New Blog Topic - My Etsy Story - Get Featured on Handmadeology

[#1]

We love to hear how seller got started selling on Etsy. Here is your chance to get featured on Handmadeology and get some exposure for your shop.

Handmadeology is currently seeing over 50k visitors per month and over 100k page views.

Rules:

Answer the following 3 questions right here in this thread.

1. Tell us your Etsy story.. how you got started in your craft and how you started selling on Etsy.
2. What have you learned about business since you launched your Etsy shop?
3. Tell us one piece of advice for new sellers.
4. When a new story is published help spread the word via Twitter, Facebook , bookmarking, or blogging.

The easiest way to know when a new "My Etsy Story " is published is to subscribe to Handmadeology's RSS feed.
http://www.handmadeology.com/free-handmade-blogging-blueprint/

Oh and you will get my Handmade Blogging Blueprint for subscribing as well!

To start things off here is my Etsy story!!

http://www.handmadeology.com/my-etsy-story-timothy-adam-designs/

Remember there is strength in numbers. Handmadeology will do the featuring and publishing, but with the sharing is up to the team!

Go HMET!!!

Timothy

[Former_Member]

1. Tell us your story, how...
My mom and I work together on our shop. We meet every Thursday for our "board meetings" and to do new postings. We try to keep our focus on etsy but sometimes we just enjoy laughing together and maybe watching a little Project Runway. We have always been very frugal and so we know how to shop at thrift stores. We love finding old things and remaking them into something no one else has! In our shop everything is created from something recycled. We especially like working with old bread boxes and think that anyone could find one that would fit their lifestyle and give their kitchen a little personality. We recently started adding more variety to our shop and changed our name from Snapdragon Scullery to Sweet Pea Pickers to allow us to be more inclusive. My first little baby girl is one year old now, and I am so grateful to be able to stay home with her. Our little Etsy shop helps to make this possible :)
2. What have you learned...
Everything! We were afraid of everything at first. What is a convo, what does it mean to favorite someone, why join a team, what is a treasury? We had no real knowledge of how to run a business and be successful and all we really knew was that we had a dream and it was worth working for. We didn't have any sales at first but we kept adding items to our shop and trying new things. We had ups and downs, but slowly our sales increased and little by little our shop has grown and become more lucrative for us. Last year I was able to quit my job and my mom was able to take a vacation and pay for it with Etsy money. We still have times when sales seem to dry up but we just keep plugging along and celebrate every sale.
3. Tell us one piece of advice...
If somethings not working, don't give up, try harder. If you have a goal the only way to reach it is with lot's of hard work!

[efratul]

Hi, My name is Efrat, from Tel Aviv, Israel.

I have a line of products: different wallets, bags, and accessories with map prints from different cities of the world, and I have other products too with different graphic designs.

It all started when I had my Industrial design degree, and one of my assignments was to make a product with the inspiration of the city of Tel Aviv. That's when i made my first bag, and on the inside I decided to put the map of Tel Aviv as a graphic pattern. Then I realized the map pattern was too beautiful to hide it inside, and I made my first line of Map wallets with different areas of Tel aviv.
I started to sell on etsy about 2 years ago. First, I had only map wallets of Tel Aviv, and slowly I made other maps like Jerusalem, New York, Amsterdam and more...

My favorite clients are those who ask for a custom map wallets. I got orders for a wallet of the University of Southern California, Of south Carolina, Of New Zealand, and of some areas in Italy I've never heard of...
I enjoy making personal requests for customers and make them happy.

I learned that customer servise its really important and I try to give my clients the best service I can.

That is also my advice for new sellers: Be kind and attentive to your clients.

Enjoy :-)

Efrat

[SewUpscale]

Tell us your Etsy story.. how you got started in your craft and how you started selling on Etsy.

I make art gallery quality quilted fabric postcards. It was a long road before I found my niche. From the time I was about 10 years old, I have been sewing. I had always wanted to sell something I made, didn't know what. I heard about Etsy from my son, so I joined and opened a shop. I started out selling a variety of sewn items, mostly purses. One day I saw a fabric postcard online, taught myself how to make it, experimented and came up with my "style".

