Another addition of my
Indie Interviews brings us to
Mando, a shop on Etsy that sparked my interest when I read their profile. This is a mother and son team but by no means a typical one. Humorous, inspiring and sweet these two make for a truly fun interview. Read on about this dynamic duo and you might be inspired to grab your little one (or not so little one) by the hand and create something amazing yourselves.
Shop: Mando
Q: Tell us a bit about the people behind Mando.
Mando is Armando Javier (10) and Lynda Zamora (older than 10). We are both nutty artisans who are making some pretty good money hustling our wares (like the Little Match Girl) in the streets of Columbus, Ohio! It started out as allowance money and it has just blown up!
Q: How long have you been making your beautiful leather products? We have been working in leather for about two years. I have been a seamstress since 9. I have five sewing machines two Pfaffs, two Janomes and a Kenmore I got when I graduated from college. We also fight over leather tools, Mando is after me for more studio space. Prior to selling on ETSY, I design custom winter coats for women. Now that’s hard work!
Tan Leather Dog Collar
Q: Where did you learn your craft? Self taught, and the ever so helpful guys at Tandy leather. All three staff people there are leather artisans. When I grow up I wanna be just like Jeffrey White, at the Tandy Leather Store. He will have a shop on ETSY soon enough when he finishes all of his really cool lingerie.
Postage Paid Black Leather Cuff size 6
Q: What inspires you when you create? I am constantly looking at what people wear, fashion mags, artwork, what ever will give me visual ideas. I really like eyeballing the Renn (Rennaissance) crowd, now there's a group of artisans. My doodle book is full of ideas. I think women think I want to steal their handbags, because I stare at them so hard! I also walk up to people and feel their clothes. I just can’t help myself.
Q: If there was only one life lesson you could pass on to your son, what would it be? No matter how good you are, if you can’t convey your thoughts and ideas well, you will be lost in a sea of others. I tell him learn how to talk to people and get out and sell yourself. Marketing and Sales!
Jam for the Ladies Red Leather Cuff size 7
Q: Any advice for others wanting to start their own business? No overnight successes, its hard work, you better love what you do, because you will be doing it at 3am in the morning. Get over your ego, focus on your success, visualize it.. Did I say hard work (hard work), you will be broke for a while, but believe in yourself.
Q: Please pick 5 of your favorite Etsy shops and tell us why they are awesome.Dirty Sanchez - I love her descriptions, yet I have yet to get her soap. She is next on the list of things to buy.
CrotchStich - she can do any pic you like, and well lets face it, her own pics, are JUST GREAT!
Greenbelts - what a concept. Upcycling at its best!!!
Radcow - Iris has the best attitude, and the best belts!
Cyndiesmithdesigns - Her stuff is the bomb, I will always buy from her! I love copper and silver and copper and brass, and copper.
Sueded Brown Leather Wallet
Q: Any new products we can look forward to in the future? Eventually we will make men’s leather Belts, my BF is after me all the time for a good leather belt. More wallets. And more alternative work, like spikes, black leather, specialty work. We are getting lots of requests for some interesting stuff!
Working on a gallery outside the country now….Various art shows around town, COMFEST.com, Skully’s alternative craft fair, Columbus Winterfair
Skurk Leather Cuff size 6
Now back to work, for some reason I am feeling really exhausted!!!!
Lynda and Mando.
Thank you Lynda and Mando for such a fun interview!Aria Blog Readers: Please check back the week of
July 28th for a FABULOUS Mando Giveaway!
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