This week we’re talking to Steph from Folksy shop Steph Says Hello
“Steph Says Hello!
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This quirky shop is full of pretty paper gifts, prints, notebooks, cards and calendars. Steph, a freelance illustrator from Leeds has a lovely doodley style to her imaginative drawings – giving them a certain childlike quality, although they will appeal to people of all ages!
Could you describe your shop?
Its a bit of an explosion of bright colours and cute. I sell a lot of prints of my illustrations, but I’ve recently branched into making more homeware’s such as calendars, pincushions & the very popular Super Fun Goodie Bag! Thats proved really popular :) I want to make products that make people happy!
Who does your Folksy shop appeal to?
I would say it predominantly appeals to teenage girls and women, although I do sell a lot of prints that I would say appeal to anyone. My prints, especially the typography based ones, are most popular with males actually. I would think my shop is also quite popular with creatives looking for something for their wall!
Is this your day job?
Its not my day job at the moment, no. Crafting and running this online shop is something I’ve only got into quite recently, I would definitely like to expand it in the near future though. My day job at the moment is being a freelance illustrator – I draw cute things for nice people. I’ve also just got a part time job in a sweet shop.
Find out more about Steff and her work over at her blog.
Have you been into craft and the handmade lifestyle for long?
I’ve always been into making things, since I was a little girl. More so than drawing, even. Although I’ve only very recently started selling my things.. I’ve always been a bit nervous that people wouldn’t like what I make (and I still am – I’m my own worst critic!) But I guessed it was time to start putting my stuff out their for people to see. Its a slow process, gaining recognition – But I’ve only heard nice things so far, which is always good.
Where do you promote your shop?
At the moment I’ve only been promoting myself through places like Flickr and Twitter. However, soon I’m going to start placing some adverts on blogs because I don’t think I’m promoting my products nearly enough! I’ve got a few craft shows lined up too, which should be fun.
Do you have plans to expand your business in the future?
I would love to own a little shop & cafe that showcased lovely local talent. Wouldn’t everyone like to look around a cute shop with a cupcake in hand?! For now, I’d like to just keep developing my shop and selling more. I’m thinking of expanding my product line to maybe jewellery or ceramics.. So keep your eyes peeled!
What advice would you give to someone thinking about opening up a shop here on Folksy?
Be patient! If you’ve got a good product, people will be interested. Although sometimes this takes time. Also, just like everyone has said.. I think good photography is the key. I don’t think you need to go overboard on the stylised photo’s.. Just clear pictures and a good description so people can clearly see what they’re buying.
We’d love to hear your comments about this shop – do you love it?
8 comments
Great interview, you can tell Steph is passionate about what she does.
Off to take a look at Steph’s shop now!
Amanda x
Blossom Fair
Inspiring – love the illustrations.
Karen
Edie Sloane
Thanks for the interview Steph – I’ve loved the ‘I dreamt I lived in a forest’ print for ages, so when your name was put forward i was really pleased to be able to share it here!
I love Steph’s work.
By the way, the link at the top doesn;t go through to her shop. I wonder if it’s because you spelt her name as ‘Steff’ in the url?
Oh I *love* cafe/craft shops – let us know when you open it!
What a lovely shop! I love cupcakes too, can I come to the cafe opening??
Love finding out about who’s behind the work! Glad I found Folksy.
Huge Apologies about the Steff / Steph mix up :) All fixed now (my bad)
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