Introduce Yourself

[#1]

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?

[Wirelings]

-Where are you from?
+Boise, Idaho, USA

-What do you make?
+ Everything, but I'm going to focus on jewelry and doll clothes when renewing time comes around.

-What do you collect?
+Art supplies. Dolls. Everything. Just take a look at my work space.

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term?
+My short term goal is to get at least 10 sales every two months. Long terms is to have this be a thriving business.

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family!
+I have a husband who's very supportive and loving. My dogs (3 Chihuahuas) are my children.

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love?
+I love that I can sell my artwork for a profit. I not-so-love all the time it takes. It's a time eating dragon with a bottomless appetite.

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing?
+I was probably in school.

-What words do you live by?
+Do you believe in something beautiful? Then get up and be it!

[Former_Member]

-Where are you from?
I am currently from Cochise County AZ, on the border with Mexico

-What do you make?
I make Fiber art, For the wall mostly but on etsy I have been playing a bit more with scarves for people and coats for pets. I sew and paint and batik and whatever it takes to make my vision come true.

-What do you collect?
Fabric, beads and rocks

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term?
live in peace


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

I am single I live out in the desert wilderness with 3 dogs and 2 cats. My son lives in Phoenix.

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

I love that Etsy is global, I want to be part of the world not separate from it.

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

5 years ago I was working toward a real estate career because being an artist wasn't going to happen fast enough. 10 years ago my son graduated high school and he was going to leave me for college. 15 years ago I had a budding teenager who had health issues and we dealt with it as a team.

-What words do you live by?

I live by actions of being conscious and knowing love.

<3

[Former_Member]

Hi Everyone!

I am from Ropesville in the middle of the cotton fields on the South Plains of Texas. I melt crayons and have a fun finding new molds. I am a lover and collector of vintage children's books.

I have a wonderful husband and two sons who are now both in college. I am glad to have Etsy to sell my crafts, otherwise, I might have a real problem with the empty nest thing. I also have a menagerie of farm animals including a horse, donkey, miniature donkey, chickens, guineas (they just started hanging around one day), and ducks.

15 years from now I hope to be doing the same thing. :)

I have this on my wall in my studio for those days when I feel like my work isn’t good enough or I haven’t made any sales:

“So don't lose your confidence, since it holds a great reward for you.” Hebrews 10:35 ISV

Glad to be a part of the team,
Patti

[Former_Member]

Welcome everyone! Loving all of your introductions!

[LilacCottageJournals]

Where are you from? Hi all I am Sharon and I live in Moorestown New Jersey - about 15 minutes outside of Philadelphia.

What do you make? I am a papercrafting addict:) I handstamp cards, and I also create checkbook covers and embellished picture frames. I also make holiday tags and I just started making coasters.

What do you collect? I try not to fill my house with "stuff" but I do have a collection of crosses I've gotten from around the country and as gifts. I also have a few tea pots - the first was my Grandmother's who died at 99.
I love books but now that I have a kindle I don't have as many physical books.

What are your goals? Short term? Long term? I try to take life one day at a time. But I do try to set goals for myself. My biggest right now is too lose a few pounds. I also want to keep increasing sales in my shop. Long term, my husband and I want to retire to North Carolina.

Do you have kids? A spouse? I just got married in December 2012. I have two daughters who live in North Carolina. I also have 3 precious little grandsons 1, 3 and 4! They are the loves of my life. My Mom passed away in September and my Dad passed in 2005. Losing both your parents changes your world big time. I was blessed to have my parents for a long time though. My husband is my biggest supporter and has his own business.

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

I've had my shop 2 years this January and I love the support and teams on Etsy. I'm still learning a lot and hope to learn more about increasing views to my shop and items. I try to use a lot of social media too. I love doing treasuries. There's not much I don't love about Etsy.

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

I was working at IBM 12 years ago after nearly 20 years with the company. I made a decision get out of the rat race. I've never looked back or regretted my decision. I moved from North Carolina back to NJ to be closer to my parents who were getting older. My Dad was diagnosed with cancer in early 2000 and I was able to help take care of him until his death in 2005.

What words do you live by?

I am a divine being
This too shall pass
Keep it Simple
Getting older is not for the faint of heart

So that is an introduction to a little about me. Looking forward to getting to know all of you:)

[Former_Member]

Hi, I'm Brandy,

Where are you from? Born in Illinois, lived in Florida 11yrs (Miss it dearly), now in Missouri for the past 7yrs

-What do you make? I make jewelry, anything crocheted, some art, I like to switch things up!