2. What have you learned about business since you launched your Etsy shop?

Sometimes you get discovered through Etsy. It may not be just what you sell on Etsy that makes your business a success.


3. Tell us one piece of advice for new sellers.

Join teams and participate in Etsy. Comment on the forums and in the teams you belong to. Promote by having a facebook page, twitter, Pinterest, blog. Give it some time.

[Former_Member]

1. Hi my name is Ofunneka Anyanwu, I am 36 years old and recently moved to Australia about 2 years ago, a move which I believe was destined, since I had part of my high school education in Papua New Guinea, spending most of our school holidays in Brisbane, Australia, so it seemed only natural for me to move here with my husband to start our family.

The name C3N2KIDS is actually coined from my name and those of my hubby, two step sons and daughter. It actually means C3: Chika, Chidi, Chima (my hubby and sons names ) , N2 : Nne (short form of my name and what my family call me at home), Ngozi my daughter's name. But for business purposes , it is called Creative Carefree Children Nurtured Now, which I guess also works.. KIDS referring to the items in the shop being for kids, part of the C3N2 consortium. There will however be different brands under C3N2KIDS, one of which is GOZ-GOZ (my daughter's nick name), I am hoping it will catch on in a couple of years…;-)


I believe the true inspiration for my shop came after I had my now 21 month old daughter. 
When my little angel came along, I wanted to make beautiful, unique outfits for her and just had to invest in a sewing machine (thanks to my husband's Christmas gift to me in 2011). Having explored sewing her clothes for a while, I still felt that my creativity was stifled, this burning desire to explore all angles of my creativity birthed my second baby, C3N2KIDS, a shop for soft toys, throw cushions and mini cards for all occasions, catering specifically for children of all ages...




I love working with African prints, but I recently started a new creative romance with felt and I am loving it, because you can either use it on its own or combine it with just about anything. I also love working with fleece cause it is so soft to the touch.

2. What have I learnt about business since I launched my ETSY shop, 3Ps: PATIENCE, PERSEVERANCE AND PASSION...Still a work in progress, but getting there.

3. Advice for new sellers: Just try to enjoy the journey and savour every moment that you have in making your items or in my case "little treasures" at your own pace, because when the orders start coming in , you will be begging for days when you could just lounge, work at your speed without having any deadlines to meet. Also do not be discouraged by the slow pace, in terms of sales in the beginning, as I am now learning, let your passion and the joy for what you do see you through these times. I just feel like there are enough consumers out there to patronise us, guess we just need to find ways to reach out to them.

[Former_Member]

Tim-thank you for this opportunity and for all of the business advice you offer!

1) I had NEVER considered myself creative or crafty. As a science and engineering major in college, I considered myself very analytic and left brained. Then, a friend of mine said, "Beading is counting-it's all geometry and arithmetic." She taught me how to bead Christmas ornaments, and I was hooked. Rapidly, I had enough ornaments to decorate not one, but two seven foot Christmas trees from tip to trunk. Eventually, my need to create outweighed my storage space. I started giving them away, and everyone told me I should sell them. So, I tried a popular on-line auction site. Utter failure! I was dejected, and didn't do anything else for several years.

Another friend drug me, under protest, to a quilting class. To my amazement, more geometry and arithmetic! I was hooked. I started saving up for a quilting machine, and finally took the plunge this spring. I decided on an embroidery/sewing machine. Gradually, I have been building up my thread, stabilizers, and other supplies. And my storage supply continued to dwindle.

One night, late, I was looking for embroidery patterns and came across Etsy. I did alot of research, and launched Beads and Threads by Amy the following week. I liked the support-both business and technical-that Etsy has to offer. I am up to ten sales, including a couple of larger sales. I have launched my own website, blog, Facebook, and Pinterest pages, and feel I am well on my way to a successful business to support my hobby and some family expenses!

2) I have learned how to celebrate small successes! I was as excited with my 10th sale as I was with the 1st. I am learning how to market my business on a tight budget-blogging, facebooking, posting on blogs, distributing business cards. I have a long way to go in this department, but I am learning rapidly.

