I’ve been looking forward to bringing you the story of Amanda and her significant other, Sean, who have both been able to quit their day jobs in order to successfully earn a living running their Etsy shop, BreadandBadger. Soon after Amanda quit her day job the budding success of her glass business presented a similar opportunity for Sean to help her run the show. After chatting with Amanda, I know you will appreciate her insightful tips for running a successful business, right down to how to work with a significant other without being at one another’s throats!
How did you originally get into the business of making things?
I’ve actually been trying to find a way to make a living with my artwork my whole life! It’s just one of those things I knew I was born to do, without a doubt. I remember selling art in high school to my friends, like t-shirts that I’d drawn on with puff-paint. I’ve gone through a number of phases and false-starts (tattoo artist, children’s book illustrator, web comic creator, beaded jewelry designer/lost-wax caster) before finding a hit with etched glass. Sean had been scheming to work for himself for a while, but neither of us ever thought he’d be working for me! It was a bit of a surprise, the way it happened.
When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
I actually quit my full-time job before officially starting my business back in 2005. I just couldn’t handle working in a retail store while I was trying to draw a web comic and learn about business. I opened my first Etsy shop, SilverSquirrel, in 2006, but it never really took off — mostly because my heart wasn’t really in it. had to get a part-time job shortly after, but I was lucky enough to get a gig working for a local designer who worked with vintage accessories, so I learned a lot about business from her. I experimented with other art mediums, read lots of books on business and marketing, and basically absorbed everything I could. I opened BreadandBadger in the summer of 2007 and dove right in — I finally felt confident about my new glass products. I only had this shop for about two months before it needed my full attention, but I’d been doing craft fairs and promotion for a while before that.
When Sean quit his full time job last fall, it was completely out of necessity. I was so swamped with orders that I basically had to hire someone to help me, so there wasn’t much to think about. We bought equipment so we could start production work — I had been hand-engraving each item before that. We knew the holidays would be even busier, so Sean just went for it. We were both scared at first, because we’d just spent a bunch of money on the sandblasting equipment and a rented studio space, but everything quickly paid for itself. I never could have made that many glasses on my own, not to mention packing them and keeping track of everything!
Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?
Sean and I are incredibly frugal, so we worked to create a nest egg to fall back on before I initially quit my job. My endeavors were doing a little better than breaking even until last fall, when it really exploded. With the money we’d kept saved up, we were able to buy the equipment we needed to expand the business when the time was right. I like to be legit and keep detailed accounting records, which has been invaluable for budgeting. I’m a firm believer that if you’re serious about something, you should do everything properly from the beginning and you won’t have any regrets. I don’t like to falsely exaggerate how low our income is, or it could effect our ability to get a loan if we needed it. We have plans to buy a house as soon as possible, and we’ll have to prove our work history and show steady income for that.
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What’s your best marketing tip?
- I believe in my products, so I’ve gotten used to shouting about them. Sean gets more excited about the business, the more he’s involved and the better we do. No one will pay attention to your products unless you’re really excited about them, either in person or online. I recommend always presenting yourself professionally in the public eye, and people will respect you and take your seriously.
- This might seem silly, but Sean and I always try to look happy when we’re doing craft fairs, even if it’s a bad day. I had to actually ask my parents to leave the booth at our first outdoor event, because it was freezing cold and they looked miserable. No one wants to shop from someone who looks unhappy, even if they’re just chilly! Putting a bright face on things will help with your sanity, and it makes you more approachable from a customer’s standpoint.
- Sending press releases have opened up so many doors for me! Some press releases are just duds, but I’ve learned that there’s an art to it. You never know if one blog feature is going to spread into 20, or a local paper’s article is going to create a frenzy for your products. Press begets more press, and blog features can spread like wildfire online. I’m actually teaching a workshop next month on writing press releases (based on Grace Bonney’s strategies from design*sponge). The workshop is hosted by Trillium Artisans (http://trilliumartisans.etsy.com or http://trilliumartisans.org), which is a non-profit that helps low-income “green” businesses in Portland, OR.
