Introduce Yourself

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone! Thanks for joining! Before beginning with other threads, fill out this little survey so we can get to know you!

-Where are you from?

-What do you make?

-What do you collect?

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term?

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family!

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love?

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing?

-What words do you live by?

[13Crows]

Hi! I'm Sara :)

-Where are you from? Knoxville, Tennessee

-What do you make? I make a little bit of everything, jewelry, accessories and art

-What do you collect? Elephants, Sarah Coventry Jewelry and Halloween Decorations

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term? Short term, I have my first show this October 19, 20 and 21. I'm hoping to do really well and see the rewards from all my hard work. Long term, I am working towards opening a small shop/gallery in my area where I can sell my items and also feature other local artists.

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family! I have three kids, a son, Phillip, who is almost 11, a daughter, Isabella (Bella), who is 9 and my youngest daughter, Ariella (Ari) is 2. My husband, Billy, and I were high school sweethearts. We've been married 12 years. He's my biggest fan and my rock! He helps with all of my shipping, display builds and is unbelievably supportive and encouraging. He is a systems administrator/active directory administrator for Knox County Schools which allows me to stay at home with the kids and make creative messes! :)

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love? I love the treasury feature. I look at treasuries as an art form, not just a promotion tool. I don't love the inability to search items within a team. I think this would be a very affective and helpful feature that is lacking.

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing? 5 years ago I was home with my middle child.. probably cooking dinner and doing laundry (which is still never-ending! haha) 10 years ago, I was home with my oldest, probably pulling my hair out because I was young and didn't really know what I was doing. haha!! 15 years ago, I was in highschool, probably doing something insane that I had no business doing.. and crushing on Billy.

-What words do you live by? Everything happens for a reason.

[Former_Member]

Hi Sara, Congratulations on your first show!!!!!
I never thought about being able to search items within a team.. It'd make it so much easier to create Team treasuries!

[Former_Member]

-Where are you from? Born in California, live in Las Vegas

-What do you make? Jewelry, some clothes, and random stuff I don't sell here.

-What do you collect? Rhinos, knick knacks, books

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term? Short term is getting off my lazy butt and making some money! Long term is to save up money, pay off debt, travel the world.

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family! I don't have kids, nor am I married, but I live with my boyfriend. We've been together since I was 16 and he was 19. Now we're 22 and 25. One of my favorite people in the world is my niece. She is 6, and honestly, I prefer her company over any adult's!

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love? I love finding unique items that are made by a real person and not a machine. I don't love the resellers and factories that are here.

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing?
5 years ago, I was started my last year of high school. I wasn't doing anything very exciting, however. 10 years ago, I was living in California and I was about to move to Las Vegas. I was probably at the mall or eating ramen noodles at home. 15 years ago, I was 7 years old... I was playing Barbies with my friends and riding bikes.

-What words do you live by? There is do and there is do not. There is no try.

[Former_Member]

My goodness the questions! I'll try my best to answer ;D

Hi, my name's Katelyn. I'm from Cary, North Carolina (U.S.). I make fiction-inspired paintings, shoes, bookmarks and dolls of any character- just ask me for a commission if what you're looking for isn't there.

Hrmmm....right now I "collect" supplies. I created my online shop to fund my cosplay (costuming at anime conventions, etc.) so I have tons of cardboard and misc. things at all times for that ^_^. And I'm always keeping in mind anything I might be able to do with the supplies for my shop.

Long term I'd love to publish a book. Like I said on my profile I'm trying to get my illustrated children's manuscript published (I've completed it over the summer). I'd also love to get a job as a professional illustrator and (if the economy picks up) as a professional organizer because I love organizing things :P.

I'm single since I'm still in school! But I have three siblings- two older than me, one younger. I also have a schnoodle (schnauser + poodle mix) named Jake, and my parents as well.