I have also learned how to make that personal connection with customers. It's a little easier since I offer personalized embroidery, but it's great to convo with customers to make sure they get exactly what they want. I have enjoyed "meeting" new people from across the country who appreciate something I have crafted.

3) One WORD of advice for new shops: LEARN. When I listed my first item, I figured list it and they will come. Ha. I have learned so much since then. I have become best friends with my camera's manual. I work on my SEO (and if you don't know what that is, study up) on a regular basis. I am working on a marketing strategy and branding. Perseverance will pay off!

[Former_Member]

1, I studied Fashion Textiles with Business Studies at the University of Brighton in the UK where I specialised in knitwear. After I graduated I taught myself to crochet and then it all started from there. I began selling my designs at Spitalfields market in London and then sold online- I was recommended Etsy by a friend.

2, Although I studied business in my degree- I am definitely no business woman- I love designing more than anything but it is the business side that I find difficult (promoting etc) Although I know Etsy is a good and established online shop- I still need to learn the tricks of the trade in how to make my shop successful.

3, My advice for new sellers would be to keep up with the hard work! I feel like I am still a newbie and am learning lots all the time- but I think that once you get to understand what to do to get noticed (treasuries, favourites etc) then your customers will flock to you.

[Former_Member]

Hi! Love to be featured on Handmadeology!

1. It all began in 2010 when my daughter said, "I don't want real flowers for my wedding. I want you to make me a button bouquet!" I said, "What?" So we threw a button stringing party with her bridesmaids, served wine and cheese and everyone strung their buttons in their style. I put all of the bouquets together with my touches. They were a hit and I needed a new job after being laid off from an insurance agency. A friend of mine suggested etsy, which I had never heard of at the time! Angela's Artistic Bouquets began from that

2. What have you learned about business since you launched your Etsy shop? Everything! How to price, market, what is selling, SEO. How to reach out to fellow etsians, photographing my products, social marketing, starting a blog and a FB page.

3. Tell us one piece of advice for new sellers. Learn everything you can about SEO after you've decided what you are creating and have photographed it. Then keep at it because it's constantly changing!

4. When a new story is published help spread the word via Twitter, Facebook , bookmarking, or blogging.

Thanks so much!

[vfitzartist]

1. I have always loved drawing - I started drawing young and loved copying the cartoon characters like Sailor Moon, I would then make up my own characters and costumes! I did all the art subjects in high school and then went onto Art School at university. I loved it. Unfortunately the fees and materials were so expensive I had to quit after the first year. I was really discouraged and didn't think that I could make any money from art.
I went onto work in hotels and offices and didn't draw or paint for quite some time. After a work incident this year I had enough - I didn't want to be taken advantage of and I wanted to be my own boss.
I found Etsy in March 2013 and had a look at some of the success stories - I though if they could do it why couldn't I? I have been creating and marketing ever since. It is a lot of work but I hope it will pay off for me.
2. I have learnt about marketing yourself and creating a cohesive shop/brand that will be recognizable. Sometimes I want to create something and I think "Does this reflect my shop?" Those items may have to wait until late to be shown :)
3. Keep evolving and keep refining your shop. Learn how to take awesome pictures and research SEO.

[Former_Member]

1. I started making jewelry for myself several years ago and then for my friends and their friends and so on. I opened my profile on Etsy also several years ago but I uploaded my first items only 2 days ago. It was because my box with jewelry for sale was almost always empty as my friends and family 'checked' what was new in it. So I don't have any sale on Etsy but I hope people will like it as my friends do.
2. What I've learnt? A lot ... before the real opening I read many things at Etsy, then marketing, branding, social networks and at least but not at last taking photos. But I can't say 'I've learnt' better is 'I'm still learning'. And what was the worst? Definitely taking photos because I have only a small and cheap digital compact camera, that is difficult to master, especially in bad light conditions (rainy, cloudy days). But I won - as you can see, my photos are really good ones nowadays. It was also one of the reasons why I didn't open my shop sooner.
3. And my advice for new sellers? Be patient and never give up. ♥

[CCsSoapinaPouch]

1. My sister Donna told me about Etsy and encouraged me to join. I have been sewing since I was a child and now I make soap too. Soap making was started as a therapeutic measure on my part which is now becoming my small business on Etsy. I have a soaping store and a handbag store here at Etsy. So happy my sister told me about Etsy. I love it here!

