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Crafty Divas and Entrepreneurial Empresses
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May 2005's Diva
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When it comes to handbags and jewelry there are only two things you need to know before buying: "How is the quality?" and "Does it suit me?"
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**********************************************************  The Basic Lowdown:Girlposse.com: Who are you? Mary Zank: Mary Zank Girlposse.com: Where are you located? Mary Zank: Midtown Manhattan, New York City Girlposse.com: What is your creation / business? Mary Zank: Girlposse.com: Where can people buy your stuff? Mary Zank: Mostly at my online boutique www.Maryzank.com but, throughout the year, I also can be found in NYC and Philadelphia boutiques and fairs. Girlposse.com: Tell us something about yourself - your personality: Mary Zank: Okay, I have always been attracted to art and design and explored mediums like drawing, painting, costume and interior design. And, I have been a dancer for most of my life and still am. So, my life has revolved around the arts. This is gonna sound crazy but, this business came out of nowhere. Because, I have no formal business training nor do I have any handbag or jewelry making training either, for that matter. The most sewing that I ever did involved attaching ribbon to my pointe shoes. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am feminine and like to look nice when I go out at night but, I am the biggest tomboy that ever lived. And, my wardrobe mainly consists of sweats and huge backpacks stuffed with stinky dance shoes. Though, I have - in the past - been seen carrying a handbag or wearing jewelry, if absolutely necessary. In fact, I am famous for leaving handbags in cabs because I’m so used to never carrying them. However, I have always had huge collections of jewelry and handbags, that lived in my closet and barely got worn. But, since my husband bought me a sewing machine two years ago, I am a changed woman. My artistic energy became completely focused on making handbags and jewelry. Which makes it more fun to wear now too. Before this sewing machine, I had never sewn. I became obsessed with creating works of art on it as opposed to on canvas. The way I look at it, is I am now creating wearable art. It’s a heinous addiction and I may go broke trying to fulfill my every whim and creative effort. The Nitty Gritty: 
Girlposse.com: How long have you been doing this?
Mary Zank: About a year and a half now. I had to start selling immediately. My friends wanted to buy the things I made right off my body. Girlposse.com: Beginning a business is a big step. How did this become a "business" vs. just a "hobby""? Mary Zank: > Well, the very first thing I made with my new sewing machine was a tote bag (strictly out of necessity, of course). And, I was stopped three times the first time I carried it, “Where did you get that bag?” I was so shocked, I thought, maybe I’m onto something here. So, for the next three months I practiced my brains out and taught myself as much as I could (“Martha Stewart” and the “Do it yourself” channels helped), built a small inventory and put up a makeshift website. Around this time I also started shopping my wares to city boutiques to see if anyone would give my stuff a chance. Thankfully they did and eventually, I got a much better website together. Girlposse.com: Did you have previous business experience - or was the business end new to you? Mary Zank: 100% new. In fact, I could still use some business information. Girlposse.com: Are there any resources for learning the business side that you would recommend to future Entrepreneurial Empresses? Mary Zank: Technically, you don’t need “training.” I think that the harder you work at getting yourself out there the more results you will see. Basically, you get out of it what you put into it. I have found that the weeks I pound the pavement the most are the weeks I see the most results. Girlposse.com: How does the internet play a part of your business? Mary Zank: The internet is a huge part of my business. ie, Everytime someone asks for my card, they go home and satisfy their curiousity immediately. The internet is an amazing thing. Girlposse.com: What was (is) your biggest obstacle in selling what you create? Mary Zank: Wearing all the hats! Finding the time to make all the products, come up with/ teach myself new designs, show them around (huge), juggle a dance career, cook dinner etc. I guess the usual. Girlposse.com: Are there any plans to expand your product line? Mary Zank: Yes, the more products the better. I am very into teaching myself how to build things. I have always wanted to build my own furniture and work with wood. So, who knows. 
Girlposse.com: Where do you see your business in 1 year? In 5 years? Mary Zank: I’d like to rule the world and have an evil empire. Eek! Just kidding! I am perfectly happy making everything myself and wish I could build as a business and still be the same person that makes and sells all the products. I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder about mass production so, I don’t see any sweatshops in my future. The best I can hope for is “exclusive” fame. The kind where people need an appointment to have me make them a necklace or handbag. That would be nice. Girlposse.com: What keeps you going on a bad day? Mary Zank: My husband, he’s the best at giving input on more professional ways to present things. Basically, he dots the “I”s and crosses the “T”s. I am not good at putting all of my energy into business stuff I’d much rather focus it on design and building, not photos and logos. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have a website, a business or a sewing machine for that matter. Girlposse.com: Where are some of your favorite places to shop? Mary Zank: I adore old things. Things relay a mood or another time and have a story. So, I am drawn to thrift stores, flea markets and basements/attics belonging to anyone’s grandparents. I also love anything that is one-of-a-kind or handmade so I spend a lot of time online at independent designer’s websites and in small shops in various sections of New York City. Girlposse.com: What was the best piece of advice you've been given? Mary Zank: 1) Do what makes you happy. And, 2) Don’t feel competition from others who do what you do, there is enough space for everone and everyone has something different and special to offer. Girlposse.com: What advice would you give to a future Crafty Diva? Mary Zank: Make a product that you are proud enough to put your label on, stand behind it, and get it out there as much as possible. Girlposse.com: Are they any other Crafty Divas or Entrepreneurial Empresses we should know about? Mary Zank: I like Laurice Curran and Nancy Dobbs Owen’s Jewelry lines and the list could probably go on for days. ~May 2005
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2005 Crafty Divas Hall of Fame |
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