Monday, January 11, 2010

Hall of Fame {CindyMars7}

Welcome back and Happy Monday. You know what a purse-aholic I am, so naturally I was happy to come across this lovely Etsy shop!

Meet Mayka, the artist behind CindyMars7. Her shop is stocked with the most unique bags with beautiful attention to detail.

Mayka "grew up loving fabric and the idea that you could create virtually anything you wanted with it." She recently fell in love with her sewing machine again, and treats each of her creations as a labor of love.

Keep reading to learn who it is she has to thank for the opening of her shop, and the sweet story behind her shop name.

What inspires you?
I’m mostly inspired by history. I remember being a student at FIT ( The Fashion Institute of Technology) and having access to the amazing archives. The teachers encouraged us to visit museums, thrift shops, and flea markets, so we could have a sense of the way clothing was constructed. I became a flea market junkie after this and fell in love with pretty much all the antique clothes that I came across. I sometimes incorporate details of the past in my handbags.

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
I am originally from the Dominican Republic, but call Colorado home. I first lived in Bronx, NY for about 8 years ( arrived in '86 ), then moved with my family to New Jersey and lived there until I got married in '08.

Name something unique to where you live.
Oh, the mountains and the wide open spaces! I live in the Western slope, in a town called Silt. It took me a while to adjust to the quiet pace of this quaint little town, but now I embrace it. I remember going back to NY for a visit last summer and I was amazed at how much I was affected by the fast pace of the city. I was actually afraid of driving around!
Share an interesting fact about yourself.
Hmmmm, that’s a toughie. Let’s see:
I sample grapes before buying them at the supermarket, I’m afraid of the shark tunnel at any aquarium ( but go thru it anyway), I like to squish Peeps inside their cute boxes and I was born with just one kidney.…I could go on and on, but you haven’t got all day, have you?

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
A nurturer... I've been told that a lot.

What made you decide to open up shop?
I opened up a shop on Etsy because of my sister. I had just moved to Colorado and was unsure of what the future would hold for me work wise. She begged me to give Etsy a try before looking for a 9 to 5 job. If it had not been for her and my mother, I would’ve never had the opportunity to work from home and take care of my family.
How did you come up with your shop name? Any special significance?
My husband and I met thru an online chat room and my nickname was Cindymars7. If I had to explain to you how the name came about, I don’t think I could. It just came to me in an instant. I decided to use that nickname for the store, because it reminded me of the one chance meeting that changed my life ( just the way Etsy did).

Who taught you to sew?
Most of the women in my family are artisans in one way or another. I learned to sew by watching my mother and my grandmothers. My mom ended up opening a small business, sewing made-to-order girl’s dresses, as a way of earning extra income. Little did she know that I was watching her every move. I would take my dolls and try to replicate the dresses she created. When we emigrated to the US, she held several jobs in the garment industry. My love for sewing grew even greater when I became a teenager and wanted to look different and fashionable.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
The fact that there is no right or wrong way to design! What one person thinks is ugly, another person may find gorgeous.

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
Right now I’m selling on Etsy full time.
Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
During the work week, a typical day consists of getting my daughter and husband out to school and work. Then I sit in front of my computer with a huge cup of coffee, to see if there are sales from the night before. Then it's off to sewing, post office, housework, library, thrift shop on different days of the week...
Then, in the afternoons is family time: dinner, time with family and yes, maybe cutting a handbag later in the evening, to sew it early the next morning.

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
One of my favorite Etsy stores is called Scabbyrobot. My sister and I loved the originality of both the name and the leather handbags. One of my favorite objects I’ve purchased on Etsy is a pair of antique earrings made in silver and tiger eye stones from a store called Kbjewels. I lost a similar pair when I was in my twenties and was very glad to find them again!

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
I am a treasure hunter at heart. I love to find antique items that have been loved by someone else. It especially warms my heart to find something handmade.

