Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Ferry.
Anna, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always loved to sew and design since I was young. When I was in high school I would sew felt hats and sell them at the markets with my mum and a few stores in Melbourne. I have never had any formal university training but have had great mentors along the way such as my mother, grandmothers and great high school textiles teachers that have encouraged me and given me the confidence to continue to teach myself new skills such as pattern making, grading, and natural dying. Fast forward a few years and I found myself married to an American, living in Boulder, and at home with our first daughter. It was during this time that Charlie + Me began, firstly as a children’s clothing line that I sold on Etsy, and slowly it has morphed into solely a small batch women’s clothing line.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Having your own business is never a smooth road, for me the biggest challenge has certainly been finding the balance between work and family life. When my girls were small and at home, I would sew during their nap time, or after bedtime which would then impact the downtime I would have with my husband. It’s kind of tricky to have a deep and meaningful catch-up time over the sound of the sewing machine. Now that they are both in school full-time, I am able to balance my work, family life better and sew while they are at school for the most part. The other great struggle is trying to making sure I grow Charlie + Me in a way that is sustainable for me. I am not one for bigger is better and trying to maintain the love and inspiration for what I do and not get too carried away with trying to pump out pieces and keep up with the trends and expectations of society can sometimes be tricky.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Charlie + Me is a small batch women’s clothing line designed and made in Boulder. Sustainable textiles such as linen, organic cotton, and raw silks are used due to their low environmental impact, natural beauty, and durability. Each piece is designed and sewn by myself in Boulder from start to finish which allows me the ability to work with customers to alter and customize each design to fit them like a glove.
What were you like growing up?
I come from a family of four kids and although I am 3rd in-line, I probably have the personality of the older, sometimes bossier big sister when it comes to my siblings. Our family is a very creative one so drawing, painting, sewing, and any other creative design interests were always encouraged in our home. I have always loved drawing but don’t do it as much these days and miss that. Other than visual arts, I absolutely love getting outside, whether it’s rock-climbing, mountain biking, backpacking or playing at the beach. I miss the beach a lot living in Colorado so each chance I get, I head to a coastline to get my salty sea fix.
Pricing:
- Garments range in price from $80-$250
Contact Info:
- Website: www.charlieandmedesigns.com
- Email: charlieandmedesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/charlieandmedesigns
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/charlieandmedesigns
Image Credit:
Elizabeth Nicole- @enproduces, Julia Vandenoever- @juliavandenoever
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