Being a society where we've managed to find a way to complete almost every task through some form of electronic device, it's no shock that some of us value our electronics almost as much as we value our lives. Okay that may be a bit exaggerated…or is it? Either way, our devices like our smart phones, tablets, music players and so forth have become a huge staple in our life as have the fun little accessories that come with them.
I recently sat down with Ellie Jean Hale who is the very talented and creative individual behind the extremely unique Heebie Jeebie device cases. These are her most recent creations and I must say, I am very excited about them. These cool accessories are original and versatile as they appeal to both sexes and can be used as gifts or just a treat for yourself! Ellie was as humble as ever when I expressed to her that besides being amazingly put together, I feel the cases are so unique and impressive!
Ellie Hale (EH): Thank you so much!
Desirae Espinoza (DE): You're very welcome! These really are great cases. What made you decide to create a product like this?
EH: Well, my friend bought and iPad cover that looked like a "Hogwarts, the History" school book and I thought it was awesome.
DE: That sounds awesome.
EH: It really was, but as cool as it was, I thought the "Monster Book of Monsters" from the movie was way better! After thinking about it, I thought I'd make myself a cover for my Nook that was inspired by the "Monster Book of Monsters".
DE: It's good to know Harry Potter could be so inspirational, especially because I'm such a fan! Speaking of inspiration, I know as a writer I have the hardest time naming anything I work on. Was there any specific inspiration or an interesting tale behind the ever so fitting Heebie Jeebie name?
EH: I agonized of the name for months! I actually had a bunch of covers made before I could even put the etsy store up because I could not settle on a name. After asking my boyfriend, sisters, and mom, we came to the consensus that they should be called "eBeasts".
DE: Really? Why the change?
EH: I decided I wanted to do wallets and other things too, so that wouldn't work. My sister suggested "The Willies" and I thought that was cute and I said "Yeah, like 'these ugly covers give me the willies! They give me the heebie jeebies!" and that's how the name was born. It's a little bit of creepy but still cute.
DE: I really like it; it's very fitting like I said. Apart from coming up with an idea and name, how did you decided what materials to use? I wouldn't know where to begin if we're being honest.
EH: I didn't really know where to start either so I went to a couple of local craft stores and looked around. They had basic fur colors like black, white, and brown, so I just picked one. I mean, it didn't really need to be awesome because, being my first time making a Nook cover, I figured it would be a dud anyways. I used brown fur, stiffened felt for the teeth, and basic doll eyes.
DE: So far so good. How was the assembly? The Heebie Jeebie products are very well put together. Was it hard to do that?
EH: Well I just glued everything on to the Nook cover I had already and to my surprise I nailed it on the first try! That gave me enough confidence to branch out and visit the fabric district in LA for more interesting fur colors and eye options and that's when I really got creative and started thinking other people might want these too.
DE: Good call because I mean, they really are desirable accessories.
EH: See I knew that I personally thought they were awesome, but I wasn't sure if anyone else would have the same weird taste I do. Then I thought, what the hell it was worth a try! I wanted to make a wide variety of colors and styles. There came a point where i was having dreams about them and would wake up with five new ideas a day.
DE: Always the creative mind with you. Creative enough to not only make covers, but you're branching out I see.
EH: I am!
DE: I noticed you have wallets for sale as well. Are you working on any other Heebie Jeebie products to sell in the future? If so, will your etsy store be displaying these products?
EH: Yes, I am glad you asked. I will defintely be branching out into other things. I'm currently trying to figure out how to make phone covers. I'm also going to be making Heebie Jeebie accesories like spikey collars that work as straps to keep them closed.
DE: Accessories to the accessory? I dig it.
EH: Exacly. Maybe someday I could make some purses or clutches that look like monsters as well.
DE: Are you planning on branching out beyond the Heebie Jeebie line?
EH: I'm thinking of making dead sugar skull Christmas ornamanets around the holidays. Honestly, I have endless ideas, but those will have to be a surprise. I don't have as much up in my store as I would like to but with working two jobs, I do as much as I can. I usually am able to more stuff up on weekends so that is the best time to check out what's going on and what is new.
DE: I know you have the covers for sale as is right now, do you do any sort of personalized covers or wallets? I would assume if you do, the prices would vary.
EH: Absolutely. I think a lot of people miss it, but on my etsy site I have a welcome message that let's people know they can contact me with custom orders. I don't ask for more money, just that they be patient with me as it takes time to order the supplies and assemble it.
DE: Wait, you don't charge extra? I would.
EH: Really?
DE: Hell yeah! I know how expensive cases can be. My brother spent like $60 on a simple gray case just for the name. It was so ridiculous. I would charge more especially because, to me at least, your products are reasonably priced.
EH: I'm actually paranoid about people thinking my work isn't worth the money I was asking so I had them priced lower originally, but I realized I really wasn't making a profit. My family talked me into raising the price so I did. I still worry they are too expensive at times, but then I remind myself that I really do put my heart and time and money into them.
DE: I think they're fine the way they're currently price. I mean $35.00 for a handmade, very unique case is generous.
EH: Yeah, I like that they are affordable and hopefully that aspect will get more of them out there in the world.
DE: I agree. So you mentioned world? Are your products available to everyone?
EH: I am international! My first purchase ever actually went to New York. I mean how awesome is it that something I created, something that has a tag with my name on it, is being used by someone across the country. It's such a crazy feeling!
DE: That is really cool! Well I just want to thank you for letting me do this because I really am excited about these products.
EH: No thank you! I'm so flattered you want to write about my little guys.
You guys can find all of Ellie's cool Heebie Jeebie products on her Etsy account (http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeebieJeebieMonsters) and make sure to check it out on weekends for updates as she starts to add more to her store!