What inspired you to set up Tiddlywinks?

I had made my older daughter a doll to look like a picture my son had drawn her and we all loved it! I checked online and there didn't seem to be anything like it, so I decided to give it a try.

What is your background (previous career area?)

None. I've never worked doing anything like this before.

Did you have specialist training in doll making or sewing? - if so what/where was your training?

I grew up in a sewing family. I've never had training outside of my mother. As long as I can remember my mother has sewn. She used to sew my clothes and toys when I was my daughters ages. It's always been a part of my life.

How did you go about setting your business up? (from a business perspective - initial funding etc) Did you have any professional help?

I had extra fabric from making my girls clothes and made up about 10 dolls from that. I listed those online for sale. There really wasn't any other cost besides the listing fees associated with Etsy.com where my business is based. It was all very low cost.

Did you carry out any research you carried out to know your business would work?

I looked for dolls similiar to mine, made of the same fabrics that were relatively the same size. I couldn't use that for a pricing guide because they all seemed so expenisive. I decided to charge what I would be willing to pay to have these dolls for my daughters. I checked around to see how people were getting their name out there and have become a part of great crafting communities because of it. But I never did know if my business would work. I'm still suprised most of the time.

Where do you carry out your work now?

In my dining room and at my computer. My sewing machine has taken up permanent residence at the kitchen table.

 

Do you need lots of specialist equipment?

Just a sewing machine, a needle and some fabric.

Do you make all of the dolls you sell yourself?

Yes, aside from the inspiration that comes from my children. My son is constantly drawing and making up stories. They all get channeled into my dolls.

What inspires your designs?

My kids drawings. I wanted my dolls to look like those pictures.

How many hours do you work a week?

It varies depending on how well the dolls are selling, and what is going on in our life. Right now we are remodeling our kitchen and I don't spend nearly as much time as I'd like sewing.

How does the job fit round your family life?

It suits our schedule because I have no deadline. I decide when I need to work on dolls and advertising. I utilize naptime a lot. Since I don't leave the house for anything work related, it's pretty easy to squeak in some work time where most people wouldn't be able to.

How do you find clients - do you advertise?

I have sought out discussion groups and photography sites that are craft based. I have promotional items that I give to people I meet who are interested. I utilize my children

Is the job/running the business rewarding?

Very rewarding. Every doll that I sell feels like the first one that I sold. It tickles me everytime people want to spend their hard earned money on something I have made. And it pleases me to no end to know that other children are playing with my toys all over the world! It's nice to have the extra money, too.

Do you think it is a job that fits in well with being a Mum?

It totally fits in with being a Mom. I make my own schedule. I can include my children in a number of ways. I don't leave my house to work, so I don't miss out on time with them, or need a sitter or daycare. It's the perfect way to make money for a stay at home mother.

Any advice for a Mum or Dad wanting to set up their own business or wanting to begin mkaing dolls?

Research your product. Be realistic. And enjoy yourself. That may be the most important part, it just makes everything fall into place.

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