I love all the people on Etsy! Man, I cannot stress that enough. Some of whom I've become very good friends ^_^ However, I do think the staff at Etsy are a little tyrannical with fees and how they want you to buy their promoting rather than promoting much yourself.

Oh god, hrmmmm.....well 5 years ago I was playing soccer and just starting serious art classes. I've known I've wanted to be an artist/writer since I was in 1st grade and before that, so back then I was just beginning the journey.

Words I live by? That's the hardest. I like: "A writer is only good as his or her own experiences". It's true for all people though; the more you experience, the more you know about yourself. I've tried a lot of different things in the past, and I've had a good role model who taught me I can learn anything on my own, even past childhood.

[Former_Member]

Where are you from?

Hi Everyone! My name is Ashley. I am 25 years old. I have been married for 6 1/2 years now to a wonderful man. (hint you an see him wearing most of the adult hats lol).We live in a small community known as Millersville here in Missouri. We do not have (human) children, however, we have 5 other children. 3 small dogs, Colby, Princess, and Max. 1 cat (Harley -female), 1 kitten Melody. Melody recently came to us from outside her mother was killed or ran off and stopped taking care of her and the other kitten (of which sadly did not make it). We sit outside for days trying to catch them both and finally we caught Melody she is black and white, with white paws(absolutely adorable and loves to cuddle).

I am a pure country girl trying to go more girly in a sense. I love animals, always have always will. I love my family which consists of my Mom (whom does the art in my shop) my sister, whom loves to help make jewelry with me since she's 13, and of course my husband whom does not like his picture taken, but suffers through it. Family to me is the most important aspect of my life I would do anything for them and they the same for me.

I make/do, sewing, crochet, and knitting. Though I have stuck more with sewing and crocheting because I can make more. I crochet and sew because well honestly I love to do it. It calms me, soothes me, and makes me feel complete.I love working with my hands creating new items, I love what I do. In all my adult life I have searched for something that screamed "ME" and I have found it. I try very hard to bring the best quality to customers (even though I right now have only had 1 sale) I try to do my very best.

I learned to crochet and sew when I was about 11-12 years old and from there I have grown into a sewing and crocheting machine so to speak. I push out more than what I normally would as I have really just found a love for it. I do what makes me happy and my husband supports me in everything I do.

My goals are to get my shop off the ground and have sales even on a regular basis or irregular basis. I hope to one day finish College as I did attend College for 3 years where I was going for Psychology. I really would rather enjoy doing something in the Fashion business. Those I would say are my long term. Short term is increasing my sales to help support my family.

5 years ago to the day I was more than likely sitting at home where we used to live, flipping through the channels on the cable t.v trying to find something to watch or going to bed as 5 years ago my husband would have been working. He is now disabled due to Epilepsy and having too many frequent seizures. 10 years ago I would have been 15 years old so I would have been probably just about to have dinner. 15 years ago I have no idea what I would have been doing, getting into trouble more than likely.

Okay so what do I love about etsy?? I would have to say not the fact that I get to sell my items, but the fact that when you really look at etsy you can see people whom share your talents, have wonderful unique items that are absolutely to die for, people that work hard to get where they are, and the fact that etsy brings it all to the public. What I don't like??? Well personally, I don't like the fact that Etsy has not given you the option as a Buyer to choose from a drop down menu what size, color, etc you want in a specific item.

What words I live by?
Treat others as you wish to be treated, Always be honest even if it costs you a sell, a career, etc. Play hard work even harder! Giving 110% will pay off one day! You can do anything you set your mind too!



I'm pretty much an open book so if there is anything you wish to ask me feel free to convo me at any time. I am frequently on the computer and frequently adding new items.

Thank you for inviting me to this group I am glad to see a group like this where people can start to get to know the person behind the scene, the creator, the person that puts in the hard work to bring customers great products.

[kimgilbert3]

-Where are you from? Originally WV. FL for the last 20 years.

