Shelli has been successfully supporting herself through her Etsy business, dazeychic, after diving in head first. She runs a tight ship and puts in long hours, all the while caring for her son, Brayden. Shelli is just now learning how to balance and manage her time to keep from working 24/7, claims one of her best Etsy strategies is relisting all of the items in her shop daily, and wishes she had paid a tad more attention in math rather than doodling during class. Keep reading to get a peek into the life of Shelli and the story behind dazeychic.
How did you originally get into the business of making things?
My lovely mom, neysasart, passed on her creative gene to me (thanks, Mom!) and encouraged me to explore every avenue in which I showed an interest. As silly as it sounds, I always loved to doodle and it often got me into trouble during school. I would make classmates cards with funny people on them, and I would write my teachers notes in the margins using bubble letters. I hated math and I LOVED art class. It was the only thing that ever felt just right.
I owe my humble digital illustration beginnings to the invention of blogs and Valentine’s Day. My boyfriend at the time, who is now my partner-in-crime and Etsy-guru husband, surprised me one Valentine’s Day with a little software program called Paint Shop Pro. Nothing fancy. I dove in that night and never looked back. I took a few online tutorial classes to teach me the basics and started posting my creations on my blog. I started getting requests for custom work almost instantly. It was amazing. It was the first time I was doing what I loved… but it certainly was not full-time.
When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
Absolutely not. The very idea seemed dreamy and very very far away! At that time I still believed I was going to be a famous author like Carrie Bradshaw.
Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?
I should probably say “yes” here… but I’m creative and not at all logical. I had the basics, but anything beyond that? Nothing. I learn best by jumping in and “doing” so that’s exactly what I did. Finances and taxes have been the hardest so far…which is ironic. I guess I should have paid attention in math!
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What’s your best marketing tip?
Blog, a lot. Blog about yourself. Your life. Your goals. Your fears. Everything. People want to know you, not just read about your new work. Connecting with your fan base is the best promotion there is! I honestly get this question quite frequently in Convos. I always tell people the same thing. Put out a great product, something you are proud of and would buy yourself. A happy client/customer/shopper will ALWAYS tell someone else. Always. That’s free promotion that you can feel crazy-good about. And a freebie in the package — with your shop’s address — is always a plus!
What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
I may be in the minority here, but I truly believe that there is no such thing as unsuccessful promotion! Anytime you put your name out there is brave and rewarding. Someone, somewhere will look at your work. Just yesterday I Googled a business name I saw on the bulletin board in my local coffee shop. You just never know… so do it all! What have you got to lose? Well, now that I said that… don’t go crazy. Be true to your business and stay within your means. Obviously larger magazines are ridiculously expensive and most of us cannot afford that unless pairing with Etsy and their fantastic Cooperative Advertising Program! Do not break the bank to promote yourself because there are never any guarantees. Unfortunately.
Walk us through your typical workday.
- 7 a.m. – 8 a.m.: I wake up to the sound of my little man (2.5 year-old Brayden) singing “Money money must be funny in a rich man’s world!” from the Mamma Mia soundtrack. He sings it as loud as he can which is pretty much the best alarm clock ever.
- 8:45 a.m.: I get Brayden a bowl of cereal and set him up in front of Nick Jr. to watch junk TV for an hour so I can get things done. However, anyone with a child over 2 knows that they do not do what you want… so he usually follows me into the studio to play with his cars while I check email and answer urgent messages. I begin to print orders and address shipping labels. I do this all by hand because it feels more personal to write address labels rather than printing them.
- 9:30 a.m.: I have my daily conference call with my best friend (my mom)… who lives a mile away. We talk about anything and everything. She keeps me sane.
- I relist everything in my Etsy shop periodically throughout the day. One of my smartest investments was getting the internet on my mobile phone which allows me to relist or answer emails from anywhere.
- 10:30 a.m.: Brayden and I get dressed. Or rather, I get him dressed and I *try* to get dressed while he is under my feet showing me the big engine on his Hot Wheel car. He is often found shooting cars off of Mommy and Daddy’s big bed right about now. I, thank goodness, get ten minutes to brush my teeth, flat iron my hair, apply a bit of makeup and find some flip flops.
- 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.: This is officially Brayden & Mommy time. The business hat comes off and I focus on him. We take little trips to the store to do errands. We go to the library and play with the train set in the far back corner that no one else knows about. We giggle about silly things and make up songs. We build forts and meet Grandma for lunch. We go to the park or go for a walk. Every day is different. Every day I realize more and more how lucky I am to have quit working a day job and how it is making a direct impact on who my son is going to be. It’s just such a gift.
- 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: This is when I jump into high gear. Brayden is usually taking a nap or my incredible family (whom I could not live without) takes him off my hands for a bit. I finish printing, I sign and number each print, I bag them in pristine plastic sleeves, I stuff envelopes with promo goodies and rush to get to the post office before it closes.
- 4:45 p.m.: After chatting with the adorable ladies at the post office (who know me by heart and know the entire drill without question), Brayden and I usually stop at Starbucks for a pick-me-up. I need my Vanilla Latte and he needs his Blackberry Scone.
- 5:30 p.m.: My AMAZING husband comes home from his day job and plays with Brayden. I always joke with him and say “The title of Mom ends at 6 p.m.” and it’s true. Ben feeds him and gets Brayden into bed by 7:30 p.m. while I work on new things in the studio and print more orders.
- 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.: Ben and I watch TV and eat dinner together. It’s the only time during the day I sit down with him and I LOVE it. I’m a huge movie-and-popcorn kinda girl so it’s no surprise that this is what I do to relax and unwind.
- 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.: It’s back up to the studio to work. I work best at night when it’s quiet and peaceful. I get the most done during these hours. I order supplies and sketch new designs… this is my favorite time of day.
