Today we’d like to introduce you to Bekah Langlois.
Hi Bekah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always considered myself a crafty person. I always liked making things, and being creative. I was surrounded by women who were makers; my mom, both of my grandmothers, my best friend’s mom (my 2nd mom). My mom is a wonderful sewist, and she has always been my number one call when I’m stumped while sewing. She’s a phenomenal crocheter, and I hope to one day pick up that skill. My maternal grandma was a spectacular artist. She could paint, draw, embroider, and crochet. She is who I like to think I caught my creative streak from. My paternal grandmother was one of the best seamstresses and quilters I’ve ever met. Most if not all of her 30+ grandchildren (and some great) are in possession of a quilt that she made. These two women lend their names, Jean and Gene, to not only my daughter’s middle name, but to my business name.
I was always inspired, knowing that I could produce something of worth like I had seen all of these women make. Sewing is something that I dabbled with here and there throughout my childhood and teenage years, and I felt pretty solid in the basics. Once I had my first child, I felt like I needed something as a creative outlet. Being that my child was a girl, I had the pleasure of dressing her every day in the cutest of outfits. However, we were lacking in the bow department. I went to a fabric store, picked out some fabric, and borrowed my grandmother’s sewing machine.
I started making and sewing bows for my daughter, and never looked back. Since then I have learned how to sew clothing, stuffed animals, and blankets. I’ve learned to do minor clothing repairs and have even helped some people with minor jobs of tailoring.
Sewing has become an outlet for my worries and stress, and a real joy. It is something that I turn to when I need to feel fulfillment in my life. It has become a saving grace for my time in a postpartum season.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been an up and down road for sure. Covid was a big limiting factor in prices for materials, and also for creating. I took a major hiatus from sewing items for my child and for friends to sew over 500 masks and ship them to almost every state in the country.
I had a pretty steady clientele before Covid, and in 2021 my family moved to Michigan from California. Having to start over with my social media audience, connections, and having to learn how to navigate the craft show and farmers market system in a different state was a huge learning curve.
It has definitely been worth it though. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing returning customers in my booth at the local farmers market. I love seeing a shirt I made on a 2 year old running around at the library.
I love making baby towels for all of my friend’s babies, and then making more for when those babies become big siblings.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my 5 years of living in Michigan, I’ve done a fair amount of craft shows and farmers markets. People who tend to be repeat customers often comment on my ability to create something not incredibly common, but useful and worth buying. My new favorite thing to make is anything from felt. I’ve made dolls, busy books, play food and holiday decorations. It is a pretty tedious craft, but I find it to be very soothing.
Being able to accomplish and finish something that includes so many tiny pieces and steps is so rewarding.
Something I’m known for, especially in my circle of friends, are my hooded baby towels! I’ve been to many a baby shower where the mom-to-be is anticipating receiving a towel, and are very pleased when they open my gift to find one. My mom made them for me and my siblings growing up, and I’m fairy certain I had the same hooded towel from the time I was 4, until I was 10. They are timeless, and last for years as they grow with a kid.
I also take pride in my ability to choose patterns, fabrics and ideas that aren’t super typical. My fabrics I choose for things are unexpected. I made a double sided flannel baby blanket a few years ago, and one side was a very earthy print. The other was leopard print. Not something you’d usually put together, but it was a huge hit.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I’m a perfectionist…. to a point. I feel I am very good at creating the perfect image of what I’m wanting to make in my head, and then being able to adjust and adapt until it becomes realistic and manageable. I also think this is helpful in the scope of being able to be ok with failure.
At the beginning of me starting this small business, I felt like I needed to succeed in everything right away. I was quick to become discouraged if things didn’t play out in my favor.
Almost 8 years later, I’ve been able to separate my success in my business from my success as a mom, wife, and human.
Pricing:
- Blankets $20
- Felt Toys $10-$40
- Dolls $15
- Clothes $10-$35
Contact Info:
- Website: https://missjeancreations.etsy.com
- Instagram: @missjeancreations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missjeancreations
