ageofalice1

Oct 2, 20235 min read

Meet The Essentials Club

Heyyy Everyone! So I know it's been a little while since I got someone on the blog buuut I am super excited and very honoured to introduce Maddy aka The Essentials Club! 4 years ago I came across The Essentials Club while looking for creative inspiration as I wanted to start a new project, her YouTube tutorials inspired me to get into embroidery as sewing initially was too much of a daunting thought (so shout out Maddy for the embrodied tote bag inspiration).

Maddy's Instagram feed is by far the most aesthetically pleasing feed I have ever seen and we all know I love a good aesthetic (cheeky shout out @theessentialsclub). But she is also extremely relatable and for myself her tutorials and content spark so many creative ideas and thoughts on what new projects I could get started on which is always exciting!

So without further adieu, meet The Essentials Club...

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND THE ESSENTIALS CLUB?

I'm a creative to my core and along the way of making whatever I can for my wardrobe and home, I started to be more conscious about my impact. Now through The Essentials Club I get to share this process and what I'm passionate about to hopefully help inspire others to get creative as well as consider how to approach each aspect of life with a sustainable mindset. I'm incredibly grateful that sharing my own journey is now something I get to call my full time job. So sometimes the line between work and life can get quite blurred but when I'm not getting my hands on with the sewing machine or DIY tools, you'll most likely find me going on some outdoorsy adventure (probably by the ocean), cafe hopping, thrifting, watching sunrises, baking or just snuggling my pug. It really is the simple life that makes me the happiest!

WHAT DO YOU CREATE AND HOW DID YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY BEGIN?

my DIY creations range from homewares, to furniture and wardrobe essentials. Throughout each of these processes of bringing my projects to life, I try my best to utilise materials and items which are already existing. So a lot of the time that involves thrift flipping pieces to help give them a new lease of life.

I've never been short of ideas for creative projects (more so just short on time) so it's always been within me to figure out how to try make something myself. But I'd definitely say there are a few different stages of getting to where I am now. I started sewing in early high school and became hooked straight away. Since then I've always kept it as a hobby and self taught everything else that peaked my curiosity beyond the initial basics from school. I then started sharing tutorials for these DIY garments and homewares on an Insta page which then evolved into a blog and then my YouTube channel was born to better articulate and visualise each step as well as share mire insight into my life. So what began as something I'd whip together in the corner of my bedroom growing up, now officially calls a studio home to fully immerse in the messy imperfections of creativity.

WHAT DOES YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS LOOK LIKE?

Every creative endeavour starts with a practical need to fill a gap within my wardrobe or life. I don't want to create something just for the sake of it. I want it to have a purpose. So from that point, I'll then prioritise seeking the materials secondhand and even trying to push myself to find alternative ways of bringing it to life. Can it be up cycled from something completely unexpected? Once the essentials have been gathered it's then a series of sketching and mapping out calculations for the assembling process. Then the fun begins of general trial and error of how to turn this idea into a reality! I like to slowly move through each stage with intentions, ensuring that the outcome is something that i'll hopefully love and use for years to come.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN SIX WORDS?

Flowing. Resourceful. Considerate. Adventurous. Driven. Fulfilled.

WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL ITEMS IN YOUR WORKSPACE?

I'm probably either glued to my laptop or the sewing machine. So those would have to be the top essentials. Then with the nature of capturing most things I'm working on, a phone or camera will always be within reach. You'll also find my sewing kit and then tools for up cycling and getting creative. Coffee (either in my go-to takeaway cups or a cute handmade mug). Snacks!! Then everything else beyond that is a luxury.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE PLATFORM YOU HAVE CREATED?

It's the best feeling sharing what I've been working on then seeing how excited and inspired others get to try it out themselves! The community that comes with this type of content is really beautiful and helps fill my cup knowing I'm helping give others the confidence to either try pick up something new and creative, or shift towards a more sustainable habit.

WHAT DRIVES YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS?

Knowing that it can potentially have a positive impact on those who come across my content helps drive me to continue showing up. And I think in return sharing stuff that has a bigger purpose than just myself naturally helps the business gain traction and grow. if people see the value and learn something from what they find across my channels, then that's the dream!

WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION FOR YOUR DIY PROJECTS?

I love looking back into previous eras and seeing what has stood the test of time and trying to implement that into my own style. Whether it's textures/materials, the form/shape of something, the tones, and even how it's implemented into our lives. Timelessness is a big goal with each project while still adding touches of personality. I'll seek this inspiration on Pinterest, in my insta and even just keeping an eye out through everyday life.

DO YOU LISTEN TO ANYTHING WHEN YOU CREATE?

Depends what I'm working on and the mood of the day. I love a good podcast in the background while I work on mundane stuff and need to be entertained. Whereas if something is a little more complex some simple music will help get me flowing!

DO YOU HAVE A DREAM YOU WOULD LOVE TO FULFIL?

The dreams are endless for this one! Personally I think they have a lot more to do with life than work these days. Lots of places to tick off travelling and exploring. Creating a flowing home and studio on our own property on day. And most of all, having the freedom to spend time with my loved ones!

WHATS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

Dealing with my anxiety of being perceived online. Sometimes you can be doing the most wholesome and simple thing and someone will have an opinion against that. I'm all for constructive criticism but some people are just nasty even when unprovoked. As much as I've grown to be able to move on from those moments, I also now have a built up expectation and angst towards posting anything new and the potential comments and messages from people.

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE CREATIVITY? AND HOW DO YOU PUT THIS TO PRACTICE IN YOUR WORK?

I think creativity comes in many different forms and it's not based on the outcome. For me, I know I'm in my true creative flow when I feel a glowing ball of light within me. It feels exciting, hopeful, and all consuming. I try my best to prioritise the projects that make me feel this way because I know it's worth bringing into the world.