Modern Monday :: Cicada Studio

Let’s meet a very busy lady who not only owns and runs a beautiful textile shop but recently joined forces to open an organic on-line fabric shop. So without further ado, here’s the ever talented Michelle.

Hi Michelle! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m a mom, wife, and a creative entrepreneur and all around busy lady. LIke, really busy. Like, really, really busy. So, I guess that also makes me a fruitcake. My primary business product is textiles- I’ve held a shop on Etsy for about 2 years and have seen great success with my cotton/linen blend fabrics, which are ideal for crafting and home decor. More recently, I joined forces with a former colleague and created Cloud9 Fabrics which specializes in 100% organic cotton prints for the quilting and craft market. Our first collection, My Happy Garden, is due out this September. I also license artwork to Henry Glass & Co, for the traditional cotton quilt market- my second collection, Shade Garden is due out, also in September. Currently I’m working on the next collections for both Cloud9 and Henry Glass.

How did you get started?
I’ve always always always been creative. It wasn’t until after 15 years as a textile designer and design director in the garment industry that I really felt the pull to do my own thing and try to be successful and self-supportive. I started by doing graphics work, then it led to greeting cards, and now it’s come full circle to textiles again. I feel I’m where I belong. Thankfully, it did not take me years and years to figure out.

Why did you create Cicada Daydream?
My blog originated from my desire to learn about them. They really eluded me… yet, everyone seemed to have one. When I dove it that day, I figured it to be an inspiration board of sorts- a place to keep all my visual notes. Since then it’s morphed into so much more- business happenings, life, food, products I love, etc.

Earthly Delights Sampler

Where did the name originate from?
I’ve always had a fascination with cicadas- from my earliest memory I can remember loving their song and the contrast between their rather monstrous look and gentle nature. After a visit to the south of France with my family, I realized others also enjoyed them and was fortunate to get little trinkets with their image. Cicadas symbolize rebirth to certain cultures and as my business was sort of a renewed interest in my own work, without hesitation, I knew it would be Cicada Studio.

What is a typical work day for you?
Ugh… it’s a little like drudgery: Get up way too early with the kids, try to accomplish emails and twitter while they eat, then get them off to school, come right home and work for 5 hours, then go and pick them up, then try to squeeze in work between non-needed times. My typical work day is spent primarily at my computer. I design, source, communicate and get inspiration from my chair. Another part of my day is packing up and shipping out orders. On slower days, I try to do some sewing. I just roll with the (ever-growing) to-do list, basically.

What are your best selling designs?
I’ve had some steady sellers- not sure exactly is the tops though:
Feeding the Birds
Queen Anne’s Lace
Grass Mod Quad
Dandelion
Wild Mushrooms
Queen Anne’s Lace

What is your muse/inspiration? -How would you describe your style?
I’m an internet junkie, and anything that crosses my path is pickings for my creativity. I also enjoy gardening and nature and I believe that reflects in my work. Stylistically, I’m drawn to Mid-century Modern and Art Nouveau styles. I like simple, clean and almost whimsical motifs. I tend to work in collections, so one print can be supported by another.

Do you have any business advice/keys to success for new businesses?
Do your homework. It’s nice to have an idea- and a plan, but you really need to understand the market you want to sell to in order to make it successful. Formulate goals and try to stick to them… but at the same time be flexible in case opportunities come your way. Work hard and enjoy your craft- try to keep the passion alive!

What are your favorite hobbies?
Gardening, probably. I don’t really have time for any hobbies. I can’t even sit down to read a magazine, it seems. I would like to do embroidery and sew more. Or take a life drawing class, like I used to years ago, to keep my drawing hand sharp… but all this is put to the side for now- such busy times. I really do feel the loss of free time, though. It gets to me that I can’t just be creative for the sheer enjoyment of it.

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to give us a little insight!

Where to find Michelle:
Etsy Shop
Blog
Cloud 9
Twitter