2. Etsy has taught me how to reach out and become part of teams where we learn from each other. No man is an island. Together, we're always stronger. I'm learning how to cater to customers to gain repeat sales and SEO.

3. My advice to new sellers is to join a team and reach out to other sellers to help you on your way to success.

Thank you Etsy!

[madebystephaniestore]

I would love to be featured on handmadelogy!

1. I started making cards for my friends during college. I hand embossed, die-cutted, etc. I love to play with typography as well as how I can use positive and negative spaces. After birthday cards it spread to Valentine's Day cards, Christmas cards and more. I finally opened my shop on Etsy last December after family and friends both convinced me I could turn my hobby into something more.

2. In the past 8 months, I have learned quite a bit. First, photography is VERY important. Second, tell everyone about your business-word of mouth is key! Networking is extremely important whether it is through friends, Etsy forums, contacting bloggers, etc.

3. I would tell any new shop seller that patience is key. It will be hard at first, but just keep trying.

Thanks so much!

[Former_Member]

1. I started sewing long ago when a friend of mine in high school had dreams of being a fashion designer, she taught me the basics. But I didn't sew after that for many years. I picked it up again after having kids for something fun to do in my spare time, but fell in love with creating patterns and new designs and before long had more bags and skirts than any one woman needs!

I started making jewelry about 15 years ago, it was basically that I was looking for certain things that I couldn't find. I happened to be in Micheals one day and saw some beads that I fell in love with, I bought what I thought I needed to make a necklace.....in reality it was about half of what I needed, but I eventually got it figured out, and haven't turned back since.

I'm basically self taught (other than the help with the basics from my high school bestie, my Mama and my Grandma with the sewing basics) both in sewing and jewelry design and making. They are both creative outlets and passions for me!

I actually opened my shop after my sister kept bugging me to do so, she thought I had some great designs and that everything I made was so well done that I should give it a shot....so after some consideration and pushing from her I went ahead and opened PhreshThreadz. She was even the inspiration behind the name.

2. Mostly I have learned about online retail and everything that goes along with that. I had a pretty good understanding of the bookkeeping aspect of running a business, but I had no idea how to market and manage an online retail business. I had never even had any experience with retail at all other than the little i learned from a marketing class i took many years ago. But I love learning new things and applying new ideas to help my little business grow!

3. My biggest piece of advice would be to prepare yourself and get organized as best you can before setting up shop. I went into this blind, and it took me a very long time to get my shop and brand organized to a point that I'm happy with it. Not to say that those things can't change, because they will change most definitely, but I have wished many times that I had done more research and prepared myself more prior to opening up shop.

Thanks for the opportunity to share my story and the possibility that it may be shared on your blog!

[Former_Member]

1. Tell us your Etsy story.. how you got started in your craft and how you started selling on Etsy.

I was unemployed due to down sizing at the insurance agency I was working for. It was 3 months before my wedding! I spent the time in wedding preparations for my wedding and for my daughter's wedding 6 months later.

I've always been artistic and crafty but when my daughter asked me to make her wedding bouquet out of buttons, I had no idea what she was talking about! We had a button stringing party with the bridal party complete with wine and cheese. I finished the bouquets and hers was so stunning!

Well, I needed to work and didn't want to go back to the office. So I decided to see if there was market for button bouquets. That was the beginning of my business.

In the meantime, my artistic savvy friend turned me on to etsy. I had never heard of it! Etsy became the platform for my business and has remained my main income source.

I've since expanded to included brooch bouquets and real touch flowers as well as elements like feathers, silk, crystals, lace.

2. What have you learned about business since you launched your Etsy shop?

Wow! How to take photographs for listing for one! I've learned about SEO's, tags, social media and pricing!

3. Tell us one piece of advice for new sellers. You won't get found in cyperspace without proper SEO. Research and learn as much as you can about it!

