WE TALK TO NICCI DUDLEY ABOUT HER COMPANY VIOLETTE AMELIA
NICCI HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON YOUR COMPANY NAME?
It was my Grandmothers name
WHAT DATE DID YOU START?
July 4th 2012
CAN YOU TELL US THE REASONS THAT MADE YOU START?
I have always loved arts and crafts, whether it is drawing, painting, gluing cereal boxes or making clothes for my dolls! I studied Art and Design and continued to paint, spasmodically, throughout my adult life. When I was diagnosed with M.E and Fibromyalgia in 2011, I fell in love with painting again. I had so much time on my hands and I found myself getting restless. Painting lead onto decoupage, beading and finally sewing which I adore. My aim is to make and sell, successfully, little girls’ dresses and skirts.
PLEASE GIVE US AN OVERVIEW OF WHAT YOU SELL, WHERE AND WHAT YOU ENJOY ABOUT IT.
I sell a range of fabric items with a vintage feel, bunting, tote bags, animals, cushions and children’s wear. Most of my sales are on Facebook, but I attend craft fairs too. What I enjoy about my craft is the freedom to be creative and the joy the finished article brings. Most of my customers will give me a brief and let me run with it. I will choose fabrics to complement their item and they are always happy for me to suggest colours and designs I think will work best
WHAT DO YOU TAKE AS YOUR INSPIRATION?
I get my inspiration from various sources, I love all things vintage, especially the Victorian era. Not everyone will share your taste so it is important to be able to adapt your design to suit the customer. I love nature and the outdoors. I’m an old fashioned girl at heart.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST SELLING ITEM(S)?
My best selling item was a tote bag in a ‘New York Icon’ fabric. I made one up on a customer’s request and then everyone wanted one, in fact my fabric supplier ran out of the fabric!
ANY LESSONS LEARNT ALONG THE WAY THAT YOU CAN SHARE?
The lesson I have learnt along the way is never give up. If something does not work the first time around, try again. Look at it from a different aspect, how can you improve it, how can you make it work? Don’t lose heart, never give up on something you truly believe in. If you believe in yourself then so will other people.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE FUTURE?
My hopes for the future would be that my girl’s dresses sell. I put my heart and soul into each and every item I make but what I really want to do is make children’s wear. If I won the lottery I would love to own a vintage tea room that sells my wears too!
TO SEE A SELECTION OF NICCI'S DESIGNS CLICK HERE
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