Michelle Bradshaw Author
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Tori Cochran of  Yours Truly  

12/26/2015

1 Comment

 
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Do you need something monogrammed? I'd like to introduce you to Tori Cochran of "Yours Truly". Here is our interview with her. Thank you Tori.

 

 
Candie and Michelle: Tell us about your business.
 
Tori Cochran: In January I started a vinyl monogramming business after getting a vinyl cutting machine for Christmas. I can make all kinds of things with it but I mainly do car decals and tshirts.


Candie and Michelle:  You are very talented so glad you started making things. How did you come up with the name “Yours Truly”?
 
Tori Cochran: One of the first things I made after Christmas was a monogrammed cake carrier. I was so proud that I had learned to use my machine that I posted a picture of the cake carrier on Facebook with the caption "made by yours truly." A friend commented that I should start selling monogrammed items and name my business Yours Truly so I just went with it thinking I wouldn't sell much. I never imagined my business would turn out like it has! 

Candie and Michelle:   What an amazing story! I love the name you chose.  Did you go to school for art or fashion? 
 
Tori Cochran: No, I graduated in August with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. I haven't taken an actual art class since eighth grade!

Candie and Michelle: Congrats on getting your bachelors. Thank you so much for what you do. Have you always been naturally talented and creative? 
 
Tori Cochran: No. Sometimes I have really good ideas but my artistic abilities don't go far past stick figures so I've never been able to follow through with them. I'm so thankful all of my work is done on the computer so I'm able to do so much more.

Candie and Michelle:   How long have you been monogramming?
 
Tori Cochran: I immediately started using my machine on Christmas Day last year (2014), so almost 10 months.

 Candie and Michelle:  Happy almost 1 year anniversary for your business! :) What is the most difficult part about monogramming? 
 
Tori Cochran:  I personally think that weeding is the most difficult part. After the machine cuts the design that I want, I have to remove all of the vinyl that isn't part of the design. It's not really that difficult it is just typically the most time consuming part of the process.

Candie and Michelle:  What things inspire you to make a certain item? 
 
 Tori Cochran:  I like to look on Etsy for ideas or to buy designs. Most of the time I find a design and then change it up a little to make it my own. I also like to use Pinterest for inspiration or even shirts or decals that I see around town. Of course holidays and special occasions get me excited for new designs because it's just another reason to wear a different monogram.

Candie and Michelle:  I love Etsy and Pinterest too. I, myself, have found inspiration in both places. What is your favorite thing you have monogrammed so far? 

 
Tori Cochran:  My favorite thing I have made would probably have to be my graduation cap. I was able to make it everything I wanted it to be and I was able to help some of my classmates out with theirs.

 
Candie and Michelle:  I saw it. It was pretty. :) Besides monogramming, do you have any other talents?
 
 
Tori Cochran:  I wouldn't say I'm an excellent baker or cook, but I love to do it. I can't currently think of anything else that I'm just really good at.

 Candie and Michelle:  :) Is it hard finding family time and running your business?
 
Tori Cochran:  Not really. My business is just for fun and to make a little bit of extra money. I try not to put business before anything else but I still try to have reasonable turn around times.

Candie and Michelle:  :) Is it hard going to school and running your business?
 
 Tori Cochran: I don't think there is really such thing as free time in nursing school, but I only monogrammed in my free time even if that was late at night. School was definitely my priority.

Candie and Michelle:  Good job on finishing school and starting your business. What advice would you give someone who is nervous about starting their own monogramming company?  
 
Tori Cochran:  Only start your own business if it's what you love to do. I have promised myself that I will sell my machine or at least stop selling items if it becomes more stressful than it is fun. Monogramming is my hobby and I don't want it to become a job.

Candie and Michelle:  Good advice. Explain how you price your items. 
 
Tori Cochran: I try to take into account how much the vinyl to make the item will cost, how much work it will take to make, and how quickly it needs to be done.

 Candie and Michelle:  How do our readers get in touch with you if they are interested in getting something monogrammed? 
 
Tori Cochran: 
You can like my Facebook page, Yours Truly, for my latest designs or to send me a message to order! 

 
Thank you so much Tori for taking the time to sit down with us. We look forward to having you back again. :)

                                               -Candie & Michelle 


1 Comment

Mandy Byers of Tycayria Jewels

12/21/2015

3 Comments

 
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We met Mandy Byers of Tycayria Jewels at the Cave Spring, Ga Pig Out. We loved her jewelry so much that we asked her to drop by our website. Here is the interview we had with her as well as some pictures of her beautiful creations. Thank you Mandy! :)



Candie and Michelle:
Tell us about yourself and  your business.

Mandy Byers:  
I started my business about 11 years ago after I had lost my job. A friend wore a hematite bracelet and I loved the way it looked. So stingy as I am, I went out and bought the material to make it, instead of paying for a bracelet....lol.  Well, the rest is history. I just love the way the hematite looks and feels and with all the different beads out there, I can make endless designs.

Candie and Michelle:  We are so glad you started your business. We love all you have to offer. How did you come up with the name “Tycayria Jewels”?

Mandy Byers:   
My son was writing a story (something like Lord of the Rings). In his story there was a town named Tycayria. I loved that name and that is where the name come from.

Candie and Michelle:
  How sweet. :) Have you always liked making jewelry and been naturally talented and creative?

Mandy Byers: 
No, was never a jewelry person at all. Never wore any till I came in contact with the hematite. Like I said, just fell in love with the way it felt and the looks. I think though that I have always been an artsy or creative person. I always like to make things, rather than to spend money on buying.  I used to paint a lot. Also crochet and knitted jackets and sold them. The crocheting is also part of my business now. Making purses out of crochet Soda-tabs.

 Candie and Michelle:
  You are very talented. How long have you been making jewelry?

Mandy Byers:  
I have been making jewelry for 11 years now.

 Candie and Michelle:
  What is the most difficult part about making jewelry?

Mandy Byers: 
Most difficult is probably making the disciples crosses. You have to bend 4 nails just perfectly together and wrap wire around them to form a perfect cross. Many blisters have come and gone from making crosses.lol

 Candie and Michelle:
  You make it look effortless. They are beautiful. What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you ever made?

Mandy Byers:  
All my pieces are my favorite. They are all like my little 'babies' that I send out in the world, to make other people happy. There is not a feeling like seeing the enjoyment on someone's face, when they put one of my necklaces on and say they love it. I have many customers that come back year after year building up their collection. Some of them have become great friends over the years.  (see facebook - Terri del Cano Williams)

Candie and Michelle:   :) How do our readers get in touch with you if they are interested in buying your jewelry?

Mandy Byers:
The best way to contact me is through my email tycayria@yahoo.com


Thank you so much Mandy for taking the time to sit down with us. We look forward to having you back again. :)

                                               -Candie & Michelle


3 Comments

    Fridays are for.....
      

    (This section is updated on "Fan Art Friday")

    (If you are interested in us sharing your artwork or purchasing a piece of art that you liked then email us at:

    michellejetton@yahoo.com
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