BlytheLife.com opened in July 2010 and is a blog and resource hub for all things Blythe!
Interview with Olga of Blythemia & Giveaway!
Written on April 19, 2013 at 12:00 pm by MichelleFiled under: Featured, Giveaway with tags: Blythemia
I recently got the chance to interview Olga, the creative mind behind Blythemia – a lovely Etsy shop that sells crocheted items for Blythe! As English is not Olga’s primary language, I edited some of her answers for clarity only, and maintained the meaning of her answers.
Hi Olga! What can you tell us about yourself?
What first thing I have to say about me is that I am very reserved. I am 50 years old and I have two teenage children who live with me. I married twice. The relationship with my ex-husband is great. I’ve always loved everything about art, children’s artwork, toys … the one hand, and on the other, the gothic, dark, cemeteries, abandoned places…
How did you discover Blythe? Who’s in your doll family?
I discovered these dolls for a TV commercial, Babaria, and from the first moment I fell in love with them, looked on YouTube and there it all began. My first intention was to open a store for Blythe, but I did not have to look far to realize that was impossible. For a while I abandoned this hobby because it was preparing a competition for City Hall my city for now I have only one Blythe, a Simply Lilac.
How did you get started with crafting for Blythe?
Unfortunately I could not work in City Hall. The month of July 2012 was held DollyOlé in my city and I went with a friend who is really into this Blythe world. There I came up with the idea to make clothes and hats for Blythe, because two months earlier had begun to crochet. I’m entirely self-taught, I learned everything myself with the help of YouTube and Pinterest.
Where do you find your creative spark for your designs?
I guess the things that I like. Also bought patterns from other vendors. Right now my best selling product is not an original design of mine, the viking hat, it is a pattern I bought on Etsy.
Which design that you have made so far is your favourite? Why?
I have much enthusiasm when I do something new, I make two or three of the same model. But none is like another, they always have differences among themselves.
How did it make you feel when you made your very first sale?
I was very nervous and very excited. I called the friend who I accompanied to DollyOlé to tell them before answering the customer.
How has starting you own business influenced the way you interact with others in the Blythe community?
The first thing I did was to have a store on Etsy. I began to interact with it (circles, treasure, etc.). In Facebook, I was pointed at Blythe groups and letting me know.
What was the most challenging part of starting your own shop?
Language, as everything is in English. Despite having knowledge of the language, it becomes difficult to communicate.
What kind of new things do you have planned for your shop that you can tell us about?
Every day I discover new ways to let me know, like your website. In this moment I am working in a style challenge on the Blythe Kingdom forum.The theme is: Mori Girl! Also I am make rugs, garlands, cushions for Blythe scenes.
Thank you so much for doing this interview with me! What kind of advice do you have for someone who’s starting up their own business online?
The advice you need from me? Lol. I think “if I like it, someone else will have to like” and conversely, “I do not like it but I’m sure someone if” is a matter of who you know. I warmly thank you to give us a chance.
You can find out more about Olga and her fantastic crocheted works on her Etsy shop, Blythemia.
Flowered Hat Giveaway!
Olga has generously decided to giveaway a flowered crochet hat for one lucky person here on BlytheLife!
The giveaway runs until Saturday April 27th 2013 at 11:59pm Pacific. The draw will be held on Sunday April 28th 2013 and the winner will be announced on BlytheLife.com. Remember to use a valid email address for all comments. If you win, your email will be forwarded to Olga so she can get in contact with you regarding sending you the prize.
Please only use one email address per person, those using multiple email addresses for more entries will be disqualified.
What a nice interview! I really love the Viking hat. 🙂
I love learning about all the creative people in the Blythe community!
I love reading how people find Blythe. I love the Viking hat! So different!
Lovely interview! I’ve seen Olga’s darling little creations and think they are wonderful!
Hi there, just found your blog, I love it – I will bookmark Olga’s Etsy shop, her creations look lovley!
This was a lovely interview! And really beautiful hats
Interesting interview. I’m a self-taught crocheter too 🙂
Fantastic, So envious of of every crocheter ever!
Hey everyone, I’ve gotten a few emails regarding confirming entries via Rafflecopter (the neat little box at the bottom of the interview).
If it reads “0/7 entries earned”, that means you have NOT successfully entered an entry into the giveaway. In order to enter, you need to click “+1”, do what it requires (e.g. comment) and then click “Enter!”. If you have successfully entered, it will read “1/7 entries earned” for you.
Cheers,
Michelle
great work!
What a great interview! I’m excited to check out Olga’s shop!!
Loved reading about you Olga in your interview. I follow your work and love it <3 xox
I adore crochette and knitted thing, because I cannot do them myself! Beautiful work!
After seeing such wonderful crochet designs it makes me want to learn! Fabulous work 🙂
Google got me here and it’s nice to learn about Olga and her pretty crochets. The flower hats are adorable.
How lovely creations! i love all kinds of crochet stuff, and the wiking hat is fantastic! 🙂
Aw, I have seen her work recently on Etsy! This grey flower hat in my favorites<3 I love the variety in her shop from hats to blankets!
Muchas gracias a todas.
Me encanta el haber colaborado en Blythelife.com.
A finales de mayo pondré a la venta unos vestidos muy bonitos que he hecho para el Mori challenger de Blythe Kindom forum.
Congratulations to Nina.
Gracias Michelle por darme esta oportunidad.
Thank you very much to all.
I love collaborating in Blythelife.com.
In late May I will put up for sale some very nice dresses I made for the Mori challenger in the Blythe Kindom forum.
Congratulations to Nina.
Thanks Michelle for giving me this opportunity.