Why shop from big, impersonal retailers when you can support local artisans who create handmade gifts with love? We are so excited to introduce you to our featured maker of the week, Siera. If you're a parent or shopping for the perfect gift for a new baby, you'll love Handmade by Siera's custom onesies, natural baby toys, and lightweight, breathable swaddles. And her canvas wall banners add a modern and simplistic touch to any room! We can't wait to share the story of Handmade by Siera with you today!
Hi Siera! Thanks for chatting with us today. Can you please tell everyone a little about yourself?
Hello! I'm Siera, founder of Handmade By Siera. I live in Oak Cliff with my daughter and husband. We are expecting our second child next spring, so it's a busy but joyful time for us! As a stay-at-home parent and small business owner, I spend most of my days balancing toddler activities and creative projects. I also co-lead community art nights in our community and enjoy hanging out with people while creating. My hobbies include gardening, ceramics, hiking, and making gifts for friends! I take any chance I get to be outdoors, preferably with a cup of coffee, a good friend, and a pretty park or garden.
It sounds like you're building an incredible community! We're so glad you're a part of ours! What are you most excited about for the future?
I made the decision to start my business just under a year ago, and I am just blown away by the experiences and work I'm doing. As someone who loves to be creative, I realize that starting my own business was the best decision I've made in my career path. It's challenged me to try and fail, to be bold in goal setting, and work step by step to make my dreams become a reality. I've been welcomed and encouraged by women from my community and am developing some really great relationships. All of this excites me for future pop-ups and events to come.
Handmade by Siera Muslin swaddle blanket
You have so many great things going for you, and you're just getting started! We're so excited to follow your success through the years. Tell us about Handmade by Siera— what do you make, and how long have you been doing it?
My business is called Handmade By Siera. It's been a dream of mine to create and sell my makes. Ever since I can remember, I have been making handmade gifts for people. There is nothing like giving someone a personalized gift with carefully thought-out details. It brings me such joy! So far, I'm loving every minute of being a small business owner.
Getting to do what you love is such a gift! Why did you get involved with MMC?
I have always admired Mosaic, and it has always been my go-to spot when spending time in Bishop Arts. Katy, the founder of MMC, recently started a podcast called She Makes. I started listening to the podcast around the same time I began my business, and it provided me with great tips and motivation to keep going! Once I connected the dots that Katy's vision for She Makes/Mosaic was to empower female makers, I made it my goal to join! I just didn't expect the partnership to happen so quickly. But I am so happy it did!
We are so glad the podcast motivated you as you got your business started! Empowerment and encouragement are what we're all about! What are three words that best describe your work?
Memorable, Sustainable, and Elegant. Everything I create, I make by hand! I put a lot of heart into producing quality gifts that I would want to receive. I want my gifts to make a huge impression on the recipients. To be that gift that they remember that's both timeless and elegant. I'm a big believer in sustainably and do my best to purchase materials that are made responsibly.
Custom baby onesie
That's so important! We love that you're choosing materials that will leave the world a better place for the next generation. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Chicago at Christmas Time! I went to college in Chicago, so it has a special place in my heart. As a Christmas lover, there truly isn't another place I'd rather go during the holidays. A light snowfall, ice skating at Millennium Park, visiting the Christkindlemarket, enjoying a coffee, and some deep dish pizza... It's magic!
We love all things Christmas, too! Thank you for telling us all about your business and letting us get to know you, Siera! We're so glad to have you as a maker at Mosaic Makers Collective!
Want to learn more about our makers or shop Handmade by Siera? Check out these additional resources:
- Visit our shop in the Bishop Arts District
- Shop Handmade by Siera online
- Meet more of our Mosaic Makers on the Blog