The 2nd shop of the month is run by the dynamic duo John & Rebecca. Thanks to the owners of the shop Seventy1Percent, for sharing their two cents. Be sure to check out their Twitter, Facebook, and website!
When did
you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items? I lost my job. Rebecca
told me to "Seas the Day" and go for it. I had always had a dream to
create my own tees. She told me to use this negative and turn it into a
positive.
Where
does your inspiration come from? The initial inspiration was a love for the
ocean and its beauty. We are also inspired by other water related activities,
sea life, and our customers.
What’s
the most memorable custom item you’ve created? A super cool tee customized
for a rock band.
Besides
creating things, what do you do? We are a husband and wife team who love to
surf, bike, do yoga, and enjoy life.
What is
the most important advice anyone has given you? My mom said not to be scared.
She said it was F.E.A.R. "False Evidence Appearing Real."
What is
the most important advice you'd like to give to other Etsy sellers? Go for it
with your full heart! Create and be proud of what you do. If you fall, get back
up and keep moving.
Virtual round of applause for our first Etsy shop feature for the month of December. Fellow Team FEST member and Floridian, Cyndie from Cyndie Smith Designs stops by for a chat. You can also find her on Facebook and on Blogger.
When did you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
I've been creative all my life and dabbled in a few mediums, like pottery and painting. But when I took my first metalsmith lesson, I was hooked and knew I'd found my place!
Where does your inspiration come from?
Most of my inspiration comes from nature but a couple of series grew from emotional baggage. That was actually some of my best work, so I guess there's some truth to the old saying about tortured artists!
What’s the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
My life cuff, which is also my avatar. It was created in honor of a friend who died too young from breast cancer. The cuff told a story of loss and love. I made so many custom for other folks, telling their stories, that I had to stop because it was emotionally draining.
Besides creating things, what do you do?
I love boating, growing Orchids and bicycling.
What is the most important advice anyone has given you?
Give thanks for all you have.
What is the most important advice you'd like to give to other etsy sellers?
Don't give up! Slow times can be discouraging so use that time to improve your shop. That way you'll be ready for the next up cycle of sales!
Welcome fellow team FEST member Terri, from the online Etsy shop
Untwisted Sister!
When did
you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
After I
learned to do wire wrapping, realized I was actually pretty good at it. I couldn't possibly wear everything I made!
Where
does your inspiration come from?
Often it
comes from my students. They might ask me how to do something or in class
someone makes a mistake I have to fix and end up with 'happy accidents'.
What’s
the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
Besides
creating things, what do you do?
I'm an
avid Ladies doubles tennis player. I was president of our County League with
over 1800 members for 2 years and currently captain a team.
What is
the most important advice anyone has given you?
Treat
your customers the way you'd want to be treated.
What is
the most important advice you'd like to give to other etsy sellers?
If you
enjoy what you're doing you will be successful, even if it doesn't make you
wealthy.
Check out all her links, and feel free to comment below
The next shop feature for the month of October hails from Lehigh Acres, Florida. Let's give Natalee Wright from Black Willow Soaps a virtual round of applause for taking the time to share her story. As always, check for links below and shower us with comments!
When did
you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
My
mother and her friend, Kurt, had been talking about selling handcrafted items
at craft shows in our area. They asked me to join them and bring my soaps and
candles. So, I made a bunch of soaps to go to the craft fair. Unfortunately, it
never panned out and I was left with all of these soaps. Christmas had just
passed, so I couldn’t really gift the items. I had sold on Etsy before with
just original artwork and really couldn’t get it to work out. But, I figured
why not try it again with my new products. So far, it has been a wonderful
journey.
Where
does your inspiration come from?
I gain
inspiration from everything. Most of the time, you can tell what I have been
looking at with my new products! The beach themed tealight candle holder came from a
trip to the beach with my husband. The rose candle holder came from the memory
of the beautiful roses that my mother had in our yard when we lived in Indiana.
My friends and family are a big inspiration and usually the last word on
whether or not one of my products will be listed. Chances are if they like it,
someone else will enjoy it as well.
What’s
the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
My Aunt
Amy told me that she couldn't use certain soaps because they caused her to get
a rash. I created the Lavender Oatmeal Shea Butter Soap just for her. It didn't
cause her to get a rash and she loved it.
Besides
creating things, what do you do?
During
normal business hours, I am a case manager for senior citizens. I help provide
services to senior citizens that allow them to stay in their home instead of
going to a nursing home. If I am not at work, I am usually working on my shop.
My hobbies kind of surround my shop. I like to paint, create, and grow herbs to
put in my soaps. I spend time with my family whenever I can. Most of my family
outings even seem to encompass my shop, like the beach, thrift stores, and the
flea market. In a sense, I am always working…at least in my mind. My brain
never stops thinking about what I could be creating or doing for my shop.
What is
the most important advice anyone has given you?
It will
all work out. In fact, my husband says it repeatedly.
What is
the most important advice you'd like to give to other etsy sellers?
Dive in!
You never know what will happen until you try. I firmly believe that dreams
never die, they just change a little over the years. So, I would say to anyone
who wants to create their own business or exclusively work in the products that
I work in, that they should go for it and see what is waiting at the other end.
Life’s journey begins with a single step, right?
Show Natalee some virtual love! Her back story is truly inspiring, don't forget to stay positive out there!
