Trina and Andy are a husband and wife team working together to run their full time Etsy business, katrinakaye, as well as raise their daughter Sienna. After relocating to Amsterdam, Trina just couldn’t find it in herself to go back to a “proper” job, as she calls it, and just knew deep down she wanted to be at home making a living making things. Her timing couldn’t have been better, with the popularity of the online craft scene on the rise. After Andy noticed her climbing success, he too was able to Quit His Day Job to help Trina run the business full time. What they enjoy most in life is being able to be at home with their daughter. They’re teaching her first hand that that being
conventional and doing what you are told is not always necessary; that you can live your dream.
When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of making a living on Etsy?
Absolutely!
For me it was a case of refusing to get a new job after quitting the
last one to come to Amsterdam. I am a graphic designer by trade,
but was really unhappy to sit behind a computer all day and always knew
that I wanted to ‘make stuff’ for a living instead, but wasn’t sure how
to do it.
Then Andy got offered a job in Amsterdam and we moved.
When we got here, Andy told me every day to get a job, but I just
couldn’t bring myself to go around with my portfolio. I just wanted to
be at home making stuff. Someone suggested I try selling my things on
the market here, and I got a market license and was making enough to not
always ask Andy for money… I still considered it a hobby really, and
Andy was still nagging me to get a ‘proper’ job.
This was
around the time Craftster started up, and that was a huge inspiration. It was also where I found Etsy. I joined in January 2006, and it
went really well! Pretty soon I was on the good old ‘Top Seller’ list,
people blogged about me, I got wholesale requests from all over the
world… It was like I had opened the door to our future!
How long were you selling on Etsy before your husband quit his day job?
I
had been half jokingly talking to Andy about joining my business for
months, but he thought I was crazy and couldn’t get used to the idea of
not having a stable and reliable income. I was convinced that with our
doubled effort, my enthusiasm and his business skills, we could make it
work and be able to live off it. Before Etsy, I really had no
proof of how this was going to happen, but when he saw how well I was
doing on here he started taking me more seriously. All of a sudden it
wasn’t just a hobby: I was making almost the same as him. Within three
months he had left his job and we were in business together.
Did
you do anything to prepare ahead of time?
It was all a bit crazy, really. We had a
mortgage to pay, we had just found out I was pregnant, he had no idea
how to work a sewing machine and we had no business plan in place. I
wouldn’t say we were naive though, just optimistic! I was probably
riding on the ‘what the bleep do we know’-wave too… Create your own
reality and all that. There was a lot of manifesting going on! 
We
did have some savings, and that helped a lot. (Especially since I
basically slept my way through the first three months of the pregnancy and
Andy was thrown in at the deep end.)
He learned to sew, he took over the
day to day stuff, he answered conversations and he put in place a lot
of structure and efficiency that I had not bothered with and made
everything more business-like. He took us to the next level, something
I wouldn’t have managed to do without him. I probably wouldn’t
suggest that everyone do it the somewhat Utopian way we did, but it
worked for us, luckily. I do truly believe that if you set your mind to
something and follow your heart you can’t go wrong.
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What’s your best marketing tip?
As
we work on the market here in Amsterdam, we meet a huge amount of people
every week. Most of them are tourists from all over the world. We tell
almost every single one of them about Etsy. In the beginning, no one had
heard about it, but now we meet loads of people who have their own
shops, are addicted to buying on Etsy or just think it’s amazing. We
don’t have to spell it to everyone anymore… (it’s like Betsy without
the B!) That’s it, really. We haven’t really done any proper
advertising. It’s all been word of mouth, I suppose. We have had a few
big blogs write about us and done an interview online. We’ve been
featured in a few magazines and there are more coming up soon, which is
cool. I’ve been thinking about advertising on blogs lately and might
give that a try. Advertising is very much one of the things on our to-do list. Being
on the front page is definitely a good way of ‘advertising’… We were on
there last night and I just sat there and refreshed the page over and
over again and watched the views going through the roof! So
exhilarating!
What have you found to be unsuccessful promotion?
We
joined the ‘street market’ a while back — Poppytalk Handmade — which I was really
excited about, but I don’t think we got a single sale as a result of it.
It seems to be good for other people though, and I personally love Poppytalk. (see our Etsy blog posts with Poppytalk)
Would you walk us through what a typical workday might entail?
