For Valentine’s Day, we at Etsy’s blog thought we’d seek out the Etsy members who are the most beloved (or rather, be-hearted). We tracked six of out of the top one hundred most-hearted users and sought them out for interviews. They were totally surprised and pleased to find out! The sixth (and last!) in this series is Elsita.
Elsa Mora (her nickname is Elsita) is a multimedia artist living in Los Angeles, California with her husband Bill, who is a film producer, their children Natalie (5) and Diego (3) and Bill’s son Miro (16). Elsa was born and raised in the island of Cuba, where she graduated from Art School in 1990 (see her story here). Elsa shows her work at galleries all over the world and she also spends lots of time doing family-related things. Elsa runs her own Etsy store named Elsita where she sells prints, toys, jewelry and other handmade creations. She also has a blog.
Tell us how you first got involved with Etsy.
I was lucky to find Etsy in July of 2007 while googling the word “handmade,” and I haven’t been able to get away from it ever since. I tried to explain how I became an Etsy prisoner with the illustration in my shop banner. (A very happy prisoner! 
)
What’s your favorite Etsy feature?
I love the Pounce feature. I use it whenever I have a chance because I get to see the undiscovered sellers. I am always excited to see people that are starting a new business; it makes me happy. I like to send supporting e-mails to new Etsians whenever I have a chance because I remember how much it meant to me when someone did the same thing in 2007.
How do you think you became so beloved in the Etsy community? (You’ve got a lot of hearts!)
I think that if you deeply love what you do and if you’re willing to share it with everyone out there, then whatever you give is going to come back to you in the form of little hearts. I want to thank every person that has hearted my store: it means the world to me!
Who are your favorite Etsians?
As I write these words, I have a total of 506 stores in my list of favorites, and the list will keep growing. It is hard for me to mention only a few favorite Etsians, because I love sooo many of them for sooo many different reasons. Behind each store there is a story, a real person and that’s what I love about this community: the diversity and the uniqueness of every member. But I will mention two Etsians that have a very special place in my heart:
1. arthursimo
Arthur is a young artist. He is autistic (just like my 3-year-old son) and he has the most amazing imagination. I have been in love with his creations since day one and I immediately became his collector. Just take a look at his store and don’t miss the explanations of his paintings — they are amazing. He lives in Florida with his Mom, and I am planning to meet them one day.
2. knitalatte
Behind this store there is an extraordinary woman. I met Margie through my blog. We became good friends and then she started her own blog. I have seen her imagination and creativity explode thanks to the energy that she has gotten from the Etsy community. This energy is all over the Internet, making all of the creative people a strong and important force. She recently opened her Etsy store with great success and I want to wish her and everyone who is starting an Etsy store all the best!
What are you doing this Valentine’s Day?
I am planning to eat lots of little chocolate kisses, the ones that have the cute pointy top. And I am planning to enjoy the whole day with my family.
Below you’ll find some of Elsa’s favorites. Check out the other Most Hearted individuals here...
95 comments
Sign in to add your owndogties says:
Elsita makes great items. Congrats on your hearts!
3 years ago
LaireMarie says:
I can see why you aer so hearted - nice job!!!!
3 years ago
PeppermintDaydreams says:
thanks for this elsita and etsy! i definitely heart your shop! now i'm off to check out arthursimo work.
3 years ago
missindie says:
great items, you deserve all those hearts! :] have a great Valentines Day!
3 years ago
barretzz says:
Lovely items, Congrats and Happy Valentine's
3 years ago
FancifulForm says:
knitalatte's little fishy art photographs are adorable. Great article! ^.^
3 years ago
yaelfran says:
te quiero Elsita!!!!!!
3 years ago
BPyarns says:
Wonderful artist! congrats on all the love :)
3 years ago
JeweledAmbrosia says:
lovely pics and seller!
3 years ago
EJPcreations says:
Such a nice article!! I do love her creations!!
3 years ago
annarubyking says:
congrats Elsita! beautiful work!
3 years ago
BeadsInTheBelfry says:
great article and I really loved the other article about your reflections on Cuba!
3 years ago
sushipot says:
I heart Elsita! Happy Valentines to you and yours :)
3 years ago
CabbagesandQueens says:
Fabulous items Elsita...and many congrats on all those hearts, wow wee!
3 years ago
isewcute says:
Love your shop & creative flair! I know what to ask Santa for this Christmas!
3 years ago
isabellaslittleshop says:
I love Elsita's work. Congrats to you, Elsita!
3 years ago
Shandells says:
I love her work, a good friend turned me on to her.
3 years ago
bluetricycle says:
I can tell you love your work and have a great energy about you! There's a great support among etsians. Arthursimo was one of the first people that hearted me when I started my shop-it's so nice to get a heart and learn all about the person behind it!
3 years ago
loulouandoscar says:
Yay! A wonderful artist, so glad to see Elsita is amongst the most hearted, with very good reason. Beautiful work!
3 years ago
YouAreYou says:
OOOOHHH! I LOVE her! So talented!
