Andra E. Kramer
Creator of Doggy 'Dannas
Hello y'all!
My name is Andra, although, I sometimes go by Elaine (my middle name).I'm one of the rare, sixteen-year-old crafters. I love scowering craft books, reading inspiring blogs, and trying my had at almost anything I find.
My business, Doggy 'Danans, combines my love for animals and craze over crafting. Each and every product is handmade with love in every stitch. If you would like to know more, check out this pseudo-interview I put together below.
How did you first get into business?
I've had an interest in business ever since I was a little girl. The idea of making things to sell was always appealing to me, especially if I could make some money doing it. Doggy 'Dannas actually came to mind when I made a custom dog bandanna for a friend. Both she and her mother "oohed" and "aahed" over the hand-embroidered design and letters. They immediately insisted I needed to sell them, and through lots of prayer, preparation, and anxiety, here I am!
Do you make other things, aside from dog bandannas?
I dabble in almost any craft you can think of, from headbands to handkerchiefs! Although I would love to sell all of the "quality" crafts I make (the ones that are sell-able), I don't have the time to invest in that kind of endeavor. Once I graduate, I hope to be able to more fully invest in my business.
Graduate?
I'm actually a full-time high-school student.
Where do you find inspiration?
To quote the kid's movie Ratatouille, "Inspiration has many names..."
First and foremost, I get my inspiration from an amazing relationship with the creator of the entire universe. Being his child, I get to call him Father. Only after him, comes my amazing family, including a wonderful father, awe-inspiring mother, incredible older brother, and two of the sweetest younger brothers you will ever meet in your life.
What would you say to someone who also loves crafting?
Do not give it up. Sometimes life gets crazy and you have to put it on hold, but do not quit. Even if you never start a "business," you should never completely give up what you love. That is one of the biggest ways the enemy of our souls gets us. We give up what God created us to do. He put into each one of us different skills and loves, so use them.
What is the thing you hate the most about Doggy 'Dannas?
It's a tie between social media and talking on the phone. I absolutely love to meet people face-to-face. I love to watch their reactions and connect in a more tangible way. I've never minded blogging or emailing customers, but for some reason Facebook is one of the hardest things for me to understand. I will always remember chatting with a friend of mine, trying to figure out how to poke someone. :)
What do you love to do the most?
I absolutely love to make custom orders like these. So if your looking for something unique, send me an email. I feel free to be more creative and I get to hear all kinds of fun dog names.
What do you do now?
My growing skill for sewing is beginning to get around, in that I now teach an intermediate sewing class within my church and often have people ask my advice on a sewing project, fix, or alteration. I personally prefer to use my gift to create and spread smiles.
I hope I've inspired you today!
Andra Elaine Kramer
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DoggyDannas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Doggy-Dannas/650517191639744
Email: doggydannas@charter.net