-What do you make? Wooden signs, wedding signs, wooden holdiay stuff

-What do you collect? Nothing really

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term?
Short term- to increase my inventory and hope to make enough money to pay a few bills.
Long term- to continue to grow my shop.

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family!
I have 2 sons, a daughter-in-law and a husband of 32 years. Everyone is close by and time with them is the best time of all.

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love?
I like the teams and connecting with people.
There isn't anything that bugs me about etsy.

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing?
5 years ago- I was looking forward to my sons coming home from college for the weekend.
10 years ago- I think we were headed to Gainesville for the weekend.
15 years ago- I was probably taking my sons to soccer practice.

-What words do you live by? Family is everything.

[Former_Member]

Hi my name is Elizabeth and I am based out of Tampa.
What I do in my etsy shop is I customize shoes and accessories to make them into one of kind pieces you will fall in love with over and over again. I use high quality materials and it shows in the price tag. I figure if u are going to spoil urself why not make it worth it.
I am new here to etsy and always looking for more and more feedback especially with the holidays come so have a look at my shop and tells me what u think.

Oh and I juggled my shop while being married and a stay at home mom to a 9 month little boy and a kindergardener. Lol.

[Former_Member]

Q: Where are you from?
A: I'm a New Hampshire girl. I've lived here my entire life and I love it! I think that living here in this little state has made me love the simple things in life.

Q: What do you make?
A: Right now I make beaded jewelry such as bracelets, earrings, necklaces and anklets. Also in my shop you will find beaded bookmarks. The reason I got into making those was because I wanted to start making something new and I had bought one on here previously and figured they would be a cool and different thing to get into.

Q: What do you collect?
A: Ever since I was about 6 or so my dad was a truck driver. He would send us 3 kids postcards and little collectibles in my mail every time he would pass through a different state and I loved it. My sister collected thimbles, my brother collected shot glasses, and I collected bells. Ever since that first time he brought them home for us, I automatically knew that I wanted to make a collection of all 50 states, and right now I have 16 that he has given me. This is something that means so much to me because my dad passed away 6 years ago on July 17, 2006. Completing this collection is such a huge goal for me because that was one of my favorite memories of my dad. ♥

Q: What are your goals? Short term? Long term?
A: Call me cheesy, but my biggest goal in life is to simply just fall in love, get married and have a family someday. I've always seen myself as the girl who would live on a farm or in the suburbs with the fence and all. Going out and playing with the animals and coming back inside to do some baking... like I said... SIMPLE!! That's my long term goal anyway :) I personally don't think I really have a short term goal because I've always liked to plan for the future.

Q: Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family!
A: Nope, no kids... or spouse! I just turned 20 so there's a LONG time before any of those things happen... not too too long though I hope :) I am the youngest of 3 kids, my sister is 24 and my brother is 22. My mom is the strongest woman I know and has the most beautiful heart... I have no idea where I would be without her ♥

Q: What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love?
A: I love the fact that I have gained so many great friends through Etsy. People that have been there to support me, just like I have been there to support them. I love the fact that there are people on here who have such confidence in your work. I personally don't think there's one thing I don't love about it :)

Q: Think back about 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing?
A: Ohh boy... I think you made me lose my memory with that one!! Haha ;) No clue!!!

Q: What words do you live by?
A: "Live simply so others can simply live."
"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."
"You never know what you have until it's gone."
"Take one day at a time."
"When someone says you can't, show them they're wrong"
"Be your true self no matter what."
"NEVER GIVE UP."

I hope you can all get a sense of the kind of person I am through my introduction ♥

[Former_Member]

Welcome Katelyn, Ashley, Kim, Elizabeth, and Naomi! Thanks for your stories! :)

Naomi, I am sorry for the loss of your father. My dad died when I was 10. I am glad he left you with something to cherish!

[KittyBallistic]

Hello, I'm Helen.

-Where are you from? Liverpool, England, but living in the Netherlands for the last 13 years.

