Today in New York: Sahnda Black

Sahnda Black is yet another great example of how women are able to juggle their creativity and their family life.

A mom of two and a S&TC addict Shanda is the mind ‘n’ hands behind the uber fancy Honey’d Designs brand.

And, I am sure, her fancy and colourful wrist-bags are something SJP would have loved to carry in the upcoming sequel of Sex & The City Movie.

:: Why and when did you started Honey’d Designs? I started Honey’d Designs in 2008, and then begun selling on Etsy in November 2009.  I’ve always loved designing and sewing and have always wanted to do something with my creative talent.  So after my two children became a little older, I decided it was time to go for it.  I wanted to do it the right way and make a mark for myself, so I created, and trademarked Honey’d. It’s a work in progress but I’m enjoying every minute of it. Like a lot of artists, I’m quite shy about showing off my work, so this has really been good for me and has boosted confidence in my talent.

:: Where do you get your inspiration from? I get inspiration from a variety of things such as nature, music, fashion, and fabric to name a few. A lot of times I’ll come up with the best ideas from my dreams! I’ve been this way since I was a young girl.

:: Who is your ideal buyer? My ideal buyer would be someone who is comfortable with themselves and isn’t afraid to express it. This would include all age groups and many different personalities. I believe every woman wants to be beautiful and express it no matter what age she is.

:: What’s your favourite NYC movie and what your favourite NYC tv serie? Since I’m a complete girly girl at heart, my favorite NYC movie would have to be Sex in the City. I loved the first one so much, with all that passion, those amazing clothes and those strong and yet vulnerable women. Plus New York is crucial to everything Carrie & co do: the City is definitely what spins things around and what makes their adventures so exciting.  That’s why I’m so looking forward to next one coming out this summer!  As for my favorite NYC TV series, that would definitely be Seinfeld.  I loved the dry humor and the uber funny characters!

:: What is your favourite NYC based fictional character and why? That’s easy:  my favourite NYC base fictional character is definitely Carrie from S&TC… I just imagine being her, so free and fashion forward all the while living it up in such an adventurous city.  How fun would that be, strutting down 5^th avenue in high heels with my arm loaded with fancy shopping bags…

:: Do you think New York can still considered the place-to-be for young creatives? Most definitely! New York is for sure the place to be if you’re a young creative. Maybe the major hurdle is the cost of living, but there are so many opportunities to catch there and it is very easy to find tons of potential roommates to live with (and share the utilities with!). And you can really get your creative career started, as it’s a place that has a never ending supply of resources and creative avenues.

:: If I say Italy, you say…? Beautiful and serene!  I actually have a picture above my mantel of the Italian countryside with a villa.  It’s why I love the movie Stealing Beauty (Io ballo da sola) with Liv Tyler.  I just love watching the scenery!  It just looks so free and romantic!  It’s my number one place to visit someday.

Francesca Masoero