Check Out Julia Nichols’ Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Nichols.

Hi Julia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I have always loved creating; painting, drawing, and any sort of craft. I was taught to sew and cross stitch as a child, a right of passage for my Puerto Rican heritage. I began Terrapin Bazaar in 2016 selling stickers and magnets that I designed; in concert parking lots and eventually online.

My shop evolved into a space where I could sell my paintings, handmade organic bathroom products, embroidery, and digital art; hence the name “bazaar.” In the past few years, my hand embroidery has become so popular that it has almost taken over my business entirely. I have shipped a piece of my art to all 50 states in the U.S. and two shipments to Canada. My shop has connected me with so many wonderful people, both locally and throughout the country.

My husband and I travel a lot to see live music and that has also connected me to so many special clients who have such wonderful ideas that I, then, turn into art by way of embroidery. Art inspires art and the music that I hold most dear directly influences and inspires my digital and embroidery art.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been easy but it has been such a learning experience. When running your own small business you orchestrate every last detail. You are the marketing/promotion team, social media presence, packaging and shipping, graphic designer, artist, etc.

It takes some time to learn how to balance each role and be successful with each role. I have struggled most with the social media algorithm. Staying relevant and panning for “likes” can be tiring. But through social media I have been able to really grow my business and connect on a larger scale; so it has its pros and cons.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Hand embroidery art has really taken over my business in the past five years. I picked embroidery back up from childhood in 2017 and haven’t stopped since. Every hoop is hand drawn, sewn, stained, trimmed, and glued by myself. My art is a direct reflection of my biggest influence; music.

I have sewn 4” embroidery hoops as Christmas ornaments and 12” hoops meant to be statement pieces on baby nursery walls. I create my own work and accept custom orders from customers, as well. Custom orders are always my favorite to create! I love working with customers to bring their ideas to life. Whether they are funny or sentimental, I cherish each custom order and am grateful to have been thought of for the piece.

I am most proud of selling almost 900 hoops in the 5 years I have been sewing. It really humbles me, my two hands helped to create the art that adorns people’s bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, and their children’s bedrooms. It’s an extremely special feeling.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Not being afraid to fail. There have been products and embroidery hoops that did not sell at all. Not one unit moved, for years. I create my art and put it out there with open arms.

If it doesn’t sell or succeed, it just helps to teach me; what the consumers prefer, what will get social media attention, etc. When running your own small business, if you fail, just pivot; your idea, your plan of attack, your aesthetic, etc.

Contact Info:

• Website: Etsy.com/shop/terrapinbazaar
• Instagram: @terrapin_bazaar
• Facebook: @Terrapin_Bazaar