It is an absolute pleasure to bring to you my very FIRST ever Featured Guest… please welcome Sandy Shoop of Sassy Strap!
Sandy writes: My name is Sandy and I was born and raised in Florida. I am the mother of two young boys, a wife, a teacher, a photographer, and the designer of Sassy Strap. My favorite place to be is on the beach with my boys and my camera. I am a photo-fanatic! My family can tell you I probably have a million pictures on my computer. I adore Italian food, if I could eat it everyday I would! The most important things in my life are my family and friends!
Sandy’s Business Journey…
Sassy Strap is mainly run through Etsy and direct orders through my Facebook fan page. I currently have over 130 straps listed in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes. I offer point & shoot straps, slr neck straps, slr wrist straps, extendable straps, and cap straps to hold your lens cap. The designs vary from ruffles, flowers, zebra, seashells, vintage, and so on… I opened my Esty shop in October 2010. I originally thought I’d just sell a few here and there for a little extra money. I am amazed at how fast the business has grown and the amount of sales so far. It is far more than I ever expected.
Q&A with Sandy:
What inspires you and your work?
One thing that motivates me the most is reading feedback from my customers in my Etsy shop and also the wonderful comments that are written on my Facebook wall. It warms my heart to hear when people love my work and the style it gives their camera. I am always drawn to unique designs, colors,and ideas for new straps. I actually have so many new designs that I haven’t even listed yet that I’ve had to stop myself from buying any more.
Tell us about your favorite camera strap.
I don’t know if I could choose a favorite Sassy Strap. The two that I currently have on my cameras are the ‘Anna Maria’ (named after my favorite beach) and the ‘Key Lime Ruffle’. On my Flip camera I have the ‘Flip Flop’ p&s strap.
What do you do when you aren’t making straps?
When I am not making straps I am doing all the other things Moms do…cook, clean, play Uno, laundry, read picture books, and so on. I also do some portrait photography which I LOVE to do. It is a time to do something that I love and gives other people photos to last a lifetime. When it’s quiet (and I can stay awake) I love to read.
And, just for fun …
What did you want to be when you were 12 years old (did you always want to be doing what you are now, or something different)?
I have no idea what I wanted to be at 12. Being a teacher actually didn’t hit me until I was in community college.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
If I could have a super power it would definitely be to stop time. I feel like there are never enough hours in the day to get things done and spend enough time with the kids.
What’s something you want to do before you die?
Before I die I’d love to travel outside of the US. Places like Australia, Italy, and all the beaches in the Caribbean.
I have one of Sandy’s straps and I have to say… I LOVE it!
I love:
- the colors
- the feel
- the softness of the plush lining so it doesn’t hurt or scratch my neck
- that it’s adjustable so I can wear it on my shoulder, around my neck, across my chest or make it longer for my hubby to carry 🙂
I also love the quick release option. I love that it makes it quick & easy to change out the strap. I’ve also found that the attachment to the camera is much more secure than the stock strap- I’ve had the stock strap loosen & fall off several times (YIKES!) and this has NEVER happened with this one!
You can also close the buckles without the strap to store the camera or to carry it in your hand!
I also have a couple of Sandy’s CAP Straps! Now I don’t have to go searching for lost lens caps all the time!
Find Sandy Here:
