Meet Victoria Tanner | Creative Seamstress and Project Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Victoria Tanner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Victoria, how do you define success?
For years I always attributed success to making a big name for myself and reaching a certain status financially. But as I have matured in my life and experienced more of it, I have found that success has so much more substance. The world tells us success is found in the physical value we have. This view is superficial and unfulfilling. You will find nothing but a unquenchable hunger and empty drive to speed through life while missing all the precious moments we get to experience along the way. I think success is much more humble. For me, success is my ability to have a positive impact on others. To bring joy, ease, and value while I am here on earth. Success is achieved and is more fulfilling when we refocus our goals and vision to make an impact for good, grow in wisdom, and improve while appreciating to what we have. It’s also important to set goals in your life to work towards and improve yourself. I think you can never stop growing and if you think otherwise, you should evaluate your mindset. There is always something more that can be learned or gained. But to reach success is to reach your goal and find contentment in the process and victories along the way.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love being crafty, but my biggest passion is sewing and textile crafts. My favorite part of sewing is seeing a vision come together. To see something tangible come out of random pieces of fabric is so exciting. I first learned to sew at the age of 8, when I created a costume for a 4-H sewing competition. From there I caught the bug. I continued to learn skills and started experimenting with techniques. I set my sights on winning more competitions and integrated into the sewing community to continue growing. By the time I graduated I had succeeded in multiple competitions on a local and national level. I found my greatest joy in creating costumes, and I quickly became involved in the cosplay world. I find this is my best way to really be creative and my personal style is to add an elegant and classy approach to character pieces. A few years back I wondered how I could enjoy creating and integrate it into my adult life. The solution… go into business. And thus Hound and Hares Crafts and Costumes was born. I have learned much along the journey, including what does and does not work. But now I enjoy creating items that people can use in their daily life and that add some fun flair and personality. Some of the items I create and sell other than costumes include cosmetic bags, faux leather wristlets, and other small items. Every piece I create is made with quality and is something that I myself would enjoy having. Functionality is an important factor, but I also really enjoy it when people can connect with my pieces. Nothing is more fulling to me then when someone can create a memory or feels a personal connection with something that I have made. It can be hard to get return customers for a non consumable product, but I have been so blessed to have a repeating customer base. It is especially fulfilling when customers bring me their special projects and allow me to bring them to life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The DFW area is filled with so many wonderful and unique places. Some of my favorite spots to frequent for shopping include a local Painted Tree Boutique or downtown McKinney. To enjoy nature, I like to visit Breckinridge Park or Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. My Friends and I are also all big coffee fans. If you enjoy iced coffee I recommend you check out 151 Coffee, or for a unique experience and cozy atmosphere 1418 Coffee and the Armor Coffee are always a win. Another great element of the area is the vast assortment of brunch places. Breakfast food is my favorite, so going to First Watch, Honey Berry Pancakes and Cafe, or Awake are all excellent choices. There is no shortage of good hangouts but Marty B’s is one we enjoy and also Lone Star Winery in Downtown McKinney has amazing live music and atmosphere.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents have made the biggest impact in my life. I am incredibly blessed and lucky to have a mom and dad that have always been there to encourage and support me. My mom taught me to sew and inspired a crafty spirit in me from a young age. They also poured their time and resources into raising me and my siblings. I was always taught to work for what I wanted and to persist no matter how hard things got along the way. Their sacrifices allowed me the education and ability to gain real life experience and practical skills. They have always pushed me to try new things and step out for new endeavors. I am also a follower of Christ and God has never failed me. I am so grateful for the Lord’s blessings in my life, and it is certain I would not be who I am without Him and the grace and goodness He has shown me.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HoundandHares

Instagram: hound_and_hares-crafts

Facebook: Hound and Hares

Image Credits
First Photo – Mad Hatter – Photo Credit goes to Marcs Photography