Introduce Yourself

[#1]

Hi there new team members! This is your captain Sheryl, I run Noadi's Art here on Etsy and also write the Handmade Business Blog. I started the blog almost 2 years ago to share what I've learned running my shop.

Now that anyone can start a team here on Etsy I've decided to create this team for people to share and discuss business topics with each other.

Please use this thread to introduce yourself and why you joined the team.

[Former_Member]

So happy to be part of a team on Etsy. I have been making jewelry for about 9 years and have been recently kicking it up with new copper ideas and patinas... and taking silversmithing classes with my mentor Heidi Lowe. I just purchased a whole studio of equipment that Heidi found for me and am very excited to really get going. I do teach preschool 3 days per week and have another part time job as well, so as everyone knows, time can be a factor. Jewelry is what I'm aiming for as my main career, I feel it's what I'm supposed to do. It brings me joy!! But for now I need to balance it all and it's been working out well for the most part. Any ideas, comments... are very welcome

[Former_Member]

hi all,
my name is christina and i'm a college grad living in a burb of boston who dabbled in corporateland and found it's not my thing. would love to be able to craft for a living! i've been on etsy for 2 years now and doing local craft shows - but would love to do more wholesale and custom bridal orders :) no idea how to get there (as i didn't go to school for business)

[Badart]

Thanks for sharing. I'm in Austin, Texas and would like to take my shop up to a new level. Any Help is apprciated.

[Former_Member]

Hi my name Is Mandi I joined the team in hopes to learn useful tips in promoting and how to better grow my Etsy shop and make improvements for the better. Its so nice to meet you.

Blessed Be
Mandi Leigh

[Former_Member]

Hi, I just joined. I'm tired of going it alone, checking my email daily, or more often several times a day, just to be disappointed that I don't have any sales. I love Etsy, and love being able to make people happy with my work (handcrafted jewelry) specializing in silver spoon rings. I just need to know what to do to get more people looking at my stuff.

[Former_Member]

Hi
My name is Margaret and my shop is bluefrogpurpledog. I'm most interested in gleaning ideas on what types of arts and crafts are most popular on Etsy and how to effectively promote them and get them out before the "public eye". I sure appreciate any insights or advice anyone is willing to offer me! I am incredibly green at this but eager to learn and willing to listen! THANKS!

[Former_Member]

Just joined the group. For the past 6 months, I shared AnneChristineDesigns.etsy.com with my niece and we recently decided to separate our product lines. Just getting re-started with hand knit items and art quilts under the name of Stitches & Quilts at SQResources.etsy.com Marketing myself and my work is not my strong point so look forward to learn from the team. Chris

[Former_Member]

Hi, I'm Tracy and I run String Of Jewels here on etsy as well as StringOfJewels on the web. I make hand crafted jewelry with sterling silver and semi-precious stones.

I've been at this now for almost 6 years, but I am relatively new to etsy. I am looking forward to growing my friendships here as well as my business.

[Former_Member]

Hi. My name is Stefanie and I recently started making flower headbands for little girls. For so long I neglected my creative side and not sure if it's a mid life crisis or what, but I've revived that God given passion. I love to see kids enjoy what I make and help them feel pretty. :)

[DeezignerBliss]

Hello Sheryl & team! I'm fairly new to Etsy and was thrilled to join this group in hopes of learning and sharing great ideas to make a go of this! I love knitting gorgeous,colorful scarves and making attractive jewelry pieces hoping that the outcome will put a smile on your face and make you feel warm & fabulous! I look forward to the interaction. . .

[Former_Member]

Hi!!! I'm Lyd of Hattopia. I started making hats a while ago, and now I'm selling them ^.^

I've just started this, I'm still waiting for the business cards I ordered to get here and some word to get around. I have no trouble pleasing little kids and their Grandmas, it's the older ones that I want to get too. ;)

As teen and newbie, i would very much appreciate any advice!

[Former_Member]

Hi im Lucy im an Artist and photographer, I love all aspects of art and have done so all my life.
Im new to this team and so far very impressed with it, im very glad to be a part of it and look forward to learning more and improving in my business. You can find me here
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Melisuma

http://twitter.com/#!/HarrisArt

http://www.facebook.com/pages/HarrisArtMelisuma/197926263554209
Many thanks for having me,
Lucy

[ArdentLife]

Hello, I'm Sarah and I am a Photographic artist ( http://www.smcternen.etsy.com ) and Jewelry Designer ( http://www.ardentlife.etsy.com ). I am interested in finding ways to market toward people who not only think that the product I am trying to sell is beautiful but worth it to purchase. I have been online with my photography for over five years and with the jewelry for only the past six months.

