Interview with a Maker: Casie Brabham from BeBe Babies and Friends

You can find Casie's collectible dolls here.

Meet Your Maker (MYM): Describe what you make and how you got your start.
Casie (C): I make soft sculpture dolls and toys for collectors and children of all ages. I have been creating dolls in one medium or another for about 7 years. I started BeBe Babies about 3 years ago and have had my toy line for about a year now. I began my sewing career by making primitive rag dolls. I loved making them but there really are a lot of people out there making rag dolls. I wanted to make something that was truly unique to me. I created the first BeBe Baby pattern and have elaborated on features and designs as my skills increased.

MYM: Is this your largest source of income or do you have another job?
C: BeBe Babies and Friends is just my side gig. I work full time at a medical insurance company during the day.

MYM: Any advice to someone about making the leap from hobby crafting to selling?
C: My only advice would be to make sure you love what you are doing. I think with the rise of the handmade movement there are some people looking to make a quick profit. It takes time to build a successful craft business and if you don't like what you are doing you may not last. I know not everyone that sells their crafts is looking for a profit but for those that are my advice is to be passionate about what you create.

MYM: Have you had any big breaks? How did they happen?
C: I don't know that I have had an big breaks as I suppose I would consider a big break as something that would launch me into a full time crafting business. I certainly don't make enough currently to go full time with the BeBes. However I do feel like I have made some triumphs over the years getting into publications or making a big wholesale order. Any break I have obtained has been due to spending a lot of time networking.

MYM: Where else can we find you online?
C: I am on all the networking sites (twitter, facebook, flickr, myspace) see my website or blog for links.