- Contributing to The Sampler is one of the first things I did to promote my business, and it’s been a great way to get the word out. I try to contribute a couple times a year, and it always brings at least a few sales and press features. Plus, people who receive the Sampler LOVE what they get, so I hear from people at craft fairs and those who order online.
What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
- I’m a big fan of social networking, mostly because it gives me an excuse to play on the computer all day for “promoting.” I’ve only had luck when I use sites really frequently though. If I don’t update them, they’re easily forgotten and pretty useless.
- It’s good to take note of which products are selling well, because sometimes it’s not the ones that we expect! I’ve had to drop products and designs that I really liked, because they just weren’t selling. Being able to let go of something that I personally like is a big step, but it’s the smart thing to do.
Walk us through your typical workday.
- We’re both late risers! It’s a perk of working from home. First thing, I check my email and convos, and write down any orders I have on post-it notes (this is the best organizational idea I’ve ever had!—I can see everything I need stickied to the desktop, and then label boxes once they’re packed up). I relist anything that sold overnight so that we can make again.
- I feed the cat, then breakfast and coffee in front of the computer for social networking and reading updates in Google Reader. I couldn’t live without programs like this! They really streamline my life and allow me to keep up with a lot of blogs and news that I’d miss otherwise.
- If it’s Thursday, we head out to PDX Etsy Tea Time! Otherwise, I usually get Sean set up with a project to do, or he’ll do the weekly accounting. We look at what inventory we need, and he starts making it.
- I’m always working on some kind of promotional thing, whether it’s writing a new press release, or updating the website and Etsy shop. I try to list new items as often as possible, and take new photos of older items to “freshen” them up. I listen to audio books while I work, since I don’t have much time for reading.
- Lunch, usually eaten while working. Sometimes I read while eating, if I’m sick of sitting at the computer.
- If I’m done with all my projects early, I’ll sit down and help Sean mask glasses. Sometimes we play tennis in the afternoon, or I’ll go for a jog. If Sean’s done working early, he likes to work on his planted freshwater aquariums. We have three in the house, and he’s always working on them.
- One of us cooks dinner at some point, which we both enjoy doing. Sometimes dinner time is the only time we really see each other during the day, since we tend to have different projects to work on.
- After dinner, I head back to the computer and deal with any new orders/emails/convos and networking things. I might write a blog post or check out the forums.
- This is about when we’ll go to the studio to sandblast everything. After blasting, the glasses get hand-washed and I date and initial all of them.
- Sean and I pack up the orders that will go out the following day, and request carrier pickup. We plan what we need to make, then create the stencils for tomorrow (since they need to dry overnight).
- We both tend to stay up past 1am or so, reading, updating things, tweaking stuff, and generally being geeks. Sometimes we play video games for a little unwinding. This is also when the cat likes to tear around the house and be a spazz, so we indulge him.
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
I don’t think there’s anything that we miss about working for other people! I used to miss the social aspect of going to work, but I have lots of business-owner friends now that I’ve met through Etsy Teams. I actually have more friends now than ever before! Sean is still figuring out how to be social while working at home, but he enjoys setting his own hours and spending more time on his aquariums.
We’ve both worked a variety of jobs, from food service to retail to construction. We’ve worked for big corporations, small businesses, and family friends. There just wasn’t really anything satisfying about doing work for someone else and following another company’s dream, even when it was paying well. We’ve definitely taken some big risks, but we’ve always come out ahead, and the business is constantly growing. It would be nice to have a steady paycheck, but even those aren’t sure bets in an economic situation like this.
If you’re thinking of working closely with your significant other, we’d both recommend keeping your own space. Don’t try to work too close to each other in the same room, or you’ll be at each other’s throats. Be honest and open with each other, and keep your expectations reasonable. You might both have very different schedules or techniques that work best for you.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?
