Chainstitch embroidery is having a bit of a moment. Post Malone is wearing it and all the cool kids are getting custom patches made for the jean jackets. With business owners like Tina Vines creating vintage inspired designs with a western flair I can see why it’s catching on. Tina runs a successful Etsy store creating patches, felt purses and of course custom work. I can’t wait to taco all about it this Tuesday!
Website: Vines of the West
Social Channels:
- IG: @tinavines
- Facebook: Vines of the West
1) What is the best advice you could give someone about the business of being creative and the creativity behind running business?
If you’re able to create a business around your creative talents, remember how lucky you are. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the stress and pressure of running your own business, but at the end of the day- you’re doing something you love for work & that’s amazing!
2) Do you have a favorite place to go for business advice? Mentor group, book, website?
I look to fellow creative business people, some of whom I am friends with and some that I admire from afar, for advice and guidance. I love chatting with other chainstitchers, tailors, seamstresses, designers, etc about the day-to-day business of being creative and making a career of it. It’s so wonderful to get others’ point of view and it also reminds me that I’m not alone out here (even though it can feel that way when you work by yourself/ from home).
3) Besides Creative Queso what are your favorite podcasts?
4) How do you prevent creative burn out?
I try to remind myself to take days off (without guilt), but honestly I’m still working on the balance! Also, I try to just walk away from a project for a while and focus on something new if I’m feeling really stuck or uninspired. It really helps to come back to it later with a fresh outlook.
5) What is something your business could not live without?
My business couldn’t live without Instagram! It’s been so helpful in building my business and it is still the most common way that people find my work!
6) What are some of your favorite Instagram feeds?
- Golden West Sign Arts: sign painter extraordinaire, who just happens to be my other half.
- Advanced Style: amazing & inspiring fashion, featuring those who are “advanced” in age.
- Charles Phoenix: ambassador of Americana!
- Helen Entwisle: screenprinter & designer in the UK
- Jerry Lee Atwood of Union Western Clothing: western wear designer, tailor & chainstitcher-
7) Tell us a piece of surprising trivia about yourself or your business.
I worked for Betsey Johnson (fashion designer) at her NYC showroom/corporate office for a few years (first as an intern, then receptionist, then design assistant) before finding my way to the world of chainstitch embroidery! I loved every minute of working at her vibrant, wacky, creative headquarters! I was able to work with the best people (Betsey herself included) and learned so much! Her style is quite different than the style that I work in now, so I suppose it’s a bit surprising! 🙂
8) Do you use a paper planner full of stickers and washi tape or are you a Google calendar kinda guy or gal?
Neither really….I make lists on notepads, use a cork board for current orders (paper notes for each project) and have a regular old, classic calendar on the wall! I keep it simple!
9) When you are working do you listen/watch podcasts, music, audio books, Netflix or do you like dead silence like a total weirdo?
I listen to podcasts most of the time but every now & then I’ll switch it up and listen to music…especially if I’m out of new episodes of my fave podcasts!
10) If I came to see you where would we go for queso?
We’d go to Miguel’s in midtown Reno, it’s been around since 1959! I love a historic restaurant, plus the food is good & the decor is vibrant and colorful! What more could you want?!
How cute is Tina Vines? Do you not want to have your entire wardrobe chainstitched now? I know I do. Thank you Tina for stopping by Creative Queso and chatting!