They’re all very different, but these are the kind of things we do…
- Around 7 am we get rudely awoken by the little one…
- We check Etsy, the newspaper headlines and emails and then we have some coffee and breakfast.
- Since
Sienna was born, we’ve had to abandon our studio, which is a bit too far
away to go to during naps… As a result we work from home. Hopefully
we’ll be able to move back there soon or get a bigger house with an
adjacent studio… - We plan our day and talk about who should do
what and one of us might take Sienna and go to the park if the other
one needs some ‘office time’. It’s usually Andy taking her out and me
working frantically whilst they’re out. He works on his laptop as much
as he can whilst out. He also works on his laptop in between sales while at the market on the weekends. - We work conveyor belt
style to keep things tidy more than anything else. One day we’ll be
sewing, one day gluing, one day admin and once in a while one day
lounging around not really getting much done but enjoying life… - Andy
does most of the dealing with suppliers and buyers, the paperwork, the
money bit and other serious stuff, whilst I do the designing and making
and bossing around… We overlap a lot when we have to, but we found
that it’s what suits us best. - The computer is on 24 hours a day
and there’s always something to do on it. We’ve got a new 24 inch
screen iMac, which is handy for having one window showing Teletubbies
and one next to it with Etsy. - It’s sometimes difficult to stick
to schedules with Turbo Baby around, so we try to have weekly aims
instead. It makes for less disappointment on an ineffective day.
Hmm,
I’m finding it really hard to describe the work we do for some reason.
I think it might be because most of it doesn’t feel like work and it
blurs into normal ‘home life’. I do know that it doesn’t really ever
stop and even when Andy and I go out for a rare meal alone together we
always end up talking about the business because we enjoy it so much!
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
I enjoy:
-having
no one telling me what time I have to be where every day and having to
stay there until they say it’s ok for me to go home.
-not being told what to do with my life.
-not
having to spend my day with people I haven’t chosen to be friends with,
but having to sit next to for most of the waking hours of the day.
-the feeling of choice and control and the knowledge that I achieved what I always dreamed of.
-being able to go and see my family in Norway for two weeks at the time without worrying about how many holiday days I’m using.
Andy enjoys:
-the complete freedom to map out his day and to shape it depending on his mood and what feels right.
-having siestas in the afternoon when he wants (he sometimes used to have naps in the men’s room in his last job…)
-that business and pleasure rolls into one.
-the fact that daydreaming that used to be considered as time wasting is now more of a necessary creative process.
-that the drive and the focus is always there.
-that no day is ever the same.
-that he’s teaching himself new skills everyday.
-that making mistakes is a way of developing himself now and not seen as a failure.
The
single-most amazing thing we both enjoy is that Sienna gets to grow up,
with not just one stay at home parent but TWO! She doesn’t need to be
rushed to daycare in the morning by tired and stressed out parents
that come and pick her up again 8-9 hours later to take her home, give
her dinner and a bath and then to bed. Instead she gets to hang out
with us every day. Work is never more important than her. We
can choose to go to the park and have a picnic and feed the ducks, have
a play and a swim instead of working if the sun is shining! She also
gets to see first hand that believing in yourself works. That being
conventional and doing what you are told is not always necessary…
That you can live your dream. I feel so fortunate and so happy
for Sienna and to think that all this is largely thanks to Etsy is
totally mind blowing. It has changed my life, changed Andy’s life and
provided our daughter with two very present and happy parents that are
always there for her.
Andy misses the lunch breaks and the occasional after work drink, as he doesn’t have much time for them now!
What advice would you give someone else thinking about taking the plunge to sell full time on Etsy?
Do
it if your heart is truly in it! If you’re not 100% sure and if you’re
really only doing it because you hate you day job, then change your day
job instead. Don’t doubt yourself. You need to believe that it
is going to work and that you are never going for another interview
again! Burn you CV as a symbolic ritual. Just do it… don’t wait
for someone to tell you that it’s ok. Most people will tell you you’re
insane, but that’s because they’re: A. Not creative and thus have no
understanding of the force that drives you. B. Not creative and can’t
see beyond the corporate world. C. Not creative and secretly jealous of
your skills.
