Gifts for children and grandchildren expands into unique shop

Today we are visiting with Gramma Mimi of Chicago, Illinois. Mimi owns Plain'n Simple by Mimi. She opened her store on February 1, 2012. She sews unique gifts for children and babies that are inspired by her children and grandchildren.

PlainnSimplebyMimi

How did you find Etsy?
I found Etsy through my oldest daughter, Joelle. She is a huge Etsy lover and kept planting the seed for me to join. I had been making my goodies for quite some time and getting the word out one ear at a time. I finally listened to her and checked it out. Etsy has been wonderful, and so much fun! Specifically the CIC team has been a huge lift to me personally and from a business view as well.




When you began creating, how did it enrich your life? Do you recall the inspiration for your first creation?

PlainnSimplebyMimi

Creating has always been something I love to do. I suppose my inspiration may have been a favored aunt. Aunt Mary Joyce is a woman whom I have admired all of my life. She always gardened, made all her clothes and those of her three daughters; her home was orderly; she was ambitious and capable. She and my uncle are still happily married after more than 60 years. I decided early on that I wanted to be like her.

I look at something, anything, and see in my mind what it could become. A branch in the woods on a walk could become a part of a fabric creation of wall art I might make, a colorful bed sheet could become children's' aprons, tote bags, drapes for a kitchen, a skirt. The list is endless. That served me well as a realtor for many years, and is something which I have applied in all of my endeavors in life. My children will all say I can make something out of anything.

Where can members find your creations on other social media venues? Facebook?  Pinterest? Twitter? Wanelo? 

PlainnSimplebyMimi

Other than Etsy, I do have a Facebook site, although it is not as developed as I would like it to be. Many of my items appear on Pinterest - which is another fun site with great ideas. I participate in several local crafty shows throughout the year, as well as the Farmer's Market in person all summer long. Many of the items I make are standard requests for family members and friends, with new ideas being hinted often. As each of my new grandchildren is born, so are ideas and their end products. I love this evolution.

What areas would you like to learn more about here on Etsy, such as photography, writing descriptions and listing titles, etc.?

I am still on a huge learning curve with Etsy, but as I see something else new, I keep asking questions and trying to make that avenue work for me. I love special orders, and have totally enjoyed making something unique for many different shoppers since joining.

My life has traveled in many different directions. I am so blessed to be on the road I'm on now. And I am truly thankful for the opportunity to have Etsy on my path!

PlainnSimplebyMimi

PlainnSimplebyMimi