Intro Thread~

[Former_Member]

Hey everyone, I'm super glad I found this team!!!

I didn't find an official intro thread, so if anyone wants to they can introduce themselves in this thread too!

About me: I am a radical and eco feminist, and have known I was a feminist since I was a little kid. Feminism is sooo important to me, as it is the lens I view everything through. I recently graduated from university with a social work and women's studies degree, but realized that I am also very artistic and need to follow that.

I also consider myself a wild witch, and love to learn about women in history, especially spiritual or ancient history.

I am open to trade my jewelry for anything, don't be afraid to convo me. I am a genuinely friendly person and would love to hear from you!

On the business side, keep in mind that all my items have free shipping in the U.S., are inspired by the feminine divine, and the holidays are coming up ;)

[MoonriseMetalworks]

Hey there BeautifulUniverse, you've got lovely jewelry! I'm new as well, so I think I'll pick up where you left off..

I'm Jenn, I joined this team because it's apparently the only feminist team on Etsy - what's up with that? I live in wonderfully artsy Lawrence, Kansas where I just graduated from college and studied a whole bunch of different things (psychology/theatre/human sexuality - that last one was my favorite). I thought about grad school in social work but then decided to explore some other avenues in life, which led me to doing the Etsy thing. Now I sew cloth menstrual pads (and some other reusable-vs-disposable type things) and have been really fortunate to spend my days creating things and talking with women all over the world.

I'd love to get to know some new women here!

[Former_Member]

Cloth pads are my favorite thing ever, I will keep you in mind when I need some new ones!! :)

And yeah I was really surprised this is the only team that comes up when you search feminist...

[Former_Member]

Hello Beautiful and Jenn,

I just want to say first, a great big thank you for having the presence of mind to start an intro thread. It never even crossed my mind and it is a wonderful idea.

Part of the reason I started this team is because when I too searched for a Feminist team on Etsy, I was surprised by the utter absence of the word in the team listings. Well, being a feminist, you know what that means-I did something about it.

Here's my little snippet:

My name is Kourtney and I graduated with a Bachelor's in Psychology/Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. I went on to get my master's in Marital and Family Therapy, and I am now a practicing psychotherapist in San Diego seeking to incorporate the lens of feminist therapy into systemic and psychoanalytic thinking. By no means am I the first to do this, but as in the sociopolitical world around us, there is still more work to be done. I am a liberal ecofeminist with a postmodern twist (if I do say so myself), and I have a blog at hairofthehare.wordpress.com, where I write about all things related to mental health, feminism, and women with small business. Right now, I am also working on a book about the intersections between mental health disorders, ecofeminist politics, and beauty standards.

I am becoming increasingly aware of these cloth pads, and now that we've got another rockin' team member, I think it's time to give one a try. You'll be hearing from me soon. ;)

Alright ladies (and gentlement if we have them), let's keep this thread going and get to know one another. Here's a little guide if you need some help with intros and don't know where to start. Remember, these are all optional, and there is no pressure to reveal more than you desire.

Name:
Location:
Education:
Your feminist inclinations:
What brought you to Etsy:
What you are working on now:

Completely optional, but we would definitely love to hear all about you.

Cheers!

[Meredithbead]

I introduced myself when I joined, but I may as well add to the "official" thread

I'm Meredith, graduated from Ohio State - Columbus in 1977 with a BFA in studio art. I'm a full-time crafter who sells at real-time craft shows and farmers' market 40+ weekend a year, and in local galleries. I came to Etsy 3 years ago because it had good press. I believe that venues like Etsy and ArtFire are the craft markets of choice, even though I still keep my own websites.

I just finished a $200 OOAK necklace for an online customer. Other than that, I'm working on more-of-the-same for my 2 Etsy shops. I have a backlog of ~50 items with finished pics that will be posted sooner or later.

I was a feminist before I knew what the word meant. I was neither girly nor subservient, and resented the oppressive behavioral roles presented to girls when I was growing up. The feminist wave of 40 years ago showed me that I was not alone.

My philosophy is Gaian. I'm an eco-feminist who is NOT politically correct.

[spacefem]

Greetings all - new to the group, really happy to have found you all!

