After returning to work 4 months after maternity leave, Christine of chocolateandsteel knew it just wasn’t for her anymore. She had a passion for working with her hands, and really missed her new son while back at her day job; so she made a plan. She took two weeks vacation from work and in that two weeks tested how her Etsy sales would be effected when she put all that extra time into her jewelry business. She ended up making more money in that two weeks than she did regularly at her day job; and that was when she knew she was ready to take the plunge. Keep reading to find out how Christine can live off of her Etsy sales while raising a child with her husband and to learn more about her, please take a look at the video she made for her handmade story.
When you first started selling on Etsy did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
I
had far flung dreams of quitting my day job before even hearing about
Etsy. Once I found Etsy and saw the success of many other sellers then
I had goals of quitting my day job. It actually seemed plausible.
How long were you selling on Etsy before taking the plunge into selling full time?
I was on maternity leave when I discovered Etsy. I originally started
selling on Etsy just to help make a few bucks while on leave. 4 months
after having my son I went back to work full time. I was so miserable.
I was sleep deprived and missed my son which seemed to magnify the real
problem – I was completely unfulfilled in my job. My husband encouraged me
to put more time and energy into my jewelry and less into my job. So
after 6 months of being on Etsy selling a little here and a little
there I took a huge risk – I took 2 weeks off from my job. It was an
experiment to see what would happen if I put all of that time I was
working at my regular job into making and selling jewelry. In those 2
weeks I made more on Etsy than I did at my regular job. Once those 2
weeks ended I notified my employer that I would not be coming back.
Woohoo! It was so exciting and even more scary.
What was the deciding factor resulting in your pursuing Etsy as your full time job?
At
the core of my decision was my lack of fulfillment. I really enjoy
working with my hands and being creative. While my full time job
started off like that, over time as the company grew and my position
became more refined it lost all of the things I loved about it.
Did
you do anything to prepare ahead of time before taking the plunge?
Not really. I kinda flew by the seat of my
pants. I obviously had to research all of the necessary licenses that I
needed. Turns out you need both a state and city tax permit. Who knew!
Some things I have just learned the hard way. Google has been my best
friend. I’m sure there are more effective ways to set up a business
though.
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business and what’s you’re best marketing tip?
The
single most effective way has been craft shows. The best one was
Renegade San Francisco. I got a lot of press and publicity from doing
such a great show, not to mention all of the wonderful people I met
there. I still have orders flowing in from the Bay area. I hope to do
more big shows like that and I’d love to travel to Chicago and Brooklyn
as well.
I am an avid blog reader. I read so many design blogs,
just because I love to. Then I visit the bloggers they listed on their
blog rolls. Then I visit those people’s blog rolls and so on and so
forth. I could spend all day reading blogs if I had the time. Blogs
have been effective for me because I participate. I comment on people’s
blogs and I send in submissions. I just love making stuff so I have
gotten blog mentions for anything from interior design (my apartment
was featured on Design*Sponge) to crafty projects. Not everything has
been jewelry related. But I have a feeling most people are nosy like
me. I always check out people’s shops or sites regardless of what they
are featured for.
My best marketing tip is that when people
ask what you do – TELL THEM! I no longer say, “I’m a stay at home mom”.
I say, “I’m a jewelry artist. Here’s my card. I work with fine silver…
oh, this is one of the pieces that I made.” {show new acquaintance
necklace that I am wearing}
What have you found to be unsuccessful promotion or something that’s just not working for your shop?
I hate to say it but blog advertising has not really worked, which sucks because I spent money on it!
Would you walk us through what a typical workday might entail being your own boss?
- I
wake up when my son wakes up – usually at 7:30 with him yelling from
his room “mommmmmmmmmy wake uuuuuuup!” (I’m not a morning person.) - We
eat breakfast together and then he watches Mickey Mouse and I check my
emails, quickly read some blogs, relist items that sold overnight
(thanks Australia – you always make my mornings nice). - My son and
I then walk the dogs and he rides his bike. We come back in and while
he eats a snack I print out my orders for the day. - We are off to
do fun and wonderful outdoorsy things. This is when inspiration usually
strikes that’s why there are so many nature themes in my work. - When
he naps in the afternoon. I get cracking. First I package any orders
that need to be shipped and drop them in our postal box before 4pm.
