Whatcha Doin' Hannah Zakari?

Contrary to popular belief, the Made In The Shade gals did not miraculously appear on the local crafty circuit in a puff of rose scented talcum powder, always destined to launch a boutique shopping event and encourage everyone to don vintage pinnies. Gasp! No. Actually, the gals have been working and playing with fellow designers, makers and vintage sellers in Glasgow for four years and more. Carrie and Clare met as marketeers at the groundbreaking Miso Funky Market and went on to meet Suzanne via their committee work with the Glasgow Craft Mafia.

Ah, I remember my very first Miso Funky Market. There I was in Hillhead Library, wearing my pretty frock and armed with my very first soap collection. Unsure of how the whole market affair worked and nervous that I wouldn't make a bean, I was a little jittery. As it happened, I had a fabulous first day. I sold every last bar of lather, and I met some talented people making some truly wonderful things! One of those people was Rachel Lamb. Having bonded over a love of shoes, dresses and a curious interest in Blythe dolls, Rachel quickly identified herself as A Good Egg. Rachel is the owner of online boutique Hannah Zakari. She has very kindly taken part in the latest installment of our 'Whatcha Doin'?' series.

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Tell us a little bit about yourself, Rachel...
I pretty much grew up in Dundee, but have lived in Glasgow for the last seven years. As a kid in primary school, I loved customising clothes and making my own accessories. I dreamed of being a fashion designer and of owning my own shop when I grew up. I drifted from crafting a bit when I finished university and got a job in retail management (snore).

The Hannah Zakari studio

As it turns out though, the skills I learned then have been very useful these last few years. Sometimes I feel like I fell into this job, but I think that's because crafting is quite natural – I've always been a creative person. It was almost inevitable I would end up doing something like this, I guess.

 

Your business is called Hannah Zakari. More info please!
Well, when I first started out I had no idea that Hannah Zakari would turn out to be the way it is now! I only wanted to sell my own jewellery and bags to make a bit of money. As I got more and more involved in the craft scene on sites like Craftster, I realised that a lot of the craft and design activity was based in the US, as well as the wonderful designers I was talking to online. I decided that I would look into stocking their work - I wanted to make their collections more readily available to customers in the UK. So many of the US designers were making amazing things that you couldn't buy over here so I saw an opportunity to broaden my business and decided to go for it.

Now the craft scene has taken off in the UK and Europe in a big way, I stock designers from all over the world. I don't aim to represent any country more than another. What's important is that Hannah Zakari stocks the best and represents a wide variety of designers and makers.

 

Tattoo bag at Hannah Zakari

Tell us about your own work as a designer/maker/artist...
I seem to work in a slightly different way to most people. I'll find a gorgeous fabric or pretty bead that I like then take ideas from there and see what comes of them. I rarely have the chance to make my own products these days as the running of the shop takes up so much time. I'm trying to turn my crafting back into a hobby - as something I do to relax. That's the theory anyway.

 

What does a day in the life of Rachel Lamb look like? What do you get up to?
Usually most of my day is taken with work, but now that I've moved Hannah Zakari out of my home and into my studio, I do have a much better work/life balance (she says typing this at 8pm).

Between Monday and Friday, I usually get to the studio around 10 am. I spend a few hours in front of my computer reading and replying to emails, looking at the many web pages I try to keep up to date with, printing off orders etc. After lunch I sort out stock and take parcels of goodies to the post office. These are tasks I do every day. However, a more exciting day might consist of finding an amazing new designer, or getting parcels full of gorgeous new stock. Or maybe I'll be asked to do an interview. Sometimes I'll actually get to make stuff! I enjoy having visitors to the studio. There's nothing better than having a crafting pow-wow over some cake.

Charm Bracelet at Hannah Zakari

 

Talk to us a little bit about your inspirations and influences. What helps get your creative juices flowing?
I never want Hannah Zakari to be like any other shop. That drive to keep my boutique different and fresh keeps me on my toes. I love showcasing new items to customers – I love knowing that I've introduced them to products they've not seen before.

 

You are based in Glasgow.  Do you find the city helps or hinders you in your creative work?  Have you found any like-minds to bounce ideas around with?
Glasgow is full of creative people, craft fairs, galleries, little indie shops and amazing cafes to waste a day in. I'm sure the city inspires me in ways I don't realise. Inspiration often strikes whilst sipping coffee in Little Italy and if I'm lucky I'll remember my idea long enough to write it down when I get home. If the spark of an idea doesn't make it on to the page of my pretty notebook, then I know that it's planted in my brain, waiting to show itself again another time.

I share a studio with Emma who owns textile design company, Showpony. Running your own business, especially an online one, can be a bit isolating at times so it's great to have someone around just to chat to and have cups of tea with. It's especially good when they make such beautiful things and understand what it's like to run your own tiny business too.

 

Journal at Hannah Zakari

Do you have any interesting/funny/showbiz stories to share with us?
Um, I don't - but I just found out that Wayne Hemmingway went into one of my designers shops and bought a necklace. I was most impressed!

 

What are your hopes, dreams and aspirations for Hannah Zakari?  What next?
I want Hannah Zakari to continue to grow and keep doing what it's doing - but even better! I'm working on a new look for the website and have some great designers lined up this summer so I'm really excited about that right now. Lots of people ask when I'm going to open a 'proper' shop, but that's not on the agenda, at least not for the foreseeable future.

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How inspirational! If you are lucky enough to be attending the BUST Craftacular in London this August 22, be sure to look out for Rachel! If you can't make it to meet her in person, keep your peepers on www.hannahzakari.co.uk instead!