-What do you make? Jewellery, and occasionally felt plushies

-What do you collect? Beads! I also have a liking for pretty tins, so that could be a potential collection too. Oh, and scarves.

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term? I am not big on goals.

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family! I have a husband, and two shouty but affectionate cats.

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love? I love the community and the range of items available. Not-so-love? That's it's still pretty US-centric, and that we can't schedule listings.

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing? 5 years ago, probably what I'm doing now. 10 years ago too. 15 years ago, I'd have been starting university.

-What words do you live by? Oh, I have no idea. I just potter along, really. :D

[Former_Member]

Hi I'm Kaelin. :)

-Where are you from?
I've lived alot of places, but I'm from Washington State.

-What do you make?
I make hand forged Art Jewelry using recycled precious metals and ethical gems.

-What do you collect?
I collect whimsy, and beauty. Anything that makes me smile, or shocks me with how beautiful it is winds up in my collection somehow.

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term?
Short term, to have a wonderful Christmas both as an Artist, and as a person. Every year I make presents for everyone I know, and crafting elaborate presents that I think will make my kids wild with excitement. I look forward to helping my customers have a happy Christmas, and go overboard with gift packaging to make every gift perfect. Long term, I want to expand business to include art shows, and several galleries.

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family!
I have two kids, and a husband who would rather not be talked about. :) Both girls, are incredibly silly, smart, and happy. They constantly make me look at life with new eyes, and give me a million reasons to take joy in our family.

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love?
I love the sense of community. I've made deep friendships with people here, and been awed at the artistry at hand. Not so happy with the way changes are implemented sometimes, or the heavy emphasis on certain styles of handmade.

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing?

5 years ago I was wishing my girls would grow some so I could take up my art again. 10 years ago I was a blacksmith (sculpture), and getting ready to be married. 15 years ago, I had just realized that I was going to be a professional artist.

-What words do you live by?

Don't borrow worries from tomorrow. Look for wonder. Work hard on being happy. Create something beautiful every day.

[Former_Member]

-Where are you from? Hampshire, England :)

-What do you make? I make items from upcycled, tattery, unloved books.

-What do you collect? Books, books, books and more books :P I'm also an astrology geek, so anything do to with that! I'm also a totally humungous Harry Potter geek!

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term? To be confident enough to take my items to a craft fair!

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family! Nope, no kids, unless you count my furry babies? I have two kitties, and two ferrets who are as crazy as a room full of toddlers! I love my family to pieces, my mum is my best friend. I have three older sisters whom I adore!

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love? I LOVE the variety of people, and how easily we all come together and support one another! I not-so-love the negativity that sometimes comes in waves on the forums, people moaning and groaning!

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing? Hmmmm 5 years ago I was probably at college (i'm 23 now), I was studying Music Technology.

-What words do you live by?
"Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light"
"Truth, Beauty, Freedom and Love"
"Create with your hands and your heart will follow" (my nan always told me that)
And so many more, but I would bore you!

:) Hope I wasn't too boring!

Sarah x

[Former_Member]

Hey, I’m Nora, the owner and vintage buyer here at Norajuku. I'm born and raised in beautiful Montreal. I've live in Missourri with my husband and child for 3 years now. I've co-owned and managed a successful upscale boutique Chez Rose Marie Lingerie in Montreal for 20 years with my Mother/Partner/Soul Sister. We have custom fitted several thousand of passionate and devoted customers. I finally decided to unveil some of our most luxurious and classic new old stock intimates online exclusively on Etsy and either dye, tie-dye, dip-dye or embellish them in some way. I hope to grow my business grows , and my site gets more traffic. I have dreams to move back into a big city that I so crave, like Boston, and closer to home. My mantra and prayer: To love God, love others, and love well.

Intimately,

Nora

[Former_Member]

Hi there! I am Samantha

I am from Charlotte, NC

I make beaded jewelry for my etsy store. I also make metlasmithed jewelry, lots of different crafts, and love to bake!

