California Dreamin’

Building Bridges: Tell us a little bit about you, your family, and what you like to do for fun!


 

Megan: I am a 29 year old newlywed California native currently living in Monrovia, CA. Growing up, I was always into crafting, painting and making just about anything I could imagine. Once college hit I went a completely different direction, put my art on hold, and started taking American Sign Language (ASL) which surprisingly lead me to my current ASL Interpreting career. I learned that ASL and interpreting were yet another form of my artistic and creative expression and got back into crafting just for fun. I designed my own makeup bags and started expanding to other accessories that I could give to friends and family. With encouragement, I decided to open up my own shop on Etsy in 2012.

I chose the name In A Dream Boutique because it was truly a dream of mine to share my creations with others…I just never imagined it would become as worldwide as it has! I first started selling just friendship bracelets, but quickly added makeup bags, headbands, scarves and more.

This past year I planned my wedding and started expanding my shop to include more wedding items. I added items that were made for my wedding and started customizing them to work in my shop for other ladies! My friendship bracelets, makeup bags and thank you cards are very popular wedding gift items for brides and their favorite ladies!

Building Bridges: Do you have any current shop promo discounts, if so when do they end?

Megan: -Coupon code YAY10 for 10% off your next order

- Purchase any 5 bracelets from In A Dream Boutique and receive one bracelet of equal or lesser value FREE! Include a note at time of purchase indicating the style and color of your choice and it will be included at no additional cost with your order. 

- Purchase any Yoga fabric headband and receive a matching elastic hair tie free!

-Felt Heart Headbands - Buy 3 get one free! No Coupon code needed. 

Building Bridges: Do you take custom orders?


Megan: YES! I love doing custom orders! It has even helped me add a few new items to my shop. I love feedback from customers and challenging myself. The best way to contact me with any questions or custom orders is through my website in-a-dream.com

Building Bridges: Why make handmade products?

Megan: Handmade is a one of a kind experience. When you buy handmade, you know it was made with care, time and love! I try to buy handmade as much as possible because I understand the time and effort it takes and it feels great to support other small businesses. 

Building Bridges: What is your favorite part about owning your own business?


Megan: I love getting to see my customers wearing my products. I always enjoy seeing fan photos on instagram and even seeing my friends and coworkers in person wearing my headbands! On the flip side, it can get exhausting staying caught up with orders. As much as I love selling my handmade items, there are weekends where I just want to not sit at the sewing machine and just get outside and breathe. 

Building Bridges: What is your favorite product and why?


Megan: My favorite products are my makeup bags. They take the longest to make, but the outcome is definitely worth it. I have supplied them to all my work friends and we use them for food, makeup, pencils, and just about everything else you can think of that ladies carry to work! I also am really excited about my re-designed yoga fabric headbands. It is great seeing how ladies customize their elastic backing color with the fabric. One of the best parts about being crafty and having a shop is that I get to make myself one of everything :)

Building Bridges: Best advice you received when you went into business for yourself?


Megan: There are times where you get so backed up and overwhelmed with life that it just seems impossible to come home and fill orders. I had to take advice from fellow sellers that you need to make time for YOU. You need to be aware of your limitations and know when to just shut off the sewing machine, put down the scissors, and just eat a piece of chocolate. The orders will get done, the customer will be happy and you will remain sane!

I am obsessed with the boho look and knew a feather arrow was going to be the perfect logo for my shop. I whipped out the pencil and paper and drew pages of arrows until I finally picked the perfect one! It was a really cool experience being taught (by my very patient husband) how to transfer my hand-drawings to photoshop. I have recently gotten into yoga and decided to design my own tank top using my shop logo. It was amazing to finally be able to open the box of tank tops and see my month's of hard work come to life! 

Building Bridges: Did you always see yourself becoming an entrepreneur?


Megan: I truly never thought I would get to the point where I am currently. I was selling bracelets because I liked making them and never imagined I would have expanded my shop as greatly as I have. It was a crazy feeling the first time I shipped one of my items internationally…and now I have shipped to over 10 countries! I am still learning of course and have a long way to go, but I look up to so many other wonderful online shops and have learned so much from their examples. I have come so far and hope that by this time next year I can say the same!

Building Bridges: What is your most popular product on the market right now?

Megan: My most popular products are definitely my “mommy & me” turban headbands. With Memorial Day and the 4^th of July just around the corner, my USA turban headbands have been my bestsellers. It is such an awesome feeling to know that ladies all over the US are going to be wearing my handmade items all on the same day.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read a little bit about the chick behind In A Dream Boutique. I hope you all love my accessories, bags and other goodies as much as I love making them! I always look forward to working with other shop owners and reaching out to new fans together. Please feel free to message me at inadreamboutique@gmail.com for shop collaborations, giveaways or any other ideas you have!

Building Bridges: You can follow Megan on her many adventures on her Facebook, Website, or on her Instagram @InADreamBoutique. Have a happy Wednesday and thanks for tuning in with In a Dream Boutique!