Etsy Love: MissHillary + Giveaway

Summer is in full effect here on Maui.  The high this week is 86 degrees with 64% humidity. Yeesh!  And what better way to beat the heat (other than a yummy glass of iced tea or lemonade), than to brighten your wardrobe with a fun and one of a kind tote!  Especially when the tote is handmade from Hawaii...

When I came across the Etsy shop, MissHillary, I was smitten.  Hillary's cheerful designs and her attention to detail is definitely something that stands out.  A few of my favorties from her shop are the Light Blue Denim Ruffle Bag and the French Kiss Bubble Bag.  She explains that, "Every stitch has been a learning experience for me, and one that I will forever be grateful for. Sewing has been such a blessing, and a hobby that I never thought would be so adventurous!"  Being self taught in sewing myself, I love that she shares the same passion.  Let's get to know Hillary a little better...

{etsy shop} {blog}

Meet the artist

-Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Hillary Akau. I'm 24 years old and married. I have 3 dogs named Naya, Zoey, and Kitty...yes, I named one of my dogs Kitty because she kinda looks like a cat and she jumps over everything like a cat! Hehe:) I enjoy being creative, sewing is my hobby! My favorite color is pink, I love anything and everything that's covered in pink!

-What inspired you to start up your Etsy shop?
When I saw all the creative handbags on Etsy, I thought I'd try to sell some of my bags too. So I set up a shop, and got some sales. After every sale, I get inspired to sew more and more. :)

-Where do you draw inspiration from?
I get inspired everyday. I can be walking around shopping and I'll get some inspiration in my head, then I'll go home pick out some fabrics and ta-da...my idea comes to life! I get inspired by beautiful colors, prints, and anything cute.

-Any advice to others who are thinking of opening an Etsy shop?
My advice to anyone thinking of opening up and Etsy Shop would be...go for it! You'll never know how many people out there in the world will adore your creative ideas! It's such a fun way to share your handmade items with people. Never stop creating!

-For anyone who wants to visit Kauai... what is a "must-do" there?
For anyone who wants to visit Kauai, you have to stop at Hamura's Saimin Stand and try their yummy saimin! Kauai is known as the Garden Island because of its beauty. If you're visiting for the first time, you have to tour the island and drive to Hanalei, it's very very beautiful there! Kokee is also a must do!

Hillary was also sweet enough to send me a bag of my very own!  I love the striped pattern and the color combo.  I also love the fact that I can put a ton of stuff in here.  Although it would be perfect for the beach, it's also a great bag to carry around during the day.  Her sewing skills are impeccable.  Each stitch is perfect and I know a lot of love and patience went into this bag.  Hillary, thanks so much!  I'll definitely be using this bag a lot this summer. 

Now, you too can own you very own MissHillary bag.  Hillary is giving one of my readers the chance to win this cute blue corduroy tote.  See giveaway rules below. 

Giveaway rules:
Mandatory
1.  Name and Email address (so I can contact you if you're the winner)
2.  Visit MissHillary's shop, here and tell me what your favorite item is.

Optional - for optional entries to count, please list each one you do in a separate comment. 
1.  Be/become a follower of my blog. (+1 entry)
2.  Be/become a follower of MissHillary's blog. (+1 entry)
3.  Blog about this giveaway or place the giveaway in your blog's sidebar. (+ 1 entry)

Giveaway ends Tuesday, June 15th - 11:59pm (HST). Open to everyone.

Love, S