Conversations with the Inspiring Michelle Plasentilla

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Plasentilla.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Button Bazaar has been specializing in handmade, wearable art since 2012. One inch button toppers change between magnetic jewelry and accessories bases. Button Bazaar came about from my desire to provide a unique and versatile product at a price point that anyone could afford! My mom and I collaborated in the beginning by brainstorming. We wanted an item that was interchangeable, would bring repeat business, was cost and time efficient for us to make and versatile for a wide market. I had been making hair accessories and costume jewelry using fabric covered buttons as embellishments. One day, while scrolling through Etsy, I came across a shop that was making hair bows similar to mine. But, instead of fabric covered buttons, they had buttons with images of Elvis and tons of other fun artwork. I was inspired, and thought that idea had some potential for jewelry! Meanwhile, Mom was experimenting with all sorts of different media: fabric in resin, snaps, and others. I brought her the idea of the metal buttons and she thought “magnets!” and I like to say everything just “clicked” from there! Mom has since hung up her button making hat to start her candy making business.

For the last four years, I have worked on restyling the business to reflect my personal brand. I created my logo and brand color palette, streamlined my product line and have been working on being more present on social media. When I first started, I worked a lot of craft fairs, vendor events and even did lots of private parties. I tried everything while searching for my niche! Fast forward to today, I work mostly through online orders. I do have my Etsy shop, but I receive most of my orders through Facebook, repeat business and word of mouth. I still enjoy working shopping events to connect with my regulars, meet new customers and network with other business owners. I have even been trying my hand as an event organizer in the last few years! My next goal is to keep moving Button Bazaar forward by acquiring more wholesale work with gift shops and boutiques.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Yes! There are always obstacles and challenges! I think my biggest challenge has been the uncertainty of my income. Button Bazaar blew up somewhat quickly in the beginning while I was working as an Esthetician. I retired from the salon so I could devote my full attention to the business. My business was very seasonal for the first two or three years. Through the years, there have been slow times, and times of great abundance! Now, seven years later… my income is steady throughout the year. My advice is to dig in and persevere. Grit goes a long way, especially if you are determined to achieve your dreams! These are amazing times we live in! It’s much more accepted to get a side hustle and to promote yourself on social media and have opportunities to make money online. Getting to work from home is my success, and it has been worth it! You just have to decide what success looks and feels like to you, make a plan, and work on it every day!

What should we know about Button Bazaar? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Button Bazaar specializes in handmade, wearable art. Button toppers easily change between magnetic jewelry and accessories bases. Everything is handmade by me personally. When you shop Button Bazaar, you’ll see a strong vintage and boho influence. I curate artwork that I love for my pieces. In the earlier days, I was all over the place with the artwork that I purchased…but now, I only offer the designs that make me happy! One of the things I’m the proudest of is that the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun here in Tucson sells my jewelry in their gift shop. They are amazing to work with, and I always feel honored that I get to create custom products for them.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
My parents were very supportive of growing up. We are a family of makers! My mom was (still is) always making things, baking, sewing. My dad was really into woodworking and fine jewelry making. Both of my parents run their own businesses to this day! Observing my parents run their own businesses has always been “normal” to me.

Pricing:

• Necklaces $15.00 and up
• Bracelets $16.00 and up
• Wholesale price list available by request

Contact Info:

• Website: Etsy.com/shop/ButtonBazaar
• Email: buttonbazaar@gmail.com
• Instagram: @buttonbazaar
• Facebook: @buttonbazaar
• Other: @get_up_and_glow_with_michelle

Image Credit:
Ted DeGrazia, ArtCult, Cockatoo Designs, Ink Five

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