Meet Rosie, She's a quirky gal who's made a business out of her tongue n cheek shabby chic reworked crokery... Its pretty - but a bit gangsta. Love it. She's defo an inspiration if you're looking at starting up your own company..I caught up with her and asked a few questions...
Tell me about what you do?
I run an online shop called ShadyGlaze where I sell a variety of vintage bone china items, including plates, jugs and cup & saucer sets. The items are usually a bit worn out and destined for the bin, so I bring them into the present day by drawing pictures or writing slogans on them. After the design has been baked on to make it permanent, the items make great display pieces and are also perfect for holding jewelry.
How did you start your business&What inspired you?
I was already running another small business selling vintage bits and bobs, and always ended up with lots of odds and end of china. I absolutely hate throwing things away!! So was determined to find a way to turn them into something new. I already had some porcelain pens from a previous crafty project, so ended up putting the two together and my business was born.
Do you have a role model?
Anyone that has managed to turn their hobby into a full time job really inspires me. Although working from home by yourself can turn you a bit crazy at times, I would love to be able to make a living from my little shop.
What do you do/ where do you go to get new ideas?
A lot of my plates include ‘hip hop’ related sayings, such as Thug Life and For Shizzle. If I’m looking for new ideas, I’ll listen to some music and sooner or later something suitable will pop up. That is how I came up with my ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ plates which have been quite popular.
Do fashion trends influence your designs?
I am clueless when it comes to fashion! I have to reply more on seasonal trends and holiday themed items to keep my shop up to date throughout the year.
What are your plans for the future? /Where do you envisage your business?
In the short term I would like to improve my drawing skills and add more picture style plates to my shop. I also want to include more cup and saucer sets. A bit further down the line I’d like to start stocking my plates in little independent shops. After that, who knows!
Fave food/drink
Anything sweet! Cakes, chocolate, pastries… and diet coke. I am surprised I have any teeth left.
Must have item for winter
A good pair of warm boots. I hate getting cold toes when I’m taking orders to the Post Office!
Rosie is currently doing a giveaway!You can enter by visiting www.facebook.com/shadyglaze or www.instagram.com/rosieullahThe winner will be announced on the 1st November.
If you can’t wait until then, all Trend Trap readers can get a 10% discount in the ShadyGlaze shop until Christmas, by entering the code ‘TREND10’ at the checkout. Visit www.shadyglaze.etsy.com to see the items currently for sale!
