I was recently chatting with Tandie of NestaHome about how she was recently let go from her day job. She actually took being let go as an opportunity to be her own boss and not go back into the corporate workforce. Now Tandie enjoys spending her mornings in the yard with her dogs and a nice cup of coffee before heading inside to run her own business. Keep reading below to find out how Tandie is progressing since making such a big decision.
When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
I knew I always wanted to own my own business, however, I didn’t think it was possible to make any money selling arts and crafts online. I figured this would be a hobby.
How long were you selling on Etsy and working your day job before deciding you were ready to switch over to Etsy full time?
I opened up my first Etsy shop NestaUsa in October 2007. I was shocked at how well it did and decided to open a second shop, NestaHome, to branch out with more designs and mediums. Then, in February of 2008, I got laid off from my job as a Landscape Architect, along with many of my fellow co-workers and friends in the profession. There was no local job availability and people began to move out of state for work. I had recently gotten married and purchased a house with my husband so the thought of packing up and moving was both financially and emotionally distressing.
How did you decide what to do next?
Well, for me, it was not going back into the workforce. After examining my budget and expenses, I realized that the money I was spending on gas, car maintenance, lunches, work clothes, car insurance, etc. was unnecessary now. That was huge chunk of money that I didn’t need to make anymore.
How did you know you were ready to take the plunge?
I actually wasn’t ready at all. But, with very strict budgeting and lots of books on business and marketing, I figured out a way to make it happen. There are so many free resources out there on Etsy and the internet in general that can help with many aspects of starting a business.
Did starting from the point of being laid off impact how you moved forward?
I am working backwards, in that aspect. I am very limited on what I may spend on my materials, so I have to be a little more creative. I reuse more and waste less. Also, before I do any piece involving expensive materials, I sketch out my ideas and figure out what I need from there.
What goals have you set for your Etsy business in the next few months and year?
To be honest, my biggest goal is to get through the year and re-evaluate what worked and what didn’t work. This is all pretty new to me and I don’t expect it to be an easy journey. The best I can do is get better and learn from my mistakes.
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business?
I don’t market much outside of Etsy at the moment. I market for free with my blog and flickr accounts and pass out as many business cards as possible.
How’s it going so far? Are you getting by?
I’m not able to buy all of the things I used to and travel as much as I would like, but that doesn’t bother me as much as I thought it would. Sacrifice isn’t so bad when it’s for your own business. Plus, technically, I am in even more control of my future and financial stability then I was before. I can’t get fired!
Can you walk us through what a typical workday might entail now that you have no day job?
I normally get up around 8am, make some coffee and hang out in the yard with the dogs. We are all wondering how it is possible to already be 90 degrees outside, and on that note, slowly wander on into the office to check emails and package up any orders that need to go out. After a quick trip to the post office it’s usually time to brainstorm some new creations. The rest of the day flies by. [Pssst....Check out the crisp and professional look of Tandie's packaging, it's some of the best I've seen — marymary]
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job?
Not having that feeling of dread in my stomach every Sunday evening.
What piece of advice would you give someone thinking about taking the plunge to sell full time on Etsy?
Talk to someone who has done it. It’s a lot less painful to learn from other people’s mistakes. Save up before you take the plunge and always have a plan B.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
There were two peanuts taking a leisurely, peaceful walk through the neighborhood, and one was a salted. (My jokes are pretty bad.)
Thanks to NestaHome for sharing her story of success with us! Check out the gallery below to see some of Tandie’s items. Check out some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts.
54 comments
Sign in to add your ownFlorcita says:
That was a very interesting interview. It's good to see that others have made similar decisions as yourself, and -with lots of work- are doing well. Great shop!
3 years ago
ezrascousin says:
Congratulations on making your business a success! The best to you!
3 years ago
DeAnneDeSigns says:
This is a very inspiring interview! It is great to hear about businesses like yours. Thank you for sharing.
3 years ago
flytie says:
great interview.
3 years ago
jennadesigns says:
Congratulations! It is so wonderful to hear a positive come out of something negative. I recently made the decision to leave my job and return to school as well as launch an Etsy site. It's a huge leap of faith, but if Tandie can make of a go of it, I'm inspired to do the same! Thanks for the great interview.
3 years ago
sykin says:
Thank you for sharing your success story! One day I might be brave enough to leave my job...maybe. :)
3 years ago
littlelakecompany says:
I want to do this more than anything. Having set all kinds of goals for myself this year, so far so good - including starting to list my things on Etsy, a few every day. Take a look! (I'm open to suggestions that don't begin with "why don't you go and...) Thanks for your thoughts and story. Inspiration is like food for the soul, best of luck to you in your endeavors.
3 years ago
RunAliceRun says:
I wish I could leave my day job (well not really since my day job includes taking care of my 3 kids). Love reading the story!
3 years ago
decor8 says:
Yay Nesta! Nice story. :)
3 years ago
staceyrebecca says:
Go Burritos Go!
3 years ago
mommy2lilgems says:
Congrats! I too, was recently laid off, so this is a great and uplifting article to read!
3 years ago
NestaHome says:
I can't believe no one has made fun of my peanut joke (at the end)!
3 years ago
TeenAngster says:
I thought it was funny!
3 years ago
PenelopeAndAnastasia says:
Nesta - I love that joke!
3 years ago
recycledrings says:
What an inspiring story! Good luck!
3 years ago
SeaFindDesigns says:
Good for you Nesta! I love seeing the face behind the art! Inspiring!
3 years ago
sweetestpea says:
Nice story Nesta, I'm glad you're making it work!
3 years ago
BBBellezza says:
Inspiring! I would love to get rid of that feeling of dread in my stomach every Sunday, too! Stories such as this one give me hope.
