Get To Know: Vanessa Brady of Gerbera Designs

Meet Vanessa Brady of Gerbera Designs

She is such a sweetie and makes some of the coolest stuff. I absolutely love visiting her site and even learning more about what her cute doggies and kitty are up to!

What is it that you design and create?
For my business, I design and sew iPod accessories. When I’m not working, I like to cook, sleep and make fun of my dogs.

What is your favorite part of the design process?

The “Ah-Ha!” moment, when you come up with a perfect way to execute a new product. You never know when it’s going to hit you so I always try to have a sketchpad and pencil with me. Doesn’t always work that way, though. I still have some of my old sketches on the back of napkins and receipts.

How did you come up with your business name?

I didn’t want to go with just my name (Vanessa Designs just doesn’t sound catchy) so I picked something that always makes me smile, Gerbera Daisies.

Who or what inspires you?

It’s such a cliché but I’m really going to have to go with my Mom. She taught me how to sew when I was about 10 and she’s still, to this day, able to give me shortcuts and pointers to sewing. She’s an amazing woman.

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?

Find your support! Whether it’s an Artist’s Guild in the real world or forums like TSB, Etsy or Craftster. Find people who have already gone through the often crazy beginnings of an indie startup. Also, start forming a tough outer skin. Not everyone’s going to like what you’re doing. Learn how to take every comment (good and bad) with a pinch of salt, there are always many motivations to why people say and react a certain way.

What’s on your iPod/music player right now?

Ooo, fun question! I have way too much music on Hal (that’s what I like to call him) to list but lately I’ve been really into listening to old Queen, Willie in Austin, Bob Schneider and Michael Franti. I just got back from a trip to Chicago so I uploaded a ton of Lost episodes. Let me just tell you, definitely not the best show to watch when flying!

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?

I’m really bad at keeping track of what time shows are on so I watch everything a few months late on dvd or iTunes. Right now, we’re halfway through the first season of Lost and are absolutely addicted. A while ago it was 24 and I predict in a few months it’ll be The Office.

What was the last movie you watched?

The Getaway with Steve McQueen. Mmm, Steve McQueen.

What’s your favorite food?

Pizza and potatoes. But not together. I love my carbs! And nachos…mmm, nachos.

How about your favorite candy?

Any tamarindo candy from Mexico. My husband swears it’s probably toxic sewage gunk but oh how I love it so!

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?

A book store. I’ve always been a big reader. My mom use to punish me by taking away my books.

Any pets?

Ah, one of my favorite subjects! I have a grumpy 6 yr old cat named Kitty, Zefram our 2 yr old Golden Retriever and the newest addition, Clover, our sweet 9 month old rescue dog.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?

Ooo, I love to travel. I’m starting to plan a trip to Costa Rica…Jim doesn’t know it yet but I really want to go!

If you could be a superhero, what would your name be and what would be your superpowers?

Zipper Girl, able to perfectly sew in a zipper in seconds!

Any celebrity crushes?

Mmm, all the lovely men of Lost!

Such fun things to learn about a wonderful designer! Check out Gerbera Designs…

iPod Video Cover; Small Messenger Bag; Become a Robot-Special Edition iPod Cover:

XL Messenger Bag; iPod Nano Band; Button Hair Pins:

Hey! There’s always Free Shipping on all of Vanessa’s iPod covers. For Free Shipping on the great Messenger Bags use code “Mix My Plate“.