Digital Scrapbooking from Brazil

Q:: What is the initial “HM” stands for and when is this store established?
Helena::
HM stands for my designer name: Helena Monteiro. I started my store on March 13, 2007 as my personal store. Because I was new, I didn't know many people that could help me. I started out the hard way, with a lot of hard work, and in html programming. It was complicated and payment for the purchase of my products was through bank withdrawals. After two months, I changed it to CubeCart. Soon afterwards, I realized I have to progress further and switched to ZenCart.

Q:: Did you have in mind to open the store to other designers when you first started this store?
Helena::
No. I hadn't this in mind at the beginning. I am the owner of two stores and I know the work involves in managing a store. There are customers to take care of, e-mails to reply, designers to guide, and to plan and schedules activities and promotions for the store.

Q:: Who designed the look of the store? What is the concept? Do you plan to change theme for each season?
Helena::
Designer Julia Fialho, who is also a great friend, set up the layout of the store and designs. We met when we were both only offering freebies. We started selling our designs together. The colors of the store were always the same. I just created a new kit with the same color palette. I like the colors and combination. When I asked Julia to design the store theme for me, I gave her my kit (Colored Spring Kit) and asked to create something that best represent me. I thought it was beautiful! I don't know when I will change the look of the store again but I like changes. Changes renew energy!

Q:: What are the most important things to think about when you plan your store?
Helena::
First, you must really like to own a store because this passion will surely make sure it will be done with care, love and dedication. You will need time to spend on managing because a store demands a lot of work. It is

important to ask but also to listen. It is important to be patient because we are in touch with people all the time. When it comes to the internet, we must be careful in how we speak or do things, so that there is no a misinterpretation of our work and our intention because the words and images characterize who we are and what we do.

Q:: This store is based in Brazil. How many Brazilian-based stores do you think are available in this industry?
Helena::
I am a Brazilian living in Portugal for the past 9 years. It's my husband home country. When I created my store, there were only one or two other Brazilian stores. Eventually we see more Brazilian designers coming up into the market. Some have opened their personal shops and other stores have initiated to hire designers. I think there are about 10 bigger Brazilian stores and there may be more coming up in the near future.

Q:: Are your customers mainly from Brazil?
Helena::
No. Mostly are American, then the Europeans. To encourage purchases from Brazilian, I have a module installed in the shop similar to Paypal which is totally in Portuguese, our national language. Gradually the Brazilian customers are appearing with more frequency.

Q:: Is digital scrapbooking popular in Brazil like it is the USA?
Helena::
When I left Brazil in 2000 for Portugal, I didn't know anything about digital scrapbooking. Everything that I know of digital scrapbooking today is what I have learnt afterwards. So I cannot speak for the Brazilian market. I only know what my Brazilian designer friends are commenting. However, I am sure that this art is still growing in Brazil.

Q:: How many designers do you have in your store? Are they all Brazilians? How do you find them?
Helena::
Today HM ScrapShop has 32 designers. 21 are Brazilian. 85% of designers were invited by me. The others contacted me or responded to my DT Call.