Take yourself seriously! When people ask you what
you do, look them straight in the eye tell them you’re a designer and
you’ve got your own successful online company. Then be vague and
mysterious and make it sound absolutely fabulous… Pretty soon you start
believing your own hype and that’s a good thing! Be prepared
to work hard… Having your own business is not like an office job where
your workday is over when you leave the office. It’s all consuming at
times. Keep all your receipts. Get an accountant. They’re worth the money.
What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year?
We want to broaden our range of products, step it up a notch, surprise people and have fun!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Don’t
be afraid to make adjustments along the way. My design tutor once said
to me: ‘kill your darlings!’ It’s a writer’s term, really, but I think it
applies to all creative work. It reminds me that although I might love
something, other people might not, and that keeps me focused on what I’m
trying to achieve. I know I said earlier that if you follow
your heart you’ll be fine, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the
signs. If your products aren’t selling, don’t think of it as a failure: think of it as a possibility to develop. Take a look around at what is
selling and why. Perhaps you’ll find ways of improving your own
products. It is not ‘selling out’ to make changes — it is good business
sense.
Crafting full time might sound pink and fluffy, but if you’re
going to survive as a business you have to be willing to compromise and
be commercial, too. After all, it’s the money you make that will buy
your new materials to keep making things that will sell and make you
more money so you can pay your mortgage!
Thanks to Trina for sharing her story and business with us! Check out the related items below to
see some of her items.
You can
find some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.
134 comments
Sign in to add your ownHomemadeZen says:
awesome story!
3 years ago
Peggers says:
What a great article. One of my dreams...quit your day job!
3 years ago
thefunkyfelter says:
wonderful work! great story too :)
3 years ago
dogties says:
Amazing! What wonderful work.
3 years ago
yaelfran says:
I just ADORE her work, a few weeks ago, I bought from her 2 bags!!!!!!!!
3 years ago
billysuetextiles says:
You two are an inspiration!
3 years ago
BargainHeadbands says:
This is so inspiring and moving! My eyes were teary just by reading what Trina said. This is one of my favorites articles of the series, ever. I wish you the best in the upcoming year. Thanks for the inspiration to keep on with what I love to do, no matter what.
3 years ago
DuryDesigns says:
Its awesome working side-by-side with your husband. I wish I would do that someday :)
3 years ago
wendyconradart says:
great story... very inspiring. this will be me one day!
3 years ago
ModFarmgirl says:
VERY inspiring!! Thank you so much for sharing your story! I love the advice you give to other etsian wanting to take the plunge. That made my day! Wishing you continued success!!!
3 years ago
pouch says:
katrinakaye was one of the first sellers who stood out for me when I first joined etsy and I'm so glad to see their business has gone from strength to strength! I also love the vintage fabric they use and I want it all :)
3 years ago
beyonddesign says:
Great inspiration! I loved this article and I admire them so much.
3 years ago
amysfunkyfibers says:
wow, what a neat story, I love the bold patterns in the fabrics, very unique and beautiful!
3 years ago
mykonos says:
Oh lovely fabric!!
3 years ago
dlkdesigns says:
Congrats to you both! Your first photo looks like a lil mini sweat shop :)
3 years ago
babeta says:
Great article but what do you do for insurance? Your items are lovely. Pam
3 years ago
jenaardell says:
inspiring!!
3 years ago
PoleStar says:
What and ideal day, lovely story.
3 years ago
emilyaugust says:
wonderful story! this was really inspiring and I love the images.
3 years ago
annarubyking says:
great story! thanks for sharing and inspiring!
3 years ago
ohkayk says:
I love the very first picture with your little darling in the back background, standing on the chair, watching the computer monitor. . lovely story and best wishes.
3 years ago
Isabeau says:
Wow, so inspiring! Really amazing.
3 years ago
RedBridge says:
I got to meet and speak to Andy briefly while in Amsterdam in May. I recognized their wares and realized I'd seen in on Etsy.
3 years ago
baddinsdesign says:
I am so proud of your family and what you have accomplished!!!
3 years ago
EJPcreations says:
Truely inspiring!!!
3 years ago
minouxjewelry says:
Great advice about taking yourself seriously. I spent too many years downplaying what I do, and in retrospect, it definitely hindered my creative development. Thanks for sharing your story, and best wishes to you and your family!
