Feather Project is your one-stop-shop for all your personalized gifts that will definitely brighten anyone's day! Not only are they totally customizable, but they also look so stinkin' cute so that's a complete WIN WIN! Feather Project started in 2016 and after years of trial and error, experimenting and many major changes, Feather Project has become a brand that has been built with every customers' story.
Melanie - The founder / The packer / The social media replier You will usually find me hunched at the desk stamping away, replying to IG DMs, or packing orders. Yes, I'm a one woman army! Seb - The husband / The chauffeur When he's not helping me sort out the "business-y" side of Feather Project, he's taking care of our daughter so I can work on orders. He also chauffeurs me around to drop off orders or pick up supplies.
INTERVIEWING THE LADY BOSS
Location; where are you based in?
Kotte
Do you remember the first thing you made?
A dreamcatcher! Hence the namesake :)
What were you before you became a maker?
I was in social media marketing.
What inspired you to start the brand?
It started off as a way to make a little extra money on the side while doing something I love, which is creating. I went from making dreamcatchers to now, hand-stamped keepsakes. When I started thinking of hand-stamped keepsakes years ago, I realised that I couldn't find anything personalised in Sri Lanka that didn't cost an entire month's wage. I ended up seeing a niche in the market for affordable personalised gifts/keepsakes and I decided to take advantage of it and I've never looked back. Also nothing beats being your own boss ;)
What inspires your work?
My customers! Each hand-stamped piece tells a story, whether it's an inside joke, a memorable date, a dedication etc.
If you could learn a new skill what would it be?
I would love learn how to sing!
Did you learn/do anything new during lockdown?
I've started learning how to play the ukulele. I know 2 chords which is laughable but it's as start!
What do you do to overcome lockdown blues?
I remind myself how lucky I am to be able to spend this time with my family. Time otherwise spent on traveling for work, or meeting people etc.
How has the pandemic affected your business?
It has negatively affected my business in the very beginning. However, slowly but surely, things are looking up. Unfortunately I don't have any tricks to overcome challenges. Just try to be optimistic and instead of spending time worrying, spend time researching and creating something new.
Are you interested in becoming a design mentor to artistically inclined aunties in the south?
DOUBLE YES!
HOPE
What gives you Hope?
Seeing how much the creative space has changed in Sri Lanka. There are many more small entrepreneurs nowadays compared to when I started and it's so inspiring to see the growth.
What are your hopes for the future of your brand?
Wholesale! I would love to see a small piece of Feather Project in different stores, small & big.
What are you Hopeful for in 2022?
For the world to go back to normal. For small business to have a chance to thrive. For people to appreciate hand-made pieces. For people to buy from small businesses to support someone's dream instead of shopping at big conglomerates.
Any advice for other Boss Ladies like yourself?
Dory said it best and I stand by it, "just keep swimming". It's a hard, bumpy journey but you wouldn't find anything as rewarding at putting yourself and your work out there for people to enjoy and appreciate.
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