If you have a local Etsy Team, join it and get together! I’ve gained boatloads of knowledge from my local Teams (PDXEtsy, PDX Indie [the cooperative that I helped found!] and Trillium Artisans). Talking to real people about their Etsy businesses is invaluable, and you really need a support group who’ll understand you. Friends and family can be very negative about your new business (from jealousy, or just from not understanding it), so you may need to stop relying on them for awhile. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to do this. Sean is actually an employee of my company now, and I wish we’d known more about how to set that up before we did it. I would have found a trustworthy accountant before we tried to do that ourselves, and made sure we knew what we were getting into. It’s not that hard (and it has its own tax benefits!), but it was really intimidating.
What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
- Sales-wise, we’d like to see growth over last year, which has been pretty consistent. I’d like to finally get up to 100 listings in the shop. I’d like to sell more internationally, but I haven’t figured out a really affordable shipping method for that yet. Glass is heavy!
- Aesthetically, I’d like to have better photos across the board, since there are always a few listings that I dislike. I’d like to narrow the color scheme a little more, to keep things cohesive.
- We’re hoping to build up enough inventory this summer that we’ll be really prepared for the holidays. November always catches us off-guard, and it would be nice to be a little less stressed. We both hope to plan our days better so we have more free time. We recently moved to the west coast, and there’s so much to explore still!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Thanks for having us! Neither of us would be working at home full time without Etsy. You can see more photos of our studio and etching techniques on Flickr. You can follow me on Twitter and read more about us on our blog.
Please join Amanda and Sean for a follow-up Question and Answer session this Tuesday, March 18th, 2009 at 3pm EST in the Auditorium room of the Virtual Labs (the VL schedule is magically in your local time). See you there!
You can find some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.
197 comments
Sign in to add your ownEyePopArt says:
Great article! Bread and Badger rocks. Amanda, you are quite an inspiration!
3 years ago
PoleStar says:
Great team effort with these two. Fantastic article!
3 years ago
arcanearts says:
Great article Amanda!
3 years ago
catrocks says:
Y'all rock...big time! Congrats and thanks for the article!
3 years ago
EJPcreations says:
I love them so much!!! Such a great article!!!
3 years ago
beatricestudio says:
How inspiring! Thank you!
3 years ago
paintmywords says:
Awesome. Beer and Cycling. Two things i love.
3 years ago
FlanneryCrane says:
Inspiring article! Much continued success...
3 years ago
AwApplesauce says:
As always, so informative and a pleasure to read. Thanks for sharing, Amanda and Sean!
3 years ago
gildem says:
What a great etsy couple!
3 years ago
courtmeleon says:
I think this may be my favorite QYDJ article yet! Thanks Amanda for being so detailed, positive & so inspiring. Best of luck to you both. <3 Court
3 years ago
LaveMeSoapCo says:
woot awesome!
3 years ago
StephanieFizer says:
really fantastic interview, thanks so much for sharing :)
3 years ago
yaelfran says:
adorable article and great shop!
3 years ago
eyeful says:
Wow! Congratulations! I will read this over & over again with high hopes. :) Thanks for all the info and encouragement! :)
3 years ago
specimen7 says:
This was a really awesome and inspiring article. Rock on!
3 years ago
maybeads says:
Great story! And what a cool shop -- love it!
3 years ago
BlueTerracotta says:
Inspiring! Thanks!
3 years ago
OhFaro says:
How exciting to be able to work together at something you love. AND -- In Portland too! I love Portland. Nice pieces guys. Cheers!
3 years ago
evesimone says:
coolio
3 years ago
autumncomfort says:
You two are rock stars! I have learned so much from you in the last year, and we fight over our mustache pints all the time in this house! Great article!
3 years ago
uncharted says:
It's always great to hear others' success stories! Thanks!
3 years ago
popsiclestick says:
Super informative - great shop - inspiring people. Thanks a ton. I'd like to point out the whole Priority Mail thing, too. If you're new to Etsy, this is a lifesaver for figuring out how to send. Order free supplies, figure out weight range and you're on your way.