-What do you collect? Pets LOL We have 1 bulldog, 3 cats, 1 guinea pig currently

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term? My goal is to just have a bit of spending money for myself (I'm s stay at home MOM)

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family! I have 2 boys, and a Hubby W/ 2 older boys...and the fur babies mentioned above :)

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love? I love that is for handmade items.... I dislike that it seems to be taking a while to get established

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing? Hmmm 5yrs ago my oldest was probably in daycare, and little one non existant, so I had tons of free time to get things done, and workout... 10yrs ago...My oldest was 5 mos old, so just being a new Mommy. 15 yrs ago...almost celebrating my 1st Valentines day with my husband (then boyfriend :)

-What words do you live by? Quit worrying about what others think!

Posted at 5:15 pm Oct 3, 2012 EDT - Report this post

[QuailHollowCreations]

Welcome Brandy. I'm an animal lover too. Hope to see a lot of you here.

[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?

Chicago - southern suburbs of Chicago


-What do you make?

Home decor, funky finds, unique & eclectic decor


-What do you collect?

EVERYTHING! This is also a part of my downfall...I like vintage things and it makes me sad to see people getting rid of things just because they are OLD!

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

My original goal was to pay for my children's private schooling. I am grateful that I am able to afford their tuition through my Etsy shop and contribute to our household.

Long term -- I just LOVE TO CREATE! I would like to continue selling and creating on Etsy, though I would like to hire an assistant to help me build things! Also, I would love to get picked up by a magazine and featured in a magazine.

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

Yes and yes..Two children.... Boy and girl..One husband (LOLOLOL). One child in middle school and one child in high school.

Two cats, one crazy Goldendoodle, and Goldfish. Love family time -- that is another reason I LOVE ETSY. I can create at home and still be near my family and still sell on ETSY!! :)

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

LOVE the convenience of being to work from home. Plus, Etsy creates a forum for artists to network with each other!

I do not love that people need to create an account to favor my shop items. Lots of people do not like to create an account with a password to favor items.

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

5 years ago: volunteering, managing household, coordinating playdates, carting my children around, in the Political arena, and CREATING!

10 years ago: volunteering, managing household, coordinating playdates, carting kids around, in the Political arena and working on my garden. When my children took naps, I worked in the garden. Our yard is now an oasis and we like to have family staycations! I feel GOOD in my home and especially my yard!

15 years ago: Having fun with my husband! Fine dining, movies, plays, concerts. We had loads of fun until....I had my children. I LOVE my children, but my life was definitely different 15 years ago.

-What words do you live by?

KARMA...What goes around comes around.

EVERY MOMENT IS A GIFT!!!!!!

GOD IS GREAT!!!

That's about it. I truly believe saving the Earth and making the word a greener place. Every one can make a difference!

[Former_Member]

We are a creative couple who make websites and here on ETSY we also make shop-sets, digital papers and Motivational art.

Welcome to have a look!

Anne

[PSsewingstudio]

Hi my name is Sarah and my shop is SarahPixel

-Where are you from? 
Currently live in Cary, Illinois but my parents are moving to Olathe Kansas. I have to go with do to the fact I do not make enough to move out.

-What do you make?
I make quilts. Throw quilts, Some bed Quilts but I can not do any larger then a full size do to the fact I do all my own free motion quilting on my home sewing machine. I also do baby quilt, table runners (quilted and not quilted), centerpieces, Fabric ornaments, and exploring other things that I can do with fabric. In my free time I make my own customs and cross stitch.

-What do you collect?
Does collecting fabric count(LOL). I am into energy work with stone and my favorite stone is Amethyst. I guess I collect DVD because I like Movies, mostly anime.

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term?
Short term, becoming more successful with using social media, to help generate more income. Long term, I would love to work or even own my own quilt shop some day.

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family!
I am currently single, living with my parents, I have a younger brother, and have not gotten any new pets scents having to put down my 21 year old cat back in August of last year.

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love? 
I love that you can sell your handmade items on Etsy as well as find handmade and unique items, and support other smaller shops other than the big name stores. I do not-so-love how confusing all the things that go with having a shop can be.

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing?
5 years ago I just finished getting a degree in computer animation (That is where the Pixel comes form in my shop name. I was the nickname my friends gave me)
10 years ago I was in community college figuring out what I wanted to do.
15 years ago I was getting my drivers permit.

-What words do you live by?
All good things come to those who wait.

[ThirdSisterHandmade]

I've lived here in Lawrence, Kansas all my life, but I feel my family roots strong from Southeast Kansas.

