When I first met Julie Whitney, owner of The Spotlesspinata blog and Spotlesspinata Jewellery,
I was in awe of her. She had light purple hair and a friendly face and she knew everyone. I had seen her name floating around Twitter, getting involved in discussions and banter with other local people and businesses so to me she was something of a local celebrity (and I wanted her hair!). When she came up to me at one of the early SE20 Craft Fairs and said 'hi Christina' I thought 'she knows who I am!' And then a year or so after that, she started up her jewellery business, based in Penge, and I fell in love with her bold, colourful pieces and immediately invited her to have a stall at the next fair. She's been a regular ever since, and even came up with a line of awesome local themed necklaces and key rings for our 'Love Local' fair in April 2015.
She's influential because she gets involved in her community, tries to make a positive difference and is inclusive of EVERYONE in the local community as opposed to just those closest to her. She recognised a need for a parenting community group in Penge, so she started one, for example. And everything she does, she approaches with a really positive attitude, and for this I greatly admire her. Today she's featured as our first SE20 Crafter on the blog - telling us about her love of Penge, and sharing some tips for how to successfully navigate a craft fair as a maker and seller.
I was in awe of her. She had light purple hair and a friendly face and she knew everyone. I had seen her name floating around Twitter, getting involved in discussions and banter with other local people and businesses so to me she was something of a local celebrity (and I wanted her hair!). When she came up to me at one of the early SE20 Craft Fairs and said 'hi Christina' I thought 'she knows who I am!' And then a year or so after that, she started up her jewellery business, based in Penge, and I fell in love with her bold, colourful pieces and immediately invited her to have a stall at the next fair. She's been a regular ever since, and even came up with a line of awesome local themed necklaces and key rings for our 'Love Local' fair in April 2015.
She's influential because she gets involved in her community, tries to make a positive difference and is inclusive of EVERYONE in the local community as opposed to just those closest to her. She recognised a need for a parenting community group in Penge, so she started one, for example. And everything she does, she approaches with a really positive attitude, and for this I greatly admire her. Today she's featured as our first SE20 Crafter on the blog - telling us about her love of Penge, and sharing some tips for how to successfully navigate a craft fair as a maker and seller.
Hi Julie! Tell us about yourself.
Hi! I'm Julie and I am self employed, running my own business: Spotlesspinata Jewellery. I also run the group SE20 Parents on Facebook and have my own local lifestyle blog 'The Spotlesspinata' which focuses on local businesses and my health. I am married to my soul mate/partner in crime Ray and we have two sons.
Myself and the children have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder which makes us overly flexible and easily damaged, with mobility difficulties. My husband has a rare case of lymphedema. Put together, it makes for a sometimes difficult and exhausting life but we work as a team and get through it together. I love music, it's my life line... and creating stuff whether it be pieces of jewellery, graphic design, photography, songs etc. I'm often found eating chocolate. Or cake (or both, shhhhh).
How long have you lived in Penge? What's your favourite thing about the area?
I've lived in Penge for 6 years. Before that, I lived in neighbouring Beckenham and was born and raised in Sydenham for the first 16 years of my life. Penge has always been on my radar even when not living here. We would hang out in Penge after school, either taking in the busy sights of the high street or chilling out in Betts or Penge Rec parks before bundling on the overfilled buses home. As an adult, before moving here, I'd nip to Penge for a rummage round the awesome charity shops and for the fresh food you can pick up at great prices, while lusting at the large gorgeous houses at an almost affordable price. I think my favourite thing about Penge is it's hidden qualities. The things you grow to be super proud of when you discover them, like the beautiful architecture, Alexandra Nurseries and Winsford Gardens.
When I met you, you were running The Spotlesspinata as a community and personal blog. You then expanded to become Super Jewellery Maker extraordinaire as well - talk us through the evolution of The Spotlesspinata and the different projects you run.
Thank you for the kind words! The Spotlesspinata formed from a general brand idea I had one day whilst playing video games. The actual name comes from a mash up of the games Viva Pinata and Eternal Sonata. The third aspect comes from the film (which I had just recently watched) Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. Somehow from that, the phrase 'eternal sonata of the spotless pinata' just got wedged right in my head. From that moment on I knew I wanted 'The Spotlesspinata' to be my brand.