3 years ago
4TheSparrowsNest says:
I love what you two say about staying positive...even if it's a bad day. Whether you're in the public eye or not, I believe trying your best to stay happy and optimistic will ultimately transfer to your product and will effect everything you do. Great article!
3 years ago
duewell says:
Congrats on your success, and thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
amyrwyatt says:
Lucky you two!! Congratulations on all the hard work, its great to see a couple share such a successful dream, I wish you lots more growth!
3 years ago
mmmfiber says:
I *heart* Bread and Badger!
3 years ago
sean11 says:
Great article. I bought a set of Bread and Badger's mustache pint glasses for my dad, who sports the largest handlebar mustache in the state of Rhode Island. He loves them.
3 years ago
enhabiten says:
wow. great information here. congratulations to them for their success and ability to work together!!
3 years ago
gloilocksandbody says:
Always love reading these! Congrats on the success!! Reading these always gives others great hope! <3
3 years ago
SeaFindDesigns says:
Way to go you guys!! Love the teamwork!!! Hey Sean... Do I know your handle bar dad!?
3 years ago
zombuki says:
Always a great read and I had to favorite that heart soap dispenser = yes!! ;D
3 years ago
makepienotwar says:
i love it! i quit my day job too! good luck to you guys! great products!
3 years ago
squareware says:
great tips and thanks for sharing your experience so generously.
3 years ago
Minnie829 says:
Great job!
3 years ago
discomedusa says:
congrats, amanda & sean!
3 years ago
ModFarmgirl says:
Very inspiring!!! Thank you for sharing! Congrats on quiting your day job. Wishing you continued success!!!!
3 years ago
Mod3rnArt says:
Best of luck to you and all the Etsians!!!
3 years ago
bbbennyandthejet says:
Sweet!!! Love the pic of you both with the masks on.. hot pink is such an "in" colour right now... *grin*.. keep up the fantastic work!
3 years ago
sherrytruitt says:
Nothing better than working for yourselves! Good luck to you both.
3 years ago
Blubeary says:
Yeah that is such an inspiration to us all!
3 years ago
undertheroot says:
I am down with your realism and nomenclature! You rock and spread the knowledge like wildfire with this one. Thank you and thank you Etsy.
3 years ago
gypsywoman says:
Great working together story...it can work...they are the perfect example
3 years ago
BabbidgePatch says:
What a great story ~ love your work ~ especially all things knitting :)
3 years ago
f2images says:
Very inspirational, and what cool products!!
3 years ago
whichgoose says:
AH! So jealous!! :) WAY TO GO!! Love the mustache collection...
3 years ago
amyolsonjewelry says:
great article! congratulations Bread and Badger!
3 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
What a great couple and the story is incredible. Thanks for sharing with all of us. Congrats to you both on your success and quiting those day jobs. Wonderful products, got ya in my favorites now, great gifts for others or treat myself. You guys rock. Thank you again and Etsy too~!
3 years ago
waikikidragonfly says:
1+1= True Teamwork and Love! Your article put me in a very good place that I needed to be at. Without Teamwork, there's no foundation, and you both show me that, yes, we Etsy people are the Best of the Best because we have excellent support! You both inspire me! Mahalo (thank you) from the Island...Maui!
3 years ago
pioupioukids says:
It's great to read such success stories and oh so inspiring!
3 years ago
aimeesarmoire says:
Congratulations, BreadandBadger! My parents managed to work together in the same house (different floors) on the same product (different ends of the production line!) for DECADES... and my sister and I were invlved in the product as well. May you continue to share studio space AND a business vision successfully for many years to come!
3 years ago
octavineillustration says:
congratulations!~ so exciting to see PDX artists in the news. you guys are amazing....
3 years ago
orangepoppy says:
such a wonderful, insightful article! Thanks so much for sharing such great insight and knowledge!!
3 years ago
ModernMetalJewelry says:
Congratulation to you both! These success stories always inspire and have great tips!
3 years ago
TheBearAffair says:
What a great story. You are my inspiration and I look forward to following your success. Cheers and thanks for sharing.
