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

Hi Francisnelli, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I worked in the entertainment industry as a costumiere/costume maker/seamstress for over 30 years. At the time, I came up with the idea of having my own business, I was living in China and working for Cirque Du Soleil. My business back them started by me making clothes to Cirque’s artists. About 5 years ago, I taught myself hand embroidery and took it to be what I wanted all along. Portraying animals is my jam!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I don’t think you will ever find a small business owner or an artist that will say it was easy. Especially today with all social media and all sort of people trying to get in front of the algorithms. It took me years trying and trying different tactics that I’d learned. They are all very frustating but eventually doing in person events and connecting to the right people got me going. My breakthrough was really last year when I got featured in the LATimes and some other popular sites. This year has been a busy year.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hiking my favourite activity around LA. We also enjoy going to restaurants for brunch or late lunch/early dinner. We like to go to the ones that let us take our dogs so we can enjoy a family outing. I’m sure some of my friends would like to visit film studios or theme parks and that would be fun too. because you can become a child again and enjoy without judgements.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I learned embroidery mainly from Japanese books. I also learned from watching the work of other embroidery artists across the world like Trish Burr from whom I learned the technique I use today mainly.

Website: https://www.myprettybabi.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/myprettybabi_shop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyPrettyBabi

Other: Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/myprettybabi

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.