{ My Story }

Hi, I'm Hilani, an early 30's something Aries who's been married for 12+ years to a man that still makes me laugh.  I've acquired the nickname, by friends & family, as the "Go-To" girl.  I happily carry that title along side the heart on my sleeve.  I've been sewing on and off for over 13 years, and never get bored by it.  You can find me at the sewing machine every time I'm looking for an outlet.  Which is often because I'm kind of hard to sit still. I was a social butterfly growing up; well, I guess I still am.  I also noticed when we moved from the West to Mid-West, I felt a strong need to make our new house a HOME.  I feel handmade brings a sense of warmth to a persons personal living space.  I enjoy being creative, when free time of two boys allows, and right up there with being creative, I heart family time.  Together they place in the the number 1 spot of things I love and enjoy!  Welcome to my blog, a place I found fitting for organizing my creative outbursts.

My Hobbies:  

Sewing, Year-Around Baking, Crafting, and Reading.

My Activities:  

Snowboarding, Jogging, Family Walks and Bike Rides.

My Music: 

Anything 80's or Christmas, Hip-Hop, and Country.

My Funny Tidbits:  

I'll reorganize the dishwasher, at least 5 times, just to avoid cleaning the last, lonely dirty dish,  I'll starting dancing, out of no where, if the right song comes on.  I wear an apron not because I love it (well, I do) but because I have yet to learn doing 

something slower results in fewer messes.  

My Favorite Color: 

Green (!!)

My Favorite Food: 
 {Breakfast} Scrambled Eggs & Pancakes {Lunch} A Great Hamburger
{Dinner} Well Seasoned Tri-Tip with my homemade steak fries 
{Snack} Pretzels  {Sweets} Chocolate, Definitely!
(Pair the last two and I'm in my personal heaven)

Here's a fun Q & A I did with my sweet friend Sarah


Tell me a little about yourself?

I’m a native Floridian but having moved around many times, I find that I’m comfortable wherever I make home.  I landed in California in the early 90’s, and pushed the pause button from moving for a while which turned out good because that’s where I met and married my husband/best friend.  We welcomed our first child in 2005 then clicked play again and moved to Colorado in 2007.  I plan to pause here for a very long time as we love living here very much.  We welcomed our second child here and are surrounded by a lot of beautiful land and people.

Who taught you to sew?

I am actually self-taught.  I remember watching others sew as a child and was curious how something started out one way, then transformed into something else, something useful.  I began to mimic what I saw, as I’m a visual learner/right brain. I recall my first project was sewing a “scrunchie” which I then sold at my elementary school craft fair.

When did you learn to sew?

Though I started learning to sew at age nine, my interest/experience took off when we purchased our first home.   My husband kept busy building a business therefore giving me some free time to fill.  I began making throw pillows, café curtains, and other items to give a warm, handmade touch to our personal living space.  I then carried that touch over into the nursery in anticipation of our first child.  After welcoming our first born, I took on a whole new role as full-time mom. This proved that my once free time was now few and far between, so sewing was put on pause for a while.  When we relocated to Colorado, I found myself back at the sewing machine for pieces in our new home, then another nursery.

How did Handmade by Hilani begin?

It’s really funny, and silly, when I think about my answer.  It was all because of a zipper.  A friend asked me if I knew how to sew zippers because she wanted to do so with a wrist-let clutch purse, and she knew I had a sewing machine.  I replied jokingly, “Um…No Thanks, that’s too intimidating.”  She convinced me to try sewing one seeing that with two heads it should be much easier and if we ‘fail’ the blame was shared.    After mastering this intimidating task, the sewing bug quickly took over.  I began creating my handmade designs for fun and purpose.  I shared my special products with friends and family at first, as Christmas and Birthday gifts.  Then found those thankful recipients asking to purchase my pieces so they could gift them.

What gave you the idea to start your own business?

I found that the Precious Cargo Cover was my first big seller.  It was quickly snatched up by friends and acquaintances as the must-have baby shower gift.  During the process of people requesting items, a friend shared during a coffee date that I should start selling to the public.  The need was there, so why not?  In February 2010 I ventured forward with a small booth in a local boutique which then shifted to doing Home Parties and Craft Fairs.  

Who do you see as your customers now?  In the future?

Everyone!  From little ones to older ones, each age group needs something or wishes to gift something.  Especially for those that are hard to buy for, and I know a lot of us have one of those?  That’s a big part about what I do, helping people gift unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. Here’s an example: One of my friends/customers was looking for a gift for a University of Florida Alumni.  She found some fabulous “Florida Gator” fabric, and selected a few Handmade by Hilani products.  She assembled the perfect gift basket. 

What is your favorite product to sew?  Why?

I don’t know, that one’s tough.  Each item strikes a special place in my heart as each finished product brings forth a different feeling. Like, I love imagining a little girl carrying the Coloring Journal and then I love knowing people are saving money with the Coupon Organizer.   So, I don’t have a favorite per say but if it was strictly about the sewing aspect, the Drink Sleeve, it’s the simplest of all my pieces. I get a real sense of satisfaction from a tricky task; sewing is to me, like yoga is to others.

What do you enjoy doing in your non-sewing time?

I love my family!  I enjoy playing UNO with my oldest of whom I can’t say I win every time.  I’m big on staying healthy so I like working out, but then I also enjoy food especially when paired with a good glass of wine, laughter and my dear friends.  I like to DVR Food Network shows, catch a good (quick) book and take in the signing birds with my morning coffee.

What do you love about your job?

I love the connection that a handmade item creates between the gift giver and receiver. It can strike a feeling for someone daily when they use the item.  It’s like paying it forward; making someone’s day.  I also believe people want to be connected to something – whether that connection is big or small.  I can make that happen with handmade items.  The personal connection to something whether another person, a school, or even a sports team strikes a feeling, much like a song does. Here’s an example: while picking up my son from school, I met a friend’s aunt who was visiting from Washington.  When she discovered I was the one who made her Drink Sleeve she said “Every time I use my coffee sleeve, I think of my niece!”  Moments like that are the best!

How do you come up with your designs?

It amazing, not one of my products is made from a store bought pattern. Each and everyone are made from an idea that I then sketch out on a blank piece of paper.  It’s almost like the business idea that was sketched on a napkin while at a business meeting and the owner of that fortune 500 still has the napkin.  I laugh at my cat/doctor legible scratch when I go to sew, I can do some in my sleep and some still need a review of the pattern.

Lastly, if you could describe yourself in one word, 

what would it be and why?

Passionate!  I’m very passionate about a lot of things, and it shows right next to the heart on my sleeve.  It comes through in the way I make my products and the customer service you receive.  I sew products, not for the nominal money that my business makes me, but for the after thought and uniqueness.

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