Shop Around the Corner is a monthly series where I share a variety of fan-tas-tic small business owners that I think you’d really dig. It’s very important to me to share the love with fellow small business folks – the welcoming community of entrepreneurs I’ve met is quite strong, and there is so much incredible talent out there! I look forward to introducing you to great photographers, designers, shop owners…the list goes on and on!
Happy Wednesday, and welcome to another Shop Around the Corner! Today I’d like to introduce you to Joanna of Ivey Expressions. We met at the Influence Conference last year, and I have been itching to purchase one of her gorgeous bags since. I’m happy to be sharing her business with you today! If you’re ready for a new spring purse, check out her Etsy shop and Facebook page – and read on!
Tell us about your business!
My name is Joanna Ivey and I am the designer and seamstress behind Ivey Expressions. I am a stay-at-home mom and I have two daughters, Madisyn (18) and Zuri (6). My husband and I have our own photography business, Imago Photography (www.imagopix.com). We have been photographing weddings and events for about 7 years now. Our photography business got my creativity going again and I decided to start making bags and purses to sell on Etsy. Sewing is a really fun and creative outlet for me, it allows me to express my personality and ideas, and make it into something pretty. My husband was a big help/encouragement in this undertaking as well as my mom and rest of my family.
What made you decide to open your shop?
At first it was just a hobby and a need to create and challenge myself, but then due to a situation we were walking through at the time with our youngest daughter, we needed the extra income and I started praying maybe I could make the extra we needed through sewing. God has been so faithful to see us through.
Where do you find inspiration?
Oh gosh, I guess mostly fabrics inspire me, and pretty things in general get my creative juice flowing.
Favorite item that you sell?
The Ivey Wristlet Wallet, Lizzy Clutch, Kathryn Clutch, Madiysn tote, and the Jamie Leigh purse
Any advice for those just starting out?
Start small, keep out of debt, and set goals.
Story or moment in business that was memorable or impactful:
I think when I started donating to adoption funds and really seeing hearing the stories of helping people reach their financial goals. It was so wonderful to be a part of that and by having something that would sell and bring profit for their adoption fund.
Favorite tv show:
House of Cards, Nashville
Favorite ice cream flavor:
I don’t eat ice cream, haha!
Favorite vacation spot:
The beach and exploring other countries and cultures
Favorite way to spend a Saturday afternoon:
I shoot weddings with my husband most Saturdays, so if we do have a day off, I want to do nothing!
Favorite part of running your business:
Being creative, designing, buying fabrics, and it’s so lovely to see hear that people are loving their new Ivey bag!
Thank you again, Joanna! Be sure to visit her site and create your own custom bag through her Etsy shop soon!
The post Shop Around the Corner | Ivey Expressions appeared first on Simply M Photography | Middle Tennessee.
