Shop name: thecityfolklore
What you like to go by: Mary Rose (although this is just the name I use to make it more memorable for an international crowd. My actual name is Maria do Rosário and my friends & colleagues all call me Rosarinho. That’s very
Portuguese, though! As am often called by Rosy and Mary Rose by friends as well I opted to sign with Mary Rose.)
When did you start your shop: I opened my
etsy shop on October the 15th. I’m obviously still fairly new and it’s been a bit of a bumpy road but I think am finally on the right track. I definitely haven’t figured out everything and am still learning, but I think I now have the basics down.
Is this your only job: It isn’t. Actually, I didn’t realize how many people were doing this for a living before joining. It’s hard to understand the amount of work that goes into having an
online shop – even if it is something as tiny as something solely on etsy and with few items. However, I do it mostly for fun and as an attempt to raise my income a bit. I work full time at a
non-profit organization trying to get business to act in a more sustainable way. I have a master’s degree in global environmental governance and I really like what I work on so quitting on behalf of an online venture is really not an option. Am still young and with plenty to figure out and I could never afford to take such a risk. Still, am quite happy with having both things to work on, despite the very little time that leaves me for other hobbies and interests.
When did you realize you had this talent: Well... more than having a talent, I have a passion! Influenced by my grandmothers and their exquisite tastes, I’ve always loved jewelry and accessories. I’ve also always enjoyed giving my unique take on everything I owe and have always tried to make things my own and as different as possible from everyone else’s. Everything we do is a reflection of who we are and that also applies to clothing and accessories. Am a very critical person and always have something to add or alter, being that a written document, a new recipe or jewelry. Additionally, and maybe because of that, I’ve always known what I want/need and looked for exactly that stuff. If there’s something I cannot find I will do it myself. That’s how, looking for African fabrics online for some patchwork curtains, I eventually found very unique recycled glass beads and developed a serious addiction to jewelry making! At some point, joining etsy was the obvious step: I had unique beads and original pieces which I could not find on other etsy shops and I did need to somehow finance this new hobby and give a boost to a new found talent!
Where do you find your inspiration: My items have a very folksy vibe. I like being my own person and buying as much handcrafted and organic stuff as possible; things that I can name the artisan or the place they come from. Growing up in a less conscious environment (although full of other equally important concerns), I guess am drown to what can still be improved, which in this case is to become more aware of the life cycle of the products we use. It’s so much more interesting to be able to tell the story or the inspiration of a certain item than it is to have it just because.
As for each item, I have to say the inspiration comes from everywhere! Seriously! Sometimes am getting on the metro on my way to work and I notice a cute outfit which I think is just missing some xy earrings and on my mind am coming up with something new. Other times am browsing through the internet and realize there’s a certain material that has yet to be explored and so I try to come up with ways to introduce it in new items. And, of course, the list is immense when you decide to let yourself be inspired by what surrounds you.
Who has been the most supportive of your work: My parents are always my greater supporters when it comes to having and concretizing ideas. I will always look for their approval and invaluable advice! For this particular adventure, my mother has been the outmost supporter. From telling everyone about my recent items to insisting on buying all
Christmas gifts from me, my mother has been absolutely amazing and a heartwarming boost of confidence.
What is the one thing you’d like to accomplish that you haven’t? I’d like to be successful and able to continue this hobby/work/passion for a while. So far it’s been hard to properly introduce myself in the etsy community (it’s hard because am doing something that has the greatest amount of artisans and really amazing ones). Am afraid I won’t be able to keep investing time and money if I cannot, at least, compensate the costs. We’ll see. Am keeping my fingers crossed it will happen for me!
What are your words to live by or your favorite quote?
Bob Dylan (advised by
Liam Clancy).
3
"No fear, no envy, no meanness"
Lisbon, Portugal December 2011