3 years ago
joojoo says:
Elsita is a precious artist, she is also a very kind human :)
3 years ago
yumiyumi says:
Elsita is one of my most hearted! She's so full of kindness and joy.
3 years ago
Fordos says:
Talented person! Her works touched my heart, and I became fan. :)Congratulation! :)
3 years ago
MoonLightSally says:
...such positive energy! Love it!!
3 years ago
tinyhappy says:
elsita has long been one of my favourite artists on etsy and in blog-land. she is beautiful and, i believe, a very kind human. inspiring, indeed!
3 years ago
theworldinamatchbox says:
I'm relatively new to Elsa's world, (three weeks ago I found her Frida Kahlo dollhouse), and I'm amazed daily by her imagination, spirit, joy, and energy! How she creates so beautifully and so often, and with such diversity, still astounds me. A daily morning visit to her blog does me far more good than vitamins.
3 years ago
Creativewithclay says:
What a wonderful article and beautiful work.
3 years ago
laspottery says:
I love to read these stories...so inspiring. Elsa is so talented and her work is beautiful!
3 years ago
LaveMeSoapCo says:
omgosh! i met her at the good show and she is even more adorable and lovely and smart and funny in person! yea!!!!
3 years ago
Pwackets says:
A great artist and wonderful, sweet person. I'm so happy to be a part of Etsy.
3 years ago
CositasSeriasVintage says:
lovely article. beautiful elsita!
3 years ago
signsofmylife says:
nice & sweet story - thank you for sharing! i love arthursimo too!
3 years ago
nightcloud says:
isn't this the best part of etsy - creative people connecting, supporting and inspiring each other; a healthy snowball becoming bigger... my best!
3 years ago
PipocaHandmade says:
Elsita, I love your shop. The fairytale pieces are fantastic. Great picks too!
3 years ago
IcingOnTheCupcake says:
Love her work!!!
3 years ago
arthursimo says:
Hi Elsita Thanks for promoting Arthur's art, he is very happy reading your comment. As his mom I thank you.
3 years ago
DeborahVoizin says:
You have a wonderful shop! Deborah
3 years ago
krize says:
Elsita is really unique artist, I am crazy with her papercuttings!! :)
3 years ago
knitalatte says:
Everything that Elsita touches turns to gold. She is one of the most creative and talented women on earth. I can't believe that will actually get to meet her this spring and touch those magic hands of hers.
3 years ago
DeNovoStyle says:
I'm really touched by your favorites!
3 years ago
Mwilson says:
You have unique classic style, Amazing choices as faves and ultimate creations...my, no wonder you are so loved! Smoochies~
3 years ago
PatiR says:
Love her sight and her blog. She has been a favorite and an inspiration for a while. Like a breath of fresh air!
3 years ago
luludesign says:
Great idea for a Valentine's Storque feature - I can't wait to read the blogs mentioned also!
3 years ago
elisasherejewelry says:
Elsita is like a breath of fresh air. What a positive and supportive person!
3 years ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
wonderful to meet Elsa!! I love her sheep print - just amazing and surreal! and thank you Elsa, for a beautiful collection in your treasury above!
3 years ago
Waterrose says:
So wonderful to see you featured Elsita! I love your creations and your blog. Happy Valentine's day and be careful of those kisses they are addicting!
3 years ago
Danielleorama says:
I want to be Elsita when I grow up! I hope one day I can branch out and remain as true to my own style as Elsita is able to do. Plus she f'ning gorgeous!!!!!!!!!
3 years ago
dearbirthday says:
elsita is seriously one of the most talented ladies of craft. whenever i look at her newest creations online i find myself calling whoever is in the room over to admire them with me. she's one of those artists who inspires you to work harder!
3 years ago
voleurdebijoux says:
congrats! lovely creations, elsita! :)
3 years ago
noodleandlou says:
Yes!! One of my most favorite etsy shops for sure! Elsita is an amazing talent and so unbelievably prolific!! A wonderful inspiration to us all:):) xox
3 years ago
RubyStudios says:
Thanks for the nice article, Elsita! I was so tickled and fortunate to learn about Arthur when his shop hearted mine--such a great endeavor! By the way, I love your children's names! :)
3 years ago
cozyblue says:
great interview, elsita! you are amazing and inspiring, as always :)
3 years ago
bijougirldesigns says:
I love Elsita!
3 years ago
Doodlage says:
Elsita got my "heart" long time ago :) Her papercuts are absolutely magnificent!!!
3 years ago
edieart says:
Gorgeous work in your shop!! And a lovely little interview :)
3 years ago
sophiori says:
Wow! Such Authenticity in your work, words and favorites! Thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
eccoxile says:
yay! I heart elsita too! her blog is so wonderful and joyful, always makes me happy.
3 years ago
Illusio says:
I enjoyed reading this. I don't normally read Storque articles, but I was drawn in by the smile:D Lorrie xx
3 years ago
pogoshop says:
Boy, where have I been? I had never found Elsita until reading this. What a great discovery. Such a lovely person and neat artist. Thanks! She and arthursimo and knitalatte are my three new favorites. The Etsy community is so rich.
