Get to Know... Oktak

Meet Aki, the woman who designs and makes handmade bags, frame pouches and baby goods at Oktak and Oktakmini. I absolutely love her framed pouches and bought myself a medium sized one. If you haven't been to her shops yet, I highly recommend checking them out. She has also graciously agreed to finish my sentences and giveaway an item from her shop! Read on to learn more about her and how to enter to win.
I am... a designer, crafter, businesswoman, wife & mom, displaced Tokyoite and an avid cat-lover.

I was... a typical "indoor" girl who loved all forms of art - painting, drawing, sewing, dancing, playing music. I remember being four years old and loving rainy days. I was mesmerized by the shapes of rain, and loved crafting as I listened to music.

I will be... focusing more and more on giving back as I grow older. What little I've achieved in life would amount to nothing if I did not give back to anyone.
One of my favorite quotes (this is from the film, "Monsieur Ibrahim"): "What you give is yours forever, what you keep is lost forever".

I am motivated by... beautiful colors and fun designs, and the happiness they bring!

Many people don't know that... I've played the piano since I was four and am pretty good at it!

Most days, you can find me... at home, working on a new project with a cup of tea.

I'd like to learn... Japanese calligraphy, to dress myself properly in a kimono, and take up French again.

I have never... traveled to South America or Australia - those are the only 2 continents I've never set foot on. I'd love to visit some day!

If I won the lottery, I would... buy an apartment here in New York! (We've been looking for several years!) It doesn't have to be lavish, and I'd give the rest away to my favorite charities.

I'd like to thank the Academy for... recognizing my work! It truly feels wonderful to know that other people enjoy what I make as much I enjoy making them. It makes everything worthwhile. Thank you June!!
Now for the giveaway!
So a lucky reader will win a choice of a free mini or zipper pouch priced at $22 or less. To enter, just leave a comment to let me know your favorite item from her shop. You have until Nov. 23rd to enter, and please make sure you leave your name and contact info. If I can't contact you, you can't win. I will randomly pick and announce the winner on the 24th. Good luck!

For additional entries:
1. Follow @oktak on twitter, and tell me that you did.
2. Twitter about this giveaway. Please have @juneshindesigns in the tweet so I can track it.
3. Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post.
4. Become a follower of my blog.

Sun in My Belly

There's a great little cafe here in Atlanta called Sun in My Belly, that makes great food and is a great brunch spot. Supposedly, when Picasso was asked what compelled him to create, he responded that it was "the sun in my belly." So it is this quote that inspired me to curate an Etsy treasury. Enjoy!
1. Bobby McGee Lariat by Fringe, $42
2. Hole in One by 3dots, $13.50
3. The Mosaic Sun by ANNALEE63, $55
4. Autumn Gold Vintage Berry Bowl from bythewayside, $5
5. Complexion Bar by amethystsoap, $4.99
6. Wrist Hand Cuff by Waterrose, $62.00
7. Retro flower vines plastic fram clutch by oktak, $88
8. lemon juice earrings by betsy3, $24
9. Hand Carved mini gourd holiday ornament by midnightcoiler, $15