Posted by Cynthia Boris
When I asked Cyndee Rasmussen of Lovin Each Stitch to tell me about herself in two sentences, she didn't know what to say! So, I'll say it for her. Cyndee designs, makes and sells handmade handbags and accessories. She's a proud Canadian and if you're anywhere near Alberta, you can see her this summer at the St. Albert Farmer's Market. (We love online selling, but it's always nice to see the merchandise in person!)
I'll let Cyndee take over from here. . . .
What kinds of items do you make and sell?
Cyndee: I design and make handcrafted and unique women’s accessories; sewn totes and modern crochet. I launched a summer Lovin garment line this year!
Why did you choose that field or did it choose you?
Cyndee: It chose me. I taught myself to sew when I was pregnant with my first daughter (she’s now 5). My friends relentlessly told me to sell my creations and so I made a social media page (to get them off my back) and had my first sale within the hour. Apparently my friends were on to something!
Tell us about your favorite piece either currently in your store or in the past.
Cyndee: My Phoenix Messenger Bag. It is a bag style that can accommodate a 17” computer so it is popular with business people and students. It fits strollers - popular with parents. And, it fits wheelchairs so it benefits people with unique needs as well.
How do you market your business?
Cyndee: I am a seasonal vendor at Western Canada’s largest outdoor farmers’ market which runs from June to October. I am working at getting my online presence bigger now.
What inspires you?
Cyndee: My daughters. They are energetic and open. They see things in a beautifully simple way yet ask questions that make you consider things intently.
What frustrates you?
Cyndee: That there are only 24 hours in each day :) .
What’s something you’ve kept since you were a child?
Cyndee: My perfectionism.
If you could get up tomorrow and do anything at all, what would you do?
Cyndee: Take a day off and do something different and fun with my daughters.
Your friend is going to sign up with IndieMade tomorrow (while you’re off doing whatever you wanted to do). What advice do you have that will help her be successful?
Cyndee: Just get started. You need to take the first step and the rest will follow.
And you can follow Cyndee on Facebook at www.fb.com/lovineachstitch and on Instagram: @lovineachstitch
Check out her store at: http://www.lovineachstitch.com
