We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shelly Daood. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shelly below.

Hi Shelly , thanks for joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I’ve always been a creative person and yes, I have challenging days when I don’t feel like being creative, just last week actually.  Like a 9-5 job and reporting to someone else, you have to keep pushing through on those hard days that you don’t feel at your top game.  Whether filling orders or dreaming up a new product, I’m thinking of my customers, what they want and how to fill their needs.  I also like to sprinkle in some creative items for myself if time allows. The long winter months are the best time for me to reset, recharge and revisit. Past experiences with a boss to report to wasn’t nearly as fulfilling as being a handmade business owner. I answer to my customers and that keeps me going all throughout the year.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Shelly Daood, owner and creator of Bound to be Creative handmade hats. I design and sew fabric hats for all seasons and sizes using my own patterns. Since I was 13 years old I’ve loved hats. My handmade hat business was born 15+ years ago when I was a stay at home mom. I could never find a cute hat that fit my head comfortably. They tugged, were scratchy, and too small, not to mention I was sick of wearing a baseball cap. They were all OS (one size). So, I began sketching hat patterns and sharpened my sewing skills. The result was a cute, plaid custom hat that I wore around town. When people started asking where I got my hat with starry eyes I knew I was on to something.  With most sales online through my websites, I also have a brick and mortar store for people to visit.

The last five years, my business now includes creating unique bags and occasional seasonal items. Using my hat fabric scraps, I also create upcycled stuffed Creative Cuddles, upcycled fabric scrap earrings and scarves – I’m sure I missed an item in there so I invite you to view my page at www.iwearhats.com and see what else I create.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Pushing the needle forward and cultivating my handmade business into my full time job didn’t come without some push back. I would hear everything from “when are you going to get a real job” to “it’s just a hobby”. This negative energy would often hit me in the face and I almost quit, multiple times, but a voice told me to keep going. The business side of things can be challenging for me and I’m always willing to learn. I discovered ways in my business to tap into other areas, aside from sewing, that I love to do. For instance, creative writing allows me to blog and speak to my subscribers about hats and help them wear functional handmade hats. Also, being a graphic designer by trade I get to create all my own visual content in my business message and beyond.

There’s something innate about where I came from and the way I’m wired, I must create. My supportive husband and family are amazing and a great sounding board. I was given a gift to create and as I continue to push the needle forward I try to remember I’m where I need to be and fulfill what I was designed to do. I am very grateful.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Simply put: buy handmade. Make connections with your makers and creative businesses. We live in a fast paced world and think we need things instantly. Slowing down and trusting the process of things includes knowing where your unique items come from and what goes into them. Support your local stores and your favorite makers by sharing with others your awesome experience. As creatives and supporters we need to lift each other up and lean on each other.

When you buy from small handmade businesses you’re getting an experience and unique items.  We love our craft and love sharing it with you. With Bound to be Creative you get a personal touch that goes into every handmade item down to the handwritten note and careful packaging. Knowing where your hat or item came from and the creative-owned business behind it supports possibility, sustainability and a dream.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://boundtobecreative.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boundtobecreative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boundtobecreativeshop
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@boundtobecreative