Quilling Wonderland

How the Art of Quilling Led to Successful Business Venture

“To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it” – Osho

After moving to Ireland from Poland Iza owner of Quilling Wonderland found it very difficult to source greeting cards to send home to family and friends. This is what inspired her to start designing and making her own cards, what she didn’t bank on was finding a passion for the intricate art of quilling. After falling in love with this unique technique ‘Quilling Wonderland’ was born.

What inspired or motivated you to become a card designer and crafter?

Necessity is the mother of invention.  I moved to Ireland a few years ago, and I remember my first Christmas. I couldn’t find any cards in my national language, so I decided to make my own greeting cards, and I through this I fell in love with quilling technique.

Tell us about a day in the life of a card designer

Card designer is such a big name for such a small person! Before I start to design, I have to do very small but important things like cutting my cardstock to the appropriate sizes, print it, score it, finally it will be time to use my 3 mm quilling paper strips. I have to cut them, shape them and then glue it to my blank greeting cards. It’s a lot of work, but the worst part is the cleaning up. You can find pieces of paper everywhere and I mean everywhere!

What are advantages of working for yourself?

The biggest advantage is that you are your own boss. You decide when and where you want to work, but it comes with a price – if you aren’t highly motivated it won’t work.

What are the disadvantages of working for yourself?

You’re responsible for everything you do you have to think twice before you make a move and you don’t have fixed working hours. Sometimes it’s hard to stop working or start…..

What has been your greatest challenge so far?

I had to change my previous name ‘Szalonaisa’s Wonderland’ to ‘Quilling Wonderland’ because no one can pronounce ‘szalonaisa’. When I changed name I had to change almost every social media property that I had. A Little bit risky but I hope it was worth doing. Check out Quilling Wonderland’s Services.

What are your greatest achievements?

Well it’s still a work in progress, so I don’t want to jinx it. I’ll tell you when everything is done.

How do you ensure work life balance?

I try to work, when everybody is at work, but sometimes it’s really hard to do.

What would be the ultimate goal for your business?

Workshops!! In the future I’d like to start regular quilling workshops. So if you want to learn how to quill you’re invited.

Who are your customers?

Mostly people who are looking for something unique, humorous and personalized. My every single card is handmade by me, so practically everything is one of a kind.

What advice would you give to someone starting a business?

I’m the one who need this advice. I’m about to start my first business. Keep your fingers crossed!

Name one thing that you could not live without in your business.

Definitely my laptop. Thanks to it, I’m in contact with everybody and I can easily use my social media, which is very important for me.

What is your favourite or most popular product/service?

Custom made cards. I just love to make them. Sometimes it isn’t easy but I love challenges. They inspire and motivate me to make something new and different.

What is your ultimate goal – and has this changed from when you started?

It changed, I never thought about workshops, but it seems that this is a great way to introduce quilling to people. This is really very creative way to spend your spare time and the most important it’s fun for the whole family.

Does the internet help you in spreading the word about your business?

Yes it does!! The word of mouth is one of the most powerful advertising tools. It’s really nice when people appreciate your work and begin to share your little world.

How big role does Social Media play in your business?

HUGE!! For now this is my only way say Hi to the world, but I hope that this will soon change.

If you are looking for something really different and beautiful for that someone special, a custom order or a totally unique card to really make an event totally memorable then have a chat with Iza. She will work with you to create a personalised keepsake that shows you really care. You can contact Quilling Wonderland via the Profile or theQuilling Wonderland Facebook page.

Source: Profile Tree