Then I get started on new pieces. The afternoon is also the perfect
time to photograph new pieces. The light is perfect around 3pm. - This
schedule has been increasingly difficult because my son is not napping
every day now. But next week he starts preschool in the afternoons and
I will get 3 1/2 hours 4 days a week to work. I can’t wait! - Back to family stuff until I put my son to bed at night around 8:30. Then I work again from 9 to midnight.
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job and is there anything you miss?
I
love the feeling I get every single time a piece sells. I’m still in
awe that someone is willing to pay money for something that I created.
It’s the greatest feeling in the world. I really miss the
steady income and benefits from my old job. Creating a budget was
incredibly easier when I knew how much money was coming in every month.
If you could go back in time before you took the plunge, what advice would you give yourself knowing what you know now?
I
don’t believe in regrets at all. So this isn’t a regret but I realize
that it would have been a lot easier to take this plunge before having
a baby. Our expenses increased a lot after having a child so that
really adds to the stress. But I probably would not have been as
motivated to take the plunge and the risk if I didn’t have the desire
to be home for my son. As far as business advice, I would
instruct myself to conserve earlier. Luckily my plunge to
self-employment has coincided with the desire to live a simpler
existence. It would have been nice had I done that a little earlier and
not spent so much money on unnecessary things. Living a simple
existence in Los Angeles is not an easy thing to do. I am surrounded by
people with expensive homes, clothing, cars and strollers (you would
not believe some of these strollers – I saw a stroller that was a
vespa). But something about pursuing my art has brought me back to my
roots. I enjoy gardening and cooking and shopping at the local farmer’s
markets. I have to give a shout out to my favorite blog here. Wolfie
and the Sneak!
What advice would you give someone else thinking about taking the plunge to sell full time on Etsy?
1. You have to believe in your work
2. Sell at craft shows. Even if they end up not being the most profitable the contacts that you make will be priceless. (Craft Show & Events How-Tos)
3.
Work on your photography constantly. Even if it takes 3 hours to get
one good picture. Online the only thing you’ve got is your picture. (Photography How-Tos)
4.
Provide excellent customer service. Even if your feelings are hurt by
someone’s comments always remain professional, friendly and generous.
Really generous! (Service Tips for Sellers Series)
5. Do everything you can to create a strong online
presence. Post on blogs, have a blog, participate in groups (Flickr,
Etsy forums, Etsy teams, trade groups, local events).
6. And now for my soapbox speech:
I
think it’s really important to acknowledge that even though we are
selling primarily online and it’s seems anonymous, it’s not. We are all
people with something great in common – a creative passion and a desire
to follow our dreams. I’m shocked sometimes at the communication I see
in the forums between people. When I meet people in real life that sell on
Etsy there is an instant camaraderie because we know we share a goal.
That attitude should be there in all of our communication. It will only
serve your business well.
How’s it going so far, are you supporting yourself?
It’s
going really well. My husband is a freelance writer so sometimes having
two freelance incomes can become terrifying. Sometimes it’s great
though. We piggyback on each other when one has a good month and one
has a challenging month. And then sometimes we freak out together
because we are both completely broke (August has been tough!). I
am certainly “supporting” myself but I am still working towards
stability. We are more “hand to mouth” than we’ve ever been before but
my wonderful friends always remind me how far I’ve come in one year. I
am managing to hold on but looking forward to increasing my business at
the same rate or greater within the next year. Putting it
into perspective, by leaving my corporate job I have traded one stress
for another – emptiness and unfulfillment for lack of stability. But I
realize that if I continue to pursue my business with the passion that
I have, that lack of stability will decrease. While had I stayed in my
corporate job that unfulfillment would have only gotten worse.
What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
I’ve got so many exciting things in the works right now. One of which I can’t reveal just yet and it’s killing me. I
did a collaboration with Boygirlparty that turned out so great! I will be
working on a couple more collaborations with some of my most favorite
Etsy artists. I also hope to release a collection of rings in October
(I’ve been saying this since May, so fingers crossed). While I
do have specific sales goals for my Etsy business, I try not to focus on
that too much. I think it will service my business better to focus on
keeping my shop fresh and exciting with new pieces and great art.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I
really appreciate all of the support I have received from Etsy, Etsy
sellers, and Etsy buyers. I really am one of those cases that can say,
“Etsy changed my life”. Thanks!
