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(Music by Eric Beug)
After purchasing a dress from Ursula Dean, the designer behind clothing line Modaspia, I knew I had to tell her story. I recently visited her in the old gold mining town of Placerville – known as “Hangtown” to the locals – to document her life as an independent business owner and mother of two working to balance growing her company and raising a family.
Lisa Molomot is a documentary filmmaker, college professor and mother.
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118 comments
Sign in to add your ownJudith and Raymond from AnnaOliveDesigns says:
Nice designs!
1 year ago
caroline from ohchalet says:
congratulations ursula! i loved the video, love your dresses and shop - so happy to see you featured today. :)
1 year ago
Kelly from KikuPaper says:
Fabulous story!!!
1 year ago
Megan from MegansMenagerie says:
Such a great video! I too am trying to find a balance :) I have a 7 year old and a 5 week old. I also run my shop here and am a newly graduated RN. I'm lucky enough to have lots of support from my husband and family. I think it's great you inspire your children to do something they love. That's exactly how I feel too :)
1 year ago
Kirsti Joy from KaiceJoy says:
Wonderful video-I like how you involve your family in your work, from your husband, to your kids, to including other family and friends! Your work is beautiful!
1 year ago
Sarah from Sarahndipities says:
This is great! As a mom of five I know it can be really tough to balance the different areas of your life! Thanks for sharing!! :)
1 year ago
SpareBedroomStudio from SpareBedroomStudio says:
Love the video! ...and such beautiful designs!! Including family in the process is so extremely rewarding :) Congrats on the feature!
1 year ago
Victoria Baker from LittleWrenPottery says:
I think its great to inspire kids not just about making but that it can be so much more than just a few hours to fill in an afternoon, theres certainly nothing wrong with doing what you love!
1 year ago
Matejka Max from NattyMatty says:
Beautiful!!!
1 year ago
Ever So Lovely from EverSoLovely says:
lovely story and beautiful designs!
1 year ago
Anna Kikute from fantasygarden says:
Wonderful story :)
1 year ago
Nikol Wikman from NikolWikmanArt says:
great stuff...thanks! :)
1 year ago
Iknitoo says:
this is a beautifully filmed piece...and Ursula is so talented! I have loved her designs for a while now and she just keeps coming up with the most lovely things...I can't help but think of Paris!
1 year ago
ACupOfSparkle from ACupOfSparkle says:
Great designs! Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
Dave from thenosuchdisco says:
This is a great little video, i love your office space!!! with mine looked like that! I like the dresses, even as a guy i think i can say that :) Its also great that you're doing what you love, keep it up!! Dave.
1 year ago
VintageEyeFashion from VintageEyeFashion says:
Such beautiful & stylish clothing. I love the story & the passion behind it all. It really shows in the finished product.
1 year ago
Jenna Frist from FristVintage says:
love the use of vlogs in the etsy blog! cool piece!!
1 year ago
Natalia from KMalinkaVintage says:
Interesting video.
1 year ago
Adriana Allen from adrianaallenllc says:
It is wonderful when people's stories can serve as a source of inspiration and courage to others. In this particular case - Ursula, but some of the comments reveal people of the same personal strength and human qualities. They all give us reasons for admiration. Thank you, all of you, for sharing your stories! Your stories show what we all believe - that Etsy is the human face to crafts and trade. Best of wishes to you all!
1 year ago
Windy City Novelties says:
Those a beautiful items!
1 year ago
accentonvintage from accentonvintage says:
Great story and work!
1 year ago
sjanesloat says:
Loved seeing this. I have three Modaspia pieces, and they are wonderful.
1 year ago
Stephanie from DottiesPhD says:
A lovely story and a lovely line of products too! Work life balance is so critical, and I hope that when I'm trying to juggle everything, I'll be able to do as great of a job as Ursula. Thank you for sharing!! :)
1 year ago
Jess from volkerwandering says:
I really enjoyed this video! One of my favorites now! Such beautiful clothing!
1 year ago
Krista from TheBeadtriss says:
Nice outfits! :} ~Krista
1 year ago
friendlygesture from friendlygesture says:
While the clothing is truly stunning, it's unfortunate to see yet another designer who does not make anything above a size large.