I sew--mainly little girls' smocked dresses and clothes for Barbie doll and American Girl doll--do illustrated calligraphy and make cards.

I suppose I collect Barbies,....but I prefer to think that I still "play" Barbies!

Short and long term goals....More Sales! And more publications in CardMaker magazine.

I'm the youngest of six--three boys and three girls. I'm not married, so no, I have no kids, but I am a proud aunt of eight.

Etsy is ideal for me, because, no matter what I might daydream, I could never bring myself to do craft shows and go out a meet people. I do much better in writing!

Five, ten or fifteen years ago I'd have been doing pretty much the same things I'm doing today,...though I have more rubber stamps and calligraphy colors than I had fifteen years ago.

Word to live by? Anything worth doing is worth doing well.

[Former_Member]

-Where are you from?
Thailand! But I'm currently studying in Edinburgh, UK

-What do you make?
Mostly felt stuffs as well as some dried plant accessories in bottles for both human and dolls

-What do you collect?
Ball Jointed Dolls and some anime-related stuffs

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term?
I want to be able to save money for more BJDs and BJD stuffs, thats a hobby goal though.
My real goal is to graduate from university in a first honour roll and get into a good uni for master degree

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family!
Nope, we are a family of 4, I live with my parents and sibling

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love?
There are so many handmade stuffs and creative stuffs list on Etsy!!
I don't particularly like the idea of listing fees though (selling fees are fine)

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing?
5 years ago I'm studying in secondary school, hoping to get into a good uni
10 and 15 years ago I might be playing games..

-What words do you live by?
When you do good things, good things will happen to you and if you do bad things, bad things will happen to you

[CheriesCurtainShoppe]

-Where are you from? From Mississippi but now live in the Mountains of Virginia.

-What do you make? Costumes, Name Pillows, Bears,

-What do you collect? I collect Miniature Clocks, Vintage Hand Mirrors and Vintage Linens.

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term? To keep my Etsy shop up and running and get back to my creative side.

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family! My husband and I have 7 Kids, 11, Grandchildren and 1 Great Grandchild.

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love? I love the freedom to list items as I feel the need. I like being able to search and see what other people are making and selling.

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing? 5 years, hopefully still sewing and selling. 10 - 15, maybe retired maybe not.

-What words do you live by? Life is like a camera. Focus on what's Important, Capture the Good Times, Develop from the Negatives, And if things don't work out, Take another Shot!

[INVICTUSARCANA]

Hello, my name is Amanda!

-Where are you from? I am from Glendale, Arizona. (Which I might add is going to be a firey inferno this summer. I don't think I have ever seen the weather jump to 100F so fast)

-What do you make? I make video game inspired crafts and some geekery items. Video games have always been a huge part of my life and I wanted to do combine both gaming and real life.

-What do you collect? Old SNES video games, Nintendo DS games, movies, legos, oddly shaped erasers and earrings. I have a lot of little collections.

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term? I have a very well written plan for my life. I adjust it as needed and make sure my long term goals are always within reach. Short term was building my resume so I had something to fall back onto, I became an operations manager at a retail store within three years and now quitting so I can return to school and get the business degree to match. During that time I am going to build up my etsy shop into a full time gig and use my knowledge of calculating payroll to help further my ambition. The long term goal is to learn enough about business management and fine tune my art so that I may become an art curator and open multiple galleries. I would like to make the art, and pay people to run my business on the side.

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family! No kids, but I do have a partner in crime. My boyfriend john was my elementary school crush who I re-met and now live with. Life is funny like that.

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love?I love the people here. I think the community is really cool because we are all in the same struggles. What I dont love so much is the inability to do certain coupon codes *Buy 1 get 1, etc*

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing? I was starting college, I got a couple years under my belt and my parents decided to move away. I lived at my aunts house and was sleeping on her floor for a while before I got back on my feet. It was a hard time.

-What words do you live by?
You can't be a pimp and a prostitute too.
Haha I know, not the most inspirational of sayings. It just reminds me that I want to be the one in charge.

[Former_Member]

https://www.etsy.com/listing/165681249/modern-bohemian-home-decorhandwoven?ref=shop_home_active_18
https://www.etsy.com/listing/173943596/anatolian-turkish-classic-antalya-kilim?ref=shop_home_active_...
https://www.etsy.com/listing/176819765/anatolian-turkish-classic-kilim-rug?ref=shop_home_active_21
https://www.etsy.com/listing/156710572/vintage-turkish-kilim-rug-carpet?ref=shop_home_active_22
https://www.etsy.com/listing/165782704/anatolian-turkish-classic-kilim-rug?ref=shop_home_active_23

[Former_Member]

Hello everyone!