I'm an electrical engineer in Wichita, Kansas who likes to sew. I have a masters in engineering. I have no formal education in art or feminism... I guess in a way both my hobbies are a by product of engineering? Sewing is geeky, you know it, it's like putting puzzles together. And being a feminist is the only way I can find answers in my weird unbalanced engineering world. I've always been the only girl in my classes, or one of 5 in my department of 200 engineers, that sort of thing. It's gotten me to read up on the women's movement and get involved where I can.

I have a website at http://spacefem.com that includes a good sized feminist forum where we talk about relavant topics and fight off trolls. My blog is at http://spacefem.livejournal.com/

What brought me to etsy? I've been buying stuff here for years but just recently started listing some of my own items, mostly because I have a sewing room and love to sew but my whole family is more than well equipped now with bags, costumes and pajama pants... I needed a new outlet. I've had two whole sales so far. I like it.

I don't tackle many big projects these days because I have a toddler, she's crazy, I can only tackle projects that I can cut up on top of the ironing board and sew in 30 second bits between keeping an eye on the baby.

[PTSFeminist]

Hi everyone!

I'm new to the group as well. My name is Darci, and my colleague and I are working on creating the 12th feminist bookstore in the US - Southern Woman's Bookstore.

All of the items in our shop are created by us or our volunteers and will benefit the creation of this safe space in the South. (http://www.southernwomansbookstore.com/)

We have multiple paintings, collages, our first feminist calendar, and our first zine in b&w and full-color.

Name: Darci
Location: Denton, Texas
Education: M.A. in Women's Studies, B.A. in Sociology
Your feminist inclinations: intersectional feminist, I specialize in Reproductive Health/Reproductive Justice and Art & Activism
What brought you to Etsy: I've been on etsy for a while making handmade items and feminist art, and I just recently re-organized my etsy for Southern Woman's Bookstore.
What you are working on now: Organizing multiple events to raise funds for Southern Woman's Bookstore and maintaining The New Women's Movement tumblr. (www.thenewwomensmovement.tumblr.com)

Lovely to meet everyone! :)

[Mireog]

Hello all! :)
I'm Scottish but living in Ireland, I studied animation at Edinburgh College of Art, and I only recently came to the gradual realisation, as I read more about history and listened to world news, that nowhere in the world there is true equality, not even here in Ireland or in the Uk. So I realised I must be proactive and not ignore the issue, by finding out more about it, and talking about it.
I opened a shop on Etsy to create my own set of designs, rather than always working for others.(I do like working with others but making my own artwork and designs is also essential)
I'm working on a comic just now, nearly finished :)

[Former_Member]

Hi awesome people!

I used to have a shop but, after re vamping things-- I chose to take that one down and have a clean slate. I am a queer, POC womanist located in Chocolate City (Baltimore). I consider myself a radical, conscious, and quirky femme. I just recently had my first solo exhibition entitled, Afro Fluidity. In that show, I show cased my art, feminist consciousness around it, and was heavily influenced by Yemoja, the water deity of the Yoruba people. In this process-- not new, I feel like I've finally grown comfortable with the medium of art I work in (multi medium).

I can type on and on but out of fear that I'll be rambling, I'mma stop now. lol.

Nice to meet ya'll!

www.sarahjuanitacreates.wordpress.com

[LadyMadelineClothing]

Hi, I am Maddie.

I have been a small business owner for years. One of my trades is as a jeweler, so I should come with that store. The jewelry field in my trade is very dominated by the boys. I fight my way into the limelight, but ya know. I will add my store.
my jewelry store, some of it is in my clothing store www.etsy.com/shop/ladymadelineclothing
www.etsy.com/shop/ladymaddiejewelry
This store is recycled clothing. Regardless, I am an artist, but also an activist for what is fair. I fight for what is fair ... and am willing to fight for what is fair, even if it is on a person by person discussion. I guess by fight, I mean educate and stand up for, and be present as an equal party to the boys, sometimes....I know we are genetically different, and I love them, but dang. We are not stupid just because we are a different gender. Oy.

I go on and sometimes off listening to diatribe of us being basically objects. Anyway, don't get me started, but I am all about women having strength to support themselves so they are capable to have relationships based on love, not dependence. even today, women marry for money and security. Nothing wrong with it, but we should all figure out how to support ourselves through our trades so we have options in life....It isn't the 50's, or is it....Hope I didn't soapbox too much. I just see a gender discrepancy of fairness, still.

