Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Murphy.
Hi Amber, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I never learned to sew with the idea of making money – I actually learned to sew with the intent to save money. On Mother’s Day in 2018, I asked my husband if we could cash in our change jar to buy a used sewing machine on Facebook Marketplace. I wanted to use thrift store sheets to make curtains and tablecloths and pajamas for our first baby. Anything I could make to help our first apartment as a family feel like home, while on an extremely tight budget. He said yes and with youtube, some beginner sewing groups on Facebook, and my great-auntie, I mostly taught myself how to sew and fell in LOVE.
Fast forward two years and two more kids I was tired of thinking “Headbands just don’t work for my head” I loved the look of them, and knew that would help my “messy mom bun” days look more put together. I was tired of store-bought ones always either sliding off or giving me terrible headaches. I thought “I bet I could find a pattern and tweak it to fit me.” And I did. And knew I had to share it with other women who had also convinced themselves their heads were “too big” or “too odd shaped.”
We used profits from the business to help us buy our first home and get out of government housing.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
No, it hasn’t. I struggled so much with product photography in the beginning (and am learning more every day!) I went from taking pictures of my headbands on a white poster board with scissors and thread around them, to pictures of them around a paper cutout of a head flat on the ground with the grass still showing, to now modeling them for an “action” shot and playing around with editing!
Another huge struggle has been believing I was worthy of any of it. That others would want my headbands and that they would make them feel as good and stylish as they made me feel! I get SO excited when I see someone around town wearing my headbands, or when someone tags me on social media. I could pinch myself.
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 have a HUGE passion for being waste-conscious. I use my fabric scraps to make my color block scrunchies – 3 smaller pieces of coordinating colors and prints sewn together into one scrunchie. I try everything I can to not waste anything.
I also share the behind the scenes of doing markets with my followers, which they really seem to enjoy. Before I ever did any kind of pop up or craft fair I never considered the seller side of things. I feel that sharing what I can of the business side of things its really gained trust between us and has opened doors to deepening our relationship!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My sister Ashley has always been a huge supporter. She can bounce design ideas with me and has always encouraged me that my headbands are something worth putting out there.
My friend Holly Overcashier has always been like a mentor to me as well. I know I can count on her for heartfelt honesty when there’s something I might have overlooked in a design and she always leaves me with hope and the message to keep dreaming big and doing what I do. Plus, she models my headbands for me and that saves me so much time. I appreciate you so much, Holly!
I have also been very fortunate in that at craft fairs I’ve had other makers kind of take me under their wing and give advice and tips on good shows they’ve done in the past. We have so much to glean from the older generations!
I’m sure there are many more people I’m forgetting. But I’m truly grateful to anyone who has had a kind or encouraging word to say.
Pricing:
- Headbands-$12
- Color block scrunchies- $5
- Knotties: $2
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebarefootedbobbin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebarefootedbobbin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBarefootedBobbin
