Featured Handmade Shop: KadhiBo & A Giveaway

I've always been attracted to tribal-inspired accessories so when I discovered KadhiBo on Etsy, I asked Kadhi if she would like to do this interview and she agreed right away.  I have so many favorites from her shop and most of them you see on this post.  And the great news is that one of you would win this Native American inspired beaded fringe earrings!  It's a best seller in her shop and it's also one of my best picks. I'm excited for the winner!  But first, let's get to know more about Kadhi, a dancer, poet, artist, traveler, mother and how she's able to bring her inspirations to life. . .

What's the inspiration behind your shop's name?  

I tried for many many months to think of that perfect, magical and catchy shop name, but nothing clicked. When I asked other shop owners and friends for advice on a shop name, many of them suggested I just use my first name - Kadhi - since it is unique.  My husband would use Kadhi-bo as a nickname for me, and I really liked how playful and balanced it felt, so I started using it on my business cards and in social media, and it just stuck. So I stayed with what worked, and I am happy I did!

How old is your shop?

I started selling on Etsy in 2010, but I really kicked it into high gear in this past year after giving birth to my son, Raphael.

What inspired you to start your own home business?

Being a full time mama to a little one can be quite depleting if I don't take breaks to do something for myself everyday.  I started making jewelry during my baby's naps as a way to take a little vacation from being a wife and mother.  Having this creative outlet has been so nourishing for me. It keeps me inspired and excited on the days that I am totally exhausted from being up all night with a teething baby!

Can you give us a peek on the creative process involved in your craft? 

Most of my pieces are inspired by my dream space.  Often times new ideas of color combinations will show up in my dreams, and if they were memorable enough, I'll sketch them in the morning and make something of it. Colors are the real inspiration for me.  I love playing with different color combinations and creating unique one of a kind pieces.  I also draw much inspiration from the vibrant hues and patterns in tribal textiles and jewelry.

What was the toughest challenge you faced so far?

Finding the confidence to present my work to the public without feeling self-conscious that it is not "______" enough.  The jewelry market is so saturated and there are plenty of other designers that work with some of the same materials as I do.  So the temptation to fall into a negative feedback loop of comparing myself to others is definitely there.



How did you get over it?

I stopped following trends, stopped comparing myself to other artists and just focused on enjoying my own creative process. I realize that if I make things that I love, that my creative passion will translate through the piece and make it stand out amongst the crowd.

Please Name:

the things you do when you're not busy in your shop:

I spend lots of quality time with my little guy at the park, I love to travel, tend to my garden, dance, get crafty, go on adventures with my friends, and eat gourmet food with my husband.

stuff inside your bag you can't leave home without:
lip cream, shades, tunes, scarf, a couple essential oils and perfume, skin cream, baby wipes!



 
your favorite shops:
I love wearing creations made by my younger sister, www.XangoShola.com

My friend Sadie always has nice vintage finds at Lost Boys and Lovers

And I absolutely adore this artist!


your top 3 favorite picks from your shop:

 gemstone necklace on gold-filled chain

turquoise statement necklace with geometric raw brass bar

   Native American long fringe earrings

What tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you? 

Do what you love! Be persistent! Work hard and commit yourself fully to getting your business off the ground.  It takes a lot of work to get a business up and running, so stick with it!

Any message to your customers and the people who support you? 

Since the early days of making jewelry, I have been supported by the loving encouragement from my family, friends, and especially my husband.  I am so grateful for their love and support!  I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such kind and caring people.

  

To see more of Kadhi's wearable art, visit her Etsy shop.  If you're into readable art, check her out here. You can also find her on Tumblr and Facebook.

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Must Do:

1. Follow Beautiful Rache on GFC. 

(If you're not yet a follower, simply click the follow button found on the sidebar)

2. Leave a Comment.

(Visit KadhiBo. Come back here and tell us your favorite item/s from the shop)

Additional entries:

LIKE KadhiBo on Facebook.

Blog or Tweet about this giveaway.

This giveaway is open to all Beautiful Rache followers. Entries will be accepted until Friday, February 22th, 12:00 AM HKT  Open for international readers.  Don't forget to check back on Friday for the announcement of the winner.  Or add me on Twitter to keep posted.

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BIG THANKS & HUGS

KadhiBo

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