3 years ago
vibedesigns says:
congrats, always nice to hear of success stories
3 years ago
littleputbooks says:
Awesome Amanda and Sean!!!!
3 years ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
what a great interview! and all that sandblasting!! it's great that you both work together well! congratulations!
3 years ago
MyJunkyTrunk says:
Very inspiring!
3 years ago
OceanGrrl says:
your glasses are my favorite to give as gifts, thanks breadand badger
3 years ago
ReThread says:
Great story, great shop I love the heart soap bottle!
3 years ago
ampm says:
Great interview. Very encouraging and nice to see that folks can turn a hobby into a career!
3 years ago
heidiburton says:
Well done folks! I really enjoyed reading about your path to success. I also started out with puff paints on t-shirts hehe :D Love your products!
3 years ago
glass2 says:
Hi, We are new to etsy and this is a great inspiration for myself and better half. We have sold on ebay for years but need to go into another dimension that seems to be profitable for us.
3 years ago
surly says:
I love you guys... (reminds me of me and Surly Johnny, yay for teamwork)! Wishing you continued success! Hooray!!!
3 years ago
PearlyGrey says:
So Proud to know you Amanda! See you soon.
3 years ago
realisationcreations says:
Fabulous article! Now I'm off to follow you on Twitter! :)
3 years ago
luckykat says:
I bought a shot glass from you at Urban Craft Uprising in Seattle.... I love it!
3 years ago
worksandfinds says:
Congratulations. I love "quit your job" articles they are so positive and encouraging.
3 years ago
Waterrose says:
What a great success story! Good luck with all of your goals!
3 years ago
notmoira says:
I've had the mustache glasses hearted forever... love this shop! So great to see you doing so well. :)
3 years ago
michelemaule says:
awesome!Great work! I'm hoping to get out to some of those PDX Etsy Tea times :)
3 years ago
dogties says:
Looks like fun. Great stuff.
3 years ago
globalcoolo says:
so inspiring! thank you!!!
3 years ago
isewcute says:
I love hearing such fabulous stories of people making work out of what they love! Congrats BreadandBadger on your success! It's well deserved! ;o)
3 years ago
cefische says:
Congrats, I have had my eye on the mustache glasses for a long time!
3 years ago
UglyBaby says:
This is awesome. I love Bread and Badger!
3 years ago
PipocaHandmade says:
What a fantastic story, awesome shop and designs! Congratulations and continued success!
3 years ago
Piggy says:
Great article and story! Very inspirational. Great tips. Wonderful products!
3 years ago
lapetitevie says:
I love their shop - so fun to read this article. Thanks and congrats!
3 years ago
bohemianchaos says:
wow, what a great article :)
3 years ago
bellasparty says:
Awesome article, very inspirational! Great tips on marketing your business. I love the mustache collection!
3 years ago
angie180281 says:
What a sweet article, and they look like a lovely couple - best of luck to them!!!
3 years ago
cherdak says:
great article !
3 years ago
tickledpinkpaperink says:
thanks for the inspiration! great marketing ideas too!
3 years ago
sandali says:
I love to hear stories like this !!! This is life -- living & loving the art of being free ;)
3 years ago
tumbleweedstudios says:
What a great team you guys make! Congrats on your success!
3 years ago
badhannah says:
Awesome! My husband & I read the article & are so inspired. So happy to see smart, creative people finding success! Thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
piddix says:
Yea! Such a great couple. So nice you meet you both the other day. Yea!
3 years ago
Mattamorphis says:
Very inspiring. -Matt
3 years ago
littlepaperhome says:
Love your stuff! So happy to see your business working! -chelsey
3 years ago
ameliesilks says:
Good read! Never heard of the sampler.
3 years ago
Caracarmina says:
I loooooved their story..... not only is full of commitment but full of reality and effort!!!! great story!
3 years ago
JLynnCreations says:
Wonderful story! Great job guys :)
3 years ago
SoSheSews says:
So lovely! I just quit my day job today! *fingers crossed*!!!!
