Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Hansel
Hi Emma, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started making shirts as a little hobby with no plans to make a business out of it. I remember posting a photo of a sweatshirt I made to match with my mom on my Instagram story (the hoodie that says minne-sota) and multiple people reached out asking how much it was and how they could order it. A few days later, I mentioned opening an Etsy shop for fun to my now husband and he said to go for it. I worked on a little fold up table in our guest room for a few hours each night after I got home from my full time job. Fast forward a couple of years and I was able to quit my office job and now I get to stay home with our one year old and run 320 Made full time. It has truly been a dream come true.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing that is worth it is ever easy. Running a business is hard. Finding time to balance everything is my biggest challenge. When I first started, I worked full time and spent any free time working on orders or creating new ideas which made me miss out on a lot of things with family and friends. Years later, I still struggle with finding balance. I am a wife, a mom, a friend, and a business owner. There is never enough time in the day.
Another challenge is trying to figure out what works and doesn’t work for your business. Throughout the years, I have done many different themed shirts but the Minnesota theme has always pulled me back.
Through the last few years, I have also created so many amazing friendships who truly help me along the way. Some started as customers and some are other business owners. 320 Made wouldn’t be where it is today without them.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I design Minnesota themed clothing that all Minnesotans can relate to. I set up as a vendor at a few different events throughout the fall and have sold out many times. Hearing from customers that my booth was too full to enter or receiving a photo of my booth from the street with a long line of customers waiting to check out makes me incredibly happy. Most designs I offer are exclusive and I created them myself.
You can find me at the Little Falls Arts and Crafts Fair and The Grape Stomp at Carlos Creek Winery this September.
I do some custom shirts and offer branding for other businesses as well. I tell everyone to wear their brand because you never know who may notice it when you are getting groceries or out for dinner.
In 2021, I started Our Heart Collection every February. I offer a “heart themed” design and donate the profit for Congenital Heart Defects Awareness. I had heart surgery 24 years ago, so this is very special to me. This year, we donated $1800 to a local family who’s 3 year old just had heart surgery last month. With the help of Layla and her siblings, they designed the hearts for our most recent Heart Collection. It means so much to me to be able to give back to the community that has given me so much.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
N/a
Pricing:
- Littles range from $15-$25
- T-shirts $25-$30
- Sweatshirts $45-$50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.320Made.com
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/320made
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/320made
- Other: 320made@gmail.com
