Often imitated but never duplicated in style, fabric design or craftsmanship, BWinks’ are modern, fun, funky, super-cute and distinctly original!
I design, create and produce handmade Whimsical Creations, in particular BWinks’ owls.
Each friend is created with detail, passion, Joy and love. Your BWinks' will be a lifetime cherished gift, a heirloom.
The Beginning:
I have always found my self looking at items and saying, “I could do that”. Although I have no educational background in design, nor did I even know how to sew.
In 2006 I bought my sewing machine at a garage sale for 50$, and it was placed in storage for years. Then when my first born was one, I began tinkering with handmade crafts to dress my little princess up. The time had come to pull my garage sale find out of storage.
So I looked at my machine with absolutely no idea how to use it, but was very excited to try. I read the worn manual, but that didn’t help to much, so what is a girl to do? I went straight to the internet and found a Youtube video, “how to thread a sewing machine”.
After a year of trial and error, I sat down during my daughters (yes plural) nap to create something wonderful. I drew, I cut and then I sewed and created my first BWinks’ owl. It was a primitive version from what they are today.
The Joys:
The best part is the sense of accomplishment and pride I have in creating a successful home business opportunity for me and my family. I love that I can stay at home with my three beautiful children (ages 4 ½ years, nearly 3 year old and 10 months(updated: June 2012)) and help provide income for my family. I love to hear the feedback from my customers, on the joy that my creations bring to others.
The hardest part:
Finding the perfect Balance Between BWinks and Family
Perks:
I get to do what I love.... Create! I control my own destiny.
One of my favorite saying, "Nothing changes as easily as the future" ~unknown (maybe me).
A typical day on the
I try to do most of BWinks’ business while my kids are napping or after their bed time. Sometime I need to remind myself that I created BWinks, so I would be at home and engaging with my children. Very early into BWinks, I learned this was not going to be just my hobby. I think I recruited my husband within two weeks of posting my first owls on Etsy. He handles most of the accounting and fabric cutting and sometimes I can entice him to work outside of his comfort zone. In the beginning I produced one owl at a time, from start to finish, now we have more of a production line.
Each owl takes 2 ½ hour form first cut to packing.
Education/experience:
Bachelors in Elementary Education, graduate of CMU
Self taught in design and creations
When did I start:
March 18 2010. However my Big plans started in early 2010. I didn’t know how, I didn’t know exactly what, but I knew I was determined to find my niche.
How many hours week I work:
It varies. On average I would say 25-35 hrs, depending on demand.
Family life:
I am married to the most wonderful man, in July 2006. Andrew and I have two beautiful girls, Vada Renae and Josephine Anne and a handsome baby boy, Malcolm. Our family is my first dream come true. We are truly blessed.
How do I handle daycare:
BWinks was created so I could be home with my children. Although we do have the love and support in our extended families.