1 year ago
Quality Handmade Items from WhisperingOak says:
Great designs
1 year ago
Sam's Natural from SamsNatural says:
Nice video!
1 year ago
AlisaDesign from AlisaDesign says:
Great!
1 year ago
Kathleen from myvintagecrush says:
Nice!
1 year ago
Levi Emerson from gypsumrose says:
beautiful :) love these videos! and great clothing !
1 year ago
fleur talbot says:
i'm a big fan of modaspia (gorgeous clothes that are a joy to wear) and a big fan of the lady behind the line (ursula!!) thanks for this beautiful profile.
1 year ago
iammie from iammie says:
Lovely! Congrats on your feature!
1 year ago
Deodorant Shop from deodorantshop says:
Cute Cute Cute!! Great Video!
1 year ago
Phil Jackson from NuptialNotion says:
Great stuff.
1 year ago
Sarah from CAMPandQUARRY says:
What a great shop and nice video! Congrats on the feature!
1 year ago
Daniel Burke from DanPickedMinerals says:
Very nice designs! Best Wishes!
1 year ago
vKnit from vKnit says:
Such a lovely story! :)
1 year ago
Jean Foley from Jeanbeangoodies says:
Really inspiring video! I only jumped back into my artistic life with etsy last week and my son is now 10! I found it nearly impossible to keep up my business while he was little. Congratulations on your balance and success!
1 year ago
Vickie Moore from WingedWorld says:
Beautifully shot video and beautiful story to tell! This mom is a wonderful inspiration to her children, showing how to combine her creativity and business skills to be successful.
1 year ago
Marni from rebourne says:
Very inspiring. I'm struggling with the balance! (5, 4, and 1 year olds) Would love to see how she cleans/cooks and how she kept the kids around her studio when they were too little to understand "sharp" and "industrial machine, don't touch".
1 year ago
Marni from rebourne says:
(I mean this honestly, not snarkily--insight into other mama's routines is often very helpful)
1 year ago
Satchel Dillinger from SDesq says:
Wicked cool vid! You know, cats are problematic too, what with their love of duct tape and glue bottles...
1 year ago
Bilal Hito from FireIslandSoap says:
TOTALLY REAL - Great Vid!
1 year ago
DecadesOfVintage from DecadesOfVintage says:
it is about balance in all phases of ones life great article
1 year ago
Elaine Kean from RedorGrayArt says:
what a wonderful feature ..both heart warming and inspiring wrapped into a beautiful story! May you have many more years of continued success ... thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
Clara Lambert from MarigoldandSage says:
I am so moved by your story! I finally feel like I am beginning to strike a balance between motherhood, my business and school. Thanks so much for sharing!
1 year ago
Julie from purposedesign says:
Amazingly told. I loved it.
1 year ago
Tryntsje from HandmadeHandsome says:
What a great story and beautiful work.
1 year ago
Kimberly Ott from mangoavenue says:
Such an inspiring video! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
Tandie from NestaHome says:
WOW this hits home :) Teared up a little bit! Great story!
1 year ago
goodbeads from goodbeads says:
Great,love it.
1 year ago
Rose Waterrose from Waterrose says:
Wonderful! Loved that your daughter knew it was silk and that they surround you as your work.
1 year ago
Elena Mary Siff from ElenaMary says:
Lovely feature..it is super how your kids can hang out in your workshop and see what you are creating...your daughter doing a bit of sewing was so dear. Why doesn't she make a few fabric items to sell on etsy? I would feature her in my next child art treasury : http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTU2MjN8MjcyMDE2MTAzMw/child-artists-ages-2-to-12?ref=pr_treasury
1 year ago
Sara Brazil from SararaVintage says:
Beautiful work and family! I have a one year old and am amazed I can function but we are falling in a routine together- I applaud you!
1 year ago
Oami Powers from judahross says:
Beautiful Ursula! So glad Lisa captured your energy, talent and magic. Love you!!
1 year ago
Jelena from CeruleanBird says:
Both fabulous story and the film. Fully brought back to me a sense of my childhood, when I was sitting next to grandma who was sewing.