3 years ago
lros2002 says:
This is all so amazing and lovely
3 years ago
JoyandWhimsy says:
you do beautiful work - and your papercut prints are amazing.
3 years ago
danitashop says:
No wonder you're one of the most hearted!!! I haven't seen a thing you do that I don't love :)
3 years ago
kristensteinfineart says:
I love your shop...your avatar and banner cracked me up!
3 years ago
theaxx says:
Of course we've all favourites alsita - her work is amazing, inspiring and magnificent! From another happy prisoner! theaxx (www.forthevisionaries.tumblr.com)
3 years ago
jodieflowers says:
Wonderful!
3 years ago
MyJunkyTrunk says:
Too cute! Love your shop!
3 years ago
corid says:
i definately heart you elsita!
3 years ago
waxandwool says:
And a very Happy Valentine's Day to you Elsita! I am thrilled to pieces that I "know" one of Etsy's most hearted. Such a creative and sweet person.
3 years ago
LeLapinTriste says:
Elsita is one of my favorite etsy sellers! She is so deeply talented and a lovely lady! Thank you for interviewing her, she is an inspiration!
3 years ago
minouette says:
Well-deserved! Congratulations Elsita!
3 years ago
BlueCanvasStudios says:
Awesome idea for an article and Elsita, so glad you mentioned arthursimo. His drawings are just so imaginitive! Make certain to check out this Etsy seller! Congrats to you Elsita. Beautiful prints and papercuts!
3 years ago
threeredtrees says:
Congrats on all those hearts, Elsa! Each one is so well-deserved! Hope you get many more sales from this!
3 years ago
brokesy says:
yay, elsita!!! so nice to see you as one of the picks! xo
3 years ago
PinkCheeksStudios says:
Elsita deserves all the love she gets times a million! She is wonderful, her work and blog inspire me daily.
3 years ago
Beadz2Pleaz says:
Well I never knew about you till this article and am really glad to have "met" one of the most hearted shops and persona. You are most talented and loved. :)
3 years ago
BigHelmetHead says:
Que bonitas son todas tus creaciones. How beautiful and dreamy is everything that you create, I'm a huge fan!
3 years ago
gretchenmist says:
great article, lovely to have found your shop. + 1 more heart :)
3 years ago
makepienotwar says:
my first purchase was from elsita! yeah!!! i still love my little rosa!
3 years ago
RoseMarieGallery says:
so inspiring, so delightful. thanks.
3 years ago
giusypatch says:
I didn't know she is a film producer's wife :) but know her time ago and love her wonderful art!
3 years ago
JudyJem says:
What a lovely article. You deserve every single heart and more!!
3 years ago
kutz says:
Elsita, congratulations, I always love to read something about you !!!
3 years ago
yalipaz says:
I just love Elsita! She is a great artist. Everything she makes is a work of art!
3 years ago
wristcandycreations says:
I love your work! Congratulations on your hearts!
3 years ago
Donauluft says:
I am a new etsy seller from austria, not an english native speaker and besides not yet very confident using the internet, but I am learnig every day! On my first day after adding my items, Elsita added me to her favorite sellers. I was so happy!.. Thanks
3 years ago
tamaradesigns says:
Elsita was the third etsian to heart *my* store and it really made my day. She is a very generous person and lucky for us, a prolific artist. I can't wait to see more of her work.
3 years ago
VirginiaWho says:
i've only just discovered etsy and the more i read the more i like it. it really does feel like a community. i thought it was lovely when you said that u send new people a welcome email. it's awesome that this community has people like you. congratulations on all ur hearts and hello from australia. eartha virginia
3 years ago
cushytoosh says:
What a wonderful job! To be sooo loved and love what you do!! Can it get any better
3 years ago
hiptobeasquare says:
Elsita is definitely one of the most talented people I've ever seen! Kudos to you!
2 years ago
shellart123 says:
Thank You for Hearting me,You are so sweet!!! That was my 1st! I hope you recieve a gillion more hearts!
2 years ago
sweetharvey says:
Wow, your work is wonderful. The details are grand and amazing papercuts. Congratulations on all of those hearts - I cant even imagine having that many!
2 years ago
VintageStarrBeads says:
Incredible work and incredible human being. I remember that almost exactly a year ago I signed on to Etsy and you contacted and welcomed me!
2 years ago
careyleigh007 says:
Wow! I'm really impressed. Thank you for sharing your "gifts"!
1 year ago
careyleigh007 says:
Wow! I'm really impressed. Thank you for sharing your "gifts"!
1 year ago
isabellebryer says:
Hello Elsita! I started my Etsy store a couple of weeks ago and it took me a few minutes to spot your beautiful shop and mark you as my favorite. I love your work, it is poetic and folk tale inspired (I think) and just all around charming. As I am trying to navigate Etsy and find out about all the possibilities to grow my store I will make sure to keep an eye on your new creations. Take care!
227 days ago