Featuring Cindy Richards BglorifiedBoutique

 

 

Happy Hello Everyone!

 

Today I am featuring

 

 Cindy Richards

 

 

Her Shop:

BglorifiedBoutique

 

You will fall in love with this shop! No time for chit chat folks... 
 Let's get to the good stuff!!!

 

What do you sell? 

 

Women’s Fashion Apparel & Accessories:
Heart back shirts/sweaters/dresses
Headbands in lace, fabric or knit/crochet
Scarves in fabric or knit/crochet
Patterns for headbands and scarves

 

 

How did you get started with Etsy?

  

In November 2011, my then 18 year old daughter, Dana, suggested I open up a shop with a close family friend, Deb, who is a 40+ year veteran of hand knit and crochet.  Dana had recent success with her Dana Ann Photography business and volunteered to be our photographer. We figured with her fashion sense and photography skills that we could actually make a go of this! We opened just before Christmas rush and sold a lot of owl gloves that Deb made and flower scarves that I made. We were happy with our start out of the gate. But, what really put us on the map was when Dana decided to sew herself a shirt for Valentine’s Day!! Like every teenager, she posted the photo on Facebook. Here is the original photo used that day on FB:

 

Well, so many people immediately commented on it - some wanted her to make it for them; I suggested she list it in our Etsy shop so if people truly wanted her to make one, they could buy one there. That launched our heart cut out apparel and we were making more shirts than we could keep up with!! We have sold hundreds since, especially after being on the front page of Wanelo for weeks. I wish THAT would happen again! 

 

When did you get interested in making your Art/Craft?

 

I got interested as a young girl when my grandmother would take me to craft fairs. I specifically remember one where I sat at a table making decoupage all day – fond memories!!

 My daughter got interested in photography in high school.

Deb got interested in needle crafts with her sister when she was a little girl.

 

 

Where does your inspiration come from?

 

My inspiration comes from God’s creation. The natural earth tones are my favorite. I also have a passion to inspire girls to see the beauty in how God made them – each individually and especially that their beauty shines from the inside out. I recently wrote a blog (bglorifiedboutique.com/blog/) about it on my brand new web site (bglorifiedboutique.com) that will soon be launching its own store this month.

 

 

Who taught you or how did you learn your art form?

 

My friend Deb learned to knit and crochet on her own.

I learned to sew and other crafts from my grandma and mom.

My daughter always was doing something in the arts from acting, singing, figure skating, modeling and showed a good eye for fashion and design during her high school years. That is when she took up photography and her business has grown to the point where she rarely has time for an Etsy shoot for our shop!! For example, last weekend she had 3 weddings making her travel to 3 different states. She was just hired for a destination wedding in Costa Rica! At age 21, she has traveled a lot for her business including Texas, California, Colorado, New York, Washington, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and her home state of Illinois. Canada and Costa Rica are in the future as well as a wedding in a California vineyard that she is super excited about. Her work can be found in many publications as listed here: www.danaannphotography.com/wedding-portfolio/

 

 

 

 

 

Where do you see your Shop in 5 years from now?

 

I see BglorifiedBoutique continuing to focus on women’s clothing and accessories but developing into elements for the bride and for the home. This year we are focusing on more patterns for sale and Better Homes and Gardens will be featuring one of our items in their Fall Make It Yourself Issue.

 

 

How do you manage your time between Etsy and the rest of your life?

 

Etsy sometimes takes over my life (especially at Christmas) but the joy is working with my daughter and friend each and every day. We balance it by scheduling missions trips together and daily coffee breaks.

 

 

 Is this a hobby, part-time job, or full-time job?

 

This is a full time job for me and possibly soon for Deb as well.

Dana’s full time business is Dana Ann Photography located in Chicago, IL.

 

 

Do you make or stock items you love, or what will sell?

 

Our demographic is the young, hip high school, college through 30’s. Therefore, we make what my daughter suggests more than anything because history has proven that her style is right on target! My daughter will not suggest something she would not wear herself. Fortunately, I have always loved her style!!

 

 

 

Where else can we find you online?

 

bglorifiedboutique.com/

 

 

Did you always want to have your own business?

 

As a newly married, I had a couple other businesses having to do with kids toys and marketing. My daughter re-ignited the idea back in 2011. I give God the ultimate credit for where BglorifiedBoutique is today. He created each of us so very differently in skills and gifts and inspired us to become BglorifiedBoutique for our blessing and His glory.

 

 

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

 

As Christ followers, we first and foremost want to glorify Christ in all we do. We strive to make each and every customer happy with their purchases and have a heart to let them know they are truly beautiful as God created them. We donate at least 10% to mission trips around the world. We have recently returned from a construction missions trip to Puerto Rico where I got to put my sewing skills to use sewing bed sheets for the bunk beds we were building for the Teen Challenge drug rehab facility there. What a joy to share the love of God around the world in this way!! We have been to El Salvador, Belgium, Philippines, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Scotland, Ireland and places in the USA serving in missions. Our next trip will be in November to Cambodia to assist in construction of a Teen Challenge there. 

 

 

Didn't I tell you, you would love this shop!!! Not only did I fall in love with the shop, but also with the ladies of the shop! They have huge hearts and love to spare!

 

Here are a few other beautiful creations

 

 

 

 

 

Please head over to this Etsy Shop! Beautiful items handcrafted with tons of  LOVE!

(Click on each photo and it will take you right to this Outstanding Shop!)

 

 

 