I also love to cook. I sometimes make a new recipe, instead of the usual grub, to give my family some variety.
Read any good books lately?
Well, I actually have been “hearing”, instead of reading books. It is so relaxing and inspiring to work while having a great story being read to you. To me it's a form of lullaby. I have “heard” a series of great books by Malcolm Gladwell: Blink, The Tipping Point and Outliers. He truly inspired me to look past the negative and think towards the future. If you have time read at least one, they will change your life.

What is your most prized possession?
My Christian faith and my family. I know you just asked for one prized possession, but for me, they are one and the same.

What are three of your favorite foods?
Ohhh not fair! I can’t pick just three ( pouting).

Ok, here we go:
1- A dish made with scrambled eggs, white rice and ham that I used to eat as a child...
2- Rice pudding from Rice to Riches ( yeah, but only when I am in NY)...
3- Raw oysters ( too yummy for words)
What would you like to learn to do?
If only I had the patience to learn how to knit with two needles! I have tried, but always come out disappointed. I would also enjoy learning a new career, perhaps in nursing.

What are you listening to right now?
Classical music, 70’s and 80’s music ( Supertramp, Boston, Bread) and Christian Rock.

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
My husband and I would love to visit Japan someday. I find their culture incredibly fascinating.

Anything else you'd like to share?
Life is too short…go eat rice pudding with someone you love!

***
Mayka, thank you so much for stopping by to share with us. It was a pleasure getting to know you better.

Mayka is offering free shipping on everything in her shop through January 15th! Add her to your favorites!

Time for a Giveaway!
Mayka is so generously giving away one of her fabulous bags to one reader! The winner will receive the gorgeous Augusta handbag pictured to the right -- a $50 value. So jealous!!

To enter, name one thing you must have in your purse at all times! Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username so we can contact you!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway, and/or follow me on twitter
Follow my blog
Blog about this interview/contest
Purchase from CindyMars7

Just leave a comment with your answer. Then, an additional comment if you are applicable for extra entries.

For example: If you want to enter and you also tweet the giveaway and follow my blog; leave your original comment + another that you tweeted + another that you are a follower = a total of 3 comments. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.
You can also tweet this giveaway once per day or follow me on twitter and get an additional entry for doing so!

Contest ends Sunday, January 17th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen at random and will be announced the following day.

Good luck!

153 comments:

jaquelyn {mama thoughts} said...

I *always* have lip balm and Purell with me, and then my wallet, of course. These bags are absolutely beautiful!

thesweetestpetunia {at} gmail {dot} com

jaquelyn {mama thoughts} said...

Blog follower! :)

thesweetestpetunia {at} gmail {dot} com

jaquelyn {mama thoughts} said...

Following you on Twitter, too. @thesweetpetunia

thesweetestpetunia {at} gmail {dot} com

jaquelyn {mama thoughts} said...

And I tweeted {I "mentioned" you so you can find me.} ;) @thesweetpetunia

thesweetestpetunia {at} gmail {dot} com

Beathag said...

I always have a book!!!!

Beathag said...

I follow you on twitter (sofiathereader)

Julia said...

The must have thing i always have in my purse is my wallet. Can not live without it!!

Amy said...

I always have hand sanitizer with me. Shopping carts are icky!
laprochaine@gmail.com

Kathryn said...

I would go nuts without a pen and a pad of paper!

curtiskaty at hotmail dot com

Amy said...

I tweeted, http://twitter.com/laprochaine/status/7641096137

laprochaine@gmail.com

Amy said...

I follow you on Twitter. My screen name is laprochaine
laprochaine@gmail.com

Stacey @ Say Something Stacey said...

I always have my wallet, and some little toy for my son, a little car or something.

Saysomethingstacey@gmail.com

Stacey @ Say Something Stacey said...

Following

saysomethingstacey@gmail.com

Stacey @ Say Something Stacey said...

Following on twitter and tweeted @saysomthngstac

saysomethingstacey@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

My cell phone. I can't go anywhere without it (unfortunately...)
e.estt[at]yahoo[dot]com

Camille said...

I can't live without a pen!

cam22190 at gmail

shan {missy melly} said...

as a mum to 21mth old twins girls i always have baby wipes!!

