CIP 016: Jenny Mustill on Creating and Selling Handmade Dolls

In this episode of The Creative Introvert podcast I interview Jenny Mustill of Ruby Ruth Dolls. Todays guest is the first I’ve actually met in real life before asking to come on the show. I basically pounced on Jenny when I found out she makes and sells real tangible products! This is something that I’ve dabbled in myself, when I was more focussed on my pet portraiture business - purely as an excuse to draw animals and make some money on the side. But I know how much work goes into producing anything physical - there’s no undo button, you can’t just go and restore a backup you made earlier. Plus there’s the added challenge that makers and crafters face when selling their work at markets and craft shows and such - I did a bit of this but the introvert in me had a hard time with being around so many people all day long. Anyway, I talk to Jenny, creator of Ruby Ruth dolls, which are completely handmade partly from recycled jumpers bought in charity shops in my neck of the woods, Brighton, England. We discuss: How Jenny got started making dolls from a market stall with friends Her background as a fine artist and working with Damien Hirst Difficulties makers face at market stalls How Jenny got her dolls stocked in retail stores How much time goes into planning new characters for her collection What Jenny wish she’d known before starting out Jenny’s daily routine Which social media platform suits introverts best Links mentioned: Damien Hirst Spot Paintings Pussy Boutique Brighton Jasper the Cat Button Moon The Moomins The Clangers Martin Stellar interview Connect with Jenny: Website: rubyruthdolls.com Instagram: @rubyruthdolls Facebook: /rubruthdolls