Mary Pow is the creator of the handmade indie
brand
MinneBites. She is a designer with a Master’s of Architecture degree. She lives
in Minneapolis
with her husband and their three children. She sneaks into her cozy home studio
to design and sew whenever she gets a chance.
Creative Journey
Years ago, my husband and I went to check out a huge craft
fair on one of our rare dates without the kids. As we walked through the show I
remember being amazed at all the talent and creativity I saw there. But more
than that, I remember that I left the show inexplicably sad, and even jealous.
As I look back now, I understand why I felt that way. It
seemed that I could never achieve or have time for what those crafters got to
do. I was a stay-at-home mom with two boys under the age of 2-1/2. I had recently
left my job at an architectural firm. I had no creative outlet and I was
disappointed that I wasn’t using the degree I had worked so hard to achieve. I
was only “mom” and, although I loved my life, I felt stuck and unfulfilled
creatively.
I never would have guessed that, just a few years later, I
would be designing and selling handmade bags and cases to customers all over
the world. In fact, the path I took to get me to where I am now has seemed to appear
almost magically before me. All I had to do was follow my heart (and work
really hard!).
The amazing path I’ve followed led me to a job that is both
artistically rewarding and flexible enough to allow me to take care of my three
kids. And, although people may imagine that all I do is sew, sew, sew – having
an online shop and running a handmade business is more than just making the
craft itself. In addition to sewing my bags, I do product photography, photo
editing, and graphic design. I spend time hunting for supplies, choosing
fabrics and suppliers, and creating new designs. Furthermore, I write copy for
listings, talk with customers, interact with Facebook fans, and continuously
improve my online shop and products.
I’ve come full-circle since I left that craft fair feeling inadequate
and sad. In fact, this December I’m going to be a vendor at that very same
craft fair: the Holiday No Coast Craft-o-Rama in Minneapolis! I will get to sell my own handmade wares at the very place
where I thought it was something I could never possibly do.
I feel so excited and satisfied to be at this place in my life.
And I want to thank you for allowing me to share my creative journey with you!
I hope to see you all at the 2013 Holiday No Coast Craft-o-Rama (Dec. 6 & 7
at the Midtown Global Market). Stop by my booth and say hello!
MinneBites has been featured on Apartment Therapy,
Babyology, Cool Mom Picks, Daily Candy, Buzzfeed, Child Mode, Illustration Friday
as well as numerous blogs and websites.
Holiday No Coast Craft-o-Rama 2013
Location:
Midtown Exchange
2901 Chicago Avenue S. Minneapolis, MN 55104
Dates and Times:
Friday, December 6: 3pm-8pm
Saturday, December 7: 9am-5pm