Chicago Style Crafters

At long last!
Our second interview is with Shanna Hensler-McDonald, who's behind BigCityfuzz & BigCitysuds.

What's your business name, and tell us a bit about what you create?

Hi my name is Shanna Henlser-McDonald and I have two small craft shops on Etsy. One is called BigCityfuzz the other is BigCitysuds. BigCityfuzz is where I sell my wearable and hand held goods which are made from recycled fibers. BigCitysuds is my newest shops were I will be offering fragrant cold process soaps and lip balms.

You can find me on the net @

http://BigCityfuzz.etsy.com
http://BigCitysuds.etsy.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shannaukarch/
http://bigcityfuzz.blogspot.com/

Why did you go into this as an artist/artisan/crafter/designer?

I graduated with a degree in Architecture so I have always been into design and craftiness, but after landing a full time architecture job, I found that I needed more independent hands on creativity. I took up knitting and sewing and later soap making to satisfy my need creative spirit.

Why did you turn it into a business?

After moving to Chicago from Philadelphia, I found that Chicago has a wonderful crafting community offering oodles of opportunities for small craft based business. I figured why not give it a try.

What do you think is the best part of what you do?

I love the there is no end to what can be created, between my sewing and my soap making I am always thinking of new ideas. I also love that I am able to be home with my son while trying to running my small business.

The worst?

Time management is a hard one for me, there is always a long list of things I want to get done but it always takes me longer then I originally planned. Lately I have also been struggling with the branding of my business, creating a label and a unique look for BigCityfuzz and suds is something I am working on.

How do you get the word out about your business?

I mostly promote my business through word of mouth and the internet. I post my latest endeavors on facebook to tell my friends and family what I have been up to. I also upload pictures of my new products on my flickr page, while trying to update my blog here and there.

How do you feel about selling online, & what do you think is/are the biggest challenge/s there?

I am still pretty new to selling on line, I have had a shop for a while although I have not had many customers. I think the hardest part is getting shoppers into my store and getting them to take the plunge. I tend to do much better when they can try on the hat or smell the soap.

What do you like about your online presence (ie, your shop, you pictures, your copy)?

I am not sure if I have much of an on line presence, but I do like my name. No one else seams to be using Bigcityfuzz or BigCitysuds and that uniqueness makes me happy.

What don't you like, and what do you want to do to improve it?

I struggle with my photographs. Still photography has never held much interest for me. I have always been a people photographer. Getting consistent praiseworthy shots is something I am working on.

If there was one art/craft you could try, all expenses paid, what would that be?

Spinning my own yarn is something I would love try, but the cost of a spinning wheel is out of my reach right now.

Whose work are you digging right now?

Stitchindye. Her color combinations and craftsmanship are amazing.

What are you currently reading, online or off?

on line:

http://postsecret.blogspot.com/
http://girlscantell.typepad.com/
http://soapaholicsanonymous.blogspot.com/

off line:

The Soapmakers Companion
The Vein of Gold: A Journey to your Creative Heart
I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids: Reinventing Modern Motherhood

Currently listening to online or off?

http://thestory.org/
Pandora

Any advice or words of wisdom you'd like to impart upon fellow creative types?

Make sure you truly enjoy what you are creating and make things you really like. Try not to be intimidated by other out there, instead try and learn as much as you can from those who have had success in your craft.
Lastly never be afraid to try something new.