chicklitdesigns

I was recently one of Etsy's Featured Sellers! Please check out my interview here:
http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2012/featured-seller-chick-lit-designs/

I discovered Etsy a few years ago when I was trying to find a way to make extra money to send to my parents during a difficult time. I'm a First generation American, both of my parents were from the country formally known as Czechoslovakia. They came here searching for a better life. My Father built our home with his own hands and just recently lost it because he co-signed a loan for my Uncle's business and they took his home as collateral after the business failed. For the first time in my life, I watched my humble and hard working father tumble into a deep stage of depression and it really hit me hard. I wanted ot send him money so I started a business on Etsy where I would send all of the profits made to my parents to help them save the house.

Eventually, my parents told me to stop sending them money, but I couldn’t pull myself away from my shop – it has become a part of who I am. I recently closed my old shop down and opened a new shop, Chick Lit Designs. My shop is known for my Book Clutches, handcrafted purses, iPad and Ereader covers made from old hardcover books. I have dedicated myself to bringing back the nostalgic feeling of having a book in your hands during this technology growing world.

I live in a little house in the suburbs of Gilbert, AZ, with my husband. I love to travel the world and study different cultures. In the past few years, I have found that creating handmade items is a huge passion for me. I am constantly thinking of what I can make next, and I spend hours in my studio – it is like therapy to me. I can hardly wait to see the finished product. When I do finally finish a project, I’m so completely excited that I have to run to my husband and show it off!

I’m inspired every day by vintage items, bookstores, colors and patterns. Just looking at an interesting pattern can really drive my creativity. I’m also inspired by Etsy. It’s a complete melting pot of creativity and a place where I can be myself and create. Not only is it allowing me to follow my dreams, but I see the community it has created with other sellers.