3 years ago
IceCreamCandy says:
what a great story!!!!
3 years ago
Pauleridu says:
Love your positive attitude. Keep up the wonderful, inspiring work. Can't wait to see what's coming next.
3 years ago
FlanneryO says:
Thanks for introducing me to a brilliant shop that I hadn't discovered yet! Cheers!
3 years ago
vintagedecadence says:
Good luck to this enterprising couple!
3 years ago
MeAndBoo says:
Nice stuff!! There is a lot of good info in here. I'd love to work at home with my hubby, that's our dream.
3 years ago
empapers says:
The info on how to work with your partner was especially helpful. Thanks!
3 years ago
dreamerchar says:
you guys are a real inspiration! its made me feel so much more positive and get more pro-active!! All the best! :)
3 years ago
EpicBones says:
this is so inspiring!! i'm working on quitting my day job too this summer, yikes! so scarey!
3 years ago
L1zW says:
These articles are always invaluable. I am constantly learning and getting great advice for the day when I take the plunge with my own venture!
3 years ago
LeftHandHats says:
Thanks for all the tips! I'm making the leap, and need all the help and encouragement I can get! Knowing there are people out there who are living the life I want and doing it well helps keep my spirits up. Oh, and your glasses are great!
3 years ago
crowseyestudio says:
Thanks for an encouraging article and detailed responses to the questions-- it's nice to see that one *can* work with yer sweetie daily if you plan it right.
3 years ago
galit says:
Amazing! I really love this shop!
3 years ago
lydialayne says:
Great article and great shop!
3 years ago
PhineasandLou says:
Great profile. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and inspirations :)
3 years ago
Fantasticfigments says:
I really think this was one of the most informative articles that I have read thus far! Great knowledge and I am so glad you guys are living the dream! Good luck with future sales!!!! Smooches Steph
3 years ago
RoyalPrincess says:
Great article!!
3 years ago
lucywallis says:
love the reclaimed knitters tea cups - very English!?! Thanks for sharing your story. Lucy
3 years ago
brezomayo says:
awesome! congrats on your success!!!
3 years ago
pouch says:
the workshop on press releases sounds great and I love the work of Trillium Artisans, it's always good to see 'green' business getting support :)
3 years ago
DoraArtDesignStudio says:
Thanks for the great article. What cool items!
3 years ago
manfredmonkeys says:
that's a really inspiring article!
3 years ago
sweetestpea says:
Yay Amanda and Sean! We miss you on the East coast, but I'm so happy to see how well you've done! :)
3 years ago
thestapeliacompany says:
Wow, what an operation! I love those glasses, especially the octopus ones.
3 years ago
PrettyPaintings says:
wow. . . I'm brand new to etsy and really appreciate all the detailed info . . and I love your glasses!
3 years ago
elodee says:
I love you guys! You're one of my favorites! Keep up the good work.
3 years ago
bittersweetboo says:
Great article! I love reading these :) Cute glasses too!
3 years ago
catsongstitchery says:
Very inspiring!
3 years ago
NanLawson says:
i love this series and i especially love this shop!
3 years ago
PoorRobot says:
Great article! Amanda and Sean, you are an inspiration.
3 years ago
MinaLucia says:
"There just wasn’t really anything satisfying about doing work for someone else and following another company’s dream, even when it was paying well" This is what I have had in my head for so long! Thank you for saying this for me and so many of us. No matter what "job" I had, big or small I have always felt this way. Now that I am on Etsy (although BRAND newbie) I have hope. Thank you for all the great info and your generous spirit. Shows in your work. Bravo and best!
3 years ago
courtneyannedesigns says:
Very inspiring! I hope to quit my day job someday!!!
3 years ago
acormier77 says:
Awesome article! I appreciate the very realistic advice on the marketing tecniques! Great job you two!
