This week, I'd like to introduce Betz White. Her amazing talent spans several textile disciplines. And I am so excited about her newest venture, the Llamallooma™ pom pom maker. Have you read about how trendy pom poms are? They are showing up on purses, clothing, sandals and as tassels. Here's a link for an article titled "10 Classy Ways to Wear Pom Poms".
1. Please introduce yourself (actual and
professional name) and describe your areas of expertise
Hello! My name is Betz
White. I’m a sewing book author, textile artist and craft/sewing pattern
designer.
2. What is your background and how did you
arrive at your current job(s)
I have a degree in
fashion design and worked about 20 years as a designer in the kids apparel
industry. After I had my 2nd baby, I left my corporate job to be a mom and do
freelance design work. I started a blog in 2006 and opened an Etsy shop to sell
items I made out of felted wool sweaters. My work was noticed resulting in a book
deal and an appearance on the Martha Stewart TV Show in 2007. In the 10 years
since then I’ve written 2 more books, taught classes, designed fabric and
sewing patterns for bags, and more!
3. How many hours a week do you devote to
your job?
40-50
4. Where do you physically work?
My studio space is in an
upstairs spare bedroom in our home that doubles as the guest room.
5. What do you sell and how do you sell
it? (It can be a service)
I sell PDF sewing
patterns for bags, felt ornament patterns, sometimes kits, my new Llamallooma™
pom-pom maker in my Etsy shop. I also design, produce and sell knit home
accessories which I retail online and wholesale to shops.
6. What are you working on now?
I’m finishing up my 3rd
fabric collection for Riley Blake and developing a few new online classes. I’m
also creating my 3rd commissioned “yarn bombed” piece for a local yarn shop’s
window display. I’m covering a bike in knits!
7. What do you do when you are not
working?
Sleep, drive the “mom
taxi”, watch movies, knit. Currently my husband and I are taking a pottery
class together.
8. Perhaps an indelicate question, but
people starting out want to know - what are your income sources?
Pattern sales, royalties
from fabric and online classes.
9. If you could give one suggestion to someone
starting out, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to
pivot! There really are no mistakes. Go after what you want, and if along the
way it’s not really making you happy, don’t give up. Make a shift and correct
course. It’s easy to get caught up in the “shoulds” but remember that you are
the boss and you decide what’s right for you.
10. Where can people find you and/your
products? (FB, blog, website, IG, Twitter, stores
Etsy Shop: betzwhite.etsy.com
Knits Shop: http://studioknits.betzwhite.com
Website: http://betzwhite.com
Instagram: betz_white
Love all of Betz's colorful work! Visited her blog and the yarn-bombed bike is a must see there. Thanks for introducing us to her.
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