1 year ago
K Chew says:
What a fabulous tribute to a fabulous mother and maker. I can't think of a better story with Mother's Day on the horizon. Many thanks from another working mom (and devoted Modaspia fan)!
1 year ago
Noémie Vaillancourt from noemiah says:
You have such a great atelier!! Congratulations for your inspiring feature.
1 year ago
Tom's Grossmami from tomsgrossmami says:
Such a great story! Congratulations. Your clothes are stunning!
1 year ago
Holly from CamelsAndCustard says:
Wow! I love your studio :) Congrats on the amazing story and video !!!
1 year ago
Tina Gilmore from tinagilmore says:
An inspring and brilliant story and wonderfully told,
1 year ago
Jolynn from lifemeetsart says:
Great video.
1 year ago
NervousWardrobe from NervousWardrobe says:
<3<3 great, great, great! Very inspiring!
1 year ago
Kia from aoisart says:
A beautiful tribute to a talented mother!
1 year ago
VaLon Frandsen from thevicagirl says:
How great!
1 year ago
Georgia from JewelMeShop says:
So inspiring video! Perfect mom, great designer. Congrats!
1 year ago
lovelygifts from lovelygifts says:
Very nice!
1 year ago
Karen from aroundthehook says:
I don't usually get much time to watch videos but this was wonderful! So glad I stopped by and got a chance to see it. Beautifully done and a great reminder to include out kids in our work! Thank you!
1 year ago
Julia from MASHUGANA says:
This was fantastic and inspiring!
1 year ago
Michelle Maynard from SimonesRoseBoutique says:
What a great video! Very well done.. congrats & keep up the good work - your designs are beautiful! :)
1 year ago
Amy Fox from RosiesHandmade says:
This is so very inspiring. I too own my own business, a dress shop in New York, and am raising two boys and at times I just don't know how to balance everything and I feel like throwing away my business because it is so difficult. This video came just in time. Thank you!
1 year ago
Lissa Snapp from BarnacleBags says:
Such a lovely video! Very inspiring, what a sweet life Ursula lives!
1 year ago
Susan Kraeszig from LifeEphemera says:
That was beautifully presented. Thank you.
1 year ago
Sylvie Liv from SylvieLiv says:
Oh how I loved that. I am chasing my dream to be just like Ursula... to run a successful business selling beautiful handmade things, all while finding a perfect balance between work and motherhood. Ursula seems to do what she does very well. She inspires me to keep chugging and chasing that dream. Thank you for this!
1 year ago
PatternsAndPlans from PatternsAndPlans says:
Wonderful video! Please do more.
1 year ago
Celine from Trijoux says:
Great designs! Thanks for sharing. Céline
1 year ago
Carol Bender from BarnshopAntiques says:
Beautiful, inspiring...and uplifting. Thanks and congrats.
1 year ago
Mou Saha from ColorHappyCreations says:
Sweet!
1 year ago
Pink Poppies from pinkpoppies1991 says:
What an interesting and talented lady!
1 year ago
Jessica from LovelyFever says:
I loved this intimate, inside view of one woman who balances both her business and motherhood. Its so nice to see someone's story told in the form of video as well. The clothing also looked beautiful and comfortable at the same time :)
1 year ago
Michelle from CozyMoments says:
Beautiful designs! Congrats on the feature! =)
1 year ago
Dotty Walker from SewThoughtfulBlanket says:
Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
Tina Jennings from ttimecreations says:
Really inspiring!
1 year ago
Cherie Killilea from StudioCherie says:
I love that the filmmaker shops on Etsy and was inspired to make the film. Great story!
1 year ago
Melanie Cuno from ImmortalPomegranate says:
Lovely!
1 year ago
Maria from delightfuldownsizing says:
Loved the video! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
HandmadebyKZfeltZ from HandmadebyKZfeltZ says:
Loved the video, it is very inspiring. Your collection is beautiful, I wish you well for the future.
1 year ago
Homespunsociety says:
Great story!
1 year ago
Dave from thenosuchdisco says:
haha.... I love Dan's comment... "Wicked cool vid! You know, cats are problematic too, what with their love of duct tape and glue bottles..."
1 year ago
Josie Marsh from WoolyBaby says:
Love this... I can relate!