3 years ago
LaveMeSoapCo says:
what a great article!!! what an inspiration. i hope to someday take the plunge as well. this week i am going to stage my car to be sold. with taking the bus to work, i can save about $500 a month or more. next step???
3 years ago
Jillzwhimzy says:
Congrats on success Mz Nesta It's wonderful when you hear about an artist making it! You've got some fun stuff & I think it is only right you made a fun joke!
3 years ago
vitamini says:
I'm also an unemployed Landscape Architect! (I've never been so excited to say that!) I know exactly what you mean about dreading Sunday nights... The industry is really slow right now so I'm doing my best to keep busy with my little etsy shop. Congrats on your success!
3 years ago
vitamini says:
oops, I guess I had to say it twice...
3 years ago
2ReVert says:
Still the best thing to read... these stories. All the best Nesta, I'm sure your tickled pink now that you were laid off :)
3 years ago
NestaHome says:
Wow vitamini! That's crazy... I know LA's were hurting in California too :( I wonder how many people are selling on etsy because their chosen profession is hurting. Etsy is like our 'unemployment'. hehehe.
3 years ago
dennisanderson says:
very nice! Etsy as a venue has opened up possiblities that I would not have ever imagined. Keep up the great work and keep on with your bad self :)
3 years ago
CrotchStitch says:
Well, your joke certainly made me laugh!! But I tell lame jokes too! :D Great interview!!
3 years ago
Kiiss says:
I love the packaging!! Thanks for sharing with us such an inspiring interview cover story. :D
3 years ago
IrenaSophia says:
Inspiring interview! Who needs those Sunday nights now that we have Etsy. Thank you Nesta for sharing your story, all the best to you.
3 years ago
Julez7Jewelz says:
Ohhhh I would love to be able to do that. YOU GO GIRL!!! May your ideas be plentiful and your customers more so!
3 years ago
Julez7Jewelz says:
A SALTED.... LOL wow, it only took me about five times of reading that to get it... the "salted" on the next line threw me of.. yep thats it.
3 years ago
kmaylward says:
congratualtions on getting you full time at home business off the ground- it is quite an accomplishment!
3 years ago
lncgreetings says:
wow! congratulations! thanks for the advice and the inspiration i too am in the process of taking the plunge! :)
3 years ago
elisasherejewelry says:
Very inspirational - all I can say is..some day! Etsy is so fabulous, I love that we have these inspirational interviews to read. Go Nesta!
3 years ago
mintagehome says:
Thandie, I've been a fan for a while, I loved reading your story. It's so cool you're able to focus on your own business full time now. Good luck! I love your silhouettes. Gabrielle
3 years ago
gingerlime says:
Thanks for this story and advice to look up info on business and marketing! This is the dream :-)
3 years ago
abbiegroves says:
Truly amazing! There is hope yet!
3 years ago
heartvandana says:
Thanks for sharing your story with us; I found it amazing oh how I dream of quitting my day job. Wish you all the best for your business
3 years ago
RaeGun says:
great story I love how your starting point is so different than the others. It's nice to see this can work and it's definitely not one size fits all. And your packaging is beautiful!
3 years ago
curlyfrysc says:
Don't quit your day job by becoming a comedienne!
3 years ago
Shelleden says:
Congratulations! Very inspiring. Great article.
3 years ago
pishcota says:
I too was "let go", so this is an uplifting article to read! :). Thinking about my options, but I agree, the feeling of dread in the stomomach every Sunday night along w the commuting to the office, are the worst. I don't miss them at all. I may never go back to work for the man. All the best to u Nesta!
3 years ago
MissEmmasCloset says:
i absolutely love this article. it has really inspired me to focus and really be motivated. i would love to quit my "real" job and be able to stay home and create all of the time. kudos to you and all of your accomplishments!!
3 years ago
tweetysnest says:
Congrats on your success, nice interview and how great that you work from home. I love your packaging, too!
3 years ago
littlechaz says:
Congrats on yoru success!! That is wonderful and your items are stunning! Wish you the best of luck!
3 years ago
NestaHome says:
Thanks everyone for being so kind :) I really appreciate the support! curlyfrysc - Don't worry... I'll stick to arts and crafts :)
3 years ago
simpledream2 says:
I am impressed with how you took advantage of building your business especially after being laid-off. Your gumption is inspiring. Your interview is inspirational. Thanks,
3 years ago
1920 says:
Love the story. Love the community.
3 years ago
NikiJewellery says:
Very inspirational, and well done. I think your joke was A+ too :)
3 years ago
rockyroadcreations says:
I'm trying to get the nerve up to do this. Stories like yours are sooo inspiring. I think I would like to not have that Sunday night sickness too. Diana
3 years ago
autumnsarrival says:
Great interview & great tips! Although I will not be "let go" from my current job, all of my jobs are contract positions and usually are anywhere from 6 months long to a year long. I'm a Project Manager in Telecommunications construction (Cell towers, fiber optics, etc.). I live every day in fear of "after this project THEN what am I going to do?" And now I am getting ready to have my first little baby in October; my current contract ends the last day of September so I am really feeling the pressure. I am really hoping that my little shop does well here on Etsy so I won't have to hunt down another contract and leave my daughter to daycare! The very best of luck to us all!!
3 years ago
bashayer says:
very well said.. good job!
3 years ago
PinkLizard says:
I love your shops! Good for you. Lovely, candid interview. Best to you! :-)
3 years ago
staceyrebecca says:
How had I never read this before!? Tandie, you rock miss lady!
2 years ago
MysticalRaindrops says:
Inspiring story! Thanks.
1 year ago