3 years ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
What a wonderful interview Trina - and such good business sense! I love what I make - and after years of making what I thought 'other people would love and would buy' I now only make what I absolutely love - and what I would buy myself. I think that every designer has a set of customers waiting to find them! Some designers appeal to loads of people, others to only a few... some items are useful, some only decorative... but you have it spot on! Congratulations! I hope you go from strength to strength. thanks for the great interview! oh! and I love Norway - my sister-in-law is Norwegian and the vidders are Amazing!!!
3 years ago
dreamspiralart says:
Thank you so much for your inspiration!
3 years ago
rustydusty says:
Really insightful article, gets one thinking!!! What If??
3 years ago
MsFabric says:
Great article! It's got to be wonderful having the two of you home to raise your daughter. I also liked your advise for others answer.
3 years ago
sushipot says:
Thank you for sharing your story!! Wishing you much success as you continue to grow your business!
3 years ago
belaluna says:
Wonderful article, unbelievably inspiring and helpful and you, Trina, are so straightforward and positive in your business sense. Definitely my favorite so far that I've read in the series. Thanks so much for sharing your insights and providing ideas and hope for those of us who haven't quit our day jobs just yet!
3 years ago
MyNovember says:
This was fantastically inspirational and uplifting. Thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
matouenpeluche says:
Wow! Now that's what I call a "Quit your day job" interview! What a fabulous couple of creative souls!! More power to you both!!
3 years ago
lisaastrup says:
Its a very inspirating story, thank you and good luck !
3 years ago
BetaBoutique says:
uh, trina and andy are making such a lovely stuff. and story is really inspiring too
3 years ago
therainbowroom says:
what a fantastic Etsy story - really enjoyed reading all about you and your family/work life, its a tough balance to crack. You guys sound like you have it sussed - well done ; )
3 years ago
edithandlulu says:
"Having your own business is not like an office job where your workday is over when you leave the office." This isn't always true. You business doesn't have to be your entire day to be a success. It's a matter of choice and time management.
3 years ago
bagladiesinpa says:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this interview. Thank you for sharing your story and photos. And the 'things you enjoy most about not having a day job' match my sentiments almost exactly! (although I don't have a little one at home, I do get to spend time with my grandson when ever I choose.) :D
3 years ago
terryann says:
very nice! I love the whole "this is the life" attitude! I think I got that attitude too!
3 years ago
neverenoughhours says:
Great interview. I bought a bag from them ages ago and love it!
3 years ago
karuski says:
Great work and good points of view!
3 years ago
flyingzoo says:
Great Article!!!....thanks for sharing....
3 years ago
SilverAndSeaglass says:
Really inspirational! Thank you for sharing your story! Just the small kick in the pants I needed right now.
3 years ago
Ultravioletwind says:
Great article. I'm just starting my shop...so it helps to hear success stories like yours. :)
3 years ago
laurabrownart says:
hurrah for another one! thank you for articulate, genuine words. reading these articles are always so inspiring, it is good to know there are people out there who GET IT! thank you, thank you! as silverandseaglass says, it is a good little kick in the arse!
3 years ago
SwingLowStudio says:
"...the fact that daydreaming that used to be considered as time wasting is now more of a necessary creative process." - LOVE this :)
3 years ago
dreamalittledream says:
I love reading these articles =] So inspiring!
3 years ago
DeborahVoizin says:
So inspiring!
3 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
I feel so warm and fuzzy now! Totally inspiring!
3 years ago
BrazanDesign says:
I've been a fan of your work for quite a while already. Thanks you so much for sharing your story with us all, and congrats on your success! You are inspiring!
3 years ago
OpusMuse says:
absolutely inspiring! it shows us all that dreams does come true if you believe in it & most of all yourself. the business bit is in your face but definitely necessary to learn. thank you so much for sharing your experience with us!
3 years ago
MercysMark says:
I would love to be in this same scenario soon! I think what I need to work on is creating a schedule and this article helped me to start thinking of ways to do this. Thank you for posting this! :)
3 years ago
GoldenFlowerCreation says:
I'm at a verge of quitting my day job too. I just need that right push to go ahead and do it. By seeing Trina and Andy as husband and wife partner, it gave me a new inspiration to bring my craft into a higher level! My hubby recently lost his job and now if I can make him learn how to sew too, I can finally launch my baby line and quit my day job!
