Happy Monday all!
Today is an exciting day because I’m launching a new column called Meet the Maker. I’ve come across some amazing shop owners and makers since I’ve starting blogging and will be introducing them to you in this reoccurring interview series. I cannot wait for you to meet them!
What better way to kick it all off than with the glittery #girlboss herself, Gilit of The Bannerie?!
1. Tell us a little about yourself ( ie. name, location, shop name and what you make).
Hi! I am Gilit Cooper. I live in Queens, NY though sometimes I still accidentally say Manhattan (it’s been long enough that I should really not be doing that anymore). I have an Etsy shop called theBannerie where I sell glitter letter banners for awesome people :)
2. Have you always been a maker or did you pursue other careers first?
Interesting question! I have always been a maker in that I have always been making things, but career-wise I’ve run the gamut! Right before I started the Bannerie I thought I was going to be in the art world since it’s what I studied at FIT and I loved it, but it never really sat right and I’m so glad I didn’t end up pursuing it!
(#GIRLBOSS Banner for sale here)
3. What made you decide to start selling your work?
I graduated college and didn’t really know what I wanted to do so I started a blog so my name would be out there somewhere. The blog took many turns and evolved and I started making bigger parties for better pictures (I’m not the only one, right?!). People started asking me to make banners but really my sister and husband have been telling me forever to start my own business. Then one day I was sitting on the couch next to my husband and it just hit me. I could really do this!
4. Who or what inspires you?
Every single person I have met who has started their own brand or business or is working hard at what they do inspires me. I know that sounds like a big vague lovefest but it’s true. Especially women, because as far as we have come as a society, it’s not far enough. I’m also inspired by my family. I want my children to see their mother working hard to make big things happen and that they can do anything they want to if they are willing to do the work and keep at it.
(Treat Yo Self Banner for sale here)
5. Any advice for people looking to open a shop?
I tell people to go in with their eyes open. It’s a lot of work, hard work, and you need to research before you start. It’s not going to easy, you won’t have a lot of free time, but if this is what drives you and makes you happy it’s worth it.
6. Tell us one fun fact about yourself
My go to fun fact is that I went bungee jumping off a bridge in New Zealand when I was a teenager and I never felt like it was really relevant to the rest of my life but it is. I don’t know how many people know this but I’m pretty terrified of heights, even stairs sometimes. But I do it. It isn’t that I’m not afraid, it’s that I don’t let fear stop me.
**Be sure to follow The Bannerie on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on her blog!