Little Mouse, Big Dreams – The Luna Mouse

It’s going to be an action packed story, full of some fun “characters”, but the finest “character” I present today is the lead – Stacey De Luna! This crafty lady is not only my new best friend, because she works at Disneyland (can you introduce me to Jasmine, and Ariel, & Belle??? Hehe ), but because she is the one and only AMAZING “The Luna Mouse” Etsy.com shop owner!  

The Review

I had the privilege of reviewing one of Stacey’s products, &  getting the chance to interview her – pretty hard to believe with her magic filled schedule!

Product for review: Disney The Little Mermaid Inspired Steampunk Shell Trident Post Earrings. First off, I have to start of with running into my house when receiving a package in the mail with the return address from - THE LUNA MOUSE! Not only was the anticipation of seeing the custom earrings delightful, but also seeing how much thought was put into her wrapping the earrings in a decorative box. Only on Etsy ladies & gentlemen, will you find so much love that goes into each purchase & shipment!

 

When you put a few gears earrings posts, shells, & a pair of tridents together…what do you get? Well I can definitely tell you what this combination forms – it’s a pair of the cutest Mermaid earrings one has ever seen!

As you can see from the photos below these beauties are a perfect size to show off the details in the shells, tridents, & gears. It’s just the worst when you get a product and you can’t hardly make out what the design is…there is no fear of that happening with any of Stacey’s carefully crafted jewelry!

These earrings are the perfect size for the little princesses of the world, as well as the big! Not only are these earrings a great pair to have for your next steampunk cosplay costume, trick or treating on Halloween, or wearing on a daily basis (as we prefer to do!!)! Oh and don't forget to get a matching necklace!!

Whether you speak geek, nerd, disney, little princess, or big – The Luna Mouse can help to stock your jewelry box with accessories you will be sure to be getting questioned about, for where can they get them some!! Read on to take a look into the life of Stacey De Luna, you’ll be glad you did! 

The Interview

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

Well, I’m a Chico State University graduate with a BA in English Literature and a minor in Theatre Arts.  I’m also a Disneyland Cast Member (hence why a bunch of my items are Disney themed; I get so much inspiration at work).  I get to work with characters backstage, and I absolutely love it! I go into the parks all the time and ride attractions and eat the food. It’s awesome! Mostly I work, and I try to make items whenever I have time to just sit and craft.

Building Bridges: What other hobbies do you have?

I love writing.  I’ve been writing poetry for almost ten years, and I’ve been writing stories for about six.  I love to read all kinds of books.  My favorite authors are William Faulkner and Sarah Dessen (weird combo, I know).  I absolutely love theatre, both watching and working on it.  I did costuming in college, and it gave me my passion for working backstage.

Building Bridges: Why did you choose the name of your business? Is there a special meaning behind it?

I chose the name The Luna Mouse because of my last name.  I’ve always been very attached to moons and mice, so I decided to put them together.  It’s not too clever, but it works for me.

Building Bridges: When did your shop officially open?

My shop opened in August 2013 once I had enough items to feel confident about.  Then I had one of my friends model my first items so I could have some good photos to put up.

Building Bridges: Do you remember your first product that sold, what was it?

The first item I ever sold was a Doctor Who necklace featuring the TARDIS and a rose, representing Rose Tyler.  It was so exciting for me when I sold it.  To me, it meant that I am making products that people actually want.

Building Bridges: Do you have a product that you prefer to design/create over others?

I prefer to makes necklaces or hair bows.  I feel that I can do more when I am making necklaces, like adding charms or using gears as connectors or things like that.  And I just love making hair bows.  When they come out right and they’re looking adorable, it’s so satisfying!

Building Bridges: We love to attend craft and vendor markets - do you?
I do! When I went to Chico State, they would have a Farmer’s Market every Thursday from the end of Spring to the beginning of Fall. My roommates and I would wander around looking at all of the booths with necklaces, dresses, mini hats, and all those cool things.  It made me want to do something similar, but I haven’t found the chance to yet.

 

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

Honestly, no.  I never thought I would have my own business, as small as it is.  This idea really didn’t come to life until I graduated from college, when I could finally find some time to just sit down, and work on creating jewelry.

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

I don’t know if there is a single product that is most popular, but most of my items inspired by The Little Mermaid get a ton of traffic to the pages.

Building Bridges: What is the favorite item you make and why?

I think my favorite item that I have created is my Wreck-It Ralph inspired jewelry box.  I’m not that talented when it comes to painting, but I was very happy with the way it came out, and I was glad to sell it on my shop.

Building Bridges: What is a typical day like when you are crafting?

When I find the time to craft, I set myself down at my worktable with a cup of caffeine and some good music playing in my headphones.  I get out all the tools I need.  I lay out my charms and my ribbons, and I wait for inspiration to hit.  Most of the items that I make are not thought of in advance.  I look at what I have and think, “What could this be about? What can I turn this into?” Then I keep working, tweaking, and manipulating my materials until I have a finished product that I feel proud to sell.

Building Bridges: How can customers best reach you, for orders?

The best way to contact me about orders is through my Etsy shop.  It makes it easier to know what product they are interested in.

Stacey lives in Fontana, California with her family, her two puppies, and a jar full of wishes.

I want to thank Stacey for one spectacular interview and for sending us a pair of her TO DIE FOR, Little Mermaid inspired Steampunk Earrings! Feels like I’m a kid in the candy store when I look through your shop…all of the movie inspired jewelry is truly one of a kind, and if it was up to our pocketbook we would buy it all! Be sure to stock up for not only yourself, but also all your gift giving needs! Check out her shop HERE!