Today we have a special treat for you.
We're diving into the fascinating world of Celine from Oh Sew Geeky. With the help of my trusty sidekick Argo, we'll take you on a whimsical journey through Celine's story and learn how she became the proud owner of her small business.
So grab your crafting tools and get ready for a geeky adventure like no other!
The Geeky Origins
Seven years ago, Celine embarked on a geeky adventure that all began with a visit to an outdoor geek garage sale in Ottawa.
Inspired by the unique items she discovered, Celine realized she could create her own crafts for these events.
She started with ribbon keychains and perlers, but her passion for sewing soon found its way into her creations.
And so, the journey of Oh Sew Geeky took off!
From Babies to Coffee Cozies
Celine's early focus was on creating adorable items for babies like bandana bibs, burp cloths, and soother clips.
Her friends, who were becoming parents, loved her creations, and Celine found joy in making these baby essentials.
But as time passed, her creative spirit pushed her to explore new horizons each year.
Today, Oh Sew Geeky's main market includes coffee cozies, scrunchies (which are always popular), Bubblegum Pouches, and more.
Celine's sewing skills have evolved, allowing her to create unique items like totes and sling bags.
From small baby accessories to larger, eye-catching designs, Celine's journey demonstrates the power of continuous growth and exploration.
Time Management and Fitness
You might be wondering how Celine manages her time between running a business and working a full-time job.
Well, my friends, she's not just a sewing enthusiast but also a fitness guru!
Celine's routine plays a crucial role in helping her balance her various commitments. She wakes up at 5 a.m., exercises, and then gets ready for work.
With a short walking commute, she gains an hour and a half each day that she can devote to sewing or other activities she loves.
Fitness has not only improved her physical well-being but also her sewing abilities, as she can now sew for hours without discomfort.
Crafting as a Stress Buster
As a stress-buster, sewing holds a special place in Celine's heart.
Her demanding job can be quite overwhelming, but her creative hobby provides a much-needed escape.
Celine sets up her sewing station right in front of the couch, allowing her to sew while watching TV.
It's a perfect way to relax and unwind after a long day.
And who doesn't love multitasking?
Navigating the Market Scene
Being a vendor at markets is an essential part of Celine's journey with Oh Sew Geeky.
She attends pop culture-themed events, such as Geeked Out, Geek Market, and Ottawa Mini Comic-Con.
Networking with other vendors has been a valuable resource for finding new markets and gaining insight into the craft fair scene.
It's through these connections that Celine continues to expand her reach and meet like-minded individuals who share her passion.
The Power of Niche
Oh Sew Geeky stands out for its pop culture-themed creations.
Celine's love for licensed fabrics is evident in her products, which feature popular fandoms like Shitt's Creek, Powerpuff Girls, Marvel, and Star Wars.
Her products are not only practical but also a tribute to her own interests.
While she occasionally incorporates non-licensed prints, her niche market remains her primary focus.
By staying true to her passions, Celine has built a loyal customer base within the geek community.
Starting a Hobby Business
For anyone considering starting a small business in a similar field, Celine offers some valuable advice.
She emphasizes the importance of starting small, as it allows for a gradual expansion of products.
Investing in quality tools and materials is essential for producing high-quality crafts.
Listening to customer feedback and paying attention to pricing within your community can help you establish a fair market presence.
Additionally, Celine encourages experimentation and learning from others' experiences.
Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your craft empire.
Promoting Oh Sew Geeky
To promote her products, Celine utilizes social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Instagram has been particularly beneficial, thanks to features like Reels, which have helped her gain more visibility and engagement.
However, she admits that she needs to improve her consistency with posting and capturing more product photos.
Celine doesn't sell her creations online but instead focuses on advertising upcoming shows and events through her social media channels.
This personal touch allows her to connect with customers directly, ensuring a delightful shopping experience.
Wrapping up
And there you have it, folks!
Our delightful adventure into the world of Oh Sew Geeky has come to an end.
We've learned about Celine's journey from garage sale discoveries to owning her thriving small business.
Her commitment to time management, fitness, and pursuing her passions serves as an inspiration to all budding crafters out there.
Remember, when you embrace your niche and stay true to your interests, you'll find a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate your unique creations.
So, whether you're a sewing enthusiast or a geek at heart, take a page from Celine's book and let your creativity shine.
And if you ever find yourself craving a touch of geekiness in your daily life, be sure to check out Oh Sew Geeky on Facebook and Instagram.
Until next time, keep crafting, stay geeky, and unleash your creativity!