Today we’d like to introduce you to Lora O’Shaughnessy.
Lora, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started Egan Street Design officially in January 2017. I always dreamed of having a creative business, but never knew exactly what form it was going to take. After moving to Denton in 2015, I came became acquainted with The DIME Store, an adorable shop that sells local handmade goods from artisans. Seeing other folks living the dream that I had wanted for myself definitely inspired me to take serious action toward my goal.
I spent most of 2016 plotting, planning, and observing other makers in the community. And in 2017, I opened my Etsy shop and signed up for a variety of local markets.
Originally, I started with some prints of illustrations and paper dolls, but later in January, I created my first plush monster. The experience I had creating this plush was very fun, and the response I received was super positive. And from that point on monster plushes became the name of the game.
In the first year of my business, I met so many wonderful makers, customers, and shop owners. I became a member of the Co-op at The Dime Store, and am now friends with the makers who inspired me to start my business in the first place. They continue to be a wonderful support system, along with the other awesome shop owners who carry my monsters in their stories.
2018 has been a year of growth and evolution so far. I have been cranking out new designs and trying out new techniques like a maniac. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with some super talented friends on projects and look forward to more collaborations in the future. Now, I feel like I have finally settled on a style I am happy with, so I’m excited to debut that and add some new products into the mix for the second half of the year!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road at all. Going all in on your own creative business is super scary, but at this point, I really can’t imagine doing anything else. I think one of the biggest struggles for me is taking on too much and getting burnt out.
In 2017, I did at least one craft fair or art market almost every weekend from April 1 through Dec 16. That’s 38 weekends of driving, setting up, selling, tearing down, and driving home. Then furiously trying to restock for the next weekend. While that was super important for me to grow my business, I went from knowing a few people to a whole wonderful community over the course of a year, it wasn’t sustainable.
In 2018, I have been trying to give myself the mental space to develop new monster plush designs and find a style I love. I’ve been trying to give myself some breathing room to actually brainstorm and develop an online marketing strategy, that works for someone who has a time consuming and labor intensive craft. And this meant not doing a market every weekend, which was stressful in its own way (I’ve suffered some major “fear of missing out” ). But, in the end I know the time I’m taking to create designs I love and systems to make my business sustainable will definitely pay off.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Egan Street Design – what should we know?
Egan Street Design is a purveyor of weird and whimsical creations. The handmade plushies, art dolls, and goods are inspired by folktales, mysteries, and all things super cute. I use upcycled materials whenever possible and create limited waste in the process.
I am most proud when people connect with my work or gift it to someone who they know would really connect with it. Be it cryptozoology (the study of creatures from the folklore record) or Sanrio, we either are the person who nerds out about that stuff or knows someone who does. The fact that folks get excited about my work and share it with those they love makes me the most proud.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
It really takes a village when you are a one-woman business. On the front lines are my wonderful boyfriend and my parents. They are there to celebrate my triumphs and provide a shoulder to cry on when things don’t seem to be going my way. They also remind me to eat, bathe, and leave the house every once in a while.
Apart from them, I have met a wonderful community of makers who are in the trenches right along with me. They have been super about sharing tips, brainstorming new ideas, and supporting when you’re trying something new. It is so nice to have business besties, who understand when you want to whine and vent about Instagram’s new algorithm or when people come up to you for the millionth time at a craft show and ask if you make dog toys. Some super talented ladies I often lean on include Kara of Cracker Jack Goods, Skye of Isle of Skye Studios, Shawna of Shawna Smyth Studios, and Kim of Salted Sanctuary.
Another group of folks who have been beyond supportive are the local shop owners who I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and doing business with. Brick and mortar retailers are in such a state of flux these days but these ladies and gentlemen have craved out such special places for themselves and their makers. The Dime Store team (Shelley, Allie, Marissa, and Shawna I see you!) have always been an invaluable resource and support, and that includes the entire co-op. They are really some of the kindest folks around.
Annie Dibble Holland the amazing lady behind Lone Chimney Mercantile at the Dallas Farmers Market! Always a pleasure to chat with, so supportive to her makers, and a talented photographer to boot. Amber and Alaina at Sundance Sisters have the most relaxing curated shop of oils, crystals, and home goods. They are super generous with their knowledge and super kind. Finally, the Market 1023 team in Bryan. I’ll make it out there one day but they made the process of selling them super streamlined and are super generous in their promotions.
Finally, finally, all the wonderful hardworking folks who coordinate and plan the local craft fairs and art markets I have been a part of. It is often a thankless job, but because of them, we get to meet our customers in person. A well-organized market is a thing of beauty and when they care about their vendors it really makes a difference. Thank you thank you!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eganstreetdesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egan_street_design/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EganStreetDesign/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/egan_st_design
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