An Interview with Sarah of Ohhh Lulu Lingerie and Apparel

Today for you, my dear readers, I have an interview that I'm really excited to share with you. You might remember Sarah of Ohh Lulu Lingerie and Apparel from our Ooh La La Pin-Up Sew-Along. Sarah is the most talented lingerie seamstress I've ever come across and I hope you'll take this chance to get to know her a bit better as I have so enjoyed doing.

Photo Courtesy of Ohhh Lulu: Three Soft Bras Made to Order.

~For those of you don't have time to read the whole article right now, be sure to check out her shop. She's having a sale to get ready for the holidays! Use Coupon Code Spooktacular2012 and receive 15% off all made to order lingerie.~

Sarah, for those of us who aren't familiar, how did Ohhh Lulu get started?

I started Ohhh Lulu in 2010.  I had just moved away from Toronto to a small town in southern Ontario to start a life with (my now) husband.  Moving up north was a big change. Unfortunately  when I moved up here, I realized I wasn't going to have the same career opportunities I had in the city. After working for years in the interior decorating and textile business, my new job as "front desk girl" at a local mechanics shop was not at all what I was used to.  It was incredibly boring, and I really started slipping into a slump.  I decided that if I couldn't find work I enjoyed, I would make work I enjoyed, and finally put my Fashion Design Diploma to work! I designed a few pieces, listed them on Etsy and quickly became obsessed! 

Where did the name Ohhh Lulu come from?

Ohhh Lulu started out as the name for my blog.  One of my childhood nicknames that has stuck around with me throughout my life is Lulu.  When I was trying to figure out the name of my blog, Dan came up with the name Ohhh Lulu... I loved it the minute I heard it! 

You and I are both lucky enough to have really supportive husbands. What is the most encouraging advice Dan has ever given you?

Where do I start? Dan encouraged me to start designing, after I had hid my sewing machine away for about a year, he's been there to celebrate my successes, and a shoulder to cry on when things don't go as planned.  Most of all, he's been absolutely unwavering in his confidence in me. Most recently, he's encouraged me to take time off work to focus on Ohhh Lulu, which I couldn't have done without his support.

You recently gave notice at your day job so you could pursue Ohhh Lulu full time. What did that feel like?

Exciting and terrifying!  I've been wanting to take my business full time for a while now, but the thought of not having a dependable pay check every two weeks is really scary.  I am absolutely thrilled at the idea of being able to focus solely on my business, but the thought of not having that dependable pay check is still frightening. 

What is it that you think sets Ohhh Lulu apart from other lingerie lines?

I think a lot of it comes from my fabric choices.  I like to use unexpected fabrics, like masculine plaids, flannels, or woven cotton prints, which aren't often used in lingerie.  I also love to embellish everything with little bows, rosettes, and ruffles.  I think those handmade details really set me apart. 

Image courtesy of Ohhh Lulu. Nautical Bon Voyage Set... *Swoon*

What is your absolute favorite sewing trick or tool?

I cannot express how much I love my pressing ham! It's an absolute must-have for pressing bra cups and hip seams.

A lot of us multitask while we sew; I like to drink tea like it's going out of style and listen to old episodes of Grey's Anatomy. What is your favorite thing to do while you're sewing?

I always have some kind of documentary playing in the background while I sew.  I'm a big history geek, but I also have a soft spot for Bigfoot and UFO documentaries.   Documentaries & herbal tea - that's what gets me through the day! 

If you could sum up your brand in 2 words, what would they be?

Romantic & Eclectic 

I'm really crazy about your lumberjack panties design and in fact, just bought a pair. What inspired you to design them?

The lumberjack panties are one of my favourite designs.  I was inspired first by the fabric - I love traditional prints, and I love the idea of using a masculine plaid on a such a feminine piece of clothing.   I also like to spend a lot of time outdoors, camping, hiking, so I wanted to design an undergarment that was sexy, but warm and comfortable - perfect for snuggling under a sleeping bag.

Image courtesy of Ohhh Lulu. Lumberjack French Knickers.

~I agree, there's nothing better than a little touch of feminine and sexy when you're off on a long camping trip. I'm about to be dragged go for a rather long, cold several day hike and a pair of comfy yet girly panties for the trip is a bit soothing.

A huge thanks to Sarah for taking the time to answer all of my questions. I'm sure I speak for all of my readers when I say that we're excited for you taking the plunge into pursuing your business full time, and even a little bit inspired ourselves!

Don't forget to check out Sarah's unforgettable lingerie shop on Etsy. The holiday sale ends the 14th so hurry! Also, if you're not already a follower, check out Sarah's blog and the Ohhh Lulu Facebook page.