color outside the lines!

remember teachers telling you to color within the lines? well, i was born with a set of eyes that did not separate those lines with all the blank space that could be drawn on. I have always quietly marched to my own beat, not out of defiance , just born that way! My mother taught me to sew when i was very small. She is a very talented sewer and knitter. I grew up drawing and painting everything i saw. When i graduated from college (history major) i moved to Chicago . i worked for several fashion designers and would have mini trunk shows at a local clothing store. In 1993 i opened my business MJ ERNST COUTURIER and 20 years later i am proud to say it is very successful and very busy. I create custom high end bridal and special occasion gowns and have the best clients on the planet I started my etsy shop in October 2011. I chose the name Mysterious Mannequin as my name because i wanted something that would reflect the type of items i would list. The name is from a Nancy Drew novel. I drew the Sketch of the "Oh My" black and white girl on my shop banner. My business is in quite a conservative area of Chicago and with my etsy shop it gives me an outlet to create more unique and whimsical items that closer reflect my personality. I have been extremely pleased with the response and now can honestly say i have the best etsy customers in the universe and love the community aspect that it affords.. My life motto is LIVE< LOVE < LAUGH!