Whats your story.....

[#1]

Last year i broke my back and it was really serious, nearly wasn't able to walk.
But now I'm on the mend and wanted to start selling my art work to people, i am now doing craft shows and my etsy shop as well as a degree to help my dreams of being able to work from home and live my life to the best i can :)

Whats your story?
Why did you start your etsy shop:)

[Former_Member]

I studied fashion design & work as a technical designer in the fashion industry...I've always love sewing and making things with my own hands! When I gave birth to my daughter (almost a year ago) we didn't have a lot of money to spend on toys (and anyway, I'd rather make something than buy it if I can!) and I'm a bit of a green freak (that's what my friends say! ) so I started making some soft sensory toys for my daughter with recycled fabric or fabric scraps from her bedroom curtains & pillows (which I made myself!).

She liked them very much, and so did my friends who had kids or were expecting...So I started making some for them, and some for baby gifts...The comments were great and many people said I should try selling on Etsy...but I guess I was a bit scared then!

I also started making some hair accessories for my daughter (she has so much hair, it's incredible!!!) since I wasn't able to find anything I liked...got many orders for that too...

So about 2 months ago, I finally decided to take the plunge! And I'm happy I did! Hope it's only the beginning!!! :)

[Grandmasandeze]

I retired last year and started doing a couple of craft shows, then someone told me about ETSY. I figured it would be easier to not have to carry a bunch on bins to a craft sale if I could just put everything on ETSY. Well, here I am, still waiting till the day when I get more than 20 - 30 views, and more than 3 sales.

[Former_Member]

I found that retiring from music teaching (concerts, parades, recitals, lessons, choral and instrumental programs, classroom teaching) left me with oodles of time and a lot of unused creative energy. Etsy has provided me an outlet for all that energy that's resulted in rooms full of paintings and reams of writing (my blog, etc.) and as an unexpected bonus: a place to meet and share ideas, socialize and make new friends. It works well with my traveling nature because I don't have to always shut down when I'm exploring....even overseas. Thanks for the thread :) Pam

[Former_Member]

Amy-Glad you are on the mend. Just checked out your shop and it's fantastic. Great stuff. Must be, I'm a guy who hangs out with alligators in the Florida Everglades and I just favorited a pair of teddy bear earrings...

[Former_Member]

I've always loved pearls. It's my best friend of 16yrs & sisters birthstone. every year I try to send them something new and creative with their birthstone. someone told me I should really consider selling my own jewelry... so here I am, doing what I love. It wouldn't support me, but it's a wonderful hobby that gives a little something back :-)

[Former_Member]

I have always had a creative mind! I love painting, drawing, designing, sewing...etc. I decided to major in fashion design and it wasn't until I got pregnant two years ago that I realized what I wanted to do with my life. I love making little girls clothes.... Right now that is the majority in my shop but I graduate may 11th so I hope to add more women's items and boys clothing to my shop....I haven't had my shop long so I would love to get some feedback.

[ModernHermine]

ahaha @ Mark everyone loves teddy bears!!

[Former_Member]

Wow really cool and interesting stories guys! all your shops are lovely! :)

[KriyaDesign]

I am always crafty. When my sister taught me to play chess so she could have a worthy opponent, she said it. I couldn't wait to go outdoor and find the flowers or plants I haven't yet discover. Or scouring my mom's old clothes to make something new of them. However... fast forward

I studied computer science in college... ha... ha... ark. What was I thinking :)! My guess is I predicted a rise in technology which meant a high demand for the field. I jumped into it thinking I could make really big bucks. But I forgot one thing my crafty self is quite... dominant. I felt so restless and uninspired most of my undergraduate years. Some courses are quite challenging, so I had fun but they felt... flat.

Opening the store is rediscovering the crafty me again. I love the challenge of building the store, the fun of making something from nothing, the warm feeling of sharing. Even the frustrations of not achieving my goals teaches me something more than the text books ever could. As much as I grumble about the SEO and what not and what is that goes with it, I am still loving it all.

* all the very best with your healing and art works. wishing you a speedy recovery xxx

[artfulMdesigns]

This is a great thread! Also, just hearted a bunch of great shops I've never seen before! Amy, hoping you are doing better and best wishes for your shop!

No real interesting story here, but a story none the less I guess :) I started my Etsy shop to satisfy my need to create and my entrepreneurial desire. I'm a stay at home mom who has always loved creating, started off as a buyer here and thought why not give it a shot. Do I make a ton of money? Not in the slightest. Am I doing what I love? Totally!

[Former_Member]

Lovely hearing all these!

[Former_Member]

What a wonderful thread! I have enjoyed reading everyone's stories.

I just started making cards a couple years ago when my Mom was having some major health problems. It was a stressful time for me with working full time, traveling to my parents house every weekend to help with cleaning, grocery shopping, meal prep, etc. and having little time to spend with my husband and the constant worry about my Mother's health and their financial situation. I went to Michael's on a whim on my lunch break one day and decided to buy a cricut machine. I took it to my parents house that weekend and started scrapbooking and making cards and fell in love with the craft. Being creative was such a good stress reliever. Fast forward a couple years and i'm happy to report that my Mom's health is better than ever but mine is not. I just quit my day job in March due to my own health problems. My job was insanely stressful, which affected both my physical and mental health. Once I found out about my chronic illness, I decided that life is too short to be miserable and that I need to focus on getting my illness under control. I'm having surgery in June, (absolutely terrified about it) but focusing on my Etsy shop has been such a huge blessing. For the first time in my life, I am excited to get up in the morning to start my day and there never seem to be enough hours in the day to accomplish everything I want to with my shop. I am so thankful to have found a home here on Etsy.

