Ferndale DIY Profile: Ann Simonetti and Siouxsan Miller, Owners of Green Daffodil Studio

Anne Simonetti and Siouxsan Miller, owners of Green Daffodil Studio, have been bringing hand poured soy candles, soy lip balm and natural soap to Ferndale for four years.

And, as part of Ferndale Patch's DIY Project, we spoke with Simonetti and Miller about their work, what DIY means to them and how it fits Ferndale. They created one voice, coming from the two, to answer our questions.

To learn more about our DIY Project and to participate, go .

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

We are the Green Daffodil girls, Anne Simonetti and Siouxsan Miller. We own Green Daffodil Studio on Livernois in Ferndale. This is where we make our hand poured soy candles, soy lip balm and natural soap. We also live in Ferndale across the street from each other and are best friends. We joke that we started a business together in order to expense the tunnel we want to build to each other's house. We have been in business for more than four years and each of us brings a little something different to the table as far as our backgrounds. Anne has been in marketing, sales, and retail, while Siouxsan is an artist who has active in the art circuit and retail.

2. What does DIY mean to you?

What it means to us is hands on. We proudly and crazily say that everything we do is done with four hands only. With that we have to wear so may different hats in one day, which is both exciting and never boring, but is hard work. It also allows us to think outside the box, since there are no rules to break, when you do it yourself. So, with that in mind we have been able to shape our business to meet what is needed at the moment.

3. Tell us about a DIY project (or projects) who've worked on and why it was DIY.

Wow, there are so many... With what we are currently doing, it takes so much research to come up with a new scent or product to hunt down materials. Then to actually get it on the shelve with labeling and such. We are mindful of making the best product we can, but keeping our budget low, which means you have to be very creative and work hard. We find ways to repurpose furniture and vintage objects for displays to showcase our work. You will see that with our both display at DIY.

4. Why does the DIY attitude fit Ferndale?

Well, we have such a great creative pool and an open audience to test the waters for a new idea. Also we have found that our community is wanting to support each other by shopping local. We all know how hard it is to be here in Detroit, but sometimes you just have to put a different spin on things to get a better outcome and we think Ferndale is up for that approach!

5. Who is your favorite DIY artist/musician/human?

We know way too many artists, but one of our favorites is a woman named Martha Bishop who makes the most awesome wool scarves, pot holders and blankets out of recycled wool sweaters. Her company is called Lazy Gal. She isn't in the Ferndale DIY, but we carry her goodies at our studio along with other Michigan DIYers/artists.

If you'd like to participate in the Ferndale Patch DIY Project, email its editor at Terry.Parris@patch.com.