As you mentioned, it first came in to use with an idea I was passionate about - my local area. I had recently moved to Penge from Beckenham and really wanted to start doing something for me, while being at home with my children. I wanted to get involved with local businesses, work from home parents, independent traders etc. to showcase and support talent within our borough, through blog format and social media. I have met so many wonderful people doing this! During this time, however, I realised how much Penge is often looked over or even dismissed as a part of Bromley borough. It made me really sad to always have my chosen home town the butt of jokes, the last suggested place, judged often unfairly and held to old reputations.
It was then I decided to add a bit more to the mix and start up SE20 Mums (now SE20 Parents) on Facebook, aimed specifically at Penge Parents, business and events with Penge being the main focus. I was proud to be a Penge mum, I wanted to know about Penge groups I could take my kids too, I wanted to meet other Penge based parents to have a coffee with, I wanted to buy Penge made items to support our local community, learn about our local schools... these are the kinds of things that can help communities come together and build better lives for themselves and the generations to come. To be doing my small bit (and it really is a small bit!) makes me feel like I'm trying to do something worthwhile.
Meeting so many inspiring and lovely people during this time really gave me the confidence to go ahead and start up my own business, Spotlesspinata Jewellery, something I'd wanted to do for as long as I can remember but didn't really have the knowledge or confidence to do before. A little exclusive for you; I'm currently expanding a little into photo editing and keepsake pieces with a splinter section called SpotlessVision, so keep a lookout over the next few months!
Hi! I'm Julie and I am self employed, running my own business: Spotlesspinata Jewellery. I also run the group SE20 Parents on Facebook and have my own local lifestyle blog 'The Spotlesspinata' which focuses on local businesses and my health. I am married to my soul mate/partner in crime Ray and we have two sons.
Myself and the children have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder which makes us overly flexible and easily damaged, with mobility difficulties. My husband has a rare case of lymphedema. Put together, it makes for a sometimes difficult and exhausting life but we work as a team and get through it together. I love music, it's my life line... and creating stuff whether it be pieces of jewellery, graphic design, photography, songs etc. I'm often found eating chocolate. Or cake (or both, shhhhh).
How long have you lived in Penge? What's your favourite thing about the area?
I've lived in Penge for 6 years. Before that, I lived in neighbouring Beckenham and was born and raised in Sydenham for the first 16 years of my life. Penge has always been on my radar even when not living here. We would hang out in Penge after school, either taking in the busy sights of the high street or chilling out in Betts or Penge Rec parks before bundling on the overfilled buses home. As an adult, before moving here, I'd nip to Penge for a rummage round the awesome charity shops and for the fresh food you can pick up at great prices, while lusting at the large gorgeous houses at an almost affordable price. I think my favourite thing about Penge is it's hidden qualities. The things you grow to be super proud of when you discover them, like the beautiful architecture, Alexandra Nurseries and Winsford Gardens.
When I met you, you were running The Spotlesspinata as a community and personal blog. You then expanded to become Super Jewellery Maker extraordinaire as well - talk us through the evolution of The Spotlesspinata and the different projects you run.
Thank you for the kind words! The Spotlesspinata formed from a general brand idea I had one day whilst playing video games. The actual name comes from a mash up of the games Viva Pinata and Eternal Sonata. The third aspect comes from the film (which I had just recently watched) Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. Somehow from that, the phrase 'eternal sonata of the spotless pinata' just got wedged right in my head. From that moment on I knew I wanted 'The Spotlesspinata' to be my brand.
As you mentioned, it first came in to use with an idea I was passionate about - my local area. I had recently moved to Penge from Beckenham and really wanted to start doing something for me, while being at home with my children. I wanted to get involved with local businesses, work from home parents, independent traders etc. to showcase and support talent within our borough, through blog format and social media. I have met so many wonderful people doing this! During this time, however, I realised how much Penge is often looked over or even dismissed as a part of Bromley borough. It made me really sad to always have my chosen home town the butt of jokes, the last suggested place, judged often unfairly and held to old reputations.
It was then I decided to add a bit more to the mix and start up SE20 Mums (now SE20 Parents) on Facebook, aimed specifically at Penge Parents, business and events with Penge being the main focus. I was proud to be a Penge mum, I wanted to know about Penge groups I could take my kids too, I wanted to meet other Penge based parents to have a coffee with, I wanted to buy Penge made items to support our local community, learn about our local schools... these are the kinds of things that can help communities come together and build better lives for themselves and the generations to come. To be doing my small bit (and it really is a small bit!) makes me feel like I'm trying to do something worthwhile.