I love collecting jewelry from all different styles.

I am in college so my current short term goals are to make excellent grades and get an internship for this coming summer! Long term I would like to turn my passion to create into a full time job. I want to follow my passion so that each day can be full of joy and fulfilling.

I am the youngest of four kids and love my sibling. They are always there for me and are my non official additional 3 parents haha.

I love what a large community etsy is! I find it frustrating to be seen amongst the masses though.

5 years ago I would probably be headed to play practice or doing some hw.
10 years ago I was probably relaxing and hanging out after school
15 years ago...I was probably playing with my toys and enjoying the day because I was five and didn't have responsibilities yet!

Try to see the best in all things and put out the best energy into the world you can. If we all put out positive thoughts and try to do the best by people the world will get better!

[TheCraftWytch]

-Where are you from? Las Vegas

-What do you make? Jewelry, dreamcatchers, suncatchers, gemstone trees, fairy houses, paintings

-What do you collect? State quarters & keychains

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term? To live each moment to the fullest and to live each day as happy as I can.

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family! I have a fiance & we have cats.

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love? I love that etsy is not a cutthroat place & that people genuinely want to help each other. I do not love how hard it is to get purchased from!

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing?
5 years ago I was looking for a new job after getting let go from yet another job. 10 years ago I was enjoying life working at a bookstore, reading some of my all-time favorite books and eating lunch at a great restaurant.

-What words do you live by?
"Live by the sword, die by the sword"
"Be the change you want to see in the world"
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined."
"If you're going through hell, keep going"
"Honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life."

[ShopMissElla]

Hello! I’m Ella and it’s lovely to meet you all, what a lovely idea for a team..

I’m originally from Leeds, UK, lived in various parts of the world due to erratic parents! But settled in Norwich at the moment
I’m predominantly an illustrator and designer, this is my freelance work away from Etsy too and I am also an online tutor in Graphic Design and Illustration.

My background is in costume design though so I also make and sell dresses, plushies and jewellery. (and anything else that pops into my head!)


Ooh what do I collect, that’s a good one. Not a particular collector of anything but having said that my house is filled with kitsch from vintage children’s picture books to giant plastic icecreams, bunting filled ceilings and plastic tat adorns most areas!

My goals are to make my shop a success for the whole family to be involved in and to one day publish my own children’s storybook.

I have a son who is 13 and the loveliest being ever and a beautiful husband whose support has been my reason for having the courage to go it alone.

I love how uncompetitive the other sellers are, always wanting to help each other, how it makes a dream of setting a shop up easy for those without the computer literacy you might otherwise need. The only thing I find tricky is how things like SEO constantly change just at the point I thought I understood it!
5 years ago – at work in an art school as a technician, was a lovely job until internal politics and education becoming a ‘business’ made it a sad place to be

10 years ago – my son was 3, my favourite time in his life, miss it a lot! I was doing my degree in Graphic Design and Animation. Good times.
“You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore”

[Former_Member]

I live in Texas, but was raised all over

I do vintage frames with jewelry. Right now I just do Christmas tree shapes, but would like to make some crosses.
I enjoy working with vintage jewelry
Don't collect anything anymore I used to collect postcards of travels, and also blown glass

To continue creating items, and make enough money to add to our retirement

5, 10, 15 years ago I was teaching

[SalemStyle]

Hello, I'm Lianna <3

-Where are you from?
Originally Hartford Connecticut, now living in Salem Massachusetts

-What do you make?
Crocheted Accessories

-What do you collect?
Handbags I can't afford

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term?
Have a successful Etsy shop as well as a successful career.

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family!
I have a boyfriend who I live with. No babies. My family is in Connecticut and we're close

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love?
I love that anyone can start a shop and share their talents. I don't like that good photos matter so much. I take a lot of time on my photos, but I do not have access to a studio.

