From Glitzy Oxford Balls to Painting Your Pets!

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? 

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! 

Building Bridges: We just gotta ask you, do you use your own products?

Hazel Hancock: Absolutely, they make great gifts and I shall be caricaturing live at my own wedding reception!

Building Bridges:  What is your most popular product on the market right now? (note to readers: (Hazel also accepts custom orders! If you need a unique present, be sure to contact her)

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.