We “met” Rachel from Rachel O’s back in 2013 when we started to sell her sweet custom designed fabric jewelry thanks to the referral of Rachel by our friends at Domestica in Iowa! She’s based in Omaha, NE and has continued to be a part of our shop ever since!! We are obsessed with her variety and creativity in the fabric she designs and uses and were excited to get to know her better. Watch for an Instagram takeover coming up soon with Rachel, too!
Tell us a bit about yourself:
Hi! I’m Rachel O from Omaha Nebraska! I run my fabric button business full time out of my home, with only my cat assistant to help me (she isn’t very helpful, no thumbs and all). I just celebrated 5 years of self-employment, and can’t wait to see what the next 5 years bring.
Describe your handmade business:
I make fabric button jewelry from my own custom designed fabric. I have over 300 different designs in earrings, hairpins, and necklaces!
What is one of your most favorite items you have made?
The narwhals were one of my first custom fabric designs. I wanted narwhal fabric button earrings, but couldn’t find any commercially available fabric. I decided to make it myself, and the rest is history.
What are your most essential tools?
My thumbs. Unfortunately, fabric button technology hasn’t changed much in the past 100 years. When I say my jewelry is made by hand, I literally mean with my own two hands.
How has your business evolved over the years since beginning?
Fabric buttons have always been my focus, but I add different side projects from time to time to stretch my creative skills. I’ve embarked on a faux taxidermy project, making crochet jackalopes. Check out the project on instagram #thegreatjackalopeflaggerdootof2018
I believe you started Handmade Omaha(?!) – what inspired you to do so?
I actually didn’t start Handmade Omaha, I accepted responsibility for it when the original founder moved away. I’ve been running it since 2013 with Liz Ferguson, and a handful of other local makers who are very helpful. Bomb de Fleur (who I think you sell) has been a vendor at the shows for several years now.
I think it’s important to give local makers the opportunity to connect with shoppers in their city. We also love an excuse to get together!
What do you like most about continuing it?
It’s been so rewarding watching makers grow their business. Many of our vendors have been with us since the very first show in 2011!
What is a word that best describes you?
Fabulous- I don’t shy away from accessories that give a glimpse into the “real me”.
What advice would you have given yourself 5 years ago?
Hang in there! Building a business takes time. Just work at it every day and you’ll get there.
Any super random tidbit about you?!
I live in a former electrical sub-station in the middle of Omaha. It looks unusual from the outside, but I love it.
Website/etsy/ways to follow ya:
Instagram @fabulouswhimsy
Thank you Rachel!! We’ve loved having you a part of our maker mix and your crazy awesome handmade accessories and seeing your new designs continually happening!
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