Heyo! Pam is the wonderful lady boss behind Crafted and one of the three founders of the brand new shop Greater Goods YYC opening this Saturday! With a stall at the Calgary farmers market, her very soon to be new digs in Bridgeland, you can usually find Pam at either brick and Mortar shops or at a local market in the warmer months with her food truck style artisan truck!
Pam – CRAFTED
WHAT DO YOU MAKE/SELL? TELL US ABOUT YO’ SELF.
Crafted is a collection of variety of goods made by local artists, designers and makers that are all sold in one spot. Crafted also hosts workshops ( traditional fine art,, diy home improvement, holiday decorations, business ). While having Crafted, I also have my own brand of crocheted things and other creative crafts called Bubblegum Belles. I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering but went back to school after a couple of years to study broadcasting. Worked as a graphic artist for 17 years before starting Crafted. I was Born in chile, raised in Winnipeg but call Calgary home. I love watching tv and movies and am the definition of an introvert. I have two daughters and met my husband at ctv, and we have one cat and one dog!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR BUSINESS?
Bubblegum belles has been in existence since 2007 but crafted is newer having only launched in April of 2015!
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
I taught myself to crochet so that I could make toys for my daughter. I eventually made so many that I started doing markets. I became obsessed with everything handmade and wanted to share that with people – which is how crafted came to be.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?
My daughters were the initial inspiration but now I get it from everywhere. I draw inspiration from other artists, from vintage items (my other passion), from the beauty and creativity of other countries
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM AND WHY?
INSTAGRAM!! I’m a visual person and I love the interaction that is made possible from this platform. I’d say over 90% of my business and new relationships have come from using Instagram.
HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP WHEN THINGS GO WRONG?
I depend a lot on my husband for emotional support. He brings me down off the ledge and provides a different perspective than the ones I generally have which often prevent me from bouncing back quickly. He’s my rock and, cliché as it is, I wouldn’t have the guts to do what I’m doing.
WHAT’S ONE THING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU? GIVE US AN INTERESTING FACT!
I have two! I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering (I’m a juxtaposition – science nerd and art lover) and I also got to travel all over the place while I worked as a freelance graphic artist in TV. My most memorable gig was working at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I’d like to be able to fly but I’d settle with a good singing voice.
WHAT ARE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES? (Please include links)
Website: www.craftedgoods.ca
Instagram: craftedyyc
Twitter: craftedyyc
Facebook: facebook.com/CraftedTruck/
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR STUFF?
Crafted is at the Calgary Farmers’ Market (510 77 Avenue SE)
The Crafted Artisan Truck is out from May to September at different festivals and events.
Bubblegum Belles (www.etsy.com/shop/bubblegumbelles)