I am terribly sorry for not properly posting last week but I am happy to start this week with another Shop of the Week interview. Nikki Ainscow is the owner of the new Etsy shop called,
Maneggi. It is always a pleasure to help out new shops so thank you Nikki, for writing me and for being part of this segment.
Nikki is also generous enough to giveaway this grey Abbeliska petite ruffle necklace to one commenter. (You can read the details on how to enter after the interview 🙂
What’s the inspiration behind your shop’s name?
I found it so hard to pick my shop name, I knew what I wanted just couldn’t find the right word, that’s when I began searching other languages to find the right name. I have a slight obsession with Italy ever since I holidayed there some years ago, so the Italian language seemed the perfect place to look. Maneggi – is the Italian term for handling/doing something with your hands which seemed to fit perfectly. I instantly fell in love and it stuck.
How old is your shop?
Maneggi is still in it’s first year and has developed dramatically since it began. I have tested what works and what doesn’t and ultimately am creating the things that make me happiest, at the moment that is my jewellery and accessories but this could change again as I progress. It’s really exciting.
What inspired you to start your own home business?
After I graduated I knew I wanted to create I just didn’t know what or how. I exhibited my portfolio and final year collection, it was then that people commented that I should turn my pieces into jewellery and embellishment. This got me thinking and I began developing my ideas. I have always been creative and always dreamed of having my own ‘design’ business but was unsure what form this would take. For many years I wanted to be an interior designer, it was only after my degree in textile craft that I found my passion for accessories.
Can you give us a peek on the creative process involved in your craft?
I begin by surrounding myself with materials and supplies (this gets quite messy) then refer to my notebook for my latest ideas and sketches and just begin to manipulate and experiment until I am happy. I work and rework ideas until I produce the finished product. I like to work on a few items at once so I am forever surrounded with half finished necklaces and brooches then move on to another item before I go back and complete it.
What was the toughest challenge you faced so far?
Managing my time has been the hardest part of running my own business as I work full time at the moment, I have struggled to find the right balance.
How did you get over it?
I still haven’t managed to work this out, I seem to spend all my spare time sewing and creating but this is what I love to do and I know ultimately it will allow me my dream of quitting my day job. One day . . . .
Please Name:
the things you do when you’re not busy in your shop
drink cocktails, shop, watch rugby, cycle, read, eat out
stuff inside your bag you can’t leave home without
•   Notebook (also referred to as my Bible)
•   Iphone
•   Camera
your favorite shops
This is soooo hard as I love so many shops on etsy but I think my absolute favs are:
ohhellofriend
veronicabuttons
BagatellesAndCo
your top 3 favorite picks from your shop
Abbellisca Petite Ruffle Necklace – So cute and feminine
Abbellisca – Black Spiral Necklace – I love this necklace I wear mine all the time it adds a little bit of glamour to an ordinary outfit
Maneggi Me . . . Nautical – These brooch sets are so easy to wear and customise anything
What tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you?
Never give up, it can be very frustrating when sales are slow or you don’t seem to be getting anywhere. I use times like these to get organised and develop new designs. I have really learned to improve my photography and this has seen an increase in sales and features in treasuries and blogs. I am still learning so much and read everything I can get my hands on to help me improve.
Nikki Ainscow, owner/designer of Maneggi
Any message to your customers and the people who support you?
A Huge thank you to everyone who has supported Maneggi. The customers are what make a handmade business so enjoyable as the feedback and comments I receive are worth all the effort I put into my items. I would also like to say a big thank you to my family who have been so supportive and are behind me all the way.
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To enter the giveaway:
1. Hop overÂ
Maneggi. Then come back here and tell us your favorite piece from the shop. (1 entry)
Additional Entries:
2. Become a follower of my blog by clicking the FOLLOW button on the sidebar. (1 entry)
3. Twit or Facebook about this giveaway. (if you Twit, please tag it as @theshopbug) (1 entry)
4 Blog about this giveaway. Please leave your blog’s URL in your comment. (1 entry)
The winner will be picked via Random generator and will be announced on Monday, August 23.
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Thank you so much Nikki for this great interview & giveaway! Â
ethnic sterling silver turquoise cuff bangle : Amrapali 
antique tribal solid silver bangle cuff : Amrapali
The Shopbug 