4. When a new story is published help spread the word via Twitter, Facebook , bookmarking, or blogging.

Yes! I have a FB, twitter, pinterest and blog!

[Former_Member]

My name is Jonna Vaughn, and I am a Cincinnati native transplanted to the small town of Fairview Tennessee, just outside of Nashville. I am a glass artist specializing currently in fused glass, although I got started in stained glass windows when I first moved to Tennessee in 2000,

Although I do love my little town (we just got our second traffic light wootwoot!), it is about a 40 mile drive to "town" (Nashville). There are no real source for supplies locally, so I do all of my ordering online from reputable glass companies but I wouldn't trade the country living, the quiet outside, wildlife, and friendly front porch waves for anything.

My full time corporate job left me with weekends only to market my glass doing festivals and art shows. After several years I knew I had to find another way and the ETSY shop was born!

Being an ETSY rookie, I underestimated the amount of time that I now know should have been dedicated to my ETSY shop. Not long after the shop opened, I was discouraged by the lack of sales (although my first sale was to Johnny Cash's daughter!). I guess I must have just thought that if I listed it, they would come. Well....they didn't... and somewhere in there I was learning the world of fusing and the commitment to my shop crumbled.

Fast forward a few years...I had learned a new level of glass artistry to share, gained some confidence and stopped poking my lip out so I was back to the ETSY drawing board. I blew the dust off of my shop, set out my new pretty things and open the doors once again.

With the holidays coming, I am feverishly stockpiling finished pendants like a little squirrel. I typically take a break from festivals and shows during the hot summer months and spend that time preparing inventory for the fall festival season. Once I make it through the holidays, it's time to take the winter hours and start preparing for the springtime shows. It took me a few seasons to get out of the "oh my gosh I don't have enough stuff to take to this weekend" mode, where I stayed up like a vampire and ran the kiln so much I got a holiday card from the power company.

My current goal is to get to and keep my shop inventory level at about 300 pieces. One step at a time, right?

I try to keep people engaged in the shop and Facebook page www.facebook.com/Tnglassstainsdichroicglass
Fans of the FB page get a discount code for 10% (hey, it cover's shipping!) as do repeat customers. You will also find a monthly dichroic pendant giveaway on the FB page. Following the entry rules is like falling out of bed, and the winner is selected and posted on the page the 1st of very month. Best of all, the winner gets to select their own prize from anything in the shop!

If I had to give any advice to an ETSY newcomer, it would be to learn from my mistakes.....engage with ETSY- participate in the forums and teams. You will get lots of support, make some great friends, gather best practices from others and get the sales going. Treat your shop as you would a physical business and commit the right amount of time to grow it. It won't all come in a day, a week, or a month. But mostly...don't get discouraged and keep finding ways to improve. I am still doing all of these myself!

[Former_Member]

Over the summer, I was going to take this class on making jewelry, but when I found out that the class did not provide the materials and we had to buy our own, I cancelled it. I decided to buy a jewelry kit instead. At first, it seemed complicated, but then I started to get the hang of it and was enjoying it. Afterwards, my Mom told me about an Oprah special that Oprah did on Etsy and I got the idea of starting a handmade beaded jewelry business on Etsy. I then bought beads, findings, supplies, and tools. I started off making matching sets and then branched out to making whatever earrings, bracelets, and earrings I felt like making without making them match. I then started to figure out how to run Etsy, took a lot of trial and error. First I had just adult jewelry and as of a couple weeks ago, I started making children, tween, and teen jewelry to add to the site. I advertise via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, business cards, and local advertising on bulletin boards. October 5th, I'll be in my first craft show.

I learned that business on Etsy is a tough market and it takes a lot of getting used to. Not everyday, there is going to be sales. It takes a lot of advertising as well. Awesome photos and descriptions draw people in. October 5th is going to be my first craft show, hoping it will get my name on the board.

It is important that you enjoy making what you do. There is also no need to post everything at once. Post a few a week to get started and see what people are saying about it. If something gets popular or if there is a sale, then you know what to make more of. Last piece of advice I can give you is to be patient. Not everyday will be a sale. It takes a lot of trial and error.

