Today, I want to introduce you to Melissa, owner of Loo De Loop on etsy!

I’m a lucky owner of one of her camera strap covers! When I saw Birch Fabrics fantastic cameras fabric several months ago, I knew I HAD to have something with it… but what? Then I met Melissa. and since I didn’t know what I wanted to make, I suggested SHE buy some since she made camera straps! so, of course, once I saw them in her etsy shop, I had to have one for me. :)

Source: etsy.com via Little Free Radical on Pinterest

It seemed totally ideal to have a little pocket for the lens cover on the strap, seeing as I typically shove it down my bra while taking photos. (yes, I really do!)

Then it occurred to me, I have a Nikon D40 and if I leave the battery in the camera while not in use, it quickly drains the battery. So, I always have to store it separately. Why not an extra pocket to hold the battery so the camera & battery stay together? I asked Melissa, and she was more then willing to help me out and add a spare pocket! I gave her my battery measurements and she added on a second pocket for me. :)

Two days later, my custom camera strap arrived in the mail! I was psyched! I loved her little logo tags, and I didn’t realize how much of a difference a strap cover could make when taking photos! The edge of the Nikon strap was always annoying me – digging into my neck. Now, it’s comfortable to leave the camera around my neck for longer periods of time!

Another big improvement I didn’t think of? – I’m constantly dropping my batteries & lens cap when photographing. So as a person in a wheelchair, having the pockets with velcro means I don’t have to worry about finding help (or trying to convince my almost 2-year old) to pick up the small batteries or lens cover when I’m taking pictures! :)

I totally recommend Melissa’s camera strap covers!
Now I’ll let her tell you more about her business!

Tell us about yourself:

I’m Melissa, a stay-at-home mom to my 2 year-old daughter Matilda. Our little family just moved from Sonoma Wine Country to Seattle to be near my extended family. We are living in my parent’s home (as they live at their summer cabin) so I am currently sewing in the same room that my mother has sewed in for the past 35 years. It’s true what they say about becoming your mother!

Tell us about your company, why you started your company.
I started Loo De Loop when I realized that I could only sew so many skirts, dresses, and buntings for my daughter before my husband would start to question my sanity. So, to keep up my sewing obsession, I decided to start listing some items on Etsy.

A few good photographer friends were my first customers, purchasing camera strap covers and buntings to use in their photo shoots. Then my first sale to a stranger came through and I was hooked! It’s so much fun to work with customers to tailor the product to their specific need. I also love learning about where my products are headed (baby boy’s nursery in Australia, twins first birthday party, etc.).

Tell us about the products you make and your upcoming plans for your business:
I am currently making fabric party buntings and DSLR camera strap covers. I’ve also had quite a few custom orders for little girl dresses and a tool belt of all things! I love working on custom items. In the coming months I plan to have more “Design Your Own” buntings listed with LOTS of fabric choices similar to this listing:

What is your favorite product in your shop and why?
I can only pick one? How about one of each category?

Favorite bunting:

 

I’m definitely on a nautical/patriotic kick this summer. This bunting is made from vintage sheets that are impossibly soft. This bunting is a little more grown-up. Perfect for the summer house or an older child’s bedroom.

Favorite camera strap cover

I love this camera strap cover for it’s whimsical landmarks of the world print. I also have a soft spot in my heart for anything with the Golden Gate Bridge on it. I’m going to miss seeing that bridge on a regular basis.

Tell us about how you manage your time as a work-at-home mom.
Luckily my daughter has just turned a corner where nap time comes easily and last for a solid 2 hours a day. That’s where I get a big chunk of my work done. I’m also not afraid to haul my sewing machine out to the back yard to get some work done while Matilda plays.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by all my lovely photographer friends’ ideas. They are the motivation behind more than a few of the products in my shop. I am also inspired by fellow Etsy shop owners like Crystal. Etsy is an amazing community of crazy-talented people who are more than willing to share their information and knowledge and lend support in any way possible. I’m just getting started on this journey, but am loving the trip so far.

When you’re not creating products for your shop, what are your hobbies?
I love photography and work at it every chance I get. Luckily I have a really cute little subject matter who will do just about anything I ask as long as I have some M&M’s in my pocket.

GIVEAWAY:
Melissa is offering one lucky reader a free camera strap cover of your choice from  her shop! Enter via Rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway