Crafty Divas and Entrepreneurial Empresses

September 2004's Diva
Nicole Theis
of www.FunkyUtopia.com

Sometimes we like someone so much, we ask them to be featured as a Crafty Diva. Other times it is our visitors that tell us about a Diva. This month Nicole came highly recommended by a past Crafty Diva. Ruth from Soleil Noir insisted that Nicole was the perfect person to feature. We happen to think she's right. This Diva isn't only Crafty and Entrepreneurial with her own designs - she is a champion of Crafty Divas everywhere. Nicole designs her own fashions, and also helps to promote unique wares by many gifted artists. In her words: "Funky Utopia is committed to doing our part to keep this world beautiful, through small acts of kindness and a strong faith in humankind."

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About FunkyUtopia.com
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Funky Utopia is a one-woman run boutique but supported by the strengths and creativities of many independent artists! We are dedicated to creating and offering quality handmade products with a special uniqueness. Throughout the Funky Utopia online boutique you will find well constructed, interesting and original items handcrafted by various independent artists and designers.

Design your own skirt! Custom fit to your measurements!!
Now you don't have to worry about which 'category' or 'size' you fall into. Each skirt is custom made to your measurements. Choose from the Skirt Styles below and list your measurements on the order form when you check out. It's that simple!

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The Gallery
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The Interview
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The Basic Lowdown:

Girlposse.com: Who are you?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: My name is Nicole Theis and I am the owner of FunkyUtopia.com. I am also the designer and creator of Funky Utopia Brand Skirts.

Girlposse.com: Where are you located?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: My studio is located in Knoxville, TN but Funky Utopia has served customers all over the United States.

Girlposse.com: What is your creation / business?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: My business is multi-faceted. I began by creating one of-a-kind skirts and selling them on my website. After about 10 months I decided to open my site to other independent artists who create a wide range of items. Now my business has grown into an online boutique that features over a dozen independent designers. I carry my skirts and handmade goodies like handbags, jewelry, paper goods and more. Quality hand-crafted, limited edition items that you won't find elsewhere!

Girlposse.com: Where can people buy your stuff?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: People are always welcome to shop on our secure website, www.FunkyUtopia.com. In the late fall, Funky Utopia Skirts will also be available at France & Amber in Northampton, PA. Plus, you can find our goods on various charitable websites throughout the year, like www.CraftersforCritters.com.

Girlposse.com: Tell us something about yourself - your personality:
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: I'm inspired by late 50's and 60's surfing music, pop art and retro styles. Tibetan, Moroccan and Indian cultures, fashions and music also inspire me. I'm very driven. I believe in what I do and where I want to go. I believe, with enough determination, anything is possible.

The Nitty Gritty:

Girlposse.com: How long have you been doing this?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: I've been sewing for most of my life. I started when I was a little girl making punk rock outfits for my Barbie dolls. I come from a long line of seamstresses, my grandmother studied costume design in NYC many years ago. She taught most of the women in my family how to sew. But it was late in 2002 when I decided to make sewing my career.

Girlposse.com: Beginning a business is a big step. How did this become a "business" vs. just a "hobby""?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: Well, it never really was a hobby. I've always made clothing for myself but only because I could never find anything that I liked in the stores. But I'm the kind of person that does something all the way or not at all. When I started Funky Utopia I took all the money I had in the bank, invested in supplies and a website, eventually quit my day job and launched my business. I thought if I get hungry enough, I'll work that much harder to succeed.

Girlposse.com: Did you have previous business experience - or was the business end new to you?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: I've worked in retail management for over 12 years. All kinds of retail. From big box to smaller boutiques to managing professional photography studios. The business aspect is not new to me. What I did learn is that business online is totally different world from brick and mortar business. Especially marketing. So in a sense I had to learn a whole new field.

Girlposse.com: Are there any resources you would recommend to future Entrepreneurial Empresses? (books, websites, etc.)
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: I'm not the kind who will learn from a book. Normally I jump right in and learn from trial and error. But there were a lot of websites that gave me a lot of help along the way. Plus, visiting my local court house and asking many different offices tons of questions. You'd be surprised, but they are so willing to help new businesses get off the ground. Don't be afraid to walk right in and ask questions.

Girlposse.com: What was (is) your biggest obstacle in selling what you create?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: My biggest obstacle - no dressing rooms! Being online is difficult at times to sell to customers that are used to trying everything on before buying. Perhaps one day we will be dealing with virtual dressing rooms? Hmm, something to think about!

