05.05.08
My Interview with Angela, Owner of Jolie Handmade
Please meet Angela, Owner of www.joliehandmade.com, Eleventeen Aparel.
Where are you located? Winslow, Maine…About 15 minutes from Augusta.
What do you design? I design clothing. I used to make a lot of children’s clothing (I have 2 little girls), but recently changed gears and started sewing for young women. I was always intimidated by sewing darts, adjusting ease, and getting things fitted just right around all the “girlie parts”. Last fall I took a night course in alterations and that changed everything! It is so rewarding to be able to design a garment, have it fit, and have someone comment on it.
Where/How did you learn this? I was exposed to sewing at a very young age. My mother has sewn ever since I can remember. I have two younger sisters. She made so many outfits for us…everything from pajama bottoms to my high school graduation dress.
Favortie Artist who inspires you? I’d have to say that anyone who has ever made anything by hand inspires me. I can relate to them. I understand the time, love, and often tears that go into getting their craft “just right”. I’m inspired by the artists who have the courage to realize their life dreams and follow them. Those who love what they do never work a day in their life!
Where does your inspiration come from? Inspiration for my clothing line comes from a lot of different places. Sometimes I see fabric and know exactly what I’m going to make from it. Other times it’s lack of something in my own closet that sparks interest in making a particular garment. I’m not real big on “trends” and what is “in” for the season, but I do take note, and if I like something I may work it into a few of my pieces.
What do you do to combat creative block? Usually I will go through old patterns and see if anything jumps out at me like a certain neckline or skirt style. Most of the time I’ll find something that “clicks” and I can go from there. Flipping through the latest issues of fashion magazines helps too! Again, I’m not a big “trend” follower, but I’ll often find something I can put my own take on.
Where do you design your creations? Hahahaha! I wish I had a room totally dedicated to sewing! Right now, my sewing area is on one side of my office/sewing/play area for the girls. Because of lack of space I don’t have room for a cutting table which unfortunately means cutting on my kitchen table or on the floor. Believe it or not, the setup is pretty good. The girls can play at the kiddie table or read books while I sew or use the computer. It’s nice that we can all be in the same room and not in each other’s way….too much. 
What does your work space look like right now? Well…as I turn around in my computer chair, I am facing my sewing workstation. It’s pretty piled up with fabric right now. I have some pink jersey with brown polka dots over there and some light green jersey. I have a finished halter top and a white dress folded off to one side. (Those will be going in the shop soon.) On my dress form I have a seagreen one-sholder dress with a chiffon ruffle at the bottom and at the neckline. I’ll include a picture of that one. You’ll see it first! It’s not up on the website yet!
How does your family feel about what you do? My 3 year old LOVES that mommy makes dresses! She is always saying “Oooooh I LOVE your dress mama!” She also loves the fact that I make a lot of things for her as well. My 9 month old could really care less at the moment, but I know she’ll love her one-of-a-kind handmade dresses someday too! My husband likes that I have a “hobby”. He’s supportive of my venture as long as I don’t quit my “real job” yet! He’s been at me to make him a big pimpin’ terry cloth robe for months now….I really need to get that done! Really though, he’s put up with a lot…trips to the fabric store, random piles of fabric in the house, little threads all over the rug, scissors that he can’t touch….he’s great!
Best advice you received when starting your business venture? Have faith in yourself and in your craft. We are our own worst critics. People buy handmade because they know that there is attention to detail and there is love that goes into every item we make.
Favorite part of owning your own business? Deciding what to make, when to make it, how to make it, and loving what I do!
Least favorite? The start-up phase! This is the phase I’m in. It’s very hard getting your name out there, making yourself stand out from everyone else, and having people buy your products with very little “feedback” from other buyers. I’ve always sewn for just myself and my girls. A few months ago, I purchased Jolie Handmade and decided to start listing my clothing. It’s been a slow start, but I’m confident in my clothing label. I know there are people out there who will enjoy wearing my pieces as much as I enjoy creating them!
How do you relax? Well… I don’t think I do relax….hahaha! I’d say “in my free time…” but I really don’t have any! With a job that pays the bills, my two girls and husband, my growing clothing business, and household duties, I have very little time to do anything else! In the evenings after the girls are in bed, my husband and I like to have a drink and play Scrabble or Cribbage (does that make me sound old?). I also enjoy scrapbooking, though it has taken a backseat recently.
Favorite color? Yellow. It’s such a happy color!
Does this color show up in a lot of your work? Not lately. I do currently have a yellow v-neck shirt in the shop, but other than that I currently don’t have any yellow pieces out…maybe that will be next on my to-do list.
If there were more hours in the day, what would you be doing? Taking more walks with my girls, spending more time with my husband, and definitely more sewing!
A sample of Jolie Handmade products. For all products, please visit Angela’s website.
