Arts on the Square Spotlight: Meet Nicole of Chic Somethings Boutique

We're very excited to introduce Nicole Picache Bleich, the talented designer and creator of Chic Somethings Boutique.    Her work has been featured on The Knot Live and recently in the Best of Etsy Summer Finds roundup on Everyday Family.  We're so glad she’s part of Arts on the Square and can't wait to see what she creates.

Tell us a little about your company and what inspired you to start it.

I started Chic Somethings Boutique in September of 2011 as a home-based business when I opened my online shop on Etsy. I always loved giving handmade gifts during the holidays and special occasions. I find there's something heartfelt and soulful about giving a handcrafted gift. Motivated by the loss of my full-time teaching position, I searched within myself to look for other means of career fulfillment. With the support of my loving husband, family and friends, Chic Somethings Boutique was born!

How did you learn your craft?  Do you have formal training?
I spent many years as a high school History teacher. I spent most of my life with my nose in History books--so, my craft comes straight from my heart. I'm a self-taught designer who truly believes in the Art of "trial-and-error." Every artisan has their own techniques and methods to creating their works; it's what makes their product unique to their brand. I can't tell you the amount of supplies and creations whose fate was the landfill, but I can tell you what worked for me and didn't work for me. And I'm always changing and improving my techniques. One thing I've taken from my career as a teacher is that there's always room to learn more.  

Shirt pictured by KMT Designs

What kind of materials do you use to create your designs?  How long does each piece take to make?

I eat, sleep and dream in tulle, fabric and ribbon! Anybody that knows me knows I put my heart and soul into EVERY item I create. I spend an average of one hour on a single tutu, and up to 4-5 hours on just one of my tutu dresses. I feel that anything worth doing is worth doing well. My clients deserve a quality product, so I spend whatever amount of time it takes to make sure it’s perfect.

How would you describe your style & where do you find inspiration?

I would describe my style as modern, yet classically chic...fit for any Princess. My inspiration comes from the world around me, my loved ones, my experiences, even from my own likes/dislikes. I find inspiration in the simplest things sometimes. 

Shirt pictured by KMT Designs

What items are you featuring at the Arts on the Square festival?

I will be featuring various designs from several of my tutu lines. I'm very excited to be introducing my new Summer and Fall 2013 designs at Arts on the Square. This will be the unveiling of many of my newest Tutu and ShabbyTu designs, something I'm very excited about!

Shirt pictured by KMT Designs

What is your most popular item?

My most popular item this season is my Jessie ShabbyTu. This cowgirl-inspired fabric tutu is one of my favorites!

Shirt pictured by KMT Designs

What are your can’t live without craft room essentials?

One thing in my craft room I can't live without is my glue gun. My glue gun is so special to me, it has a name...Betty! I've had this glue gun since I was 11 years old. It was the first and only glue gun I've ever owned. Sixteen years later, she's still going strong! 

How do you make your workplace an inspiring place to be?

Being that I work from home, it’s important to have that separation of studio and home. But I also love how my studio is part of my home. I have a lot of homey touches in my workspace to make it an inspiring place to work. 

Follow Chic Somethings Boutique

Website    ChicSomethings.etsy.com   

Facebook:  Chic Somethings

Instagram: chicsomethings

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Website  artsonthesquare.net

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