Quit Your Day Job: Neawear

neawear

Story by neawear

Published on Aug 25, 2008 in Shop

Photo by Neawear

After introducing a new line of embroidery into her current line of jewelry at Neawear, Janick found new selling success! She saw enough of an increase in sales and blog features for the new line, so she decided this was the much needed push she needed to take the plunge and try her hand at selling on Etsy full time. Working from home is no stranger to Janick, but she’s now getting by solely on her own line of crafts. Keep reading to find out what her best marketing secrets are and the morning routine that she can’t seem to kick.


When you first started selling on Etsy did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
At first, two years ago, it was basically to see if something would sell, since I had been making some jewelry for myself for already six months. Having an extra income with it was indeed in the back of my mind, but since I was working as a freelance graphic designer from home, my “day job” was already having my own business! I looked at my Etsy sales as some shopping money, to be truthful! I’ve wanted to sell what I made for as long as I can remember, but never did.

How long were you selling on Etsy before taking the plunge into selling full time?
Weirdly enough, now that I think about it, it was AS I started two years ago, but I didn’t know then! When Etsy came into my life, my dad had passed away six months before. I then started having trouble staying motivated in graphic design once in a while, and with time it got worse. Now I realize that my Pops was my motivation in all of this. He was a business owner – I have that fiber in my blood – and I wanted to prove that I could do it too! Not that I didn’t like graphic design – I still love it – but more in a personal way than for clients. So as I was taking less and less design jobs, the crafting part of my life became much more important and inspiring for me!


What was the deciding factor resulting in your pursuing Etsy as your full time job?
When I launched my Wall Wear embroidery pieces in June ’08, it was a huge success right away (thanks to many many big and small blog features!). I thought it was “the sign” I was waiting for (something) to have the guts to do what I wanted to do in the back of my head for a while now. I just decided to stop fighting it, to start listening to the little voice inside of me and take the plunge!

Money and consistency wise, it was perhaps not a great idea to do it now. But I had done this once already (start a business in the “heat of the moment” while not being really prepared). I know what I am getting into: lower salary, sacrifices, hard long hours of work, and I’m convinced that I can do it again!

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time before taking the plunge?
My graphic design company has its license already, and I am doing Nea on that same license. So in that way, I am prepared, I know all about it and I’m all set! I am fortunate enough that graphic design will be very useful with Nea, in the actual graphic designs I may need, as well as all the skills I have learned in the past five years as a business owner, as far as marketing and promoting myself is concerned. I don’t have a mortgage or kids or anything, so of course that helps the process. I am not a budget kinda gal, but I am trying to work on a semi-budget right now, if that is even possible. Ha ha!


What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What’s your best marketing tip?
Features on blogs have worked wonderfully for me! But for that, you need great pictures and great unique products! I am always trying to improve on my photography skills. (I’m even thinking of taking some manual photography courses soon!) If you look at pictures of my first sold items vs. my pictures now, whoa, what a difference!

I keep very active on the blog scene, I have found that it helps me get much more traffic! I have a blog that is getting quite a lot of views (between 200 and 300 visits a day on week days). I follow around 450 blogs on RSS feed, I comment on many blogs daily and trade banners with others sometimes. Of course, you have to love it to do it as much, and I do! I also relist items often on Etsy, and try to list new items often too!

What have you found to be unsuccessful promotion or something that’s just not working for your shop?
Weirdly enough, contests on my blog have proven to have a very low participation rate! But I know many sellers have had success with this. The last one was a while ago, so maybe I should try again soon. I have purchased some ads on blogs as well, but I sincerely have no clue if there are actual direct sales from them. I know it does bring my views higher, so I chose up to now to keep that Web presence, even if faced with uncertainty.

Would you walk us through what a typical workday might entail being your own boss?
I am so NOT a morning person! Ha ha!

