Wrapped Up With a Bow:
An Interview with Leigh from Teal Paper Box
Life doesn’t always go as planned. But sometimes it leads you somewhere you were meant to be. At least that’s how it was for Leigh Gill, a woman whose life changed abruptly due to a chronic illness, as well as caring for her ill grandmother. Little did she know her hobby would become her full-time job and one of the most popular headwear boutiques on Etsy.
You started your shop because you had a chronic illness, and needed a job you could do from home correct?
Yes, I have a chronic disorder called Ehlers Danlos (Hypermobility). The main issues for each person are different for everyone, with subtypes – so I won’t go into detail.
Why did you decide to sell turbans and hair flowers instead of something else?
I was selling insurance under the ACA for a year before I started selling hair accessories. For multiple reasons, this didn’t pan out. I ended up helping to take care of my grandmother until she passed; I started the Etsy shop while I was taking care of her and committed to it after she passed.
Do you wear turbans often?
I used to wear them quite a bit, but I don’t wear them as often since I colored my hair blue.
Why did you choose to make them vintage style?
It’s to blend with my aesthetic. I’ve enjoyed vintage reproduction/ inspired clothing for over 10 years.
Do you often recreate original vintage designs?
Everything is my own take on a vintage turban or millinery.
Which era do you like to recreate the most and why?
Late ‘40s or 50’s. I enjoy large skirts along with a dash of whimsical appeal.”
What goals do you hope to reach this year for your shop in this new year 2020? (Maybe 1920s inspired turbans?)
I do plan to have a few more turban styles this spring, one will be ’20s inspired. I hope that sales will continue to increase. I’m blessed with wonderful customers that tell their friends and family about my shop, I owe them everything.
Anything else we can look forward to?
A few more of the fabric covered millinery style headbands are coming this summer. In March a portion of sales went towards summer camp helping kids needing speech therapy. Please follow my Instagram for more info about similar initiatives later this year.
