Meet our team member moonlight55 in this exclusive interview! And stay tuned for more EXPOSED interviews!
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1) Tell us a little bit about your handmade business and what inspires you to create.
My business came quite by surprise. I made by first insulated casserole carrier because I was embarrassed each time I showed up at a potluck with my dish wrapped in a towel. Then I made casserole carriers for Christmas presents. Everyone raved about the carriers and encouraged me to sell them. In the past year, I’ve added many other items to my shop. What inspires me to create? I LOVE fabric, color and mixing patterns and I’m driven to create something new and beautiful that has never been done before.
2) What is a day in your life like?
I get up between 5-6 a.m. I’m on the computer for about an hour and then I go to my workshop and sew for many hours. I try to complete an item or items, photograph it, and post the listing on Etsy by noon. In between I’m obsessively checking Etsy stats. Sometimes I’ll sew at night if there is nothing on TV. During the winter months, sewing and Etsy is pretty much what I do.
3) What inspires you when contemplating a new design or product?
My new products have been inspired by customers, which has been very exciting and fun. A few times these requests have come at the exact time I was thinking to myself what I could do next to expand my shop offerings. I believe these people came forth with their inquiry because they liked my fabric choices and quality of work and figured I would be up for the challenge. Since I always do research, I made sure that my product was a little different than what was already being offered by others.
4) Who has been the most influential person in supporting your handmade business?
My husband. We jokingly call him the VP of Product Development because we brainstorm on product ideas. He’s a very creative person and I respect his opinions. Check out the beautiful fiddle bow bread knives he has added to my shop.
5)What does Etsy mean to you?
To me, Etsy is one of the best places on the internet to sell quality handmade items. I’m always amazed at people’s creativity and talents. Also, it is a community. I knew next to nothing about selling online and through extensive reading on Etsy and by the kind people who have taken the time to answer my questions, I’ve learned so much.
6) If you could sum yourself up in three words, what would they be?
Creative, driven, and friendly.
7)What golden nugget of advice would you share with a new Etsy shop owner?
Offer quality products, read everything on Etsy on how to set up shop and sell, join teams, know your competition, price your items correctly, have clear and crisp photos and provide outstanding customer service. Find ways to promote and market your shop.
