Spotlight On....

Dolapo James of Urban Knit!

Her aim is to create new and interesting accessories for those with a taste for something different. Each hand-made piece is created to give the wearer the satisfaction of uniqueness and at the same time provide everyday accessories to complement various styles and reinforce the spirit of individuality. Her current collection consists of one-off bags and scarves that have all been lovingly made.


1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
My name is Dolapo James. I am Nigerian. I grew up in Lagos currently work in London (England) as an architect.

2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are doing currently?
I have a fantasy creative life and then a real creative life! I am an architect.

3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
I hand-knit and crochet chunky woolen scarves, scarflettes and neck warmers. I also make bags and purses from fabrics sourced in Nigeria; mainly batiks, prints and 'aso-oke'. I recently opened a new etsy store where I sell items made out of repurposed paper and plastic. These are made into envelopes, bags and so on.

4. Where do you create?
In my tiny little living room, I dream about having a studio someday soon.

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Everything really: animation, city living, cartoons, reading, movies, TV, different cultures, music. Anything really.

6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
My mum taught me how to knit and crochet when I was little. I taught myself to sew (still learning) and try to learn from people around me who know how to make things.

7. How do you promote your wares?
On Myspace and Flickr. I blog. Sometimes I take out paid advertising on design blogs and Indie magazines. I have a Facebook group which consists mainly of friends but there is nothing like word of mouth!

8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
Perseverance. It is absolutely essential.

9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Try new things; learn from other people who are more experienced and experiment!

10.Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
My favs list is way too long but a few are: Sugarcane, because she was a great help when I started selling on etsy; Bombus, because I love comics and maps; Mamastaub, cool buttons; Mediumcontrol for great customer service; Jamtartbaby, and many many more.

A note from the interviewer: Next week is Dolapo's birthday! Wish her a great day and celebrate with her by buying a little something for yourself :)

Blogblog: www.urbanknit.blogspot.com
Photoblog: www.flickr.com/photos/urbanknit
Myspace: www.myspace.com/urbanknit
otheretsystore: www.urbanstax.etsy.com