[SahetahsJewelry]

I'm a live-in caregiver for my grandfather who is diabetic and because of his depression and hoarding - he refused to take care of himself. He lost his wife a long time ago and hasn't been the same since. I started to take care of him when I was turning 21 (I will be 25 in October). Most people my age are out working some job and partying, but I was never that kind of person at heart. I've always enjoyed taking care of people or animals from a very young age and continue to do so =)

The only parties I attend are NANO parties (national novel writing month) which are manly all ages parties based on trying to write a novel in 30 days. That and scriptfrenzy. I just met a professional actress at the Murder Mystery Event (each person that participates acts a character in the mystery) who decided to take some time to also write a script.

I'm artistic at heart. I love everything that is art, but doesn't mean I'm good at it all - as much as I wish I was. I sing horribly, I can't paint and I certainly can't dance. :p

I do have a German Shepherd who I love to pieces, and she loves everyone she meets to pieces. Coincidentally her birthday is three days after mine =)

[FelixFunhouse]

my mom and I always crafted together, and as a family we always had fun too! (I have three sisters) we've been quilting baby blankets for little ones in the family, and about 6 months ago she taught me to crochet! I always liked making things for other people and although I have a long list of things to make myself, we wanted to start an etsy shop as a creative outlet. we like taking on things we've never done! we were both hesitant to show the world the things we make but figured its better to put it all out there, then to wonder what could have been, so here we are!

[Former_Member]

My mom and I began quilting together about 20 years ago (I'm only 30) and on a whim in college I decided to make a quilt website as a final project. After college I did get a website up and running but shortly after I found Etsy that I have absolutely fell in love with. I have moved all the quilts to Etsy but are a tough sell here. So, I got thinking what else I could add to the shop. Last summer I started taking fern and floral pictures. Somehow I got the idea to make cards out of the prints. My grandmother has been my best customer so far! But still love having others seeing my artistic creativity. Then I got all my beads which I still haven't found my niche still working on that. But for now I have my quilting and photography :)

[Former_Member]

Wow! so many lovely stories, Good luck with your surgery sara :)

[Former_Member]

I'm a veryyy broke college student and needed extra income. My mother lost her job last June and has been in and out of work since. Now, because we are basically living off of one income (I don't live with my parents, but they still support me in a lot of ways), our finances are reallly tight. My boyfriend and I want to move in together soon, and both of us are financially struggling. I have no health insurance, and I had to have a minor surgery recently, and ended up with $5,000+ in medical bills that we are still trying to pay off. Basically I needed a side income and some stress relief. So here I am, and loving every minute of it! Still have $300 of my initial start-up to pay off, but I'm getting there, and hopefully soon this will be a great investment!

[Former_Member]

Good luck ashley :)!

[Former_Member]

After taking a trip to India in 2010, I realized my love for the children there and the calling God has on my life to go there. All my proceeds go towards paying for an Indian orphan's clothes, education, and food.

I love those kids so much...that's why I started my shop---to help them out! :)

[Former_Member]

Amy Frances from Floralchic says

Good luck ashley :)!

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Thank you Amy! Sorry my post was this jumbled random mess of crap happening lol. When I think about it it all gets overwhelming and it's hard to type the entire story :P

[Former_Member]

Katie Louise Leach from KatiesBeadsOfHope says

After taking a trip to India in 2010, I realized my love for the children there and the calling God has on my life to go there. All my proceeds go towards paying for an Indian orphan's clothes, education, and food.

I love those kids so much...that's why I started my shop---to help them out! :)

_______________________________________________________

Oh my gosh that is amazing! I wish there were more people out there like you! I love charity donating shops! I opened up a listing for supporting Kony2012 for the children who have suffered in Africa, and I posted on Air1 about donating during their pledge drive. So far these charity listings haven't done much (only 2 sales that I've been able to donate from), but hopefully more will come. Best of luck with your charities! God bless!

[sherischart]

Amy, This is a wonderful tribute to Etsy in a positive sense. It is refreshing to have read all the hope and faith that has gone into our lifes. I am still reading all the stories. Thank you. What a beautiful thread to honor those who contribute so much more than just a Etsy shop.
Blessings.

[Former_Member]

Its so great hearing everyones stories! :)

[JewelMeShop]

One day in my office I realized how boring our life is without creativity. I still remember calling a friend, telling him that I'm fed up living this way. I was feeling my life had no meaning!
I started selling my jewelry to friends, then took part in some craft shows and opened my etsy shop in September.
I still have a full time job to cover my expenses, but I feel so happy when sharing my creations with others. And what I enjoy most about etsy is the opportunity to communicate with people who share the same interests.
Amy you have a great shop, I am sure your dream will soon become true!

[Former_Member]

All such great inspiring stories.

During my marriage I had limitations on me on how far I could go with my art. I did shows locally but really could not invest much time or money in my work. I am going through a divorce and am in financial ruins. After a year of making sure my son was okay with our situation I decided to challenge myself to what I call a Rejuvenation Journey. It was then I decided that I am going to give Etsy another try. Yes, I was here before but did not work it at all.

Well, it has not yet been a month since I re-opened and I have been working effortlessly to make this work this time around. Something about this time feels good and true. You all have been great motivators.

I have no other choice but to give it my all in order to survive. My art has been my therapy and I need it for financial purposes also.

I wish you all the best.