Dandyrions feature & GIVEAWAY!

This week, I am so so happy to feature Lisa Higuchi's shop Dandyrions!  When I first met her at Unique L.A. last year, I just loved her cute clothing and adorable accessories.  It is the perfect combination of whimsy and girlishness but still womanly!  Are you ready to check it out?

But wait!  Lisa has offered one of her adorable bear coasters as a giveaway prize to one of my lucky readers!  As a proud owner of one of these, I am sure that it will be your favorite desk accessory.  :)    Check that out after the interview, which is chock full of fun tidbits.  In fact, I definitely love the name of her store even more after hearing what inspired it.  :)

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

My name is Lisa Higuchi and I started Dandyrions in 2010 with the dream that I would be able to make and send my work all around the world.  As a kid I always loved making things with my hands- seeing something through from idea to tangible art was fulfilling and helped me to define my identity.  It gave me something of worth to share and give.  I haven't had much formal training except for, and not discounting, my favorite high school metal shop, ceramics course and a summer art class.

Where did the name of your store come from?

My mom used to always say she wasn’t as pretty as a rose but was strong and resilient like a dandelion which thrives anywhere its transplanted.  And with her accent, she would pronounce dandelions like ‘dandyrions’.  She was very much into the medium of oils so watching her paint ignited a love of every art form so I definitely attribute my passion to her.

Why did you start making goods for Dandyrions?

I started an account with Etsy and was a buyer for at least six months before I decided to dip my toe in the water as a seller.  I tested the market with my fox shirt- an idea I was so enamored with and had thought of for what seems like years. The fox shirt is a homage to a time where wearing animal pelts was fashionable and it’s interesting to see how much fashion evolves. I was anxious to see how customers would respond to my products, let alone have any so-called customers.  So far I've been very pleased that I took that risk of putting myself out there.

What is your favorite item?
My favorite item is definitely the fox shirt.  It’s been my best selling item and some customers of mine have sent pictures of themselves in their fox shirts which makes me so incredibly happy.  I've been told a lot that it's their favorite top and that they always get at least one compliment when they wear it so hearing such great feedback from customers really juices me to keep making my next favorite item.

What is your most popular item?

The Wrapped Fox shirt.  I think people like it for a variety of reasons- some use it as a statement on the mistreatment of animal hide for fashion, others for the nostalgia of the decade when women used to rock that fur stole, and a lot of customers like it for its offbeat design.

Where do you get the inspiration for your work?

I can spend hours reading editorial fashion magazines. I love going to bookstores, planting myself on the bench, and just look through issue after issue.  The larger more significant inspiration is just everyday people you see walking down the street.  Sometimes I like to think about what kind of personality people have based on the way they express themselves through their choice of clothing.  I’m always really impressed with those individuals who dress for themselves even if it can be perceived as being a little askew or not on point with the current trend.

What makes your store unique?

My store unintentionally has created a theme for itself- the reinterpretation of the way we used to use animals, i.e. mink stoles, bear rugs


What is the toughest part about making your goods?

To just focus on the creation of new products is difficult because running a business forces the artist to wear many hats and leaves little time to do the fun stuff which is creating.

Do you take custom orders?

I do take customs orders and have done many in the past.  I’ve created ‘wrapped fox’  shirts that instead have animals ranging from skunks to shiba dogs.  I like to work with the customer and show them several sketches before we decide on the final look of the design.  Customizations do cost extra but every detail is discussed prior to the final product and some even end up becoming staple items.

Where can I see more of your work and buy a gift?

Website: www.dandyrions.etsy.com
Facebook: dandyrions
Pinterest: lhiguchi
Instagram: dandyrions OR lhiguchi


Anything else to add?

A big thank you to Diane and Vintage Zest and to all its readers for your support of small businesses like me!

Aren't these the cutest creations ever?  I adore her clothing, the purses, and the cute bear coasters and every variation of them!  Oh, and did you notice Lisa modeling some of the cute clothing herself.  Multi-talented gal!

Now, to the giveaway.  Are you ready to win a fun bear coaster?  It is open to U.S. and Canadian residents for the next two weeks, so get entering!

Good luck!

Dandyrions