3 years ago
moddyboy80 says:
Fantastic! I love stories like these. They really help me keep my chin up when I start to question myself and my abilities. And I especially love the picture of your husband helping out, sitting at the table with scissors and bits of fabric. Made me smile.
3 years ago
LucysPlace says:
Fantastic story! Sounds very much like my day to day life (especially being woken rudely at 6.30am)...
3 years ago
sygnetcreations says:
I so love this story. I love staying home and my husbands often jokes about being a full time dad while I work fulltime. One day that may just come true!!
3 years ago
pinkshowercurtain says:
I got a messenger bag from Katrina Kaye and absolutely love it!
3 years ago
mike2855 says:
What is burning CV? Extremely overwhelmed but feel like community here. Trying to find my own niche doing just what you are doing. Have wasted too much of my life, just not realizing/manifesting. BIG THANK YOU.
3 years ago
katrinakaye says:
Hi everyone! Thank you all so much for the incredibly kind words. I was welling up reading through them all. I am so happy some of you found our story inspiring. A couple of answers to questions: Mike: I believe you call a CV a Resume... yes, burn it... ;) Babeta: By insurance I assume you mean health insurance? Since we're not in the US I can't say anything about how that would work but over here you just pay a set amount every month and that's it. If you make very little money they help you out. If we ever move back to England or Norway (where we're from) there's free healthcare! Moddyboy: lol, He does more than 'helping out'! :) He's fully competent at all aspects of our business now. In the photo he's attaching snaps onto the children's overalls! dragonhouseofyuen: 'I think that every designer has a set of customers waiting to find them!' that is a brilliant sentence! I know, I want to take the kids (yes, there's one more on the way... ) walking across vidda with a tent when they get older. :) edithandlulu: You have a point although it's sooo much easier said than done. ;D In most cases I think people find it harder to 'turn off' when it comes to their own business than a job they have no real personal interest in. Thanks to everyone for your support and I wish you all the success in the world with whatever choices you make for your own business! Trina and Andy
3 years ago
RedThreadArt says:
Super article! Lots of good advice and info there. And their work is gorgeous!
3 years ago
OhNoUDidntDesigns says:
Loved the article! May you be continually blessed to be able to work full-time from home and be with your family while you do it! And congrats on the newest bundle that will be debuting soon. Your story was awesome and the color palette of your designs is just scrumptious!
3 years ago
Artistico says:
great post i love this:))
3 years ago
prittyaht says:
i am always glad for the advise from 'quit you day job'-ers! it is spectacular and inspiring to see so many people doing what they love and enjoying their lives. and 'hooray' for the well-adjusted child! (jen of prittyaht)
3 years ago
ZsBcreations says:
Great story!
3 years ago
TheModShop says:
Great article. You have wonderful work.
3 years ago
syko says:
Such a great and ecncouraging interview! Etsy helped me quit my day job too and I could really relate to a lot of things Trine said!
3 years ago
chiarashandpainted says:
Very inspirational!
3 years ago
vivatveritas7 says:
great story! congrats!
3 years ago
theStarcraft says:
love love love it!!!!!!
3 years ago
nurturedthreads says:
Thank you for your brilliant story! I have been feeling "stuck" for so long.... wanting to take the plunge, but paralyzed. Paralyzed in all that I do because I'm so unhappy NOT doing what I want to do. You give me great inspiration to unleash all swirling around in my mind. THANKS and best of luck to you!!!
3 years ago
mercurycreates says:
this is so inspiring. thanks for sharing your story!
3 years ago
Tinyworld says:
I love the story and you are very lucky!!
3 years ago
sycamorestreetpress says:
thanks you so much for this story! truly inspiring..esp. with the economy the way it is and the fear that has brought!
3 years ago
ArtMind says:
Very inspiring - good luck! :)
3 years ago
kittyd says:
What a great interview! An inspiring story, something we can all strive for-quitting our day jobs. :)
3 years ago
CopperFrogStudio says:
This is such an inspiring article - I can't wait to show it to my husband!
3 years ago
racheljasmine says:
Thank you for sharing. You have a wonderful story!