  • I usually get up between 8:00 and 9:30 am. I don’t use an alarm clock, I just get up when I do. (I love that little business owner treat!)
  • I open my Mac right away as I make myself some TeaNoir tea (literally addicted!).
  • I check my emails, see if I got orders, read email newsletters, visit my stats everywhere on the Web and chat a little online with tomatedepingles (I met her thru Etsy).
  • All that for at least 30-45 minutes, it’s my morning ritual, can’t get out of it!
  • Then I start my day usually by taking pictures of new items, selecting and editing them all in Photoshop.
  • I create new listings and get them ready to be posted later.
  • If there are no new items to list that day, I package my orders.
  • By then, you’ve guessed it’s lunch time, so I do just that!
  • After that, it’s all about making stuff, with a little trip to the post office too.
  • I usually craft and blog – write on mine and also read other blogs – until about 5:30 pm, taking a break from one with the other, and then start again around 8:00 pm if nothing else is planned for the evening.
  • I work very well at night, so I usually get three or four hours of very productive time then, before going to bed at around midnight.

So yes, I basically work all the time, even on most weekends, but it doesn’t really feel like work!


What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
The last “day job not from home” I had was before 2003, but I still miss some stuff from then. Mostly being around people and meeting new people easily are the things that I miss — the social life, basically. It can be lonely sometimes – often, in fact – when you’re your own boss. I know I need to work on that “keeping a balance” thing, for sure!

How’s it going so far? Are you supporting yourself?
Barely! Still, in these first three months, I have achieved the consistency and the amount I had set as a goal, which is triple what I was selling before. That’s already an achievement! Perhaps that “barely” response gives me that extra push to reach bigger goals! Right now, I love it all, with its good and bad sides. It is almost like starting a new life!

If you could go back in time before you took the plunge, what advice would you give yourself knowing what you know now?
I would tell myself to simply listen to instinct. I should have took the plunge way earlier! I feel so much better now!


What advice would you give someone else thinking about taking the plunge to sell full time on Etsy?
Have passion for what you do! With passion, you can build your confidence and then achieve what you set your mind on! And also to be realistic and set your goals right (one little achievable miracle at a time!). I’m not going to make 50K in the next year, far from it, and I know that! I am totally OK with it and I am ready to make some sacrifices to live this wonderful adventure.

What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
In the coming year? I’m not even there yet in my head! For now, my goal is for the holiday season. I want to hopefully triple my newly tripled sales in that upcoming shopping season! I say that because the last two holidays on Etsy seemed to triple my usual monthly sales, therefore I am hoping to do the same with my new sales status as well.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
That I love Etsy, of course! But mostly, its community! I’m meeting so many wonderful great people, from here in Quebec and from everywhere else in the world! Everyone amazes me with their friendliness, openness, skills, and creativity. I want to thank everyone I met and will meet in the future from here on Etsy that inspire me and keep me going with their nice words for my work, as well as my boyfriend Dan, who is still behind my choices after seven years, even if I now need to count pennies again for a while! :)

Thanks to Janick 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.

Discuss: 124 comments

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124 comments

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  • lpdesigns

    lpdesigns says:

    NEA! w00t!

    3 years ago

  • yaelfran

    yaelfran says:

    I love her shop!!!!

    3 years ago

  • saralagace

    saralagace says:

    Congrats Janick! You rock!

    3 years ago

  • JMNPOTTERY

    JMNPOTTERY says:

    Yay!!! Congrats Janick!

    3 years ago

  • Diffraction

    Diffraction says:

    very inspirational!

    3 years ago

  • melaniefavreau

    melaniefavreau says:

    That's great Janick! Long live Neawear!!! :D P.S. J'adore ton chat! Il ressemble a mon Félix, mais en plus foncé :)

    3 years ago

  • rikrak

    rikrak says:

    woohoo janick! you're such a superstar! it's an inspiration to read your story and see your beautiful work, nicey!

    3 years ago

  • IndieMoon

    IndieMoon says:

    WhooHoo Nea!! Great Article - inspiring story!

    3 years ago

  • BargainHeadbands

    BargainHeadbands says:

    Congratulations Janick, I loved this article. Wish you success on your goals ;) P.S.: J'adore la photo avec ton chat, il est si beau!