Julie said...

My wallet and my cell phone

aunteegem@yahoo.com

helen said...

I always have my cell phone wallet and keys.Beautiful handbags.Thanks for the lovely giveaway.Helen

malfie@care2.com

ailie said...

Beautiful!

ailie{underscore}dukes{at}hotmail{dotcom

ailie said...

And I just started following your blog!

ailie{underscore}dukes{at}hotmail{dotcom

Emily said...

I've always gotta have a pen - never know when I'll get an idea or need to jot something down!

emily(dot)cibelli(at)gmail(dot)com

Emily said...

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/anylit/status/7644114878

emily(dot)cibelli(at)gmail(dot)com

Lily said...

i must have my burt's bees lip shimmers in my purse at all times!

Lily said...

i now follow you on twitter, username slowclublover

Lily said...

i tweeted: http://twitter.com/slowclublover/status/7644415536

Anonymous said...

Wow! Love her shop!

The one thing I like to have in my bag at all times is lip balm. I put it on even when my lips aren't dry :)

Thanks!
Kelly @ TLE
thelostearring at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I follow your blog now :)

Thanks!
Kelly @ TLE
thelostearring at yahoo dot com

Vic said...

The only thing I absoloutely must have in my handbag all the time is my wallet - everything else just likes to hang out in there but is not really necessary...!

I just love that bag... gorgeous much?!

victoriamaher(at)rocketmail(dot)com

Kristen Laudick said...

I must have my Burts Bees Lip balm!
kristenlaudick at yahoo dot com

Zertuchina said...

I HAVE to have a sketch book or a book and my ipod. love the purse!

CathyH said...

Beautiful bags! Always have my wallet and a pair of reading glasses.

CathyH said...

i follow your blog now :)
cathyhorner at embarqmail.com

RR said...

I always carry lip balm.

ruricloth said...

Even if I forget everything else, I always have my wallet.

ruricloth@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I always have some sort of lip moisturizer on me:) thanks!

Anonymous said...

blog follower!!

Bachuchay said...

One thing that I always have on my purse is my mobile phone. I feel so disconnected with the world if I don’t have it with me. =)

Bachuchay
huggie0109@yahoo.com

wintam said...

I always carry Rescue Remedy. Knowing that it's there makes me much more relax, so I hardly ever need it... Maybe I should exchnge it for some fun related item, like an iPod etc...

Daph said...

a pen!!
earthdancedaph@yahoo.com
http://earthdancedaph.blogspot.com

Daph said...

Beautiful handbags:)
I follow your blog
earthdancedaph@yahoo.com

SkyBlueMorning said...

I've always got my Sigg water bottle. I feel naked without water within reach at all times. : )

Thanks for the entry! The purse is gorgeous. How generous! : )

SkyBlueMorning@gmail.com

SkyBlueMorning said...

Entry #2

Following your blog now. : )

Thanks!

Mel said...

i have to have dental floss in my purse always.
mbussey76@gmail.com

Rachel McClure said...

Lip balm! And a sewing kit. Love these bags - they are all gorgeous!

Rachel
RachelKMcClure(at)gmail(dot)com

Rachel McClure said...

Following you on twitter as ajoeynamedroo!

Rachel
RachelKMcClure(at)gmail(dot)com

Molomatic said...

I always have to have lip balm, hand lotion, cash, wipes, and snacks! Beautiful bag!

Unknown said...

Such beautiful bags! I always have my camera on hand, and of course my wallet and some lipgloss.

hails_18@hotmail.com

AJ said...

I must have a pen in my bag at all times!

A_C_E_ at hotmail dot com

bubbachenille said...

I always have to have a notebook and pen and a fold up enviro bag!

Anonymous said...

I always have a lipstic in my bag!!!!

Contact: a.spigno@hotmail.it

Anonymous said...

I follow your blog...my name is: a.spigno!!!

vadjutka said...

I am following you! my name is: vadjutka

vadjutka said...