Thanks to Christine for sharing
their story and business with us! Check out the related items below to
see some of their items. You can
find some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.
111 comments
Sign in to add your ownSeaFindDesigns says:
WTG Christine! Good for you! Nothing better than working from home!
3 years ago
pickleberries says:
Loved the article, thank you! My fave piece is the sunshine necklace because when my princess was tiny I used to sing the song to her. One of my most memorable days was when we were in a restaurant and she tugged me over to her high chair. She could barely talk, but put her mouth up to my ear and sang me the song. The best serenade ever, thanks for reminding me!
3 years ago
madebymavis says:
Very inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story!
3 years ago
Tresijas says:
Her work is fantastic!!! This is a great article and an inspiration for anyone that wants to work from home. Thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
NicoAndMooMoo says:
brave and talented, good luck!
3 years ago
littlebylace says:
There's hope for us all ;)
3 years ago
DancingMooney says:
Congrats on the promotion! It's always inspiring to read these stories! ♥
3 years ago
pulpsushi says:
What a great shop and AMEN on the advice you give, soapbox and all! :)
3 years ago
sillylittlelady says:
What a great idea to take two weeks off for "practice" wonderful! I believe I will try that :)
3 years ago
CrowbirdieBeads says:
Thank you so much for the injection of optimism! And I especially enjoyed the comments about how we interact on line with each other and how important it is. Good luck Christine with your work and congratulations on following your passion.
3 years ago
pookietown says:
great designs! I have a new favorite! :)
3 years ago
HomemadeZen says:
beautiful work!
3 years ago
littledoodles1 says:
Christine,Don't ever give up. You can have a succesful business because you want it bad enough. You are headed in the right direction.
3 years ago
samann1121 says:
I love these stories! They make my week! Thanks, Storque!
3 years ago
dogties says:
Amazing!
3 years ago
Selkiemoonlight says:
Congrats on your collaboration with BoyGirlParty. I love your work and Susie's! and thanks for the very inspiring article. :-)
3 years ago
sihaya09 says:
Great advice! :)
3 years ago
WingsDove says:
Wonderfully honest account of living life on your own terms. Many challenges but also very rewarding.
3 years ago
missevilkitty2 says:
congrats
3 years ago
ModFarmgirl says:
Congratulations Christine! Great and inspiring article! LOVE your work! Here's to wishing you continued success. Cheers!
3 years ago
visionquest says:
woo hoo, christine!! her work is almost as fantastic as she is sweet! congrats!!
3 years ago
tinysparkles says:
Very inspiring! Congrats!
3 years ago
petalandpink says:
Congrats! Such an inspiring story.
3 years ago
PamperingBeki says:
What a great article!! I featured chocolateandsteel on my blog over a year ago. I knew I was onto something good. ;-)
3 years ago
MonogrammingByTammy says:
great advice. thanks for your great insight! btw: you have some very beautiful pieces!!
3 years ago
MsFabric says:
I absolutely love your work. Definitely an inspiring article. I recently was laid off from my job and I'm trying to figure out how to make my Etsy dream come true so I don't have to go back and work for the "man" Keep up the Quit Your Day Job series!
3 years ago
boygirlparty says:
yay christine!! i met christine at a craft show here in san diego, she couldn't be sweeter -- congrats on all you've done, lady!
3 years ago
Valleycreations says:
Awesome! It's so great to see artists achieving their dreams! I'm super-inspired by those with children!
3 years ago
elisasherejewelry says:
I am SO inspired! I love Christine's story.
3 years ago
beautymarkbeads says:
The photo of your son mailing packages is so cute. My little boy does the same thing...kids love a mail box! Congrats on you success!
3 years ago
DesignsbyMandie says:
So glad I read this article! I identified with so much of what you said. I went back to work 3 months after my daughter was born. I lasted a month. I just had to get out of the corporate rat race and be with my daughter and do something I can believe in. I'm just trying to get started with Etsy, trying to learn all I can. It is a challenge, but reading this has renewed my belief that I can do it! Thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
marymary says:
I died over that mailbox pic too! So cute!