Meeting so many inspiring and lovely people during this time really gave me the confidence to go ahead and start up my own business, Spotlesspinata Jewellery, something I'd wanted to do for as long as I can remember but didn't really have the knowledge or confidence to do before. A little exclusive for you; I'm currently expanding a little into photo editing and keepsake pieces with a splinter section called SpotlessVision, so keep a lookout over the next few months!
What inspires your jewellery pieces? Do you have a favourite piece?
I've always loved jewellery pieces and accessories that are different from the run of the mill stuff you can buy in shops. As I mentioned before, I love charity shopping and have spent hours rummaging through boxes and hangars of jewellery, gems, antiques and oddities dreaming of creating similar things myself. Colour inspires me too - the colours in nature - space, the sky, clouds, rainbows, fields of miles and miles of gorgeous colours... it's a bit hippy sounding but our world is amazing and it's definitely what I draw inspiration from the most. It's so hard to pick a favourite item as I really do genuinely love all of my pieces (sometimes it's so hard to let them go!) but if I had to choose, I think I would go with my space inspired pendants, in particular; Nebula Skies.
I've always loved jewellery pieces and accessories that are different from the run of the mill stuff you can buy in shops. As I mentioned before, I love charity shopping and have spent hours rummaging through boxes and hangars of jewellery, gems, antiques and oddities dreaming of creating similar things myself. Colour inspires me too - the colours in nature - space, the sky, clouds, rainbows, fields of miles and miles of gorgeous colours... it's a bit hippy sounding but our world is amazing and it's definitely what I draw inspiration from the most. It's so hard to pick a favourite item as I really do genuinely love all of my pieces (sometimes it's so hard to let them go!) but if I had to choose, I think I would go with my space inspired pendants, in particular; Nebula Skies.
Pricing handmade items can be a major stumbling block when getting ready to sell - I know that I definitely struggle with striking a balance between a fair price for both me and the buyer. What factors do you take into consideration when deciding on prices for your jewellery?
It really is a difficult balance. I put in a lot of research at craft fairs, online marketplaces like Etsy and other businesses I know to find out what people are charging for similar type items. It's important to offer healthy competition but not undercut those who are also trying to make their way. I am also part of an online group for work at home parents registered self employed. Getting their input and talking through ideas/price ranges etc. with honest people in the same frame of mind as you is really invaluable. I team all of that information with how much my base materials cost and go from there.
I have to be honest and say that time is often factored out of my pricing. With two children and a bit of a hectic life right now, coping with disability and health problems for our whole family, if I were to try and work out a true hourly rate I'd fall flat at the first hurdle!
What does community mean to you and why is it so important?
Community to me means diversity and inclusion. It also means support and safety. I'm from the old school of thought that it's great to know your neighbours, that it's important to look out for the elderly and vulnerable in your area and that by coming together, you can build a tight knit, safe place to live in. South East London has a reputation for being a rough, unfriendly place but only by coming together as communities can we break that reputation and fight the stereotyping that comes from it. An area is largely moulded by the people within it. We are those people and we can make positive changes. With anything, it takes time and perseverance but it's so worth it to create vibrant, interesting and safe places to live and hang out in.
It really is a difficult balance. I put in a lot of research at craft fairs, online marketplaces like Etsy and other businesses I know to find out what people are charging for similar type items. It's important to offer healthy competition but not undercut those who are also trying to make their way. I am also part of an online group for work at home parents registered self employed. Getting their input and talking through ideas/price ranges etc. with honest people in the same frame of mind as you is really invaluable. I team all of that information with how much my base materials cost and go from there.
I have to be honest and say that time is often factored out of my pricing. With two children and a bit of a hectic life right now, coping with disability and health problems for our whole family, if I were to try and work out a true hourly rate I'd fall flat at the first hurdle!
What does community mean to you and why is it so important?
Community to me means diversity and inclusion. It also means support and safety. I'm from the old school of thought that it's great to know your neighbours, that it's important to look out for the elderly and vulnerable in your area and that by coming together, you can build a tight knit, safe place to live in. South East London has a reputation for being a rough, unfriendly place but only by coming together as communities can we break that reputation and fight the stereotyping that comes from it. An area is largely moulded by the people within it. We are those people and we can make positive changes. With anything, it takes time and perseverance but it's so worth it to create vibrant, interesting and safe places to live and hang out in.
By now you're an SE20 Craft Fair regular! What tips do you have for crafters coming to sell at future fairs - what makes the experience positive and successful for you?
