When did you set up your business and why?
It all happened pretty organically at the end of last year.
I started an embroidery account on Instagram in July, just as a way of sharing the art that I was making and gifting to friends and family.
Gradually, I started gaining more followers who reached out to ask if my pieces were on sale and to request custom pieces.
That gave me the confidence to put myself out there a bit more and see where it goes!
Can you explain your process?
The inspiration can come from anywhere and anything. Most of the work I share on my account is inspired by pop culture, movies, TV shows, gifs, stuff like that.
Sometimes I'll do a single piece, other times I'll make a series with multiple designs.
I also work on commissions, from dog portraits to logos and everything in between! That process involves a lot of communication, sketching different ideas and layouts, and taking on feedback.
A lot of Lyndsey Farrell's work is inspired by pop culture, movies, TV shows and gifs.
I create mixed media embroidery, so I combine traditional embroidery (fabric and thread) with watercolour paints, acrylics, beads, whatever I think will bring the idea to life.
I make a conscious effort to source my materials from small Irish sellers, as I think it's important for us to shop local and to help build up those independent businesses.
Once I've finalised my design and I've sourced the materials I need, it's just a process of putting it all together.
Embroidery is a slow art form and time on each piece varies depending on size and complexity; some have taken me a few hours to complete while others have taken me a few days!
What is your bestseller?
At the moment, I only provide finished, hooped embroidery. Each piece I make is one of a kind, so if you buy something from Ask Me Hoop, you're the only person in the world who has it!
What is it about your business that brings you joy?
I've met some really amazing people through setting up Ask Me Hoop. Working with them to create something unique and beautiful is really special.
What are your hopes for 2023?
I recently designed a digital embroidery pattern to help raise money for Cara Rescue Dogs and I really enjoyed that process. I would love to start designing more embroidery patterns so that people can create their own pieces!
As well as being a beautiful art form, embroidery is a fantastic way to practice mindfulness and slowing down; you can't rush a good satin stitch!
So as much as I love making art for others, I'd love to empower people to create their own art too.
What advice would you give to another start-up business?
My advice would be to reach out to other small businesses for help when you need it.
I've been very lucky to connect with some amazing people who were more than happy to share their knowledge with me as I started selling my embroidery.
We all want everyone to do well, so if you're not sure of something, reach out to a small business owner, say hi, and I'm sure they'd love to help you!
You can follow Lyndsey on Instagram @askmehoop.
Read more
Meet The Maker: illustrator Felicia Thomas
Meet The Maker: illustrator Una Heaney
When did you set up your business and why?
It all happened pretty organically at the end of last year.
I started an embroidery account on Instagram in July, just as a way of sharing the art that I was making and gifting to friends and family.
Gradually, I started gaining more followers who reached out to ask if my pieces were on sale and to request custom pieces.
That gave me the confidence to put myself out there a bit more and see where it goes!
Can you explain your process?
The inspiration can come from anywhere and anything. Most of the work I share on my account is inspired by pop culture, movies, TV shows, gifs, stuff like that.
Sometimes I'll do a single piece, other times I'll make a series with multiple designs.
I also work on commissions, from dog portraits to logos and everything in between! That process involves a lot of communication, sketching different ideas and layouts, and taking on feedback.
A lot of Lyndsey Farrell's work is inspired by pop culture, movies, TV shows and gifs.
I create mixed media embroidery, so I combine traditional embroidery (fabric and thread) with watercolour paints, acrylics, beads, whatever I think will bring the idea to life.
I make a conscious effort to source my materials from small Irish sellers, as I think it's important for us to shop local and to help build up those independent businesses.
Once I've finalised my design and I've sourced the materials I need, it's just a process of putting it all together.
Embroidery is a slow art form and time on each piece varies depending on size and complexity; some have taken me a few hours to complete while others have taken me a few days!
What is your bestseller?
At the moment, I only provide finished, hooped embroidery. Each piece I make is one of a kind, so if you buy something from Ask Me Hoop, you're the only person in the world who has it!
What is it about your business that brings you joy?
I've met some really amazing people through setting up Ask Me Hoop. Working with them to create something unique and beautiful is really special.
What are your hopes for 2023?
I recently designed a digital embroidery pattern to help raise money for Cara Rescue Dogs and I really enjoyed that process. I would love to start designing more embroidery patterns so that people can create their own pieces!
As well as being a beautiful art form, embroidery is a fantastic way to practice mindfulness and slowing down; you can't rush a good satin stitch!
So as much as I love making art for others, I'd love to empower people to create their own art too.
What advice would you give to another start-up business?
My advice would be to reach out to other small businesses for help when you need it.
I've been very lucky to connect with some amazing people who were more than happy to share their knowledge with me as I started selling my embroidery.
We all want everyone to do well, so if you're not sure of something, reach out to a small business owner, say hi, and I'm sure they'd love to help you!
You can follow Lyndsey on Instagram @askmehoop.
Read more
Meet The Maker: illustrator Felicia Thomas
Meet The Maker: illustrator Una Heaney
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