    3 years ago

  • beverlyhillsjewelry

    beverlyhillsjewelry says:

    Since I just started this was a great article for me! Everyone says I talk too much so blogging may be next!

    3 years ago

  • daniellexoAdmin

    daniellexo says:

    Yay! Such great tips - you are smart! So glad to have you as an active member of Etsy. XO (P.S. See you at Puces Pop!)

    3 years ago

  • wittyworkshop

    wittyworkshop says:

    Bravo Janick!!! I'm so happy you took the pludge and that your are sharing your dailies with us. And also: you have a cutie kitty!

    3 years ago

  • fernfiddlehead

    fernfiddlehead says:

    Yay Nea, my virtual labs buddy! Congrats.

    3 years ago

  • jenmerritt

    jenmerritt says:

    Janick this is such a nice article. COngratulations on all your success!

    3 years ago

  • gingerlime

    gingerlime says:

    Thanks for your awesome perspective! your work is beautiful :-)

    3 years ago

  • sandcookies

    sandcookies says:

    Gorgeous items! I love your work!

    3 years ago

  • Thinkoutsidethebox

    Thinkoutsidethebox says:

    I am sooo addicted to this series. I literally cannot wait until each article comes out. I truly hope that each of these participants realizes just how much inspiration they spread around to others just by being open and honest! Nea seems like a wonderful girl who knows what she wants but if she didn't, I think she's the kind of girl who'd say so. She expresses an heir of complet honesty. I wish her much success in her goals. I am so inspired! Thanks for sharing.

    3 years ago

  • Itybitybags

    Itybitybags says:

    Congrats Janick! I love your work :)

    3 years ago

  • PetitOiseau

    PetitOiseau says:

    congratulations, janick! you know i'm a big fan so this was amazing news to read.

    3 years ago

  • themusesjewels

    themusesjewels says:

    Bravo Janick!

    3 years ago

  • tangente

    tangente says:

    Congrats Janick!

    3 years ago

  • neawear

    neawear says:

    Awwwww you are all so sweet and supportive!! Thank you all sooooo much for your sweet comments! I really appreciate it!! :D melaniefavreau & BargainHeadbands: haha, je vais lui dire que vous le trouvez mignon! :) Danielle: OMG you are coming this year too! YAY! We should go for supper with other Etsy fans! :)

    3 years ago

  • softspoken

    softspoken says:

    love these stories! great shop, too :)

    3 years ago

  • ArtMind

    ArtMind says:

    Janick, what an inspiration to read your story here! Thanks so much for being such a wonderful personality and Etsian! You always make me smile - or even laugh out loud when we are in the virtual labs or in the forum! You have a great shop and will probably not be counting pennies for long... Best of luck to you! I'll keep an eye on you! :)

    3 years ago

  • namolio

    namolio says:

    Congrats!!!

    3 years ago

  • annarubyking

    annarubyking says:

    congrats Janick! I love your work!

    3 years ago

  • UglyKitty

    UglyKitty says:

    Congrats! I love that you just "took that plunge"!

    3 years ago

  • BebeToby

    BebeToby says:

    Congrats! Very informative article! I love the tips! :)

    3 years ago

  • saks2go

    saks2go says:

    Congratulations, and thanks so much for the tips! Best to you!

    3 years ago

  • craftyjuicebroker

    craftyjuicebroker says:

    Congratulations... I eventually want to quit my day job too.

    3 years ago

  • iheartnorwegianwood

    iheartnorwegianwood says:

    Way to go Yanick!! Great responses, we're proud of you down at HQ!

    3 years ago

  • baconsquarefarm

    baconsquarefarm says:

    Congrats neawear~ great story~ I'm happy for you~ sky's the limit~ wish you continued success~!~! bacon

    3 years ago

  • tanisalexis

    tanisalexis says:

    sniffle- i feel so proud of my quebec girls. HOOray!! janick. we love you!! ;)

    3 years ago

  • curlyfrysc

    curlyfrysc says:

    She does such beautiful work! I love this shop.