3 years ago
BabyDragonsLair says:
Very down to earth people. Im am BEYOND happy at the people Ive met here on Etsy over the past 2 years. These 2 are a good example. Thanks
3 years ago
anicastillo says:
wow, tons of advise, thank you guys!! :D :D
3 years ago
WhatsYourAnimal says:
This article is full of important information to be successful. Thank you for bringing it to the our attention! Continue success Amanda and Sean!!
3 years ago
JujuBySarah says:
I'm so happy for you guys! Every one loved the wedding favors you did for us!
3 years ago
sloeginfizz says:
Really great interview! Very inspiring, insightful and fun at the same time. I just forwarded it on to my man and told him to get ready! Thanks for your advice, generosity and time, and best of luck with your goals for this year!
3 years ago
MBraze says:
I love this article! Truly inspiring and I learned a thing or two or three! Congrats on all your success BreadandBadger! I'm a true believer in FUN and you guys certainly are! =)
3 years ago
TheDizzyPixie says:
I absolutely love the mustache glasses! Such an inspiration, I hope someday I'll get there.
3 years ago
Squier says:
Cool article! Thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
Tweethouse says:
Thank you for your inspirational article! Your product is fantastic! Best of luck with your sales!
3 years ago
LibbyRyan says:
Congratulations to all your success and thank you for the post! I'm originally from Portland so this makes me extra proud!
3 years ago
SnuggleHerd says:
great article! cute couple! fabulous products! so inspiring.
3 years ago
heatherwangjewelry says:
Such a great article, very inspiring for this Etsy newbie :)
3 years ago
Perceptions says:
Best of luck to you for continued success! Thanks for sharing your story and business tips!
3 years ago
blackeyedsuzie says:
Yay! Great story and advice...this is such an inspiring series - keep them coming! Three weeks til I quit my day job!
3 years ago
cheriebeadle says:
So very inspiring! Thanks for being so honest and open with your answers. Good luck and happy selling!
3 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
Love it! Great article, great shop!
3 years ago
AnvilArtshop says:
Great article, they've been in my favorites almost from Day One. :)
3 years ago
ireneplummerart says:
Thanks for all the great advice. Really helpful!!
3 years ago
SweetEventide says:
This was so inspiring, I really liked hearing how you had a first shop that wasn't very successful because your heart wasn't really in it. That would be me too. I'm really fired up about my new shop and I know it will take some time but I truly believe in it this time. Thank you for the advice to join a local Etsy team, I wouldn't have thought of doing that so early in the game but I'm going to look into it now.
3 years ago
SEOWebDesign says:
You sound very committed and are working hard at making your dreams come true. Congratulations on your own successful path of creative endeavors.
3 years ago
GemtreeStudios says:
Great article. Very nice product. Nice to see that your able to live the dream of working for yourself. We have been doing this for 10 years and couldn't see having to work for big industry again.
3 years ago
artbymsr says:
Wow, some awsome tips. Thanks for sharing. Wishing you continued success!
3 years ago
EarthWrappedJewelry says:
Awesome!! What an inspiration you two are! Best of luck!
3 years ago
CharlotteRice says:
Thanks for sharing your tips and ideas! Love your work too.
3 years ago
moonangelnay says:
Thanks for the great story and advice! I wish you both all the best!
3 years ago
karenfieldsgallery says:
Very informative and interesting article. Going through false starts is so true for so many of us. Thanks for sharing.
3 years ago
poppyswickedgarden says:
great article! It is so nice to be able to quit your day job and work on ETSY instead(though I think I work atleast twice as many hours LOL!)
3 years ago
ConMisOjos says:
Great article!
3 years ago
behjat says:
Congratulations....thanks for sharing your story.
3 years ago
blondebeauty says:
Its great to see someone doing so well. I still need a boost.
3 years ago
missmiayeahyeah says:
It sounds like they've got things figured out. Definitely something to strive for!
3 years ago
DaisyChains says:
Congrats!! You soooooo deserve it. ;O)
3 years ago
BeeGracious says:
Great story ~ thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
CeeLou says:
Whoa, you have sure inspired me to make my move. Just what I needed to read, a realistic success story. Enjoyed the article....mucha apreciación!
