I would like to continue to discuss places where I sell.  Well, not really the places, but the act of selling.  Before going to any markets, I thought I would not like the selling part of the business.  I mean, I started with the idea of selling online, where I would not have to promote my creations in person.  Also, when I was teaching, I was always nervous before the first day of school and I was teaching high school students.  Once I knew them a little, I was fine, but that always took a couple of classes.  The night before my first street festival (the first event that I tried), I was quite nervous: Did I have enough products made? Would people like the products? Were the prices right? Would I be able to talk to people about my items? And so on.  After we finished setting up, and people started coming by our booth (I was sharing with one of my friends), I realized how fun it is to just say hi to people and talk to them.  It did not matter whether they were shopping or not, just seeing them walk by and talking to them was fun.  I tend to be an introvert, with my husband dragging me anywhere where there are more than just a couple of close friends, so it was a big surprise to both of us that I enjoyed meeting all these new people and talking to them.  I especially love when I have repeat customers come by and check out my stuff.  It is great to hear how much they like their purchases and seeing them trying to find something new.  I also like it when I see a little girl come by with a dress that either my mom or I made, or I catch a little boy “flying” by in a Mindys Makes superhero cape.  My regular market has been closed since the end of November, so I look forward to seeing these families in May, and I can see how much the kids have grown (hopefully they still fit into my clothes).

Welcome to my new webpage!!!  It may have taken a while, but it is here!  I am very excited and hope you find it easier and more enjoyable to use.  I think our products are displayed much better, I think the pictures are clearer, and I think it is easier to check out with exactly what you need.  Many thanks to Linda Tieu at www.calimeraweb.com for the amazing work. Please let me know what you think.

For those of you who have visited me before, welcome back.  Sorry it took so long to get the new page up and running, but the holidays and seasonal colds got the best of me, preventing me from doing my side of the work for the page (plus, you guys kept me busy with capes and other orders).  For those of you who are new, let me introduce the company:

Mindys Makes began in September 2010 after many suggestions from friends who liked the items I was creating for my son, my daughter and myself.  After my son was born six years ago, I used my mom’s sewing machine with my very basic knowledge of sewing (I could sew a mostly straight line) to make a baby blanket for my son.  It was fun so I made blankets for my friends’ new children.  Then I made burp cloths, took some lessons and received a new machine for Christmas.  From there I explored and expanded.

Mindys Makes began with just me, Mindy.  But my mom, Debbie, could not stay away.  She loves to make things for her grandchildren and has been sewing for most of her life, so she gladly joined me and now we work together to make unique, fun and colorful items for young children.  In addition to children’s items, I love taking a couple of pieces of fabric, playing around with them to shape them into purses.

Aside from creating and designing items to sell, I spend most of my time playing with my two children.  I have a son who is six and my daughter is three and a half (she would be very upset if I left off the half).  Before children, I spent my days educating high school students about the mysteries of the world, using physics.

Everything I make is something that I want to put on my daughter or son, or use myself.  One of the hardest things about this business is not keeping the dresses, aprons and flannel pants for my own children.  Often times, they come to visit me at the market and see something that they claim is “mine!”

Mindys Makes started as an online business with little direction of where to sell, but as the year progressed and summer came along, I discovered the farmer’s market.  It is a venue that I really enjoy and where I have found a little niche.  My most frequent farmers’ market is in Alexandria, Virginia at Ben Brenman Park, but I have also sold at the Fenton Street Market in Silver Spring, Maryland and at other craft shows, bazaars and street festivals in the area as well.   I will keep you updated as to where you can find me.  You can stay up to date by liking Mindys Makes on Facebook!