Meet Featured Artist Adiana Aguirre or Adrialys Handmade!

What is your business’ name?

Adrialys Handmade and I’m Adriana Aguirre.

What sort of items do you make?

I knit and crochet items- mostly stuffed animals but I also make accessories and home décor items. I make stuffed animals in all shapes and sizes and some even have rattles. I’ve mostly focused on selling baby items at the market but am working on expanding to things for adults in the near future. 

When and how did you learn your craft?

I first learned to crochet chains when I was 5 years old. When I was in middle school my mom taught me to knit and crochet and I’ve been doing it ever since.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I love animals and get inspiration pretty much everywhere. Anytime I see animals on TV, in a book or online I want to make them.

How did you get started doing this as a business?

I knitted and crocheted a lot when I was in high school so when I graduated I decided to open up an Etsy shop. I did some research and found out there are so many places to sell locally and decided to give that a try too.

Do you have any advice for other crafters/artisans just starting out?

Do your research and be patient. I think it’s important that you educate yourself about how much work it is to turn a hobby into a business. It doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you don’t start selling right away.

Anything else you would like to share?

Thanks for giving me the chance to sell at the market. It’s always fun to see people’s reactions to my items and everyone there is so friendly. 

Adrialys Handmade will be a featured artist at the First Friday Indie Market on November 7, 2014. The market is located on the corner of MLK and Elm St in Downtown Greensboro, NC and is open from 4-9 pm.