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing?
In school! 5 years ago: college, 10 years ago :high school, 15 years ago: elementary school

-What words do you live by?
The best is yet to come

[Former_Member]

-Where are you from? San Diego, living in Phoenix

-What do you make? Confetti and gift tags, I also sell supplies and vintage items.

-What do you collect? Books

-What are your goals? Short term, to expand my shop with banners and other larger paper goods. Long term, to be a better wife and mom.

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Married for 5 years with a 2-year-old son.

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love? I love all the creative things found here! I don't like some of the rules.

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing? 5 years ago, college homework. 10 years ago, high school homework. 15 years ago, elementary school homework. Yeah, I was a nerd.

-What words do you live by? I don't necessarily have a phrase I follow; I just try to be kind.

[PebbleCreekStudio]

-Where are you from? Born and raised in northern California; living in Nevada for the last 25 years.

-What do you make? Scrapbooks; custom note card sets.

-What do you collect? Frogs. :)

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term? I am a 6-year breast cancer survivor, so my short term and long term goal is the same: to appreciate and enjoy life!

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family! I am married almost 20 years to my near perfect husband :) and we have three beautiful girls (18, 13 and 10). Our oldest is in her first year of college, and we sure miss her!

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love? I haven't found anything negative about Etsy...I am very happy here!

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing?
5 years ago: recovering from cancer. 10 years ago: giving birth to our youngest child. 15 years ago: going to college for my teaching degree.

-What words do you live by? Appreciate today; none of us are promised tomorrow.

[QuailHollowCreations]

Hi, So nice to meet all of you.

I was born and spent 18 years in Michigan. Married my husband and came to Ca.

I make alot of different things. Floral, wood things, ceramics, needlepoint ect. Just love to create anything.

I collect anything country. My whole house is decorated with county. Love the comfortable feel and never have to worry about it getting scratched.

My short term goals are to get my shop together and pics right then add to it. Long term to make a decent amount of money with online selling and have my husband retire and work with me. Also to finish a real fixerupper we live in.

I have 2 boys one is 35 with 2 beautiful babies a boy and a girl. The other is 32 with a sweet little boy 2yrs. I have 2 collies one boy one girl who was a rescue. I have 4 cats. 3 were also rescues. I love my animals they are my kids now.

I love Etsy. I love the sellers and how kind and caring they all are. Feels like family. I am a people person. I hate my computer it is slowwww. Dont like having to learn all the new things about how to do things and always goof things up. I'm happy to be able to be on Etsy, not to much to complain about. Not sure how I feel about pics still working on that.

Oh wow 5 years ago would never want to go back again. Very hard stressful time. Lost jobs, lost health, lost home, almost lost my husband. Whats important now we are togather starting over. Just wish it hadn"t happened this late in life. 10 years ago was working as a floral designer making things doing craft shows doing well. 15 years ago doing craft fairs and floral design.

Words to live by: If God brings you to it He'll bring you through it.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Walk a mile in someone elses mocassins before you judge.

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone! Thanks for joining! Before beginning with other threads, fill out this little survey so we can get to know you!

-Where are you from? I'm from the suburbs of Detroit, Mi

-What do you make? I make jewelry. I'm not sure what my style is exactly. I just make whatever pops into my head.

-What do you collect? Hmmm, I haven't collected anything for a while. I did collect glass unicorns for a while but I think that ship has sailed. I also have about 50 tons of Hello Kitty memorabilia that I still add to on occasion.

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term? My short term goal for today is to make something new and to have a sale-heck I'd settle for 10 views! My long term goal is to get out of the corporate world and focus on doing something I love. Maybe that means making jewelry everydy full time. That would be my dream.

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family! I am married. Greyson And I celebrated our 4th anniversary this year. He is so supportive of my and I truly don't know wht I'd do without him. We don't have any kids yet but we have a dog named Roxie and 2 cats named Howard and Lily (my shops namesake).