3 years ago
KalliopeGifts says:
Thank you for the wonderfully inspiring article! Congratulations Christine, best of luck to you!
3 years ago
jenniferdennispotter says:
Wow, so inspiring, I loved this story and the beautiful jewelry. Thanks!
3 years ago
wolfieandthesneak says:
oh my goodness! I feel so honored!
3 years ago
metaldreamer says:
Your article was an inspiring read and thank you for penning it. If you decide to work more with gemstones let me know. I know a tone of gem cutters.
3 years ago
cuddlycozy says:
Thank you for the insight! I look forward to these positve stories of success. Nothing worth it is easy! Yep, I tell myself that everyday to encourage myself. Continued success to you and your family! Thank you also for the inspiration. I know that I am not alone when I say "I truly believe in the clothing I make. It has to go further." My family also has been very supportive and encouraging. I am in awe each day when I cruise around Etsy and see the beutiful and unique items which people envision and make. Good luck to us all in the upcoming holiday season!
3 years ago
nicholasandfelice says:
Yay chocolateandsteel! I've always loved your shop name.
3 years ago
MissEmmasCloset says:
I absolutely LOVE the Quit Your Day Job series. This one has especially touched me. I too feel horrible every time I have to go to work and leave my kiddos, especially since my littlest one is horribly disabled. It is great to hear of the people who "make it" here on Etsy. chocolateandsteel, you are truly an inspiration. Thanks for the story! alison.
3 years ago
BrokenMemories says:
Thank you for the great article!
3 years ago
happydayart says:
Yay for you Christine! Nice article. Catherine
3 years ago
tracysniftytreasures says:
Great Job! Your article is an inspiration to me, as I am just starting out. Thanks for all the great tips.
3 years ago
jonahbonah says:
You have inspired to get off my bum and go work!!! :o) Melissa
3 years ago
kylieB says:
Oh wow what a fantastic story!
3 years ago
charlieandsarah says:
I love these stories. They are so inspiring. Keep them coming.
3 years ago
KisforCalligraphy says:
Christine, you deserve the spotlight cause you make everything shine with your beautiful creations! Congrats and all my best!
3 years ago
gardengatedesigns says:
What an inspiration. Good luck to you and all your future endeavors. Rosemary, Gardengatedesigns
3 years ago
soulyyours says:
Congrats Christine!!!!!!
3 years ago
WrenWillow says:
Yay for this incredible inspirational story!
3 years ago
Toxicguineapigs says:
Inspiring! :) I love this series.
3 years ago
nfall2rt says:
Very inspiring story! I'm attempting this too, although, I am not so much as trying to quit my day job, but have not gotten a day job :( I had to move, and give up my old job, so now, there's little to be found in my field! Yuk. So crossing my fingers that etsy will work out.... Thanks for all of the advice and encouragement your story offers us!
3 years ago
harvesttextiles says:
Such a lovely article. Quit your day job is one of my favorites.
3 years ago
anadeau says:
Best of luck!! You're day sounds pretty much like mine!! Being generous is such a great tip, and if feels good, too!! Thanks for some GREAT advice!!
3 years ago
loda says:
Your story was great! I admire anyone that can quit their day job to do something they love. Just work hard and I know you will be successful. The mail box pic is great!
3 years ago
FrogPrincessCouture says:
One of my favorite reads on the storque! SO happy for you, Christine. From one mama to another, you go girl! I love all your work! :) Chelle~
3 years ago
vanwertdesigns says:
You are a great inspiration. Everytime I go to my job as a nurse, I keep wondering if I'm doing what I really want to do. I create jewelry part-time,and have been on etsy for only a short time, and I truly appreciate your perspective and to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel...Your designs are really beautiful! Congratulations and best wishes!
3 years ago
juelladesigns says:
Such an inspiration and a charming story! Your work is beautiful!
3 years ago
JTaylerDesigns says:
Very inspiring, especially for a newbie! Thank you for sharing!! Many more successes and blessing to you!
3 years ago
SusannahTucker says:
This was a great read - and a huge inspiration to me. Your work is beautiful!