Girlposse.com: Do you find it difficult coming up with original ideas?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: Not really. I'm inspired by so many things everyday. The trick is to let that inspiration help create something original. What is it they say... that there are no more original thoughts or ideas? While that may be true, I think if we allow our personalities to shine through when we create, our ideas will take on a whole new life. When I design, I stay true to myself and in that I know my ideas are original.

Girlposse.com: What kind of impact has the Internet made on your business?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: A huge impact! My business is 100% Internet based. I didn't have the start-up capital to open a brick and mortar store. Creating a website allows me to run my business with minimal overhead. So it is safe to say that Funky Utopia may not exist without the Internet.

Girlposse.com: Not only do you have your own creations, you also offer unique items by other artists and designers. How do you find the people you work with?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: I consider myself incredibly lucky! I work with some of the most talented designers out there. The women I work with are all wonderful. We are all supportive of one another and genuinely want to see each other succeed. It sounds like a bunch of fluff... but I really am grateful. I draw a great deal of inspiration from the women I work with. Each one of them is an independent artist brave enough to put themselves out there and take their love of crafting to a new level. That is inspiring to me!

Girlposse.com: Do you ever feel like you're in competition with them?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: No. Not at all. There just isn't that element present with the artists I work with through Funky Utopia. Most of the independent artists that I am associated with, in and outside of my business, would agree that we are all part of a common community that exists because of each other. Everyone has something different to bring to the table.

Girlposse.com: Where do you see your business in six months? In five years?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: In six months I will still be online but working with a few more indie designers. I'd also like to see my skirts in a few more stores. In five years I plan to open a brick and mortar boutique. I'll continue to sell my skirts and handmade wares by the same indie designers I feature today and a few new ones. It's always been my dream to have my own boutique. A place where I can display uncommon goods by talented artists as well as my own work. It will also be the kind of place where new artists can have a chance to get there work out there and build their businesses. A funky utopia!

Girlposse.com: You are also involved with many fund raisers. How important do you think it is it for businesses and artists to "give something back"?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: Incredibly important. I've always been the kind of person who believes if you have two strong hands you can help someone in need. The same principle goes for charity through business. Funky Utopia may still be too small to make huge monetary donations to charities. But I can certainly create a few items that can be sold in order to raise money for organizations. And with the use of my website I can spread the word about fund raisers to get more people involved. It may not be a huge contribution, but it is something. If everyone did something small it would add up to a huge donation and make an enormous difference!

Girlposse.com: What keeps you going on a bad day?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: Honestly, there aren't too many bad days. But on those rare occasions I like to read all the incredible notes I've received from customers and associates. Those notes always remind me how fortunate I am do be doing what I love.

Girlposse.com: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: These days I shop online for most of my goodies! Here's a tip... Check out www.IbuyDIY.com for a huge directory of fantastic websites! We're talking the best indie shops you can find. But when I need to get out and shop I normally shop at thrift stores and antique shops searching for unique items. One of my latest obsessions is a local store here in Knoxville, Yee Haw Letterpress Industries (www.YeeHawIndustries.com). They make the coolest stationary and cards known to man!

Girlposse.com: What was the best piece of advice you've been given?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: I've been given a lot of advice in the past year and a half. But the best was pretty simple... always remain true to yourself and keep faith in your product.

Girlposse.com: What advice would you give to a future Crafty Diva?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: Well, don't listen to the nay sayers! If you have a dream, follow it.

Girlposse.com: Are they any other Crafty Divas or Entrepreneurial Empresses we should know about?
Nicole of FunkyUtopia.com: Oh my goodness... do we have more time and space? I can think of dozens just off the top of my head. Visit www.IbuyDIY.com for a lot of talented indie biz owners. Jennifer Ramos of www.TextileFetish.com is a powerhouse! She creates the most incredible patchwork handbags, children's clothing and accessories all while taking care of her two daughters! Tina Lockwood of www.SparkleCraft.com is the woman who's story inspired me to start Funky Utopia. Never met her but she continues to inspire me everyday! There are so many talented artists out there!

Sign-up for Funky Utopia's Mailing list. You'll get updates, news, special offers and more! http://www.funkyutopia.com/reforourne.html

~September 2004

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Your Chance to Win!
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This month Nicole is giving you a chance to win a $25 Funky Utopia Gift Certificate! Visit our Contests area for details and to enter. Contest ends September 30, 2004. Good luck!

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Are you a Crafty Diva and Entrepreneurial Empress? Or do you know one that should be featured in a future Girlposse.com issue? If so, visit our Crafty Diva Info Page for the details.
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