The thing that should be in my purse every time....businesscards and my cherry blossom flavoured parfume stick :-)

vadjutka said...

ooops, a correction to my previous comment: you can contact me thru my etsy shop: vadjutka.etsy.com

sarah said...

i must ALWAYS have my lip balm in my purse! i cannot leave the house without it.

fertawert AT yahoo DOT com

Amy said...

I would sat lip balm Is always needed in my purse then concealer, I can't function without them in my purse.

amy sibson
sibo1@live.co.uk

Madwoman-doing-cartwheels said...

I have to have my tube of lipstick at all times in my purse!

rubymoonstone at gmail dot com

Madwoman-doing-cartwheels said...

I'm an old blog follower (Ally)

rubymoonstone at gmail dot com

PerfectBlueMoon said...

I always have to have my 'burt's bees' lotion, salve and lip chap pack, my wallet, and oh yes, my entire makeup kit in my purse! :)

Anna
perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com

K said...

I always have tissues! For noses, fingers, spills! They are napkins, baby wipes, you name it, they do it an essential!

Kym
busybbee05[at]yahoo[dot]com[dot]au

K said...

I follow this blog
Kym
busybbee05[at]yahoo[dot]com[dot]au

Vanessa said...

I must always have my cellphone in my purse :)

Vanessa
ilovevanessasomuch at gmail.com

Vanessa said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/ilovervg/status/7668632534

I follow you on twitter, too
@ilovervg

Vanessa
ilovevanessasomuch at gmail.com

Vanessa said...

I follow your blog

Vanessa
ilovevanessasomuch at gmail.com

Vanessa said...

I blogged here
http://ribka-vanessa.blogspot.com/2010/01/giveaways.html


Vanessa
ilovevanessasomuch at gmail.com

Jen said...

Besides the obvious wallet, I always have to have a travel size bottle of hand sanitizer and a small packet of clorox wipes to clean carts with.

productsoftheday at gmail dot com

Vanessa said...

I can NEVER forget my Wallet.... I carry everything in it lol.
vanessalbrooksATgmail.com

Vanessa :)

Vanessa said...

I follow you on Twitter and I tweeted :)
http://twitter.com/VanessaLBrooks

Vanessa
vanessalbrooksATgmail.com

Vanessa said...

I follow your Blog :)
Vanessa
vanessalbrooksATgmailDOTcom

Vanessa said...

Blogged about the giveaway here
http://ohiogirlscrafthut.blogspot.com/2010/01/awesome-purse-giveaway-ends-soon.html

Vanessa
vanessalbrooksATgmail.com

Camila Faria said...

I always have my journal and a pen. You never know when inspirantion is going to hit you!!!

Camila Faria
naomemandeflores@gmail.com

Brandi said...

I always have at least 3 kinds of lip product(Chapstick, Softlips, some gloss), my ipod, and my library card!

bnewma4@gmail.com

Brandi said...

Blog follower!

Sydney said...

I ALWAYS have hand lotion! I think I'd be lost without it.

BTW, what gorgeous purses, I also really like the Lady from Afar Hobo

Sydney S
scoobidoo540(at)aol(dot)com

Sydney said...

I follow your blog

Sydney S
scoobidoo540(at)aol(dot)com

Linda Kish said...

Besides the obvious.. keys,wallet,phone...I need my calender

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Carrie said...

muct always have chapstick!!

fuhriman_5 at msn dot com

Carrie said...

follower

fuhriman_5 at msn dot com

jakiesmom said...

i now always keep an emergency diaper in my purse..i was once somewhere without my diaper bag and really needed one...and had to leave...so i always have one tucked away
nancy
nannypanpan@sbcglobal.net

mim said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mim said...

always carry lip balm and change! (and phone, keys, headphones, etc)

miriam dot nussbaum at gmail

mim said...

blog follower
miriam dot nussbaum at gmail

Unknown said...

I always keep a diaper and wipes!!

sarsosariATgmailDOTcom

Unknown said...

I follow your blog :)

sarsosariATgmailDOTcom

picnut1512 said...

