Kylie Loy: Artist of the week - Chantelle from chantillybowtique

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Artist of the week - Chantelle from chantillybowtique

My featured artist if the week is Chantelle from chantillybowtique. I just had to feature her, please go and check out her store she make the most adorable hair accessories. I am gushing over her items as I have a son, Hudson, so there is now chance of me putting these on his head. I love them because they are so girly and so pretty, the quality is outstanding, and colours which is a huge part of my inspiration are super bright, bold, and sooooo happy. Her interview is fab, read on.....

1)Tell us a bit about yourself?

Well, my name is Chantelle and I'm 32 years old. I'm a wife and mum to a sassy 4 year old girl, Holly and a 2 year old very boyish boy, Luke. I live in Sydney and run Chantilly Bowtique from home. I'm a chocoholic, lollyholic and of course hence my business a ribbonholic! I love getting creative in my 'Bow Studio' surrounded by endless amounts of ribbon and embellishments and armed with my glue gun! I also dabble in a little bit of Polymer Clay.

2)Where did your business name come from?

I came up with the name Chantilly Bowtique because my name is Chantelle and ever since I can remember, my family have always sung 'Chantilly Lace' by the Big Bopper to me. Because I create childrens products it was great way to go back to my childhood.

3)Tell us a bit about your business?

I've always loved dressing my little girl in girly outfits and just needed something to complete them. I started make hair bows and then after friends and family and then strangers started commenting on them, I decided to give it a go and start selling. I create boutique hair bows, headbands, bow holders, and clippies for babies, toddlers and little girls. As well as selling online, I now supply my Bows to a few boutiques around Australia and hope to secure more in the future.

4)What inspires you to create what you make?

Colour and my kids! I adore bright colours. Even in winter, my little girl is getting around in bright colours. I usually check out what the favourite colours are of the season and then go from there.

5)What do you think is the key to achieving successful sales?

First of all you need a top quality product that will last. You need to have a friendly customer service as well as a prompt service. I think you also have to step outside of your own tastes sometimes. I know what I love but not always what the customer loves. That's why I'm more than happy to do custom orders for my clients.

6)What is your favourite music/artist/movie/book/website?

I love dancing so my favourite music is anything that I can groove too. Mmmm, favourite artist, I have many. I'm a big fan of Pink, I like Amy Perry, Kylie, Kings of Leon and Empire of the Sun. My favourite movie of all time is Braveheart. I cannot tell you how many times I've seen it. Oh and I cannot get enough of Grease! I don't really have a favourite book. I tend to read non fiction type books when I get the time. I enjoy reading about the real lives of intriguing people.I have lots of favourite websites. Of course I love etsy, ebay. Anywhere I can shop really!

7)If you could interview anybody in the world who would it be?

Ooh, I'd love to interview Pink. She's just such a down to earth type of girl. Great music, she loves Australia and her name's a colour and I happen to love that colour!

8)Where is your next holiday destination?

Koh Samui, in Thailand. It's not booked yet, but all in good time. The last time we were there was when Holly was 10 months old, so it's been a while. I just love the relaxed culture, the food, the people are incredible and the scenery is just amazing.