3 years ago
Dreastore says:
I love reading the articles about etsyans who began as a hobby and were eventually able to quit their conventional day jobs. I've been mulling over the feasibility of this for years and currently trying decide which "fork in the road" to take with my craft. Thanks for the inspiring story. I especially loved how this became a family affair ... my husband helps me a ton too. He does all the photography, helps write descriptions, and he's awesome with helping me pick fabrics. And when I'm stressed and overwhelmed he's chasing after our toddler and helping with house chores so I can work on my stuff. He even designed a new pattern recently to improve upon one of my current designs! :-) So I can definitely relate to this couple and it makes me feel like "hey - if they can do it maybe I can too"! :-)
3 years ago
Lilbabythangs says:
Very inspiring. Just what I am trying to accomplish. Thank you!
3 years ago
strawberrykisses says:
I got to meet Andy in April in their stall in Amsterdam. Really nice guy and great stuff he had there!!!
3 years ago
minniesheart says:
I'm just starting out and was trying not to "craft" fulltime. Not accomplishing anything btw. I don't know why I set that ridiculous rule. Thanks, this was extremly inspiring :)
3 years ago
elanddesigns says:
Reading all these "Quit your day job" articles really makes me want make my etsy store my full time job....full speed ahead! Thanks for the inspiration!
3 years ago
girlmeetscraft says:
Very motivating! I actually like hearing successful people say it takes work.
3 years ago
akaisilks says:
congratulations on your success (and your baby:)
3 years ago
FluteTeacher says:
Wonderful story! Thanks for the inspiration.
3 years ago
momgoosiepie says:
Wonderful story to relate to. Thanks for sharing!:)
3 years ago
kinchi says:
Wow, so sweet and inspiring! I've been lucky to meet these people, Trina 3 years ago and Andy again recently on the market and their spirit and talent is amazing! I whish you many more years of success here on Etsy, at home and around Amsterdam :) x Mirjam
3 years ago
MeghanT says:
What an inspiring article for a new seller to read! Thanks for sharing so many of your tips!
3 years ago
MONKEYGRASSDESIGNS says:
Your story is very inspiring.I am very new to this .I just started selling at the end of Aug. and still learning the ends and outs of things. I haven't sold anything yet but someday I hope to be as sucessful as you. Again thanks for the great story.
3 years ago
kraftykatcreations says:
Very inspiring! Thank you. I love my day job but when it comes for time to start a family I would like to pursue the 'etsy' life style!
3 years ago
JillieBeanz says:
very inspiring! I am newer to etsy...since mid July and I love to read these...if I need motivation, I come to read the "Quit your day job" articles and it helps....I hope to some day be sucessful as well. Thank you for sharing!
3 years ago
bonjourpierre says:
I want to craft and sew all day too!
3 years ago
bloomingvintage says:
What an inspiring story! This definitely gives me hope of one day going full time. Taking the plunge can be a very scary thing to do!
3 years ago
Skyerocket says:
Great article...Thanks for sharing your story. Mel.x
3 years ago
TheHighPlainsKnitter says:
Thanks for your story. We all need and inspiring stroy at times. I hope to be so successful.
3 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
What a great story~ so enjoyed my read~ thanks for sharing this story with all of us, very inspiring. Wish you continued success
3 years ago
NewMoonStudio says:
Great story.Congratulations to your success!
3 years ago
NewMoonStudio says:
Great story.Congratulations to your success!
3 years ago
otherlings says:
Very cool. I want to be like you when I grow up, and I already have a husband called Andy, so I figure I'm off to a decent start! :D Congrats on the totally inspiring success!
3 years ago
1920 says:
I feel like I'm getting there. Love the story and your beautiful frabics.
3 years ago
simpledream2 says:
Awesome story, great inspiration, beautiful fabrics. I will be rereading your story. Wish you even more success.
3 years ago
risabeads says:
Very inspiring! I want my husband to be able to quit his day job also!
3 years ago
kiddyup says:
GREAT ARTICLE, I LOVED IT. WHAT A LUCKY LITTLE GIRL TO BE ABLE TO HAVE MOM AND DAD WITH HER DAILY!! CONGRATS ON THE BUSINESS AND SUCCESS.
3 years ago
cre8tvekarma says:
very inspiring story....wonderful work. keep going, you'll get to your dreams!
3 years ago
TheStrawberryGirl says:
Thank for sharing! It is so inspiring!