[MayBrady]

1. Tell us your Etsy story.. how you got started in your craft and how you started selling on Etsy.

I learned to sew the old-fashioned way: from my Mum when I was 7 years old in my hometown of Auckland, New Zealand. She was very encouraging (and patient!), guiding me through my sometimes crazy creations all throughout my youth.

My real interest lies in costume history, I'm forever working styles, techniques and materials from days gone by into something new and practical for the modern day. In particular vintage scarves... I'm scarf crazy!

When it came time for university, I turned up for my first day of a linguistics degree and couldn't walk through the front door. An impassioned plea to the head of department at a nearby university offering a fashion degree saw a complete change in my life direction: I started the next day, working toward an industrial knitwear technician certification. I Followed up with a Bachelor of Arts (Fashion Technology), specialising in costume for stage and screen.

Somehow I ended up in the corporate world, where my daily life couldn't be any further from what I'd studied for the past five years. I migrated to Australia and finally settled in Melbourne, a cultural and creative melting pot. That's when I bought industrial sewing machines and set up a workroom to feed my creative desires. There's nothing that says "this is my home now" more than several tons of machinery, furniture and materials. All bets were on.

I'd make outfits for friends and knick-knacks for my home, which incidentally was an unconverted warehouse that used be the storage level of a furnishings department store about a century ago. Yes, plenty of room for experiements!

After turning a few dozen vintage scarves into cushion covers and receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors, I discovered Etsy and decided to try my hand at selling. Online selling was the perfect environment to find out how my wares would fare in a real marketplace, without all the hassle and risk of the "real marketplace".

Several years on and would you believe I've taken the plunge and opened a bricks & mortar store, a shop called Robe in Fitzroy, Melbourne. I still create with simliar inspirations and materials, but I find Etsy allows me broader creative freedom, I'm not tied down to a certain look or theme, I can spread my wings...

2. What have you learned about business since you launched your Etsy shop?

Customer experience is key. My customers are my livelihood and I pride myself on delivering exactly what I've described as efficiently and effectively as I possibly can. I'll bend over backwards for my customers.

Don't delay the boring stuff. Yes, it's a business and as a proprietor you now have certain responsibilities. I routinely address record keeping and book my accountant in advance ready for tax time. No-one likes it, but the trick is to make it as painless as possible and it frees you up from the stress of last-minute rushing (and the shock of a huge tax bill, yikes).

3. Tell us one piece of advice for new sellers

Keep it simple. Start with a small run of items and focus on doing everything well: excellent products, great photos, accurate descriptions, fully functioning payment options, a nice clean tidy shop.

Have your postage and packaging prepared in advance, don't leave it until you have a sale, you may find it's more expensive than you'd guessed and/or it may delay sending your item, which isn't fair on your customer who's eagerly awaiting their treasure from your shop.

Don't over-do it: less is more. Yes, I'm repeating myself, but I can't stress this enough.

Join up with a couple of teams and participate regularly. They're your support and often you'll find it's an excellent way to promote your store whilst feeling like you're a part of the community. Before you know it, you'll be helping others, too!

[Former_Member]

Designers Uptown Market: September 28, 2013

http://pascalesstudio.blogspot.com/

[SimpleKnitShop]

1. Tell us your Etsy story.. how you got started in your craft and how you started selling on Etsy.

I've been knitting for over 25 years - made lots and lots of gifts for family and friends. My college room mates told me about etsy, and we came up with my business plan over brunch and mimosas one Sunday.

2. What have you learned about business since you launched your Etsy shop?

Pricing is tricky and vital to get right. Figure out your perfect customer and your target market. .

3. Tell us one piece of advice for new sellers.

Tell EVERYONE you know about your business

[Former_Member]

I've always loved art in it's many forms. Taking photos, creating objects, drawing, painting, pretty much everything. I stumbled on Etsy and thought it would be a great way to share what I've done with others as well as having an outlet for my creative energy. I've started with art photography and have plans to expand my shop next with clay art collectibles. I have learned alot about ecommerce from all of the informative tools available on Etsy. My advice to others is to never stop researching and learning and to have fun with it all.

