We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mandy Seal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mandy below.
Mandy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s talk about social media – do you manage your own or do you have someone or a company that handles it for you? Why did you make the choice you did?
I run my own social media pages. I used to post my work on my personal pages, and when Instagram opened up multiple “tabs” where you can use multiple accounts on your app, I quickly created my brand. Such a simple move that really benefits small business owners. Separating the majority of your personal life from your business has been a smart move. Don’t get me wrong, people love to know you. Customers want to know who they’re supporting so I always make sure to keep details of myself and my life visible to the world. I think there is a fine line, and it’s a fun one to ride on.
Mandy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My grandma taught me how to hand sew when I was just a wee thing. I used to sew feathers and random things I’d find around the house onto my shirts. I knew right away I enjoyed making one of a kind pieces. I started writing poems and lyrics onto my pants in middle school and flipping them inside out to try and start a trend. I always liked to push boundaries of fashion standards and make heads turn. I absolutely LOVE creating. I like to listen to the client, and get a feel for what they need. I don’t follow any “sewist” rules. I taught myself how to use a sewing machine and learned hands on so I know a few of the things I do while sewing are quite different than that of your average seamstress. I have never used patterns. I’ve always prided myself on being an “Anarchist Seamstress”. Hehe! I enjoy customizing and making sure my pieces aren’t a one size fits all so to speak. Everything for you, by me xoxo
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Be Present. Be Active. A lot has changed since I first started my Social Media Account for my business. In the beginning, we weren’t offered features such as ads and the algorithms were very different. I stayed very engaged with like minded individuals. I would make friends in the horror scene(my clothing is spooky!) and make sure to like and follow pages with the same aesthetics! It seems like it would have been all fun, games and chatting- but in reality it was so time consuming and tiring to be present so much. I am thankful for modern day ads and having amazing followers who share me and post my items. It’s so heartwarming. Basically you need to stay active with people who support you! They will only continue to help you grow. Be Kind! Stay Humble. It’s that simple. People radiate towards warm energy.
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
I LOVE my cash baddies. Y’all know what’s up when it comes to supporting small business xoxo But, I do use Etsy. The fees do deter me some days, but lately they’ve offered a few extra perks to help small businesses keep some of the money that went to fees. I started with Etsy very early on because it was such a trusted site. Some people didn’t feel comfortable giving cash or sending electronic money because they assumed they could get scammed with no buyer protection. That made sense to me, but I’m hoping to explore more sites soon when I have a little down time. I do okay on there(some months better than others). I feel as if I have built a positive reputation at this point in time where I have gained the public’s faith. I want them to know they can trust me and know I won’t do them dirty. It’s okay for now, but I always want to remind people that Cash is King/Queen!
Contact Info:
- Website: monstersewingbymandy.Etsy.com
- Instagram: Monsterunderyourbedclothing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonsterUnderYourBedClothing?mibextid=2JQ9oc
- Other: Etsy: monstersewingbymandy.Etsy.com