3 years ago
sassyteedesigns says:
I love theses stories. I hope to there someday soon. Thanks
3 years ago
AGlimpseofHeaven says:
That would be great to work from home!!! WHat a fun job, keep up the good work.
3 years ago
LushPunk says:
Wonderful article - as others have said: inspiring! :D
3 years ago
paolafrusteri says:
very nice story...so etsy shop it's great to allow a family way to work...I do similar .
3 years ago
FluteTeacher says:
Lovely story. Thanks!
3 years ago
rafya says:
very inspire ! good luck for you !
3 years ago
happywhosits says:
I love to read these quit your day job stories, and this one was one of the best! Eileen...
3 years ago
MeadowbelleMarket says:
Thanks for sharing each minute detail of your day. Really! So kind of you to share all your tips for success as well as speaking openly and honestly about the challenges.
3 years ago
bumblebellydesigns says:
It is wonderful to read about another moms day - juggling it all. Bravo! You are an inspiration and thanks for sharing all your tips and experience. Cheers, Amy :)
3 years ago
mmcdesignz says:
I love these stories, it gives me the extra push to one day do the same. You go girl. Marie
3 years ago
ItsLuluToYou says:
I wanna be like you when I grow up! :)
3 years ago
RoseLake says:
I really loved this story. It gives me inspiration for my own jewelry shop which will be open October 31! I can't wait. Congratulations chocolateandsteel!
3 years ago
ElementsbyJulie says:
Christine,thank you for a wonderful and truthful story. I got alot out of it. I can tell how much you love your work..because it shows! Continued success :)
3 years ago
chocolateandsteel says:
I'm inspired by you being inspired by my inspiring story:) I really do mean it. Thanks to everyone for your kind words. You all just made me so happy!
3 years ago
Sascalia says:
Really inspiring! Thanks!
3 years ago
LexyArt says:
Oh, if I keep reading these I'm going to end up blurting out something nasty to my boss that I can't take back!! I do at least work from home, though it is still for someone else. One day it won't be :) And how awesome is it to know and believe it IS possible? Please keep this series coming. Every story is such a boost! And best of luck Christine!!
3 years ago
kokobee says:
good for you Christine! this is a great interview and i loved reading that you're a workin'-at-home-mama. it's a challenging balance!
3 years ago
lillyella says:
My mom recently turned me onto her shop - great interview!!
3 years ago
DawnMilstrey says:
Thanks for the words of encouragement! I am new to Etsy. I recently made my first sale and it really IS a great feeling! Dawn
3 years ago
sonyarasi says:
Your story is very inspiring! I met you at a craft show in WeHo and you gave me great tips on why to sell on etsy. Thank you.I finally put my site up.
3 years ago
Kiie says:
So inspiring :)
3 years ago
LeahSutton says:
...fantastic work you are soo inspiring! My future plan is to do exactly the same if I ever have children.
3 years ago
THEHAUNTEDATTIC says:
I LOVE IT!!! GREAT WORK
3 years ago
maggiesraggedyinn says:
Bravo on all your hard work.Your jewelery is really nice and you are an inspiration to other etsy entreprenneurs.I am new to etsy and am just learning how it all works. I hope that some day I will be able to be where you are, and yes I understand how important it is to be at home with your child, they do grow up fast. I wish you much success.
3 years ago
paperandinkling says:
So inspiring! Balancing of having faith in your own talent & reality of life (budget, bills, etc.) is always a challenge to most of us. But I do have such a respect for you for taking this plunge and hope all the best! Good luck and look forward to see more beautiful things you create!
3 years ago
BeadsBySam says:
really inspiring..I'm hoping to do the same in the future. Now got to put it on hold as my baby due very soon. :D
3 years ago
fabp0416 says:
wooow! Good For You!! GREAT WORK!
3 years ago
hippiechicboutique says:
I needed the reminder to actually TELL others you meet about what you do. Blogging is a fever I haven't caught...yet. Got to look into that soon. I appreciate your words of experience.
3 years ago
JillieBeanz says:
congrats! how inspiring......I just had a baby myself so I know how you feel!
