Isla Luna Gifts

Regina has a wonderful clothing shop on Etsy called Isla Luna. Regina has had her shop since November. She was born in California, but raised in California and the Phillipines.

1. How did you decide on your shop name?

I've always wanted to have my own brick and mortar shop. Every once in a while a name would pop into my head and I'd write it down. When I started Etsy, I "manned-up" so to speak, and chose one; IslaLuna. I decided to add the word "Gifts" to the end of it, because I LOVE shopping for other people, and giving friends and family gifts when they least expect it.

2. When did you start crafting?

I started crafting at a young age, but it would always come and go. I'd get really excited about a new project, but when I finished it, that was it. Kaput! No urge to create until I got bitten by the craft bug again. When I started my Etsy shop in November 08, and started sewing and creating my own designs, I knew that that was that. The joy I felt from designing my own clothes and then presenting them to the Etsy community was overwhelming. I am now a full time crafter!

3. Are there other crafts you would like to try?

While other Etsyians inspire me with their fabulous jewelry, paintings, and home decor pieces (you name it, it's on Etsy!), I prefer to stick to clothing and fashion accessories.

4. What or who inspires you?

This might sound like a copout, but really everything inspires me. I'm one of those people that gets completely distracted in the fruits and veggies section at a grocery store. All the colors, textures... everything stimulates my brain, and if I'm lucky something as trivial as the oranges next to the applies will inspire a new design!

5. Do you have a day job?

I graduated in May 08, and finished an internship with a designer here in NY in January. After that it was clear that the types of jobs I was interested in were going to be few and far in between because of the economy. So! I decided to take this year off instead of earning minimum wage at a job I didn't really enjoy.

6. What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?

The Nicole Skirt is so far my favorite thing to make. There is something very gratifying about pleating stripes and a wave!