local markets :: iquantascores

and i am back for something national again. so {local markets} decided to ask for submissions last week, but until then i already had a few guests in line to showcase here. some are actually discovered through those same handmade markets i was talking about {here}. and this sweet girl was found {here}. i was actually shy to ask her there to be a guest and i hadn’t my business cards with me, so i thought it could sound strange… and waited until i got home, explored a bit more about the brand and asked her to be a guest! her name is ines and we have at least one thing in common… she is also studying psychology! (check the questions… there are some new!)

hello there, how are you? so, can you tell us something about yourself? i’m a 21 year-old girl who has always been in love with creating things. i’m actually studying psychology – that is another passion, but my plans are still undefined about my future career. i can’t imagine my life without the creative part, so i guess i’ll try to work with both!

how did your handmade business start? well, since i remember… i can tell that my handmade business started when i was kid and made funny dolls with toilet paper rolls and sell them to my family (ahah) Of course that was not a business, but i guess it shows that this excitement about creating something with my hands was always present. i’ve made some jewelry for a couple of years, but in 2007 when i started to participate at some craft shows in lisbon i felt that i was just one among many other doing the same and then i tried to explore other supplies to find my place and i started to sew and created {iquantascores} blog. i knew some basics about sewing from my grandmother and the rest i learned by myself and from researches in the internet. my work has improved greatly with practice and i worry a lot about the quality, so i’m constantly trying to get better and learn more about sewing techniques.

do you do anything else besides that or is it possible for you to make a living out of your business? for now, i’m living out of my business and finishing my graduation. but that’s not easy at all!

where do you seek for inspiration? i’m not sure if i really “seek” for inspiration… it could come from anything, looking at objects, people… an idea just pops in my head! sometimes i put it down in paper right away, so that i won’t forget it. many times, it’s the design of the fabrics that inspires me! i really love shopping for supplies! that definitely inspires me!

what do you do to promote your business? what has been helpful? the main promotion is made by my costumers! i keep in mind that a client satisfied is the most important publicity i can have! if they’re happy with my products, they will bring new customers to me. last year i created a page for {iquantascores} on facebook that has been very helpful, i can share a new project or the next craft show for many people right in time. the feedback is very very positive! i’m so glad for having my followers support.

what advice would you give for those small business owners/design-makers in portugal? to be themselves. try to put a little of yourself in whatever you do, be good at your job, learn, practice, work hard, and be honest with your work and the other’s.

{iquantascores} means something like {oh my so many colours} and as you can see there are many colours in ines’ work! well, from what i can say, it is wonderful that she has this other passion besides psychology, because working in that field might not be the easiest project in our country. but of course, hard work always lead us to something good! and i am so happy that i found ines and her precious bags and colourful fabrics! you can explore more of her products on her {blog} + {etsy shop} and of course, you can like her on {facebook}! and to finish, she said something really important… customers are our best marketing strategy! you please one customer and asides from the possibility of coming back, he might also tell someone about you… and there you go! have a lovely tuesday my sweet friends! see you tomorrow with more news (i have some delicious ones!!!)

images: iquantascores (click on each image for further details on the products)