3 years ago
LittleBitsChic says:
Congtatulations on your success! I absolutely love your story my shop was opened and inspired by my baby and you have just increased my desire to put forth the effort to make it successful. THanks for sharing your story.
3 years ago
solux says:
Thanks so much for the inspiration. What you said about the Arts & Craft Shows is so important. Even a show that does not produce a hugh profit can lead to valuable contacts for further sales. I've picked up so wholesale stores for my candles at some of these shows. During the summer and fall I have a show almost every weekend. However as my online presence grows, I hope to reduce the number of shows. Again Mary thanks for the excellent information.
3 years ago
queenBlingerie says:
I absolutely loved your story! It's very inspiring. I hope to be as brave as you one day.
3 years ago
BluCille says:
Good story and I'm sure your son will be happiest of all.
3 years ago
simpledream2 says:
Fantastic story....I am inspired. I keep going back to the "Quit your day job" articles for inspiration to get back to my first love - sewing. I earned a good income from sewing while raising my children, now they are grown and I have all the sewing equipment and fantastic sewing room I am finding my joy again....with the goal of too quiting my day job. Thank you for the inspiring story hearing that you are willing to forego the vespa stroller in order to shop with your son at the farmers market. You will NEVER regret it. Lisa
3 years ago
AliceIsDreaming says:
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I live in LA as well, and you're right. It is hard to live a simple existence in this city. But your story has inspired me. Especially what you said about trading lack of fulfillment for instability. You're right. The emptiness will just get worse. I realize now that I need to stop being afraid, and really sit down & research what I need to do in order to really pursue my goal of supporting myself with my own creative business. So thanks again for sharing your story.
3 years ago
STRINGandSTONES says:
Thank you for your article. I'm a new Etsy seller. I haven't even sold my first item yet. I was looking for an article on how to get new customers and how I can improve my business. Your article gave me some very helpful ideas. Thanks again!
3 years ago
meloearth says:
Nice story, thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
ModernMetalJewelry says:
Wonderful story. I wish you great success.
3 years ago
esmeraldadesigns says:
Awesome story, it so wonderful that you get to do what you love to do, and your pieces are so pretty!
3 years ago
hollyillustration says:
super cool article, lovely pieces. wish you continued success!
3 years ago
hipclothing says:
great interview!
3 years ago
victoria48 says:
I loved this article! Love your work and your attitude. Keep up the great work.
3 years ago
visart says:
Great Article, loved it!
3 years ago
lucywallis says:
Thank you for telling your story - It is always encouraging to hear people taking the plunge and enjoying the journey. All the best to you. Lucy
3 years ago
parltradet says:
Good article and interesting story about a crafter doing well. I am inspired to try harder! I was already trying to work with more silver in my jewelry and that was how I found my way to Christine's Quit-your-day-job-story. As the mother of a seven year old and a four year old I know what a balancing act it can be to combine your own creative work and taking care of your family. More power to you. Best wishes Christina
3 years ago
feedyoursoulthreads says:
I am new to the Etsy community. I am creative by nature (thanks to my mom!)and am excited to have found a way to release my creativity. My dream is to work for myself so that I am able to stay home and raise some babies. I wish everyone had the "live simply" thought process...that's what it is really all about. Thanks for the inspiration & best of luck to you and your family!
3 years ago
janelleholbrook says:
Your story reminds me of all the reasons why I want to work from home and inspires me to keep working at it!
3 years ago
TripleLDesigns says:
I love this - you are a great inspiration!
2 years ago
RozarioCreations says:
Your jewellery is beautiful. It's amazing where life leads us. Keep up the great work.
2 years ago
ronellecoburn says:
Hey Christine! Just poked around your shop more and came across this! Brava! I'm also self-employed (10 years) and you can/will build up to a higher level of "stability." And I agree: it's much more satisfying to do what you love (and deal with the stresses of it) that to live with the regret of an unfulfilled life! My biz has taken me all over the world and to writing a book and onto national television...you just don't know where following your passion (and making it pay) will take you! Keep at it!
2 years ago
peacelilygirl123 says:
That was awesome! Your jewelry is beautiful!
1 year ago
LynJewels says:
very inspiring! I am going to aim to be as discipline and scheduled like you. =) Keep up the good job.
312 days ago