1 year ago
Janeane Wilbur from ArtByJaneane says:
What a great inspiration! I love how she manages this tricky balance, but I think the balance is always easier when you are doing something you love. Also, a great role-model for her children to live their own dreams one day.
1 year ago
Kate Nutter Lamarre from woolenmoss says:
Wonderful feature! I see a bit of my (future) self in there. So good to see someone making it all happen!
1 year ago
Rita from MissAntique says:
This is such a breathtaking portrait, a beautiful strong woman, very very talented, with a wonderful family, she has her own kingdom!
1 year ago
Peshka from Peshka says:
Lovely!
1 year ago
Gail from PetersBride says:
What a lovely story! I really appreciated how home and work were captured. Very inspirational. : )
1 year ago
SewOeno from SewOeno says:
this is awesome! i'm also a mother of a 9 month old and i haven't found a balance for us quite yet. my mom comes twice a week to watch him while i work. its okay but i wish i had more creative time!
1 year ago
Parachute425 from Parachute425 says:
Ursula - Well deserved feature. Best of luck in your business and to your family.
1 year ago
stitchuation from stitchuation says:
I tell myself to go to the front page once in awhile..instead of just going to my shop and teams. I am so glad I went to the FP this morning...such a lovely film was there, a treasure! I was charmed and inspired!
1 year ago
Sarah from CopperheadCreations says:
This is a great story - thank you for sharing.
1 year ago
FreakyPeas from FreakyPeas says:
I love where you live!
1 year ago
messinabella from BandBEstate says:
great designs!
1 year ago
Priya from amuandpri says:
Such a great story ! I remember my mom after seeing this... I wish I would have captured those beautiful moments with her in photos at least....thanks for sharing
1 year ago
Melanie from merVazi says:
It is always a balance between life and love, and to see others face the same adversity is a relief. Great designs as well.
1 year ago
Adriana Forster from bluelala says:
you are truly blessed. what a beautiful life & family :)
1 year ago
Stacey Iden from BreakTheRecord says:
Very inspiring! Sometimes I feel like I am the ONLY person on earth who has to balance a full-time job, two kids, part-time college, and an Etsy shop. It can be overwhelming at times, but reading all the above comments make me feel like i'm not the only one.
1 year ago
LivingVintage from LivingVintage says:
Great story! Love your clothes.
1 year ago
FreshFromtheFlame from FreshFromtheFlame says:
Very lovely piece, thank you for sharing.
1 year ago
Belinda Kemp from gretchenmist says:
wonderful! so inspiring. congrats on the feature ~ your clothing is just gorgeous :)
1 year ago
Melissa de la Fuente from Melissalovesshop says:
Oh wow....I have been in love with Ursula's shop for quite awhile now and LOVED seeing her in this video. It made me love her work even more and now I will dream about that gorgeous dress made with Japanese fabric....love. xo Melis
1 year ago
Bella Montreal from BellasBeautifulLife says:
I loved the video! I'm glad my Mom has always encouraged me to do something I love NOT just something that makes a lot of money. Why get rich doing something you hate?
1 year ago
Carey from VeryCarey says:
Loved the video and also your studio. How inspiring to have lots of space and great natural light for photos. Best of luck.
1 year ago
Kylie Loy from tigesandweince says:
You're amazing!! Congratulations
1 year ago
Kelly Engel from GrowingUpWild says:
This is wonderful! I too struggle with balancing it all. Very inspiring!
1 year ago
carmen miller says:
I love the nautical turquoise bracelet. Turquoise is my birthstone, so naturally . . .
1 year ago
Nazima Banka from nazimabanka says:
I watched this on etsy's youtube channel so inspirational and a lovely watch!
1 year ago
Nancy from nancynelsonjewelry says:
The video inspiring, especially the part where you mention that you hope your kids learn that you can do anything you want, if you love it! What a great learning lesson. Your work is beautiful. Congrats!
1 year ago
Pooja Campbell from 41GrantRoad says:
Wow! I simply love this. Just to be an inspiration to my little boy and girl is enough to push me to be a success. I am off to work on my shop now! Thank you for your inspirational story!
1 year ago