First, let me tell you how impressed I have been with the Etsy Community. I love it when people jump and help you or advise you.

We are a Christian Organization that helps the young Romanian adult orphan girls who are forced to leave the state orphanages and find their way in life. Most of them do not have alternatives other than living on streets being prey to everything that this sort of life implies. You can imagine. So our goal is to take them, provide them a shelter, teaching them how to be responsible, how to work, clean, cook and they are also involved in a home school project.

Therefore, the girls are involved in our project, Beauty from Ashes Boutique, where they produce handmade items which are then sold in Romania, in the States through volunteers and now through Etsy. We are quite new, yet we hope this is going to be a fruitful experience.

Thanks for taking the time to read about us!
Be blessed!

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone!!! ... I'm Shonda.

-Where are you from?
I'm from Miami, Florida

-What do you make?
I make fashion jewelry and accessories

-What do you collect?
Not much of a collector but I do manage to accumulate a lot of journals

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term?
Short term: Make Etsy work for me... Long Term: Take my business to the next level beyond Etsy

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family!
I have a 5 year old son who is my second heartbeat and I have a fiancé who I look forward to spending the rest of my life with. They motivate me... without them, I wouldn't have had the courage to do what I'm doing... But God, my Father in Heaven, goes at the head of my life cause without Him, I simply wouldn't be... LOVE!

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love?
I'm new to Etsy so I'm not too familiar with it to say what I love and don't but I do like the 20 cent listings and the ease of those listings. I don't like that its so heavily populated and hard to break into

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing?
5 years ago I was probably changing pamper and getting ready for feeding time, 10 years ago I was probably hanging out late nights with friends and 15 years ago I was no doubt in bed dreaming about my high school crush because that's what high schoolers do

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


Well, that was entertaining :-) lol

[Former_Member]

Hi, my name is Deb and I was born and raised in California to southern parents. I embellish picture frames and make candle holders but would like to eventually expand my business. I collect lots of different things. Books, Cd's, Dvd's, dolls, etc. Short term goals to get my shop looking exactly like I envision it in my mind and long term is to have a successful business. I have three grown sons, Aaron--39, Joshua--35 and Jason--34 plus a steps-on Jaysun who is 37. My husband is retired but still working everyday. We have five grandchildren, Matthew-8, Kiersten-10, Kylie-6, Kelsey-4, Jaysun, jr -4. I trust in God to help me in every aspect of my life. I like Etsy but it is a really saturated market. Up until February I was working in a hospital and not really very happy or satisfied with my life. Hopefully this will be just what I need to make me feel more fulfilled and happy. The words I live by are "A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step."

[Former_Member]

-Where are you from? I live in Texas, moved here from Orange CA, moved to CA from Montana and was born and raised in Iowa!

-What do you make? I paint watercolors, make prints and cards and coasters. So fun!

-What do you collect? No big collections but I would have to say Christmas Angel ornaments.

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term? My goals are to improve my photos, and to actually make things pay for themselves.

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family! I have four kids, three grandchildren, super hubby.

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love? I love the artisians, treasuries, and all the unique things you can find there. I don't like the fact that people or shops are are so hard to locate.

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing? I teaching school...third grade, but I am retired now.

-What words do you live by? Do your best, use kind words..a saying from my mom.

Posted at 5:15 pm Oct 3, 2012 EDT - Report this post

[Former_Member]

Hello everyone! My name is Andriana and I am from West Virginia!!

I actually make all kinds of things, but my shop focuses on the handmade albums I make and the jewelry I design and create.

I love books! I collect books that I love. I am a bibliophile.

I recently quit my five year career as an assistant director of a Christ centered recovery program and homeless shelter for women and women with children. I have always wanted to create my own business and just create. It's been a couple of months now.

I am a newlywed!! My husband and I got married last November! We don't have any kids yet but we do have an adorable puppy named Gharrah.

I love that etsy exists as a platform for us creative people to have a place to sell and create. I get tired of typing up listings. lol. It can be such a chore.

Five years ago I was probably sleeping. I started my last job as the overnight supervisor and got promoted from there. I was most likely recovering from an overnight.

Always try to leave people better than when you met them.

I look forward to getting to know y'all!