I LOVE the SE20 Craft Fair both as a customer and a trader. Working a craft fair is always a little nerve wrecking but equally mega exciting. I always start by finding out table/pitch dimensions and then researching different display ideas. About a week or so before, I work on my layout, trying out different set ups and colours until I feel happy with it. I can see then if I need to make up more stock or what pieces I should keep back if I have an excess of stock.
My first tip would be to have a look at the area you will be selling in and pick your pieces to fit in with that. For example, if you have paid for an outdoor summer pitch with great footfall in an affluent area, you can probably put up some of your higher priced items with confidence. In a small hall or school fair with less footfall or advertising, you might want to put out more items towards the lower end of the scale of what you sell. I've always found regardless having a little 'pocket money' items section on a stall is always very popular.
My other necessities are extra stock to replenish your stall if things go well, lots of change, an order book and pen to keep track of sales for tax purposes, branded stickers/business cards/flyers so people can have a look through your stuff later and little bags. Even a small paper bag to pop your items in can be really useful to a customer who is trying to hold on to excited kids, purse and purchases!
The key to keeping positive is keeping an open mind. Each fair, even in the same location, is totally different. I always try to go with an open mind and happy heart to use the fair as a vessel to meet like-minded creative business people, potential customers and a chance to advertise my brand. It is nice to cover table fees with sales but even if you don't, chalk it up to experience, see what you could change to possibly make a difference next time and rest assured the more fairs you do, the more your name gets out and people start to recognise your brand. Much like building a community, building a brand takes time and love. Approach it with positivity and a willingness to learn and you are on the right path.
Thank you Julie!
Julie Whitney and her fabulous Spotlesspinata Jewellery will be at the next SE20 Craft Fair on Saturday 31st October 2015. It's a little way away, so in the meantime, check out her site (click this sentence) to eye up her lovely hand made jewellery and see what fairs she is appearing at near you this summer.
Other places to find Julie:
Her community and personal blog.
Her online jewellery shop
If you'd like to be featured as an SE20 Crafter on this blog, send an e-mail to me at [email protected] and let me know who you are and what you make. Have you had a stall at SE20 Craft Fair before and/or are you planning to have a stall at one in the future? I definitely want to hear from you!
Love local <3
I LOVE the SE20 Craft Fair both as a customer and a trader. Working a craft fair is always a little nerve wrecking but equally mega exciting. I always start by finding out table/pitch dimensions and then researching different display ideas. About a week or so before, I work on my layout, trying out different set ups and colours until I feel happy with it. I can see then if I need to make up more stock or what pieces I should keep back if I have an excess of stock.
My first tip would be to have a look at the area you will be selling in and pick your pieces to fit in with that. For example, if you have paid for an outdoor summer pitch with great footfall in an affluent area, you can probably put up some of your higher priced items with confidence. In a small hall or school fair with less footfall or advertising, you might want to put out more items towards the lower end of the scale of what you sell. I've always found regardless having a little 'pocket money' items section on a stall is always very popular.
My other necessities are extra stock to replenish your stall if things go well, lots of change, an order book and pen to keep track of sales for tax purposes, branded stickers/business cards/flyers so people can have a look through your stuff later and little bags. Even a small paper bag to pop your items in can be really useful to a customer who is trying to hold on to excited kids, purse and purchases!
The key to keeping positive is keeping an open mind. Each fair, even in the same location, is totally different. I always try to go with an open mind and happy heart to use the fair as a vessel to meet like-minded creative business people, potential customers and a chance to advertise my brand. It is nice to cover table fees with sales but even if you don't, chalk it up to experience, see what you could change to possibly make a difference next time and rest assured the more fairs you do, the more your name gets out and people start to recognise your brand. Much like building a community, building a brand takes time and love. Approach it with positivity and a willingness to learn and you are on the right path.
Thank you Julie!
Julie Whitney and her fabulous Spotlesspinata Jewellery will be at the next SE20 Craft Fair on Saturday 31st October 2015. It's a little way away, so in the meantime, check out her site (click this sentence) to eye up her lovely hand made jewellery and see what fairs she is appearing at near you this summer.
Other places to find Julie:
Her community and personal blog.
Her online jewellery shop
If you'd like to be featured as an SE20 Crafter on this blog, send an e-mail to me at [email protected] and let me know who you are and what you make. Have you had a stall at SE20 Craft Fair before and/or are you planning to have a stall at one in the future? I definitely want to hear from you!
Love local <3
All photographs by Christina Owen Copyright 2015 except for Julie Whitney portrait and Nebular Skies necklace which are by Julie Whitney Copyright 2015