Interview with: Marvellous Mouse Designs

Meet the Mom Behind Marvellous Mouse Designs!

Who is Marvellous Mouse Designs? Where are you located?
I am the sole designer and manufacturer behind Marvellous Mouse Designs. My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 9 on a hand-cranked Singer machine during the summers I spent in England.

Retro-inspired creations with a modern twist are a cornerstone of my designs. I am heavily influenced by the simple beauty of the Arts & Crafts movement, the stark contrast of the Pop art era, and the romance meets kitchy-ness of the 1950s and 1960s.

I am located in Ontario, Canada.


How did you come up with your business name?
My business name is very personal to me. My nickname in high school was Mouse and my original eBay ID was marvellous_mouse. When I decided to sell my designs on eBay, I wanted to keep that personal meaning, so I came up with Marvellous Mouse Designs.


When and why did you decide to start your own business?
My company was born when I was pregnant with my daughter and could not find a diaper bag that met my needs aesthetically or practically. So I took matters into my own hands and made one myself. I received so many compliments and requests that I decided to see what would happen if I offered them on eBay. I have been selling my designs for over 3 years now and opened an Etsy shop this year. I also have exclusive sales on my blog throughout the year.

My portfolio has since grown to include tote bags, handbags, women's aprons, and hand printed t-shirts.


How did you get started?
My business began when I was pregnant with my daughter. I had a strong nesting instinct as well as bilateral sciatica, so I needed an activity that would both satisfy me creatively, as well as allow me to move around freely, alleviating my sciatica.

I have a strong belief that boutique items should be affordable. I continue to strive to provide high-quality designs at affordable prices. All of my totes and handbags are lined with beautiful and durable oilcloth. Oilcloth is an incredible PVC-like textile that is stain and fade resistant and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. A must for any woman on the go!



What motivates you to keep your business going?
My wonderful family and clients. The support and wonderful feedback I have received fuels me creatively.


Do you have a particular product that's unique, a best seller, or that you are promoting on your site?
Yes. My Signature Fat Quarter Handbag(c) and Boutique All-Purpose Tote(c) are two of my signature designs and my eBooks sell very well.

Recently, I have been given the incredible opportunity to design and print t-shirts for an amazing band called Almost Amy (www.almost-amy.com). Fronted by Mark Ballas and Derek Hough of Dancing with the Stars, this band is an eclectic mix of blues, funk, and rock - a definite must-hear!

You can purchase any of my designs or my eBooks by following the links on my site: http://marvellousmousedesigns.blogspot.com/.


How do you juggle family and work at home?
Very carefully! As I am a full-time SAHM, I confine my work hours to nap time or in the evenings, after my daughter has gone to bed. I strive to maintain an optimal work-life balance on a daily basis.



What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
Do what you love and go for it. For everything you design, there are people out there that will love it as much as you do. Persevere. Believe.


Visit Marvellous Mouse Designs at: http://marvellousmousedesigns.blogspot.com/


Current promotions/specials at Marvellous Mouse Designs:
Shipping is always FREE on all items purchased in my Etsy Shop or on my blog.