3 years ago
mybeadcreations says:
Very uplifting and encouraging! Thanks for sharing your story. I wish you continued success!
3 years ago
AMomentAMemory28 says:
What an amazing story! It really reinforces that it is possible to be successful, achieve your dreams, and be a parent as well! Thanks for sharing this!
3 years ago
jcjewelrydesign says:
What an inspiration! Thank you for great advises!
3 years ago
TwinDreamCreations says:
Just like to say that I bought one of your bags and get compliments left and right from everyone! I love it!
3 years ago
kingofmythrone says:
Wow! Inspirational manesfistation! What a wonderful reality you have created for yourselves! You have gotten my creative juices flowing. Thanks!!
3 years ago
sweensie says:
This is such a great article, very inspiring and well worded. Thanks for sharing and I love all your bags!!!
3 years ago
88kitty says:
"When people ask you what you do, look them straight in the eye tell them you’re a designer and you’ve got your own successful online company." My new words to live by!
3 years ago
aprilfoss says:
Love your stuff! Pretty fabric.
3 years ago
jkldesign says:
Love your shop!! Wonderful interview, thank you for all the great tips. :)
3 years ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
This story was so good. I love reading these articles they keep me motivated. This story really got me excited all over again. They really have beautiful items I wanna be able to quit my day job and run my successful business here on etsy.
3 years ago
DawntideStudio says:
Just put my shop on today!!! It's so good to get encouragement and see it can all really work!:)
3 years ago
poppylane says:
Trina and Andy ~ firstly I would love to add my congratulations to you both on your successful business. I have read and re-read you article at least a dozen times since coming across it yesterday. Your shop is filled with great products and your story resonates in me. I'm inspired and buoyed by you both! xo, Kali in Australia
3 years ago
BebeToby says:
Such a cute and lovely story! = )
3 years ago
clockgirlkelly says:
Thank you for this! My desire is to be home with my son, who will be 2 in December! I am on my own with him and it breaks my heart that I cannot be with him more-BECAUSE-I have to work and stay in school. So, your story has inspired me to be "brave on the rocks" and do it regardless of my own insecurities or realities. More success to you!
3 years ago
djstoreroom says:
Your story is wonderful!! I have just started my store.. On the way to listing my stuff on 1st Nov.. Its my secret dream to have my etsy store convert into a full time job!! And, congrats on baby number 2!
3 years ago
TashaHussey says:
Oh what a great story. It totally gave me hope that i may finally sell something on etsy.
3 years ago
tinyisland says:
so lovely to see you are having a fantastic time time katrina and andy! well done you two! (they were the ones who introduced my husband and i to etsy) and i am sooo glad they did! and congrats on the second one on the way! :D
3 years ago
artsyfingers says:
Thank you so much for sharing your story,good luck to you all;lots and lots and lots of hapiness and love.
3 years ago
FocusonColor says:
Your success story is what everyone wishes for. Best wishes to both of you for continued success. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your story.
3 years ago
Femkita says:
Wow! Great to hear this story! I'm so excited and hope one day I will have the chance to do the same too. (I'm working on it!) Greetings from Belgium, the land of chocolate! :-) x Femke
3 years ago
StitchesandSketches says:
What a wonderful story! Best wishes for your continued success! We sometimes get down when we have a slow sale day at a fair but your words ring true and inspire us. We hope to some day be as successful. Thanks!
3 years ago
CharteChic says:
I am halfway into this lifestyle...thanks for sharing your story...I'd love to be as successful in the future! Hugs to you & family!!
3 years ago
DangleBerry says:
Thank you for this story, it is very inspiring to read. I love reading the Quityourdayjob stories on my lunch breaks at my day job. They inspire me to dream wonderful dreams and make getting through the doldrums of my day job a lot more fun.
3 years ago
LePetitArbre says:
Wow! HOW romantic, you lucky things...
3 years ago
dolcebaci says:
Very inspiring! Thank you!!
3 years ago
junebird says:
Very positive and inspiring! Thanks for sharing your story!
3 years ago
yumalum says:
A great article and very inspiring, thanks for sharing! Love your designs!!
3 years ago
jaimebeattie says:
What a fabulous and honest story. Great advice too. Beautiful products!
3 years ago