Monday, October 24, 2016

The Name Game (The Pretty in Pink Special Edition): Pink Suede Shoe

I've been waiting for this edition for a long time, so I'm very excited to have the colorful person behind Pink Suede Shoe here today.
I first stumbled across Erika's blog about four years ago and became an instant fan. While she no longer writes her blog (check it out anyway because there are some great tutorials there), her instagram feed is full of the most beautiful pictures. If you aren't already following her, run over there right now (@pinksuedeshoe)!!

She loves color (especially PINK) and donuts! Her Saturday morning pictures of donuts always make me SO hungry.
And Erika sent me lots of pictures to share. So let's get started.

How did you choose the name, Pink Suede Shoe?
Well, when my daughter was about 6 months old I was just coming out of the new mom funk. I wanted something that I could do to keep me from turning into a person I didn't recognize. I felt like being a mom was taking over my whole personality, and I felt like I was losing myself. I needed something, ANYTHING, to remind me of who I am, what I love, and what I am capable of outside of my role as a mother. I decided to start a blog.  It was National Pink Day, June 23, 2009. My sister and I were throwing around ideas and checking url's to see what was available. I knew I wanted it to have pink in there somewhere, and she came up with pinksuedeshoe. I bought the URL that day and started my blog. 

For a few years I had a new blog post everyday, but it has been nearly 4 years since I updated my blog at all. Instagram killed it. I'm ok with that. I like the IG format of short captions with photos. I've been on IG for over 5 years and it's a great outlet for me to share what I am working on without spending too much time writing posts, or feeling the pressure to keep up with the  demands that blogging and reading blogs can bring. 

Were there any other names you considered, and if so, can you share them with us?

I don't remember any other specific names I had considered at the time. I've considered changing my IG name several times, but never found the perfect one that was available both as a URL and an Instagram account. Since I don't use my real name ever on the internet, it's been tricky to try and find something that represents me, is unique, and of course is available in the format I want. Some of the names that have been on that list are MakeItPink, PinkOrPie and MyFriendsCallMePink. But for one reason or another I have never made the switch. 

Now that you are known as Pink Suede Shoe, are you happy with it, or do you wish you could change it to something else?

For 7 years I've had the name pinksuedeshoe. And I'm mostly happy with it. It could of course change at anytime. I am not in love with it, but it's a good place holder until I find another name. I have a new project in the works, and if all goes as planned I could have a new name and website and Instagram before the end of the year. Of course, I have said that for a lot of years. But hey, maybe this is the one! 


NOTE: Since this post was originally written, Erika has a new venture called Sew State University, with website and patterns coming soon. Also, they have some great t-shirts available already. You can get more information at @sewstateuniversity.

Thanks for playing along this week, Erika!

5 comments:

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Needled Mom said... #

What fun! Her photos are just glorious. Thanks for introducing us to her.

Lucy | Charm About You said... #

Gorgeous projects and photos! I really like the name :)

Charlotte M. said... #

Thanks for this one. I used to read her blog and I have missed it. She has lots of lovely pictures and I just joined instagram a few weeks ago. I must be like the last hold out on that.

OPQuilt said... #

Fun to get to know her after reading her for a long time!

Anne / Springleaf Studios said... #

I like learning about new blogs and IG accounts. Love the name Pink Suede Shoe. Now I'm off to check out Erica's work.