    3 years ago

  • margarette

    margarette says:

    such cute stuff! congrats!

    3 years ago

  • edithandlulu

    edithandlulu says:

    Wishing you continued success Janick. I love your Wall Wear.

    3 years ago

  • LiSoCards

    LiSoCards says:

    I love your items- especially the wall wear! Congrats to you for "making it"!

    3 years ago

  • Enthral

    Enthral says:

    Hooray! Great article :)

    3 years ago

  • 3dots

    3dots says:

    Yay Janick! Je te souhaite le plus grand des succès! Hmmm... ton chat est beaucoup plus beau que le mien! ;)

    3 years ago

  • mieldesigns

    mieldesigns says:

    Bravo Janick! Toutes mes félicitations!

    3 years ago

  • Studio618

    Studio618 says:

    Congrats Janick. Love your embroidered pieces. Thanks for a great story.

    3 years ago

  • noemiah

    noemiah says:

    :) You are an inspiration to me miss!

    3 years ago

  • Lindze28

    Lindze28 says:

    I'm also a graphic designer just starting on etsy! I love graphic design but like you it is so nice to get off the computer and create something that is completely you.

    3 years ago

  • PinkfireDesigns

    PinkfireDesigns says:

    Congrats! You do amazing work and it was a real inspiration to read your story!

    3 years ago

  • RaeGun

    RaeGun says:

    awesome, thanks so much for sharing

    3 years ago

  • Ottoman

    Ottoman says:

    Great article! Congrats Janick!!!

    3 years ago

  • OpulentOddities

    OpulentOddities says:

    Congrats! I've been an admirer for a while. And you are so pretty, too!

    3 years ago

  • crossesbyclaudia

    crossesbyclaudia says:

    Thank you for the article. I am brand new to Etsy. I had never heard of it before a week ago. I soaked up everything you said in the article. It's exciting being a newby!

    3 years ago

  • recoup

    recoup says:

    Thanks for the inspiration. Sorry about your dad. Will be back soon.

    3 years ago

  • ModFarmgirl

    ModFarmgirl says:

    Congrats Janick! Thank you for sharing your success story, it is very inspiring. Your works is beautiful!! Good Luck!!!

    3 years ago

  • zamzamdesign

    zamzamdesign says:

    Bravo Janick! Tes débuts ressemblent aux miens, ton parcours est une inspiration... Je suis vraiment fière de te voir à la une :)! Keep it up girl!

    3 years ago

  • JetWhitePonytail
  • Asymmetry

    Asymmetry says:

    LOVE all your embroidery work!

    3 years ago

  • autumnsarrival

    autumnsarrival says:

    Very nice work! Kudos to you for crafting full time! It's always best to do what we love & are passionate for! Keep up the great work!

    3 years ago

  • akaisilks

    akaisilks says:

    very nice work!

    3 years ago

  • siiri

    siiri says:

    Inspiring story! Your works and your photographs are great. Thank you very much for sharing.

    3 years ago

  • gyjewelry

    gyjewelry says:

    great

    3 years ago

  • Nishale

    Nishale says:

    beautiful!

    3 years ago

  • Mwilson

    Mwilson says:

    Way to go~ Beautiful spirit and just as beautiful work! Thanks for sharing your news!

    3 years ago

  • neawear

    neawear says:

    Awwww thank you so much eveyone!!! Y'all are all so nice with your kind words! I really appreciate it!!! :)

    3 years ago

  • DeborahVoizin

    DeborahVoizin says:

    Good Luck to you!!!

    3 years ago

  • urbancheek

    urbancheek says:

    This is so inspiring! Thank you so much for the much for sharing your experience! :)

    3 years ago

  • ConstantGalore

    ConstantGalore says:

    Awesome! Glad to see your shop featured here and doing so well! I've been a quiet fan for a while now! Keep up the great work!

    3 years ago

  • kiwipunchdesigns

    kiwipunchdesigns says:

    Fantastique Janick! Thanks for sharing your experience! ...and your linking to your blog! It's great! I just added it to my rss reader!

