by guest contributor Fina Tejada

Based in Madrid, Lola Garcia is a great example of someone who decided to follow her passion for design and still keep her professional career. In less than a year, she has not only started Lusitania, her felt accessories shop, but she also started Entropia, an ethnic inspired jewelry line. Lola is a one talented woman on a mission! Learn more in my interview with her below.

1. Can you give me a brief description of your business?

Eight months ago I discovered some websites where you could sell crafts and I decided to try it with my felt accessories. I design, make and sell felt accessories using two very different wool techniques: wet felting and needle felting. In my Etsy store, Lusitania, I sell bags, purse, necklaces, brooches, cases, covers and I also sell some handmade supplies, in felt, of course.

2. What did you do before you started your business or did you keep you day job?

Before starting my business, I worked in a big chemical company as an engineer and was always traveling, especially in South America. Now, I’m working part-time and crafting felt accessories. Every day I discover new things I want to do!

3. Where do you sell your products? Such as Etsy, Ebay, Big Cartel.

I sell my products on Etsy and Dawanda and sometimes in local stores. Most of my sales are from Etsy and it’s my favorite website, because more people visit and more so I have more potential customers. It’s a very good website!

4. What can you tell me about your international customers?

I love customers anywhere in the world and think they appreciate handmade work. Obviously most of my clients are from USA, but I also have clients in Australia, Canada, UK, Brazil, Italy, France…When I travel I’m always hoping to run in to one of my customers. Maybe… who knows…

5. What do you consider is the best way you’ve attracted customers?

Really, I don’t know! Sometimes I think it’s a matter of luck, and sometimes I think my products are original and different, colorful and detailed. They are made with care and I think it shows in the product. Also, good pictures on the website are essential.

6. How do you stay motivated?

I’m fortunate, because I have a family that encourages me to continue my business. Especially my child, who is my biggest critic. Also, living in a country like Spain is very motivating. It’s a sunny country with a lot of life and that is inspiring.

About the contributor: Fina Tejada owns Miss Fruitfly, an indie lifestyle company featuring artwork and home accessories. She is also a blogger who loves to cook, is a closeted reality show junkie and supports independent designers. She will be posting on the Indie Fixx Guest Blog featuring international indie crafters & bloggers to find out what motivates them creatively, how they started their businesses and how they approach the U.S. market. Fina will be posting periodically on Thursdays.