3 years ago
SoulyStones says:
Congrats, you two are awesome!!
3 years ago
SouthwestFlower says:
Store is adorable, can't wait to purchase some mustache glasses!
3 years ago
rocksntwigs says:
love th mustache glass...great article hope you two the best. great advice , esecially for anewbie like me, hope to join you some day soon
3 years ago
stoneandbone says:
Wonderful story, congrats on all the success and rock on.
3 years ago
Jenifersfamilyjewels says:
Thanks for sharing this marymary! Another inspirational story and so cool to hear about couples working together!
3 years ago
FluteTeacher says:
Great! Thanks for sharing.
3 years ago
Elizaveta says:
Goshdarnnit! I want EVERYTHING in this shop Right Now!!!
3 years ago
jackbear says:
I've ordered from them..they do great work and are speedy and when I had a problem with my order, they made it totally right. Thanks and good luck to you both!!
3 years ago
wristcandycreations says:
Thanks for sharing your inspirational story! I think it's fabulous you and your significant other get to work together doing something you both love, and working towards the same goal. Best wishes for continued success!!
3 years ago
Jujie says:
Such a great story... You both make lovely items :)
3 years ago
coltsgroovies says:
Very Inspiring Story! I need to do more advertising & networking for my shop. Thanks for the tips!
3 years ago
flauntdesignsjewelry says:
Great story, to read of artists being in charge of their own destiny, taking a bold step, having success - and being willing to share their advice & experiences :) Thanks!
3 years ago
digitalmisfit says:
Great article! It is inspiring to read such a wonderful success story. I have 2 fabulous pint glasses (robot & mustache) - Bread and Badger rocks!
3 years ago
SalmonStreetStudio says:
Nice replies Amanda! I have to say that you guys rock and we are glad to be able to know you irl -and we love your work too. You guys are inspiring : )
3 years ago
Karramandi says:
Fantastic article. Very inspiring. Thanks and may your success continue :)
3 years ago
Danikamon says:
i love reading success stories. Thanks for sharing.
3 years ago
youngsoap says:
Loved this article!
3 years ago
adorabubblejewellery says:
This was a really insightful article. I love the mustache glasses! Long may your success continue.
3 years ago
jodieflowers says:
so inspiring!
3 years ago
easelarts says:
Love these articles. I'm definitely sending the knitting motif samples to a great knitting store I'm fond of here in Toronto.
3 years ago
SupplyRiot says:
You guys are awesome!!
3 years ago
DoodlebugAccessories says:
Fantastic couple and loved the article.
3 years ago
RenJewels says:
This is such an inspiring story and I am very envious. I am a teacher but would love to be a full time jewelry maker and crafty person. Or maybe a part time teacher and part time jewelry maker. One day...SIGH!
3 years ago
BabyBeesBoutique says:
I love your story! Love the masks!! lol I hearted your shop...we are moving soon and will get some new glasses for parties very soon! Good luck in all of your endeavors.
3 years ago
BloomAndCo says:
Oh Joy! Everyones dream set-up. Good for you. You took a big risk and its paying off. Its really inspiring to hear success stories like this. Well done and best wishes for continued success.
3 years ago
JLMould says:
Good Job!!! I hearted your store.. great items!! Jessica Lynn
3 years ago
metrostation says:
wow good job!
3 years ago
ksickles says:
So glad to see them featured - great products and so fun!
3 years ago
BusyBeeBumbleBeads says:
AWESOME!!!
3 years ago
artbytrudy says:
Great article..Love your inspiring story! Hard working and playing couple! Trudy
3 years ago
karinapotestio says:
Amanda and Sean you both rock!!!! good job! see you soon
3 years ago
foxtrailgeneralstore says:
I love these products! These articles always inspire me.
3 years ago
caoimhamarie says:
i love this article and that shop!
3 years ago
tumbleweedstudios says:
So inspiring!
3 years ago
blithegardens says:
Great article- interesting to see how you handled your growing business.
3 years ago