    3 years ago

  • VernonAve

    VernonAve says:

    Great story! It inspires us all!

    3 years ago

  • dogties

    dogties says:

    Nea, you rock! Keep up the great work

    3 years ago

  • BeadsInTheBelfry

    BeadsInTheBelfry says:

    yay Janick!

    3 years ago

  • ralphnuara

    ralphnuara says:

    This is a very very very inspiring article! :)

    3 years ago

  • Elizaveta

    Elizaveta says:

    Janick is amazing!!!! AMAZING! XOX

    3 years ago

  • minouette

    minouette says:

    Bravo Janick! Way to go!

    3 years ago

  • MyKangaroo

    MyKangaroo says:

    I love the pictures of her work in progress. This makes me want to pick up my embroidery again.

    3 years ago

  • BlackStar

    BlackStar says:

    Yay Janick! Congrats!

    3 years ago

  • tomatedepingles

    tomatedepingles says:

    congrats, my friend!

    3 years ago

  • petalandpink

    petalandpink says:

    Congrats! it's very inspiring!

    3 years ago

  • ThisIsBexx

    ThisIsBexx says:

    Great interview!

    3 years ago

  • Kiiss

    Kiiss says:

    Love your shop, very inspirational. <3

    3 years ago

  • Snowberrylime

    Snowberrylime says:

    I love this series and love the honesty in this post from Janick! I love the wall art and wish you all the best. :)

    3 years ago

  • tangerined

    tangerined says:

    <3 go nea!!!

    3 years ago

  • FrucciDesign

    FrucciDesign says:

    Congrats Janick I didn’t know you took the plunge…well done, my friend! I’m so happy for you, because from your words I can read happiness and satisfaction for what you do, no matter if you need to work harder it is worth!!! I really wish you to achieve all your goals and more...much more!!! And let me add just a last little comment about feeling lonely working at home: Esty and the virtual labs help meet great people, right Janick? ;-) Fru

    3 years ago

  • neawear

    neawear says:

    That you so much everyone, I'm overwhelmed with all you fabulous comment! I don't know what to say more, you're all fabulous!! Frucci: you got that right! Maybe be why I'm there so much... hehe ;) Thank you :)

    3 years ago

  • sewbeadit

    sewbeadit says:

    WOW! I think i can, I think i can, I think i can. Or CAN i...? I'm working on the nerve to "step" on out and give it a go. U have been very encouraging! BEST of everything to u.

    3 years ago

  • lillyella

    lillyella says:

    oh I love seeing the face and hearing the story behind this awesome shop!!

    3 years ago

  • 1920

    1920 says:

    love your story and your work.

    3 years ago

  • gretchenmist

    gretchenmist says:

    these articles are great. thanks for sharing all your details and pics. nice work.

    3 years ago

  • starrydesigns

    starrydesigns says:

    Congrats, Janick! :D

    3 years ago

  • alankarshilpa

    alankarshilpa says:

    Thanks Janick for sharing your inspiring article. I wish you continued success.Your work is beautiful and I know your dreams will come true. Dita- your new friend.

    3 years ago

  • ivaart

    ivaart says:

    Awesome Janick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    3 years ago

  • neawear

    neawear says:

    Thank you everyone :) You are all so sweet and inspiring! ;)

    3 years ago

  • purposedesign

    purposedesign says:

    that is great news! I hope to see you soon at a holiday craft show! :-)

    3 years ago

  • clubviv

    clubviv says:

    Those are great. Thanks Janick. Love your story

    3 years ago

  • Bergamot

    Bergamot says:

    What a great article and a great shop! Wow! You're so very talented. Congrats and best wishes for future success!

    3 years ago

  • MIZombie

    MIZombie says:

    /me hearts Janick!! I will be there soon myself!~

    3 years ago

  • simplypadproject

    simplypadproject says:

    success for you.. Gbu..

    3 years ago

  • LoellaMedina

    LoellaMedina says:

    I love your work Janick! I still remember how I found Etsy through you! I'm glad you are able to do what you love full time. I wish you lots of success!

