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<\/a>Where did the idea for The Candi Factory come from?<\/strong><\/p>\nI went to Parsons School of Design, started making and selling hand-dyed, hand-painted, hemp clothing. \u00a0One day I made underwear in hemp, not a great idea. \u00a0Then realized if I made them in better fabric I\u2019d be onto something.<\/em><\/p>\n The Candi Factory is rife with fun and witty graphics that you design yourself. What is your design process like? Where do you get your inspiration?<\/strong><\/p>\n I like bright, but simple things, like stripes and dots. \u00a0As for the prints and text, it has to make me laugh. \u00a0Sometimes the fabric dictates the rest of the piece, sometimes I have an idea and find the fabric to go with it.<\/em><\/p>\n You are a staple at the One of a Kind Show in Toronto and your booth is always booming. How do you prepare for the show?<\/strong><\/p>\n Months of and months of work. \u00a0Including dreaming of booth display in my sleep, literally. \u00a0I plan my pieces, order fabric, make the patterns, samples, then have them sewn and printed. I build\/add to the booth, make signage, postcards, hangtags, etc.<\/em><\/p>\n Lots of people have been shopping with me for years. \u00a0You have to keep the designs similar enough to have a certain feel, but different enough to be new. \u00a0Above all else you need great quality.<\/em><\/p>\n All of your garments are locally cut-and-sewn. Any advice on how to find a good contractor?<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019ve had 3 different sewing contractors close down on me because of all the manufacturing going overseas. \u00a0It\u2019s hard to find a company that does the quality you want and can understand your process as a small business. There are no real resources to find contractors, just word of mouth.<\/em><\/p>\n What have been your biggest obstacles as a small business owner?<\/strong><\/p>\n Fabric delivery is often a challenge. \u00a0Finding the right balance between selling retail and wholesale is tough.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>
\nDo you find that you have a lot of return customers? How do you keep them coming back?<\/strong><\/p>\n