[extraspecialtouch]

Hi everyone!
I've been sewing and making since I was little, and I've had my little business set up a couple of years... selling on here, and various other sites and my own website.
I make vintage style embroidered wedding accessories and embroidered fascinators.
I would love to sell more and hoping to pick up some tips on here x

[Former_Member]

Hi, I'm Barbara and I have been on Etsy since August. My husband and I are retired and raising our 10 yr. old granddaughter, soon to be adopted. I love doing crafts, mostly crocheting. I live in Virginia - the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. I hope to learn from everyone about how to do everything. I went on Twitter, but I don't get it. Just chatting to no one out there seems weird. I'm 66 - it's.... really weird. Glad to be a member of a team.

[Former_Member]

Hi I'm Melissa and I just started my two pages melissahager and peko1012 about a month ago. I'm excited to learn more about exposure and just getting more traffic to my site. I'm looking at getting new photos taken of all of my stuff so I'm hoping that will help too. Can't wait to make my first sale!

[RSugarShack]

Hello!

I'm excited about being part of this team to learn and grow with friends and business! I have been into the art of creating for most of my life--I love to draw, create and decorate anything from cakes to wreaths, paint, scrap booking, crochet, to unique pictures.
I have been on Etsy a little while, yet need to learn more about exposure to boost future sales.
I am currently at: http://WildMountainWreaths.etsy.com
Thank you for letting me be part of your team!
~Rochelle

[Former_Member]

Hello, my name is Lorraine and I am 61 years young. I have been very blessed and fortune to recover from cancer six different times in my life. Now I am retired and am enjoying my time withe all my crafting. I love to do so many things from quilting to making jewelry. I love to paint, play my musical instruments, and songwrite, along with crocheting and knitting. I am always open to new ideas and just can't wait to hear how i can be more productive and be successful in my Etsy shop. Maggiemae157. Glad to be a part of a very talented group. I retired from Ford Motor Credit Corp.

[madebymj]

Hello. I just joined this team. I sew and make bags and accessories of all types. I am located in Canada.

[Former_Member]

Hi guys I'm Carolyn my shop name is forpawsandhome. I have been on here 6 months with 4 sales. But hanging in there. I love to make everything I think that is one of my problems I can't just settle down to one thing.
This is my model Phoebe thinking she's cute!

[Woolrush]

Hi, I'm Gilleoin. I'm a fibre craftsman designing and making my own yarns and knitwear. I opened my shop last year, and look forward to exploring the world of hand dyeing to make a unique product even more so.

[Former_Member]

Hi. My name is Mary and I love making OOAK crochet hats! So far I have made dozens of hats for my 6 sisters, 2 daughters, and 3 nieces. I have gotten a lot of compliments on my hats, so I decided to give Etsy a try at the gentle push of my husband. I was 7 months pregnant when I first opened my shop, so now that my daughter is 3 months old, I am starting to feel like I am able to do something else besides take care of a newborn and toddler all day. Afternoon naptime is my best time to post, so I want to be able to make the most of this time. I have more inventory than what is listed, but I don't want to list it if it won't sell. Listing fees may only be $.20, but that adds up when stuff doesn't sell. I know that I need to get my own facebook fan page and I am hoping to get some business cards for my sister to hand out to the people who compliment her and her kids on their hats. I am looking forward to getting more ideas from some professionals! :)

[Former_Member]

Hi there! Just joined. Just opened my Etsy shop. Looking forward to learning more on the business side of things.

[Former_Member]

Hi Sheryl and members. My name is Diane and I own Bryas Specialty Gift Baskets, my business quickly went from 1 "line" to 3. I not only do gift baskets but also baby bouquets and handmade, cold processed soaps. I must admit to being partial to the soap part of the business. I am looking to make friends and business contacts as well as learning the fine art of driving sales to both my Etsy store and my website http://www.bryasspecialtygiftbaskets.com

[DoughImpressions]

Hello, My name is Kathy and I'm from cookiedoughcreations. I've been making and selling handpainted dough ornaments as my full-time career for 13 years but I'm brand new to Etsy! I was excited to get my shop up and running but I feel like there's so much more to be done! I'd love suggestions on the best ways to increase traffic and exposure to my shop.

Thanks for anyone's input!

Kathy