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We love supporting new talent so when we were approached by Tessa from House of Wonderland we knew we had to blog about her and her fantastic designs. So here is her story so far,
Tell us more about your company
House of Wonderland creates colourful, rockabilly and bold designs. I am mainly inspired by the 50’s pin up sirens, Japanese culture and anything a bit quirky! This can be seen in our tattoo inspired hearts, original jewellery and cute characters.
How did you turn your passion into a job?
Fashion has always been a huge passion of mine and I even began reading Vogue from the age of 10! I have been working as a freelance fashion and jewellery designer from the age of 15. I taught myself how to sew, how to make jewellery and I took it to a shop. They accepted me and put my clothing in the shop window! I was very proud of achieving that after only been sewing for a month! Looking back my designs have come along so much since. I worked free-lance and then decided on my 24th birthday in March it’s time to focus on it as a full time career.
What support have you had?
I have had no real support in starting House of Wonderland. I am currently in the process of applying for support via business gateway and I am hoping that this will help develop my business skills and allow me to take my business to the next level.
Where did you study and work prior to launching house of wonderland?
I am mainly self-taught in my sewing and jewellery. I did study at the Edinburgh Telford College on a HND theatre costume course which helped me affirm my sewing skills. I have mainly learned most of my skill through trial and error, books and tutorials online. Prior to starting House of Wonderland I was working as a self-employed designer and sewing my own jewellery and clothing world-wide.
How have those experiences helped you?
I feel I have learned that when doing a fashion or jewellery company that you can’t spend your whole time creating new designs! There is a lot more to it. With my previous work I made things and sold them because I had no room for them! It was more of a hobby! When doing it as a business most of the time is spent networking, promoting, working on photo-shoots etc. My self-taught and college skills have taught me about new materials and ways to work with them. This has allowed me to create whatever I can dream up!
What is your favorite design from your collection?
That is so hard to choose! …I’m currently in love with our tattoo heart collection and the killer queen double heart necklace. I have kept one for myself and I wear it every day! It ALWAYS gets complements!
What has been the best part of making and selling your own jewelry so far?
I get a lot of satisfaction of making and selling my designs… Knowing that someone is wearing something that I created by hand is very fulfilling. I have also made friends with lots of wonderful creative people! Designers, models, and boutique owners they are all fantastic and very supportive.
Where would you like to take the business?
I would like to travel and source new materials to create more outrageously cute designs! I would like to see my designs worldwide! Having only started in late march I am currently supplying nearly 20 boutiques and counting! I would love to have them in high street stores and more independent shops! Watch this space!
Check out House of Wonderland here! http://www.house-of-wonderland.com/
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