[Former_Member]

Shouldn't this team be standard for everyone to join?! Way to go!

[ModernClocksByCraig]

Large abstract wall art . Contemporary modern glass art. Unique Abstract clocks for the bedroom kitchen home or office. On Etsy - Handmade by ReformationsUk

( PLEASE ZOOM IN TO SEE THE FULL EFFECTS AND COLOURS )

Encapsulating all the personality of the Premier range, but created by using paints with a higher pigment content on specially prepared glass, the Delux Range emphasises vibrancy, contrast and style. Embracing a sense of natural chaos, they make a bold statement in any, post-modern setting.

Fashionable and affordable, the eye-catching designs of these hand-made clocks are far from conventional. Each, unique piece fuses flourishes of colour to produce an effect that can be anything from boisterous to enigmatic. These clocks are an attention-grabbing focal point for any home or office.

They come with a silent sweeping mechanism and ready to hang or we have an optional 'Oak base plate' for those that require a free standing desk / window sill clock.
Measurements - 24" x 6"

Each of these pieces are completely unique and handmade by myself.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/220981910/handmade-unique-wall-clock-abstract?ref=shop_home_active_21

[TamedRaven]

Hey, I just found this team and think it's a pretty great concept. I'm from the east coast of Canada, currently living in China for the year while my husband teaches.
I make a lot of repurposed jewellery, and sometimes purses and clothing to sell as well. :)

[AveRiveraStudio]

Hi!

Name: Ave (like ah-vay)

Location: New Haven, CT

Education: I graduated with a BS in studio art, concentration in ceramics and a minor in art history. I've also taken several women's studies and media studies courses as the topics relate to my sculptural work

Feminist inclinations: lgbtq/black feminism, eco conscious. I also think a lot about food supply, corporate transparency, and americans' relationship with food.

What brought me to etsy: I've been on etsy since 2009. I've always wanted to use my creativity to be an entrepreneur. It was after I discovered clay that a truly started to be more active. I've recently graduated and am currently apply to grad schools for my MFA, so I still see my shop as a baby. I'm still experimenting.

What am I working on now: sculpture wise, I just finished a super cute and super sad (female identifying) cupcake titled "I'm Fine." Pottery wise, I'm working on a whole suite of new mugs. Llamas, Narwhals, pugs, cats, and abstract designs I'm all really stoked about, so those will be in the shop soon.

Seems like a really cool group of people! :)

[Former_Member]

Hello lovelies!

I'm Roxy - I am a candlemaker, high school teacher, natural builder, and activist. I too am naturally feminist... it's who I've always been. As a pagan heart, I see feminine nature in everything and view all women as goddesses.

I participate in women's circles and I am who I am because of the support of my wonderful sisters!

Happy to meet so many wonderful people.

Take Care

Roxy

[Former_Member]

Hello! We are so excited to introduce ourselves, we are Maude and Ruby Cosmetics a small batch cosmetics company out of Ottawa, Ontario Canada. We love makeup and love to use all natural ingredients. We are strong supporters of anti-bullying campaigns and womyn identified charities which is why 15% of all our sales will go support programs we feel strongly about.

We are very new to Etsy and the craft show scene and are very excited about this new venture any help or feedback is appreciated!

[SayonaraBaby]

Hi! I'm so glad to find a feminist team :) I'm from Spain and I don't speak english very well but anyway, I'm a feminist and I love to make things about that and about female characters on movies, videogames, etc. I don't have still too much things in my shop but I hope you like it :)

[Former_Member]

Hello fellow Etsy Feminists, I'm so excited to be a part of this group! It's a beautiful thing to see a group composed entirely of awesome people who are not afraid to show that they support equal rights for everyone. :)

My name is Nala! Meow! I'm a polyamorous vegan clover fairy (I find an insane amount of 4, 5, and YES even 6 leaf clovers). I'm a flaming feminist, and I'm also a ceramicist. I'm currently in the process of converting my shop, QueenofMushrooms, to ceramics. Things are a little messy right now as I have all of my older non-ceramic items on clearance, but please check it out! If you're into happy glowy things and stoner jewelry you will love my clearance items!

