Today on the blog, we feature Sumithra, doll maker and founder of SewMe Dolls; Bangalore. She shares with us, her brand story …  

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.  

Hello! I’m Sumithra. I live in Bangalore, India with my two happy boys and my wonderful, supportive husband. I’ve been making dolls since 2016 and I absolutely love what I do.  I work out of my home-based studio and mostly in my pajamas 😌

I love listening to podcasts and pop music when I work. I enjoy watching movies and  I love the suspense/thriller genre but mostly end up watching super-hero movies with my boys at the cinemas. 

Till about a few years ago I was stuck in a corporate job and many traffic jams, pretty much hating every single work day till I finally decided that my priority was to spend quality time with my young boys.

2. Why did you become a maker?  Why is making so important to you?   

I’ve always loved “making” things. I’ve done pottery, terracotta and ceramic jewelry and countless DIY projects around the house. The joy of seeing a project through from beginning to end is unparalleled. 

3. How did you begin SewMe Dolls?

My younger son, who was then 3, loved to take naps with his toy dinos and cars. But these mass produced metal/plastic toys aren’t exactly the best nap time buddies, I spent hours online searching for modern soft animal toys for my son but couldn’t find a single one. It just wasn’t out there. So I decided to make one myself. A cuddly, soft naptime buddy. I then made another for a friend’s daughter. That’s how SewMe was born in late 2016. And like many craft businesses, it started out as a hobby.

4. What is the story behind your brand name ?

SewMe Dolls by Sumi 😄 It took my husband all of five minutes to come up with the name and logo and the ‘S’ in the logo has a sewing needle (I love details 😍)

5. How has your business evolved over the years?  

SewMe is still very young and has a long way to go. On most days it’s a juggling act since I’m the 
-maker
-photographer
-marketeer
-packager
-errand girl doing post office runs
-admin and accountant
-social media strategist

Even if I’m not sitting in my studio making dolls, I am always thinking about what to make next, how to improve on the current, fabric combinations… I ❤ what I do!  

6. Your work space 
I work out of my home studio. 

7. Your favorite work tool.
One of my absolutely-can’t-do-without tool is the cotton stuffer (basically a long stick with a pointy end). Helps me neatly stuff all those skinny arms and legs of my dolls.

9. What is your personal favorite pick from your label right now? And why?

I love making all my dolls but Elly sits right on top of that list. She is one of the first dolls that I made as a gift and I love making her because I can add so many different details to make her festive.

10. What are your displaying at the By Hand, From The Heart.

I will be displaying a range of 18” and 15” dolls of animals, boys and girls. Animals like a Bunny, Dino, Pig, unicorn and many more. Accessories for the dolls – Outfits, hairbands, pets, handbags/baskets. Magic wands. Buntings for kids room decor.