Giveaway: Untamed Petals

We have an incredibly talented friend that we want to introduce you to.
Her name is Amanda and she is the owner and talent behind Untamed Petals.
Amanda has made an amazing piece for Frenchie & Flea to give away to one of our readers!
All of the images below are images of the piece you could win...we'll get to that in a minute though...

first, lets get to know Amanda and Untamed Petals!

What gave you the idea to start Untamed Petals?

I have always loved to sew. It is such a therapeutic escape for me when life gets stressful. So when my job at Spike TV became more stressful than ever I started making a ton of headbands, flowers and halos for fun in my free time. I never really thought I would sell them but my best friend Lauren (of the amazing LoBoheme) loved ETSY and she along with some of my other friends (ahem Emily) encouraged me to start up my little shop.

What, if anything, stressed you out the most about starting a business?

For me, the most stressful aspect is time management. I have a very demanding full time job that requires me to travel quite a bit so it can really make it difficult to focus on making new items which in turn slows the progress of your shop. But, I have learned to set goals and expectations for myself and my store that are realistic (which can be difficult when you’re an impatient perfectionist like I am).

What are your absolute favorite materials to use?

I am a glamour girl at heart. All my friends know me for always loving anything that sparkles which is why I absolutely love rhinestone and beaded trims. They are so intricate and come in the most amazing patterns. I think they are perfect for any special occasion. The trimming store I go to has a 15 foot wall covered with different trims so look out for some new amazing styles in the future!

Where do you gather ideas and inspiration for your products?

In edition to my love for rhinestone and beaded trims I also love how romantic silk chiffon flowers and petals look. I find inspiration when I am walking down the streets of New York, looking in store windows, magazines and old movies. The 1920’s and ‘30s era is full of inspiration with their decadent hats and gowns.

What's your favorite part of the creative process?

When I get an idea in my head and just run with it. I can stay up until 3am sometimes if I know I am going to finish something amazing. The adrenaline just keeps me going! For those of you who know me you know this is a big deal since I am such a grandma when it comes to bed time.

How do you find inspiration when you're in a rut?

I just walk into my trimming store and the ideas start flowing. Great materials always bring inspiration to me since there are so many possibilities!

What has been the most fulfilling aspect of your ETSY shop?

I absolutely love that I get to make headbands and flowers for Brides to wear on one of the most important days of their life! It is such a great feeling and I hope that the hair pieces I make for them will be passed on for generations.

What is your favorite ETSY tip for those who are just starting out or want to start a shop?

I wish I would have been more prepared and organized when I launched my shop. Everything for me as been a total work in progress (which is fine) but as times it can get to be pretty stressful. I think the best way to start a shop would be to get everything you need together like your packaging, shop policies, banner, business cards all before you list your first item. This way when you start selling and get really busy you won’t have to worry about anything but your product. Also, having a background in marketing I think this would make for a successful “launch”.

And, what's knowing the business without knowing a little about the artist?
Some Fun Amanda Facts:

What are your favorite hobbies?

Obviously I love to sew and craft but I also love to cook (especially for dinner parties). I dream about having a great Spanish style home with an outdoor area full of hanging lanterns where I can throw the perfect dinner parties anytime I want!

What is your favorite indulgence?

Shopping! I love clothes and accessories so much that I think I may have an addiction! But, if we’re talking food I would have to go with great Mexican food since we are majorly lacking in that area here in New York!

What's your favorite movie?

I don’t know why but I seriously die laughing every time I watch Zoolander. Sad I know… it just gets me.

THANK YOU, Amanda !!
Check out her etsy shop:Untamed Petals!

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THE GIVEAWAY:
You can win an Untamed Petals original hair accessory (featured above)!
It is the perfect addition to any outfit or occasion.
Wear it to a wedding, graduation, bridal shower, or doll up a pair of jeans and cute T!
It is amazingly gorgeous and it definitely adds some "wow" to any look!

Here are the rules:
1. 1st Entry ~ Link back to our giveaway using any of the images below by Friday, August 21st at 5pm PST: frenchieandflea.blogspot.com

2. 2nd Entry ~ Link to Untamed Petal's etsy shop: untamedpetals.etsy.com

3. 3rd Entry ~ Leave us a comment including your email address so we can contact you if you win :)

Do all of the above and you are entered 3 times for a chance to win !

Winner will be announced on Monday morning, August 24th!