Things I must have in my purse...Burts Bees Lip Balm and sugar free Werthers candies.

picnut1512@yahoo.com
colleen

picnut1512 said...

I'm a follower :)

picnut1512@yahoo.com

Michelle Frame said...

I always keep snacks for the kids.
mframe00@yahoo.com

Michelle Frame said...

I follow your blog
mframe00@yahoo.com

Roots and Feathers said...

she is one of my FAVORITE etsy shops, yay~!!!

AmbreRose said...

Gum, lip liner, and powder is always in my purse. Love the purse! ambrerose.etsy.com

Cabootique said...

I always have hand sanitizer.

carethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I would like to enter this lovely giveaway!

Anonymous said...

I always have my inhaler. Which really puts a damper on my purse choice. Can't use anything flat. LOVE the purses from Cindymars!

susanwilliamsdesigns.etsy.com

Taylor said...

Kleenex a mirror and lip balm. Always!

CurlyfrySC.etsy.com

Joanna said...

Tissues are a must, along with all of my other "musts."

Sidewalk Chic said...

Thank you for hosting this giveaway!
One of the things I have to have in my bag is my lip gloss --- my lips are always getting chapped.

- JoAnn
childhood.chalk@gmail.com

Daughter of the The King said...

I must have my lipstick/chapstick...something for the lips! calleyamber@hotmail.com

Chantele Cross-Jones said...

Just my purse, everything else is expendable I think.

daisydayz25@googlemail.com

Anonymous said...

in my bag can not miss a book.

alessandra
ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

Anonymous said...

I'm a follower.


alessandra
ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

Anonymous said...

I'm a follower on twitter (dakha).
I tweet:
http://twitter.com/dakha/status/7747946697

alessandra
ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

Anonymous said...

I blogged:
http://giveawaymania.blogspot.com/2010/01/sunshine-studio.html

alessandra
ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

Rosa Forino said...

WOW!!! This is really some wonderful candy.. Thanks for a chance to win..
saluti dall'italia the post on http://kreattiva.blogspot.com/2010/01/sunshine-studio.html
Hugs, rosa

Rosa Forino said...

i am old follower ;-)

Damla said...

I must always have my boyfriend's picture in my purse.

annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

Damla said...

I tweeted: http://twitter.com/sweepstakelover/status/7755660823

annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

avalonne83 said...

I ALWAYS have my lip-balm and cell phone in my bag.

Please count me in. Thanks.

avalonne83 [at] yahoo [dot] it

Lu Gaspar said...

paper tissues!
lucianita[@]sapo[.]pt

Lu Gaspar said...

I'm a follower!
lucianita[@]sapo[.]pt

Unknown said...

Hi!
I would like to try because this bag is wonderful :D
Something to have always in the bag: a pen and a lip balm!
You can find me here http://panperfocaccia-grianne.blogspot.com/ (I don't like to publish my e-mail adress)
Have a nice day!
Cristina

Unknown said...

Now I'm a follower!
You can find me here http://panperfocaccia-grianne.blogspot.com/ (I don't like to publish my e-mail adress)
Have a nice day!
Cristina

Melissa Allesi said...

LIPGLOSS! I love my lipgloss! There is always at least two to choose from in my purse!
missyt_2000@yahoo.com

NWTyping said...

enter me please~!

i love anything ***pink***

keep creating! :)

hope i win!!
thanks for the contest!

Ronnie said...

I always need chap stick in my purse! My lips get very chapped because I live in very high altitude so I need it all the time!

Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

Ronnie said...

I blogged about this giveaway!

http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/01/handbag-from-cindymars7.html

Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

Chelsey said...

I must have a pen or a pencil in my purse. I always have to do lists or ideas or cute quotes from my kids to write down! Thanks for the giveaway. mybabyappleseed(at)yahoo(dot)ca

Chelsey said...

I follow! mybabyappleseed(at)yahoo(dot)ca

Samantha said...

Chapstick, always Chapstick!
dmb161@aol.com

Sharp4sure said...

