Hi.. today, for G, I'm really excited to showcase..
Ginny McMullen
Ginny is the co-owner of a fabulous wee store 'Swonderful' in Brooklyn, Wellington (NZ)...and the designer for the super cute online store Papercup. Ginny has been kind enough to let us have a sneak peek into her life... here's the lowdown...
Your name:
Ginny McMullen
Your Location:
The Swonderful Store is at 54 Cleveland Street, Brooklyn. Wellington
Your Website / Store:
www.papercup.etsy.com & soon to be www.diamondsea.etsy.com also!
Your Blog:
www.swonderful.co.nz
What is the name of your business?
Our shop is called Swonderful & our in house label is Papercup
What are the origins of your company name?
Swonderful is named after our most favourite Audrey Hepburn movie "Funny Face" If you haven't seen it, go get it today, it's a visual delight & then there's the singing & the dancing...
Papercup was a suggestion from my boyfriend, he said he would start a brother record label "Paper plate" but that hasn't really happened. But the name papercup just stuck with me, it's a lovely & cute name even if the connotations aren't all that pc anymore.
What do you create?
We make everything we can think of! Primarily clothing- mainly women's, but also men's tees & hoods. I also make jewellery & hand printed cards & my Mum whips up toys & baby sets.
What do you find inspiring about the location in which you live?
We have a really big open window in the studio (I work from home) the sun streams in & warms my back, plus the cat loves it & a happy cat is definitely inspiring for me. Also we are a short drive from the coast, in Summer it was so great to head down there after work with some hot chips & beer & have a poke around in the rock pools. :)
What else inspires you? / Where do you get inspiration for your projects?
We read a lot of magazines & heaps of blogs. I definitely believe in drawing inspiration from a range of sources. French movies, other talented designers & puppies.
If you have a 'day' job, what is it that you do?
Swonderful & Papercup are full time for us!
What keeps you creatively motivated?
Talking to other creative people, making yourself stay immersed in creative projects. I find the more I create/design the more creative I am. For me quantity becomes quality.
How would you describe the NZ craft / design scene at the moment?
It's totally taking off & it's so amazing to witness! We have customers telling us all the time how much they'd rather buy clothing/ design that is local/ handmade. The popularity of indie craft fairs like craft2.0 and craftwerk is a testament to this new kind of consumer (or anti consumer.) It's great to see new events popping up like Kraftbomb which will be a regular event in Auckland & all the press these indie craft projects have been getting too proves that it's here to stay.
What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Branding is really important- it helps your customer to identify exactly who you are & what you do. Most importantly do something that you love & believe in & persevere!
Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
Beci Orpin, Kozy n Dan, Keep, Lyell, Mooka Kiney, Skylark
Where do you love to shop? (brick and mortar and online)
First & foremost- Etsy.com. I used to love Bunny in Auckland, it was my fave shop! Skylark boutique in Auckland is also lovely. Our fave Wellington stores are Juniper, Wanda Harland, Madame Fancy Pants & Frutti.
What is on your wish list?
Every single style of Melissa shoes. I got a pair of gold brogues recently & they are the most fantastic shoes I ever owned. Ethical, environmentally friendly & cruelty free, plus they look damn good!
If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I would like to learn more about jewellery making & I would also love to do some pottery.
What's your definition of a perfect day? Tofu scramble at Maranui in the sun with some friends, then heading into town for a spot of shopping. Then going to the opening of Kozy n Dan's Wellington exhibition (sadly they have only showed in Auckland) meeting my favourite illustrators & drinking free wine. X
Thanks so much Ginny!
I hope you all feel inspired - here is another fabulous creative making a living out of what she does best!
Have a great day everyone - see you tomorrow for H!
