Today we’d like to introduce you to Devika Blasi.
Hi Devika, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My little company Sundaze Originals was started about five years ago. I was going through a difficult period in my life and found that the best way to combat negative energy was to convert it into creative energy! The name Sundaze reflects that peaceful glowing sensation you get when you feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and everything seems right in the world. My business started small with my signature waterproof serape blankets (born out of necessity) and a few pieces of jewelry.
Over the years, my products have really developed a personality of their own! My collections are largely based on my personal experiences and where my soul resides. Some years it’s travel, some years it’s purely the beach lifestyle, and this year it was inspired by our home here in Southern California. My last trip pre-COVID was to Paris, where I was lucky enough to take a hat-making workshop. So naturally, I decided to start making a line of signature hats that I definitely put my heart into. I was also inspired by our local beaches and found a new appreciation for seashells and puka shell necklaces. I focused on developing new skills, which led to a whole new product line that I’m very proud of! This past year has shown us how much creativity we all have inside of us, and it turns out that creativity is a great way to combat negativity; I’d love to write a book called “From Negative to Creative” . Maybe someday… “Life is like photography. You use the negatives to develop.” – Z. Abdelnour
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I try to take every challenge as a lesson. I’ve learned a few things along the way. Not everyone will appreciate your sense of style and that’s ok. I don’t want to be a style that suits everyone! I don’t need to tell anyone that 2020 was a challenging year for all businesses – especially small businesses. I really appreciated all the support that the community showed to local makers. There was a natural shift to online retail so I had to adapt quickly to marketing Sundaze online rather than through live interaction. This is a daily challenge for me but one I accept and am working hard at improving!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love having a reputation for well-made, handmade and unique products. I try not to make any styles the same, so when you purchase a piece of jewelry from me, you can be sure that no one else will have the same piece! This is the same for my hats, I love that I can custom shape the crown into a heart. I customize my hats with distressing, dried flowers, feathers, horsehair, stones, basically whatever my customer wants!
I love to add details to my hats, such as wedding dates and special quotes on the bottom side of the brim. They’re really popular for brides and add a very personal touch to any celebration. And of course, there’s my favorite founding original items, my blankets. The Sundaze H2O Serape and the Sundaze Serapuffy blankets. Waterproof and down versions of your favorite serape blankets.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I’ve been very lucky in meeting amazing people in the local community through small fairs and exhibitions. The network of local makers is incredibly kind and helpful. I try to make my way around all the vendor booths to talk to other makers and exhibitors. I’ve developed lifelong partnerships and friendships with this amazing group. I try myself to mentor new business and really encourage new makers that are brave enough to take the step to put themselves out for judgement by the public. It’s a really scary thing, and when you make your first sale, you say to yourself, “I can’t believe they wanted to spend their own money on something I made!”. So don’t be afraid to reach out! Slide into those DM’s of other businesses, (Appropriately of course). You’ll find that most people are genuinely happy to help and answer questions.
Pricing:
- Custom Hats $60+
- Jewelry $40+
- Sundaze H2O Serapes – $65
- Sundaze Serapuffy – $75
Contact Info:
- Email: info@sundazeoriginals.com
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SundazeOriginals
- Instagram: @sundazeoriginals
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SundazeOriginals/
Image Credits:
Benjamin Blasi
