February 21, 2011

A Crafty Questionnaire: Jenny Kim


For a totally uplifting dose of cute, visit Jenny Kim's Etsy shop Overall Baby. Rows of brightly colored overalls on adorable kids is sure to brighten anyone's day, and more than likely, will have you wishing she made overalls in adult sizes too.

A veteran sewer -- her first shop on Etsy is devoted to handmade fabric totes -- Jenny decided to focus on overalls after being laid off from a corporate job in 2008. She likes bringing a new appreciation for such an iconic American item to a modern audience. From the young hip couple looking for something unique and fun for their child, to grandparents who reminisce about the time they wore overalls as children, she designs her garments to appeal across generations.

Jenny's dream setup? After joining the Peace Corps, she would relocate to Costa Rica and volunteer at a surf instruction school while designing a line using the resources available at Aid to Artisans, a program that connects factories overseas in poor nations with designers in the U.S.

For more adorable babies in adorable overalls, visit Jenny's website at www.overallbaby.com where you'll find a link to her Etsy shop and a list of retail shops. Jenny also sells at local fairs in the NY area, especially in Brooklyn. Look for Overall Baby at the {NewNew} Handmade Calvacade, the Renegade Craft Market in Williamsburg, and the 5th Avenue Fair in Park Slope.



What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To sit quietly in a room, while meditating, and not let my thoughts get the best of me. Perfect happiness happens when my mind is still.

What is your greatest fear?
I think fear is created by attachment to things, which is something I try not to do so much of. Fear of losing loved ones, fear of not attaining goals, etc. Attachments and expectations are great but I rather roll with the punches.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I can't really think of anyone. It's hard to identify with one particular person since we live such different lives.

Which living person do you most admire?
Right now I'm a bit fascinated by Melinda Gates.

Do you have a theme song, and what is it?
Something jazzy and upbeat!

What is the trait you most like in yourself?
Honesty.

What is the trait you most like in others?
Honesty.

What is your greatest extravagance?
This is a tough one. I'm a pretty simple girl who hates shopping. I bothers me when things I've bought pile up unused. I usually have a rule about owning only one of everything.

When and where were you happiest?
Whenever I'm on vacation. It's been awhile. I could use one now.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I could be more firm with my decisions. I can be a bit of a pushover.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Starting my own business. It’s the most challenging thing I've ever done! Also the thing I’m most proud of.

If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be?
A dolphin. They seem like the freest animals in the world.


What is your most treasured possession?
People I love.

Which talent or skill would you most like to have?
I wish I could draw. Like really draw. Like a super talented artist. It’s the one thing I think you can't learn. Either you're born with it or not.

Who are your heroes in real life?
My mom. She's the kindest and most giving person I know. Also, the most resilient person I know. If I can grow up to be as half as kind as she is, then I know I've done something right.

What is it the one thing you dislike the most?
Snow in New York.

What is your motto?
Shit happens.

Who are your favorite artists?
My favorite all time band is the Beatles. I LOVE the Beatles. If I were a young girl during the 60's, I would totally be one of those crazy girls in the stands of their concerts screaming and having complete meltdowns!


Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?
Etsy! Actually, I thought of a similar concept about 8 years ago. I got the idea one day strolling through a street fair. I thought, wouldn't it be awesome if there was a website where people could easily set up shop and sell their wares? Everyone thought I was nuts.

What's the first thing you remember making?
In the 4th grade, I picked up a book on origami and was soon making flapping cranes and other cool things. My classmates thought they were pretty cool too and would offer all sorts of goodies in exchange.



Sue De
etsy.com/shop/persuede
made for you

2 comments:

Karina Glaser said...

Love Jenny's work! Am totally looking to purchase a pair of overalls for my girls soon.

Lu said...

Jenny uses the cutest fabrics! I love the accompanying photos in this post!