Being the extreme shopper that I am, I come across the same thing in every store. Everyone’s reading the same trend reports, they are all using the same consulting firm and every store seems to be going after the same customer.
Megan Dillon
- I am totally addicted to watching Adult Swim and Invader Zim (hehe its rhymes...sorta)
- I barely partied in college...seriously....even when they were in my own apartment I was in my room studying
- I've taught myself to not regret any decision and I will never go back. Despite what others may think I feel there isn't such a thing as a wrong choice and if we weren't supposed to make our own paths in life we wouldn't be given the option. I say just enjoy life, its too short and do what your heart tells you. Its the one influence that won't lead you in the wrong direction.
- I'm a serious sport shopper and if they added it to the Olympics, I'd take the US straight to the top. I've managed to come home with four bottoms, a jacket, three tops, a pair of shoes and dinner for under $50. I know my area malls by heart (for those that I'm not familiar with I can smell out) and can tell you the assortment and price of merchandise for many of the stores. I know the parent/sister companies of most stores, what final markdowns are and when the best sales occur. And if you think I am just talking to be talking, I just scored a pair of Balenciaga's that retailed for $1500 for $220 (including tax)...oh yeah and a pair of Fendi flats, originally $900, for $40.
What got you started crafting?
After taking a break from college and moving in with my Grandma to help her out, I found myself in desperate need of a hobby. School had given me a certain creative structure ( I studied Fashion Merchandising) and I felt incomplete without that outlet. I wound up visiting a local craft store on my lunch break one day and came across the jewelry section. It was actually quite coincidental. Not but a few months or so prior to my craft store outing, I had just complained to a friend about the lack of interesting costume jewelry and the cost of what was available. Even without ever picking up a pair of needle nose pliers or crimper, I found myself able to dissect the necklaces and earrings at the department store, mentally putting it back together. So after spending a bit I went home that night and put on Sex And The City with my Grandma and began crafting.
That was about 6 years ago and boy has my pieces come a long way since that night. However it wasn't until last fall that I actually began selling what I would make. Years and years of jewelry making created a vast assortment of go-to necklaces, bracelets and earrings for me and my friends but left only a dent in my wallet. Friend after relative after friend insisted that I sell my items and, having always been aware of Etsy, decided last year to just go for it. Although I love my job as a Visual Merchandiser, I have always envisioned myself having a small, successful enterprise of my own somewhere in the fashion world. What better way than having my own jewelry line. Plus, with corporate putting a limit on the creative freedom these days, I began feeling less than complete much like 6 years ago and felt it was the right time.
What is your source of inspiration?
The largest source of inspiration for Naughty Baubles is my eclectic mood. Sometimes I'm feeling frisky and will work with leather and chain while other days I'm feeling like a bit more feminine and will work with lots of pink and semi precious stones. Although its not the best way to run a business, I tend to make pieces that I would want to wear and pieces that start conversations as I am a shy individual and can use any and all help in social settings :) I am also inspired by current fashion trends circulating during each season. Right now the 70's have returned and I have found myself using more turquoise and large natural stones in my pieces along with bright colors.
What have you made recently?
I really love agate slices. Something about the variations in color, the cold nature of the stone, its tribal qualities and its ability to work well with anything. My latest necklace is a gold choker that features a focal agate slice in a vibrant blue with a gold horseshoe pendant hanging from the slice. Its completely unique and very bold.
I was really going for the something extremely focal yet simple. I bought a leather shift dress some months back and have always found it difficult to pair it with accessories. Just about everything I had made was either overly substantial or not nearly enough. The agate slice was perfect because it embodied the two characteristics I needed. But I couldn't just leave a lonely pendant on a gold choker. That would be far to plain so I came across an unique horseshoe pendant with a handful of crystals embedded in it and figured why not. The combination is quite lovely.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
Right now, I primarily sell my goods on Etsy as it is the craft mecca. I also do custom orders.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
Being the extreme shopper that I am, I come across the same thing in every store. Everyone's reading the same trend reports, they are all using the same consulting firm and every store seems to be going after the same customer. Handmade goods have a niche customer. They are made with purpose for someone specific and yearn to stand out. Plus its much more rewarding to wear something with a store to it other than the usual...I was made in major factory, put together on an assembly line and spent months being shipped all over to finally make it to a store near you. Once necklace that I made was crafted out of fabric squares that my Grandmother had cut to use in one of her quilts. Another necklace was refashioned out of bits and pieces of another Grandmother's antique costume jewelry. You just can't get that from a necklace at Express or Nordstrom's.
Find Me
LocationCT
Email Address
Megan Dillon
Personal Website
http://naughtybaubles.blogspot.com
Store Website
http://naughtybaubles.etsy.com
CHIC15
@naughtybaubles