Check out a super fun two-part interview I did for PinkPopMash. Thanks for repping my Etsy store!

You can read the whole interview below or check out the original first post HERE and second post HERE.

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MASH: When did you know that you wanted to be a designer? AZ: I’ve always been drawing, sewing, painting or had my hands in some kind of creative project since I was little but I really got into designing in high school. I played around a lot with my mom’s old vintage stuff, trying to re-interpret things to be more modern.

MASH: What inspires your work? AZ: I am mostly inspired by vintage fashion, current trends and all the cool people I see on the street. I like to keep it fun and fresh.

MASH: Do you listen to a specific type of music when creating your work? AZ: As far as music goes, my current playlist has a little bit of Led Zeppelin, Kings of Convenience, Paul McCartney and Kings of Leon. My music changes with the seasons!

MASH: So, you have designed for Urban Outfitters, how did that opportunity come about? AZ: I just worked in their store in Merchandising and entered an Employee Tee Contest one day. They loved my design and wanted more… and the rest is history!

MASH: Why did you decide to sell your designs on Etsy? AZ: My friend told me about the site when it first started WAY back in 2005 but I didn’t start selling until recently. I really love the creativity of the Etsy community and the ease of use. Plus there’s no better way to test a design to see if it’s working than getting it out there on Etsy, it keeps me on my toes!

MASH: Why the name Two String Jane? AZ: Jane is what I named my guitar that I found at a garage sale for $2. It only had two strings on it at the time when I bought it and I used to learn how to play things on my guitar when I had “designers block”. Thus “two string jane”!

MASH: What advice would you give to a designer trying to make a name for themselves? AZ: Always stay true to yourself and your style and it will show in your work… and be open to the unexpected. Invest in branding for yourself and especially in good pictures! They’re the most valuable tool you have when selling your brand.

MASH: Who is your favorite designer? Why? AZ: I love Karen Walker right now, her stuff is flirty and feminine with a tomboy twist which I think is a great mix and her florals are amazing!

MASH: Finally, where do you see yourself in five years? AZ: Still working away on anything creative I can get my hands on. I’d love to have my own physical storefront someday! Curating a collection for a store of my own would be one of the most fun things ever.