Meet the Maker Lois from Molko

I have always been a creative person, throughout my childhood art was a big part of my life and I had big dreams of becoming a full-time artist in the future. After studying art, textiles, and photography in college I truly fell in love with textiles and decided to continue my textile studies at university. In 2011 I created my first business designing and creating travel accessories, as well as illustrating a collection of exclusive fabric designs.

After many years of sewing, I kept revisiting the idea of teaching and sharing my skills. In 2018 I wrote a business plan to design and sell PDF sewing patterns and write sewing tutorials but I never could find the time to execute it. With the outbreak of Covid-19 and the world in lockdown, I saw an open opportunity to start the business that has been in the back of my mind for years. I worked solidly over the lockdown period and I did not waste a single second, pouring everything I have into my new business.

Molko was launched in June 2020 and it feels wonderous to see my business up and running after all these years of dreaming about it. I feel as though I am at the start of a very rewarding journey I am super excited about passing on my sewing knowhow.

What led you into the handmade world?

After leaving university I naturally fell into the handmade world. I started selling my work at craft fairs and establishing myself as an artist. I have been a self-employed accessories designer since 2014. Leaving my stable steady income to venture out into the unknown was somewhat terrifying, to begin with. I remember thinking to myself "this is it" followed by being hit with a huge 10-foot wave of fear. Fast forward 6 years, and I am now the proud owner of two businesses. Being your own boss and running your own creative business is challenging, exciting, and most importantly super rewarding. I can't imagine myself doing anything else.

What inspires you?

My inspiration is to inspire others. To teach people how to sew or to re-ignite their passion for sewing is a very rewarding feeling. I know that excitement when you make something new and that proud, satisfying feeling you get once it's complete. That is the feeling that I want to share with people through my sewing tutorials.

How has your style evolved?

My style has always focused on the practical side of things. I like to design items that are useful and that serve a purpose. I think this stems from my need to be organised. I feel so much more at ease when things are tidy.

Where do you see your business in a few years time?

As I write this post my PDF business is just over a month old so I am very much in the very early stages, but I already feel like I have achieved quite a lot. The success in my first month has me so excited for the future. I have so many more sewing tutorials planned. There are no limits with this business and that is what I am really enjoying about it.

What's the most difficult aspect of being an artist/designer?

Like all businesses, we have our ups and our downs, but the important thing is not to give up. It's very easy to lose confidence in ourselves and our work, but when I have a bad day I usually take the afternoon off to reflect and cool down. No matter how busy you are it's so important to take care of yourself. Go for a nice walk, meet up with a friend, visit your family, or even have a good old cry. I find taking a little time off to clear my head is very beneficial and by the next day, I can get back on track.

How do you stay creative? Even when you're not feeling it!

To be honest, I am always feeling creative. I am always imagining, planning, and making. I usually have to pry myself away from my studio on the weekend to allow myself time off work (Unless I have plans with friends/family or if I find something REALLY good to binge on Netflix). I just love my job that much!

What does creativity personally mean to you?

The freedom to create and express ourselves through our crafts and to showcase our imagination and passion in our unique, artistic way.