    3 years ago

  • zuzubaby

    zuzubaby says:

    your shop inspires me so much! I look at it all the time. You are so talented.

    3 years ago

  • barefootbeadz

    barefootbeadz says:

    So many talented Canadians! Way to go Janick!

    3 years ago

  • polarity

    polarity says:

    have loved this shop 4ever! go janick!

    3 years ago

  • lsad

    lsad says:

    Great stuff! Good Luck!

    3 years ago

  • shellieartist

    shellieartist says:

    so nice to read about those who have taken the plunge...I have 2 pairs of nea's earrings and I love them..they are unique and I always get compliments when I wear them out! congrats nea! :)

    3 years ago

  • bbittinger08

    bbittinger08 says:

    You've inspired me! Thank you and best of luck and success to you!

    3 years ago

  • cherbie

    cherbie says:

    inspirational indeed! good luck!

    3 years ago

  • zelaya

    zelaya says:

    Very inspirational!

    3 years ago

  • lacokine

    lacokine says:

    I looooooove soooo much your work :) Good luck! Oh! And I love your beads too! I'm a big fan :)

    3 years ago

  • lisatoni

    lisatoni says:

    good on you! there are some very tasty embroideries in your shop, I am not at all surprised by tour continued success!

    3 years ago

  • barnfirestudio

    barnfirestudio says:

    thankyou for sharing your story - it helps to hear it! i just opened a shop one month ago... congratulations on your success!

    3 years ago

  • hiptobeasquare

    hiptobeasquare says:

    Thank you so much for sharing!

    3 years ago

  • amasattic

    amasattic says:

    Thanks for sharing and the best to you!

    3 years ago

  • MyJunkyTrunk

    MyJunkyTrunk says:

    I'm inspired! Thanks so much for a really great article.

    3 years ago

  • parltradet

    parltradet says:

    Wonderful article. There seems to be a pattern here. I was a graphic designer too. Well done Janick!

    3 years ago

  • yumstietree

    yumstietree says:

    Wow, what a great read. I am unemployed at the moment, but deciding if I should take the plunge to craft full time instead of looking for a "proper" job. Food for thought. Thanks. x

    3 years ago

  • BLambent

    BLambent says:

    thanks for the inspiration. forced to take the plunge. LOVE your shop.

    3 years ago

  • PapayaTree

    PapayaTree says:

    I love everything in your shop! When I get my own apt, I'll be sure to get some of that uber cute embroidery!

    3 years ago

  • Intres

    Intres says:

    Great article, great shop!

    3 years ago

  • uniquewares

    uniquewares says:

    nea, i love ur stuff! wonderful inspirational article...it makes me want to get crafting! thank you!

    3 years ago

  • MissKArt

    MissKArt says:

    Awesome stuff! U r very talented and brave, a huge inspiration. Lots of luck 2 U!

    3 years ago

  • alittlepieceofart

    alittlepieceofart says:

    Great advice and information!

    3 years ago

  • CottonPetal

    CottonPetal says:

    Congratulations on being Featured Seller, and thank you for the wonderful article! ^u^

    3 years ago

  • eclecticaa

    eclecticaa says:

    Love this article and the beautiful and inspirational items you have in your store.

    3 years ago

  • shareliving

    shareliving says:

    wow!Awesome article !

    3 years ago

  • unemployeddesigner

    unemployeddesigner says:

    Janick has such an awesome shop! I loved reading this article!

    2 years ago

  • FreedomHill

    FreedomHill says:

    It is so encouraging to hear it can be done! Thanks for sharing your tips and experiences with us!

    2 years ago

  • JOJAPIPOSA

    JOJAPIPOSA says:

    Great article, and that cat is gorgeous.

    2 years ago

  • jguilddesigns

    jguilddesigns says:

    Inspiring, thank you!!

    2 years ago

  • fibrefun

    fibrefun says:

    Thankyou, love your work. You are an inspiration especially to a very new etsy seller.

    1 year ago