In this
week’s feature story, we would like to introduce Hazel Hancock, of HaHa
Caricatures! Hazel has been working as caricature artist for over ten years.
She loves to show off her talents at balls, weddings, large events, & more!
Check out this interview we were fortunate enough to have with her!
Building Bridges:
Why did you decide to open your shop and why sell on Etsy.com?
Hazel Hancock:
I was speaking to my aunty who runs bowerbirdmosaics
and decided to follow in her footsteps with opening an Etsy shop. At first I
had a very diverse offering - jewelry organizers, abstract paintings, botanical
pictures, but decided to narrow it down to specifically portraits and
caricatures over time.
Building Bridges: When did your shop officially open?
Hazel Hancock:
August 2013, but I was very nervous and spent a while observing what was out
there (and having my breath taken away by it!) before I listed any of my own
items.
Building Bridges: Well, we are glad you opened your
shop! We just adore your artwork! What is your favorite part about owning your
own business?
Hazel Hancock:
Flexibility to do my own thing, meeting fabulous people and the freedom to
create.
Building Bridges: Do you have any shop promo discounts, if so when do they end?
Building Bridges: Do you have any shop promo discounts, if so when do they end?
Hazel Hancock:
I am having an extended “Easter sale pet portrait” £20 (half price) usually
£50, ends on 30th April 2014.
Building Bridges: Do you have a caricature that you prefer to
draw over others?
Hazel Hancock:
At the moment I am very into my animal & pet caricatures, which is a new
area that I started this past January, and it is really starting to take off! (You can check out her pet caricatures HERE!)
Building
Bridges:
Did you always see yourself becoming an entrepreneur?
Hazel Hancock:
I studied Geography at Cambridge University, so running a creative business was
the last thing I thought I would do! I always saw business as 'dirty' but in
fact, the core value of my own business is integrity, and I have come to learn that
integrity is at the core of all businesses. Businesses that go the distance are
built around the shared values of learning, self-improvement, self-empowerment,
freedom, creativity, dedication, belief and willpower. All of these are really
core life values for me, so I actually now feel like an entrepreneur to my core.
Building Bridges: Wow! That is a really inspiring
answer Hazel! We wish all business owners had the same outlet that you do! We’re sure you love to attend markets sharing your art with
the world, do you ever get nervous?
Hazel Hancock:
It’s so exciting to be part of the buzz, meeting new people, getting ideas, and
spreading the word! I absolutely get nervous before any event, especially since
I draw live caricatures at Oxbridge balls, wedding receptions, and other large
events. I find that I always get a touch of “the nerves” before a large
performance!
Building Bridges: What is your favorite product and why?
Hazel
Hancock: Crazy, crazy animal portraits - The
idea came to me recently from my own crazy family of rescue animals. Not only
are our pets beautiful to observe and to draw, but they are also full of
character and personality, just like their eccentric owners! I love the new
challenges that drawing animals bring - textures, colours, expressions, and
emotions. I hope to add a lot more to my gallery over the coming months. So be sure to keep checking!
Hazel Hancock:
Absolutely, they make great gifts and I shall be caricaturing live at my own
wedding reception!
Hazel Hancock:
My kitty cuddles portrait, (or any painting involving cats…love cats!)
Building Bridges: Do you have any advice for other crafters who
would like to start selling their creations?
Hazel Hancock:
Go for it! Don't be shy and follow your passion. No matter what, you have to
believe in yourself!
Building
Bridges:
Hazel, thanks for this wonderful opportunity to be able to learn more about
your business! We wish you great success and look forward to following your
shop! If you would like to follow Hazel on her amazing caricature adventures
please check out her Website (best way to reach
her), Facebook, Instagram, Etsy, Twitter, and Pinterest pages.