We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Francisnelli Bailoni dos Santos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Francisnelli, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
I practice Yoga 5 days a week followed by meditation, which I had left out of my self-care routine after the passing of my soul dog, Teddy.
I also like hikes and long walks with my dogs and I do it everyday to clear my mind and take a rest from my commissions. It is a wonderful way to get out and about and enjoy a nice walk in good company. Also helps me to look at the portrait I am working on with fresh eyes.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a self taught embroidery artist. I had a career in the entertainment industry for over 30 years making costumes for actors, dancers and artists so sewing isn’t a hard thing for me.
I like tiny things and love animals and I now embroider tiny animal earrings and custom animal portraits.
My art brings me closer to other animal lovers and also allow me to help numerous rescues and animal sanctuaries with monthly donations and fundraisers.
In my last fundraiser with Wags & Walks, one luck person won a custom portrait of her dog which feels my heart with joy.
I also participate in several art fairs throughout the year and the best way to know where I will be next is follow me on Instagram or subscribe to my newsletter on my website. ( you will receive a discount code for your first purchase by subscribing to my newsletter)
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I’m super neat and I do manage my time like a hawk so those qualities are very helpful when I run my business by myself.
Self discipline is very important to keep customer, and me, happy and the best way to keep commissions’ deadlines manageable and reachable.
As I wrote before, sewing is a great asset I had when I first started embroidering and I am always buying books to develop my skill even further. There is always new techniques to learn and knowledge is golden.
For those that are starting, not only embroidering but any form of career, that would be my advice: learn and never stop learning. Ask questions to those that are already in your chosen industry. People like to share their knowledge, in my experience.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Since the loss of my soul dog, Teddy, it has been a challenge for me to find inspiration and will power to keep going.
He was a enormous part of my life and my companion, and his absence, sometimes cripple me.
I have been part of a Pet Loss group since his passing. I didn’t know something like that existed and it was a lifesaver to meet such a supportive group of people that understand exactly how I was feeling and still feel without him.
With his one year approaching fast, I need their support to get through this milestone of heartbreaking and pain.
Working on my commissions have also helped to stay focus and survive this part of life without him.
More then ever, self-care has been my top priority to keep myself going so I can help others that are going through the same loss as I have, by embroidering them a keepsake of their animals, and bringing them a smile in the midst of their loss.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.myprettybabi.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/myprettybabi_shop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyPrettyBabi
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/myprettybabi