I've got some new Feminist themed items in the making which I will be really excited to share with you once they're done! <3

I am open to trades but only if the item you want to trade is 100% vegan.

Nice to meet you! :)

[Former_Member]

Hello all! Wanted to dip a toe in the water here and introduce myself.

My name is Megan (or Meg) and I have been a feminist my entire life, although I've only in the last couple years started embracing the term verbally without fearing that people would ask me if I hated men and didn't wear deoderant. My mom and dad never used the word "feminist" growing up, but I see now they always were feminists themselves - they taught my two younger sisters and I to be smart and be strong and that while it was okay to want to look pretty, it was more important to be loving.

Even though I knew growing up that these values for girls/women were something that generally makes the world uncomfortable, I still did not fully appreciate how rare this mindset was until I found myself in college stinging from a relationship with a young man who carefully hid for a while the fact that he was in practice a male chauvinist. That relationship nearly suffocated me, and I came out of it with a passion to not only educate other young women on being strong, but reaching out to men in my life of all ages and engaging them in the struggle for gender equality. Now as someone who is a member of the working corporate world I see sexism carried out not only by males but more primarily by females against other females. Rather than get bogged down in it I see it as an opportunity to engage others and learn about their perspectives while hopefully they take something away from how I live my life.

I'm really excited to be a part of this team! Thank you for letting me join the ranks. If you ever wanna chat sent me a message.

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone! You all sound amazing! I've looked through all of your shops and profiles and you seem BRILLIANT! I was so excited to find a Feminist Etsy Team!

I am a Lincoln UK based illustrator and have a degree in Illustration, which I received in 2013 and have been freelancing ever since. I've had an interest in feminism for a long time now, and try to express this through my art, though I still have many more topics to cover!
It's lovely to find like minded folk on such a great platform as Etsy, I've been exploring and finding amazing strong women through a women's group myself and my friends started called The Jammy Tarts where we delve into feminist issues and support local businesses, so it's great to find an online community like that too! Feminism is so important to me and I really do think we can make a difference, no matter how small our contributions!

It was so great to read all of your introductions, feel free to get in touch with me anytime! :)

Melly xx

[Mzcarley]

Hi I am Carley. I am a little bit of a feminist. When going out with my guy friends i prefer that i pay for my own meal (unless for some reason I am broke). I have paid for my guy friends in a restaurant before. I don't make my guy friends feel like they have to do things for me just because i am a girl.

I make needle felted critters. I also sell prints of my original paintings. I also draw with charcoal

[ShopSutiSana]

Hello everyone,

I am really glade that I found such a group! I just opened my etsy shop today, it's to test the waters for the business SutiSana. Hopefully, the esty community will be a great way to connect with others and expand our sales.

etsy page: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopSutiSana

SutiSanawas founded by Word Made Flesh in 2010 to provide dignified employment and a new life for women attempting to leave prostitution in El Alto, Bolivia. Word Made Flesh began working among vulnerable women in El Alto in 2000. Many of these women had little education, were the only provider in their home, and had no viable alternative to prostitution.

Word Made Flesh coordinates sewing training for women to prepare them to work in SutiSana. When a woman joins SutiSana, she receives all benefits, including health insurance. She and her children are supported through community, and she is given opportunities to continually grow – learning to design bags, work with new materials, and even coach other women as they leave prostitution.

We are a small, and hopefully, growing business!

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone!

I am a radical feminist from Tucson, Arizona. I work full-time for a non-profit and I am about to start grad school for social work. In my undergrad, I minored in Women and Gender Studies. I -just- opened my first Etsy shop! I make jewelry and accessories with a feminist slant. I am super excited to be here!

[Former_Member]

Hi! I am a feminist from Florida. I work two jobs and am a student! I am incredibly into feminism, gender studies, sexuality, body positivity, etc. I hope to open an etsy shop very very soon, I'm just having trouble getting started (and would appreciate any tips). I am a gender confused pansexual cutie (wow way for me to sound like a dating site, lol) and i think this group is super rad!

[EzoterraShop]

Hello everyone! I'm proud to be a part of this group of creative females! It's an honor. Feminism has completely affected my art and changed my life. Love, Krista xoxo *~dreamcatchers, ormus, paintings, handmade jewelry and more~*