... a Giveaway!

This is an exciting day for me – the day of my first giveaway! Keep reading to find out more.

Quirky Beauty is a shop full of absolutely beautiful hairpieces and other accessories. As someone who enjoys nature, I find Dana’s nature-inspired pieces just gorgeous.



Dana kindly answered some interview questions for us so that we could get to know her. Here’s what she had to say:

Tell us a little about yourself. Do you have a family? Pets?
I'm a newlywed. Married almost 1 whole year to my wonderful husband, Harry. He is a professional photographer (he also takes all of the quirkybeauty photos!). Here's his website: www.harrygils.com. We have two cats, Kitty (girl) and Basil (boy) who are very spoiled and loved.

How and when did you get started making beaded headbands and other accessories?
I'm trained as a painter and a fashion stylist for some big department stores in Toronto. I would often make headpieces for mannequins and other props. (You can see some of my work on my website www.dcowie.com) When I was planning my wedding look I decided to make my own headpiece. I wasn't finding anything out there that was what I wanted so I started experimenting. That lead to messing about with beads and sewing until I found my passion for beading. It took several months to iron out my line on Etsy through trial and error.

What is your favorite item to make? Do you have any you dread?
I love starting a new project. I'll have an idea and sketch it out then I'll just start working and see what happens. I don't dread anything in terms of making my accessories. I just dread not pleasing people. I'm a real people-pleaser by nature which can be good or bad depending.

What does a typical weekday look like for you?
I wake up and immediately make coffee (french press!). I then check my emails, get dressed etc. Then I get sewing immediately. Each piece takes me anywhere from 1.5 - 5 hours to make as they are all hand sewn/beaded. I usually listen to some favorite Brit coms or music while I work. Then I package them up and walk to the post office for shipping!

Where do you see your business in 10 years?
I'm hoping to be still creating wonderful accessories and hopefully making some clothing. My mother raised me with all hand made clothes and I would love to make my own and include them in the line. We shall see. A lot can happen in 10 years. I'd like to be in international shops and more magazines. I have big goals.

What is one of the largest obstacles you have had to overcome with your business?
I suppose I have to come to grips with lulls in the business. Sometimes it can be so busy and other days it can be quite slow. I love to work (work-a-holic!)and keep busy and can be quite obsessive about my shop. I've been learning how to use that time to make new designs and market my line.

What inspires your new designs?
I take inspiration from nature, history and architecture mostly. I love fashion and always keep in the loop about what's going on (I've been doing that since I was a little girl in the 80's). I'm also a huge anglophile and am inspired by the English and their aesthetic.

Do you have any favorite traditions?
I don't know if I have any traditions...I am a family girl, I love family dinners. I lead a simple life and I live to make things. As long as I'm making things and doing it on my own turf I'm happy.

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Dana of Quirky Beauty is so generous to be giving away this beautiful headpiece, great for any occasion, and in perfect time for spring!

 

To enter, all you need to do is tell me what your favorite thing is about SPRING, and please leave me a way to contact you as well.
I’ll use random.org to choose a winner on Monday, April 5th!