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love? I love the community of sellers here and how supportive they are. I love the unique things you can find. I'm still pretty new so there isn't a whole lot that I've found I don't like. I wish it was a little easier to be seen. It's hard to get noticed sometimes. Especially with jewelry.

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing? 5 yrs ago I would have been working in a newspaper office. I would be living with my parents and planning my wedding! Lily would be there too ;) 10 yrs ago I would be 16 and in high school. Learning to drive a car and would be way more out going than I am now. 15 yrs ago I would be 11. My only cares would have been if I could have a sleepover at my friends house and I would be really into scrapbooking.

-What words do you live by? I can do all things through Christ who gives my strength.

Great thread! I've never been part of a Team who was so interested in their members!

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone! Thanks for joining! Before beginning with other threads, fill out this little survey so we can get to know you!

-Where are you from?
Fort Collins, CO! It's beautiful this time of year :)

-What do you make?
I find my shop is fairly eclectic if you will :) I make wedding decor, baby shower decor, and girl (baby/adult) headbands :)

-What do you collect?
Jokingly dogs ;) we have 4 giant press canarios!

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term?
My goals are to be a successful etay seller and stay at home mom. My short term goal is to build my shop, work on photos and descriptions, long term to be averaging a good amount of sales every week.

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family!
Yes! I have a son who is 5 months old named Ronan. He's the best thing that's ever happened to me :)!! My fiancé and I have been together 4 years and getting married September 7, 2013.

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love?
I love how user friendly it is, the resources, and the ability to communicate with other sellers. I don't love have saturated some of the categories are-- I guess the new shops just have to work really hard to get those first sales :)

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing?
I'm fairly young 23, so in those time periods I was in school and really focusing on sports :)

-What words do you live by?
Life is great and short, live in the moment and take nothing for granted!

[VanillaBrandiArt]

Hi everyone! :) My name is Brandi Liebmann, and I'm an artist ! I mostly paint in acrylics and do custom orders.

Where are you from? I was born and raised in Louisiana, moved to the Florida Keys at 21, then onto Maine, Wisconsin, Philly, all around Louisiana 3x, and now have lived in Az for 2.5 years, lol. We're staying put in Az. We love it here! :)

-What do you make? A little of everything. I mostly take custom orders and stay busy with that. My orders consist of table sets, toy boxes, wall hangings, wall letters, paintings, and my newest creation- Re-Imaginations!
I take kids drawings and turn them into fun and whimsical paintings. :)

-What do you collect? Dust. ;-) Hehe, no, I currently collect lots of owl things, bracelets and cutesy birds.

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term? I just started offering my Re-Imaginations about 2 weeks ago, and absolutely love painting them! So, short term I hope to do at least a few a week along with my regular orders, long term I hope that this takes off and it's all that I do from now on. :)

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family! I have 2 little girls, one is 5 and the other is 2. They are both artists already, and it's rare that a day passes without them painting or drawing something. My 5 year old was my inspiration to start painting kid's drawings. She drew a picture of her super cute stuffed animal dog, and I suggested she add some sort of background to it...but she said "no...I'm good!" Lol, so I drew her drawing onto canvas and made my own background! I have an awesome hubby, Josh, that I've been with for 15 yrs, married for 11. He's my biggest fan and I jokingly call him my "manager" because I always ask for his advice/opinions when I'm working.

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love? I love that Etsy is a great place for artists, but I don't like that it's so overly saturated that it's hard to get many views without doing some crazy heavy promoting. Plus, it's hard to find places to promote, other than Facebook. FB is where all of your family and friends are, so they already know about what you're selling, lol!

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing? 5 years ago I was constantly nursing a hungry baby, 10 years ago I moved away from Louisiana (my family) for the first time ever, all the way to Key Largo. 15 years ago today, I was about to meet my future hubby. ;)

-What words do you live by? Everything happens for a reason.