to stick to my roots in children's fashion, and am in the beginning stages of creating a line of patterns to go along with my fabric. I have toyed with the idea of a national line of clothing for children, but I'm not making any announcements on that right now!

What advice do you have for anyone wishing to start their own business, whether it be in design, sewing or something completely unrelated?

Don't listen to anyone who wants to squash your dream. All it will do is make you doubt yourself. Truly if you want to do something and you have the drive to do it-it will happen no matter what the odds are.


As you can see Sandi is not only a talented designer and seamstress, but takes amazing photos - so be inspired - visit Sandi at Portobello Pixie to see more of her amazing work.