Beautiful Bags!! One ting I need in my purse is my CHAPSTICK, can't live without it!!!

deanne@sharpstarps.com

Ľubaša said...

I always try to have inside my keys. and in last years glasses for reading too.:-) thanks
lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

Ľubaša said...

I follow you on twitter.@Lubaska
lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

Ľubaša said...

I follow your blog
lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

Ľubaša said...

i tweeted
http://twitter.com/Lubaska/status/7790519719
lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

bison61 said...

my wallet would be first

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

ayen said...

Hi. Just to satay fresh I always bring my lipstick. Yes,just a lipstick will do for me to stay alive all day!:-) And of course. a hand sanitizer to keep my hands clean.:-)

Nicole said...

What pretty handbags!

I can't live without having any kind of lip balm in my purse.

Etsy username: nslods

Anonymous said...

The one item always in my purse is a sheet of paper with my name and cell number. That way, if I leave my purse laying around somewhere public, like the grocery store, mall, movie theatre, etc. (it's been known to happen, I'm pretty forgetful), some kind person out there will find it and return it to me. Whew--then I won't lose everything else that's in my purse: wallet, lipstick, Kleenex, gum, etc. Not to mention the cute purse itself!!! :)

Marci
june_spirit2628@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I'm a new follower now!

Thanks for entering me.

Marci
june_spirit2628@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

hi thanks for chance to win this fantastic bag!!
Into my bag I have many many things...phone, diaper and pacifier for my little daughter, eco bag, portfolio, keys... and other things..Its an enough heavy bag
Greeting from Italy
Barbara

www.mylittledreamliving.blogspot.com
www.countrybazar.blogspot.com

beingBAD said...

Love this giveaway! Such cute bags! One thing that I need in my bag at all times is my little notebook. It's perfect for writing lists and my budget and keeping them with me for when I really need them. I'm away from home alot so it really helps to keep organized.

brittanyanne725@yahoo.com

Erica said...

I always HAVE to have chapstick
iamtheluckiest3@yahoo.com

Erica said...

I follow you on twitter

ktkins said...

I always have to have lip gloss!

orangegirl779@hotmail.com

fairycreations said...

i always have money!!

neraidodhmiourgies at gmail dot com

fairycreations said...

i follow you!!


neraidodhmiourgies at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

A notepad and pen are a must. You never know when inspiration will strke and that brilliant idea just has to be taken note of before the moment passes.

bubu said...

Hi!
I ALWAYS have my lipbalm in my bag!

bubusecco@hotmail.it

Unknown said...

chewing-gums! :)


missibiscus(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I'm a new follower!

missibiscus(at)gmail(dot)com

Teresa Jaye said...

Awesome bags!
Every bag I own has lip balm in it - does that make me addicted to bags or lip balm! LOL

The Lingo Family said...

I ALWAYS have a Lancome Juicy Tube miniature in my purse, ALWAYS!!!

mrs.angielingo@gmail.com

Jessica cobb said...

I ALWAYS must have plain, boring old chapstick. I never leave home without it!

Jessica cobb said...

I'm a follower!

Terri Dell said...

I always have to have lip balm, especially in the winter

Terri Dell said...

Google friend follower

Unknown said...

I am happy to follow you!

nocciolinaitaliana@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I always take some candies with me in my bag!

nocciolinaitaliana@gmail.com

arlette said...

I wear medicated contact lenses and I always carry the case with me, because sometimes they fall out my eyes and I need to come home to wash them, ohhh sad :S

Unknown said...

I am a blog follower

hugs,

lilacpopcorn at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I always try to carry a book..if the bag is big enough...:)

hugs,

lilacpopcorn at gmail dot com

Marlene J said...

It has to be lipstick. I feel naked without it. I am always reapplying the darn thing. LOL

Thanks for the chance to win a beautifal handbag. Wowo :)


marsbar35 on etsy

Emily Gambino said...

Hello!
My must have item for my bag has to be chapstick!

pocketfairy{at}gmail{dot}com