I had little or no interest in designing until... I had my second child and it was a boy. I already had my hands full with my daughter, I was trying to go back to school online and when I found out I was pregnant again I just didn't know how I was going to do it all.
So for one of my classes I decided to interview my sister, who is a seamstress and has had a number of various sewing jobs in different states. As I conducted the interview and started to grasp the fullness of what she was doing, not only the profit but the satisfaction and creative release my mind raced. I wanted to start something, I wanted to be able to create beautiful things and share them with other people.
When I found out I was having a boy I must say I was a bit discouraged... Cause let's face it, it's 10 times more fun shopping for girls. Then I thought, does it have to be? If I can't find cute boy clothes, I will design them! Inspired by parts of my late brother Jonathan "Duck" Moore's wardrobe I decided to create the "Duckington" line, which I haven't done a ton with since Jackson got older. But as they grow, and change I get inspired through my interests and hobbies and their interests to make new things. From Halloween costumes, to accessories, to pajama pants. As I create, I learn, and grow. The products continue to improve, and my skills get better each year.
After a couple years of selling the Duckington Onesies, I transitioned into Cat ears and Cat Tails. At the time there were only a few other Etsy shops that did this. It seemed like a growing market, and it was fun and unique. The tails I began with are nothing like the ones I make today. I've gone through multiple prototypes, ear styles, and dye baths developing what is currently in my shop.
Although the shop started out as a desire to make cute boy clothing for my newborn, it transitioned into a dream to be able to sustain my income while still being able to be with my children. My daughter was diagnosed with Autism when she was four, and it was important to me to be with her and keep her routine normal so that she could learn and grow without as much anxiety. For the first few years, she received disability and Etsy was a part-time job. In January 2022 she stopped qualifying for disability based on the results of her re-evaluation. She was eleven, and had completed her speech, behavioral, and occupational therapy. A brilliant student, and a brilliant artist, and the best friend anyone could have. At that point it became necessary to make it into a full-time income, and I can't wait to see how far it will go.
Etsy allows me to be with my kids, finish my degree, and do what I love all the time!