[LunaEssence]

http://lunaessence.blogspot.com/

[Former_Member]

1.I found Etsy after realizing my love of industrial elements with pretty lace, corsets, top hats…was Steampunk. I always was fond of the genre, but I didn’t know it had a name! I started looking up Steampunk jewelry, clothes, etc., and found Etsy. I have always loved to create my own jewelry, and as I saw that others like me were doing it; So, I thought to myself: “I can do this!” and started making items for just the occasion.

2.I have learned the magic of networking goes a long way! Talk to people with similar interests, and help each other to grow and develop. I am fairly new in my shop, but talking and meeting new people has helped me on so many levels. I would also say, learning the value that less can be more. Quality images and items speaks louder than a multitude of mediocre products.
3.Start small! Network!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/HrlmAdornments

[Former_Member]

1. I took the faith of leap and left my full-time job that gave me the financial security for the past twenty years. I was scared, at the same time I was so determined to make it even though I had no clear direction for how I wanted to pursue my art. In fact, I did not even know how to paint! To make the long story short, during the holiday season in 2010, I created a bunch of mini-size farm animal paintings for a local gallery. To my biggest and most wonderful surprise, they turned out to be a big hit. As a brand new artist who had never sold anything in the entire life, it was beyond excitement. I did not even know if there was anyone would buy something I created. I was ecstatic! The gallery kept asking me to bring in more, and I ended up creating almost 50 paintings, and they were all sold out in two weekends. That’s when I decided to create prints instead of selling originals so that I could approach more retailers to expand my business. I contacted a local printer to find out how much it would cost to make giclee prints. When he saw my artwork, he suggested me to check out Etsy, which I had never heard of back then. That was the beginning of my adventure on Etsy! And, I am still grateful of him for suggesting Etsy.

2. Mix a cupful of commitment, patience, faith, and kindness in a big bowl of passion. When they are blended well, add a dash of spice called “sense of humor”, and bake it with lots of love and care. That is the recipe for my healthy and successful business! With all the incredible technologies available on today’s market, starting business became so easy. At the same time, it has also become fiercely competitive. By running a shop on Etsy, I learned that I cannot cut the corner. In order to bake a yummy wholesome pie called “nicki nicki gallery', I cannot substitute or cut out any of those ingredients.

3. I am sure many people have heard of this before, but I also must to say, “Do what you love to do.” Because if you do, even though you may be working harder than ever before, you will still enjoy it. It will become your life style instead of your job. And, if you enjoy what you do, the rest will follow. Also, do what feels right for you. There are many different ways to achieve success. Certain strategies work wonderfully for some people, but not for everyone. If you try something that is supposed to be a golden tip, but it did not work for you, it doesn’t mean you failed at all. When I started considering selling my art at retailers, I heard from so many people and read on so many blogs that dropping in and approaching stores to sell artwork is the biggest “No No” in today’s market. Yet, that is how I established business with all my retail customers. I know another very successful artist who has broken into the market the same way. I am now selling my artwork at several different stores, and I have great relationships with them. I believe it comes down to how you feel about it, and how you do it.

[VESNAjewelryART]

TRANSFER OF CONSCIOUSNESS earrings
http://vesna-kolobaric-art.blogspot.com/2013/10/svijesti-transfer-of-consciousness-cro.html

[Former_Member]

New DIY beads:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/167736195/15-inches-strand-of-black-cracked-agate?ref=shop_home_active
https://www.etsy.com/listing/167653094/15-inches-strand-of-blue-crystal-glass?ref=listing-shop-heade...
https://www.etsy.com/listing/167650712/15-inches-strand-of-natural-pink-and?ref=shop_home_active
https://www.etsy.com/listing/167640372/15-inches-strand-of-pink-coral-smooth?ref=shop_home_active
https://www.etsy.com/listing/167641850/155-inches-strand-of-brown-tibetan-agate?ref=shop_home_active

[Former_Member]

Thanks for favorite my shop, will get back to you!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/mctopart