[EccentricCollectives]

Hey guys sorry for a delay... =/
But to start, my name is Rechel (ruh-shell; tends to be mispronounced)

Where are you from?
I live in Columbus Ohio

-What do you make?
I make handmade jewelry and repurpose clothing.

-What do you collect?
I actually collect a lot of things. I don't really have specifics, I guess you could say I'm a collector of sorts. I've got comics, little toys/figurines, posters, pins...clothes...jewelry

-What are your goals? Short term? Long term?
My goals are to do what I do for the rest of my life. I LOVE creating beautiful things out of anything. My short term goals are currently just getting my name out there to start making sales. I need to get my social networking back up to par. My long term goals are to connect with other etsy makers, and possibly collaborate on a project or two. Mainly just getting my shop to it's highest peak, and soar from there. = )

-Do you have kids? A spouse? Talk about your family!
I actually have a boyfriend going on 3 years now. My mother is the source of my creation. She's as honest as they come, and sometimes I need that rough criticism to be better than my best.

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love? I just love etsy for all of it's original creators. There's things that you can not find in your typical retail store. Especially if you're looking for a gift to stand out to. Honestly, there's not much I can find yet that I dislike...I'll get back to you on that one. =P

-Think about this day 5, 10, and 15 years ago. What were you probably doing?
Well, me being 25, 10 years ago I was probably creating or painting something in my bedroom. I could even say the same for 15 years ago as well.

-What words do you live by?
"What is normal to the spider, is chaos to the fly" - Morticia Addams

[Former_Member]

Dear Etsy Lovers,
my name is Sandra and I’m a student in Communication Science at the University of Trieste (Italy). I’m writing this message to ask you only 3 minutes of your time to take part on my marketing survey. The survey aims to investigate on the purchasing trend on Etsy.com in order to propose a model of business plan which leads to the best solutions and ideas for buyers and sellers. It is really important for me since it will be the main part my thesis and I’ll be grateful for your time and your help!

Please note that all answers you provide will be kept in the strictest confidentiality and you don’t need to leave your name, e-mail address or any other personal data.
The survey is published on the website survio.com, it is very brief and will only take about 3 minutes to complete.


Please click the link below to go to the survey Web site (or copy and paste the link into your Internet browser):


www.survio.com/survey/d/K9S1A6J2Q2Y0I9U1Q


Thank you very much for your time and your great collaboration!

Sandra :)

[Former_Member]

-Where are you from?
From Texas but live in Salem, OR currently!

-What do you make?
Macramé wall hangings!

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

I am mostly just having fun with macramé/ my etsy biz! I was inspired to open my shop in hopes of making a little extra money on the side for my family while donating 10% to charitable causes! Macramé is extremely therapeutic and meditative for me and one of my favorite hobbies! One day I would like to attend some events to share my work with others and make some connections! As far as long-term goals, I am working toward my BS in Psych at OSU and would love to work in an outpatient treatment center.

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

I have 2 awesome kiddos, a girl & boy (ages 3 & 1) and I'm blessed to have my best friend as my husband!

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

I love that etsy connects so many creative makers and allows for stay-at-home mothers like myself, the opportunity to do something they love while drawing in a little income too!

-What words do you live by?

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Nice to meet you, here are my links if you'd like to connect and take a peak inside the process :)

Facebook:

https://m.facebook.com/prettyknottedthings/?ref=bookmarks

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/prettyknottedthings/

[Former_Member]

Hi I'm kelly from thatsupply store I am looking forward to getting to know my fellow etsy users.

-Where are you from? Bakersfield, CA.

-What do you make? Shipping and mailing supplies

-What do you collect? I like to collect Friends and fond memories

Talk about your family! My crew is my Family, I have a loyal close knit crew, we make our work fun, and stick together through the good times and the bad.

-What do you love about Etsy? What do you not-so-love? Etsy has been awesome so far, great products and interesting people! I am looking forward to becoming one of etsy's top sellers(which should'nt take long because we are AWESOME!!) I cant say there is anything I dont like so far.

-What words do you live by? wrap it up and ship it out,thats what this biz is all about!!

Thank you all for inviting our family to be a part of the etsy family...

[Former_Member]

I am from North Carolina and currently in college in Kentucky. I like to paint and do calligraphy. I am selling some of my art to raise money for a mission trip I am going on this summer. My goal is to raise enough to be able to go on the trip and to spread some inspiration to others. I have a twin sister who is also in college and a little brother at home with my parents. My mom also has an Etsy shop selling vintage items and air plant creations. 5 years ago I was in high school totally dependent on my parents. I live by these words - "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 3:16