- 1 a.m.: Bedtime. I read for a bit and fall asleep dreaming of a vacation in Mexico or Paris!
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
What I enjoy most is not having a boss! Not that I ever had particularly difficult or nasty bosses in the past… it’s just such a freeing moment when you look around you and go WOW! I HAVE NO ONE TO ANSWER TO! You do things the way you want… when you want. There is nothing better than that. Although, I have to admit answering email in your pajamas is equally lovely! I am like every other work-at-home. I miss people. Interacting with coworkers, the chatting and constant friends. It’s the toughest part! If I didn’t have Facebook and email, I would be miserable… it’s my connection to the outside world.
What’s the hardest part about running your own business?
The hardest part is turning it off. I’m always thinking about it. I’m always worried about something. It just doesn’t go away. There is not a time-clock telling me to go home so I tend to work 24/7 even if I’m not in front of the computer or over a canvas. It’s a constant job owning your own business; I was not prepared for that at all. I’m getting better at it, though!
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?
My advice for others is to not put pressure on yourself or your Etsy shop. Don’t put expectations so high that you can’t reach. Do it because you cannot imagine doing anything else. As for advice I would have given myself? “Pay attention in math class, Shelli! Believe it or not you really are going to use it someday!”
What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
I sincerely want to continue to make people smile! I really cannot ask for much more. A little secret? I am working on wall decals that are large scale prints which I hope to have available soon. Very cute!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
To anyone who has purchased something from me, THANK YOU. I don’t think you know how much you each mean to me. I sometimes wish I could find you all and give you a giant hug! And it’s not just me really, I mean, when you purchase something on Etsy you are honoring and supporting a real person. A REAL PERSON. Not a big giant money hungry company. That’s just amazing and oh-so-refreshing!
To Etsy, you own my whole heart for what you have done for me. And for those of you behind the scenes keeping this place tip-top and running smooth… I’d kiss you if I could.
Thanks to Shelli for sharing her story. You can see some of her product line in the related items. Check out previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.
210 comments
Sign in to add your ownBluLima says:
Awesome story! Such an inspirtion:)
2 years ago
BluLima says:
Inspiration-ooops!!
2 years ago
satellitedaisy says:
i love any etsy shop with daisy in any form in the name! thanks for sharing your story! wishing you continued success!
2 years ago
odiliafu says:
Very inspiring story!! Love your work! We all need some encouragement. Cheers, Odilia
2 years ago
foamywader says:
Great stuff!
2 years ago
amber84 says:
Nice stuff. :)
2 years ago
minouette says:
Nice story! I enjoy her work - particularly the text. I wonder though, since re-listing no longer gets time on the front page, is this still a useful strategy?
2 years ago
SewnNatural says:
thank you so much for this - so happy for you and appreciate your sharing your story... yay!
2 years ago
helenaemmans says:
Great work and thank you for the encouragement!
2 years ago
CarolineCreates says:
Thank you for sharing your story and I love the designs!
2 years ago
littlealouette says:
Oh She is a real doll! I just did an interview with her for Scoutie Girl! I love her! swoon! xoxoox
2 years ago
mojarock says:
Very cool...Thanx! I needed a good, happy & inspirational story today. Love your work.
2 years ago
juicychristians says:
AwWsOMe!!!!! You are totally one of my favorite artists on Etsy!!!!! I am so happy for you and LOVE your work! I wish you continued success Lady!!!!!!
2 years ago
amoronia says:
I loved this!!
2 years ago
cravejewelrydesign says:
Such an insightful interview! I love your work! Congrats on enjoying life to the fullest!
2 years ago
PhineasandLou says:
I love this story! Congrats on quitting your day job and thanks for sharing such positive energy!!
2 years ago
uncharted says:
very inspiring, thanks!
2 years ago
kidacollective says:
Congratulations on your success. I love your shop... the bird with a french fry piece makes me smile every time I see it featured somewhere. :)
2 years ago
theturniptruck says:
Great story!! So inspirational...Love it!! Your work is amazing.
2 years ago
ccampbell0509 says:
Oh I really enjoyed reading this. Awesome. Congrats to you. I wish you continued success.
2 years ago
Squintbags says:
Love the artwork! Sounds like you're living your dream. Congrats!
2 years ago
jclange says:
So inspiring and your work is awesome!
2 years ago
enduringarts says:
Love it! Great story and good work Shelli!
2 years ago
VintageZen says:
Sounds like a very fulfilling life. Inspiring.
2 years ago
beccamari says:
I LOVE your stuff!!! Thanks for sharing your story-
2 years ago
JessicaDoyle says:
What a beautiful interview Etsy and daizychic your artwork, words and story are inspiring! Cheers!
2 years ago
thebestvintage says:
Great story!!
2 years ago
tigersanddragons says:
Always great to read about another etsy success. Beautiful work.
2 years ago
ArtBoxDesigns says:
Lovely Art... I want to be you!
2 years ago
elisasherejewelry says:
I super love this story. I'm so impressed with how neat Daizy's work area is and with the work itself. Thanks for sharing your story!
2 years ago
FancifulForm says:
Congrats!!! ^.^
2 years ago
PipocaHandmade says:
Wonderful story...wonderful artwork! Continued success!
2 years ago
PonderandStitch says:
Wonderful story and workspace!! You have a beautiful shop. :)
2 years ago
Jessica79 says:
Love her work, I have 2 pieces that I adore!
2 years ago
moncy3 says:
Beautiful story! Congratulations...
2 years ago
jessicaschuler says:
Brayden is absolutely adorable and this story is a great inspiration! Congrats Shelli!
2 years ago
Vintage50sEyewear says:
Love your work. Great story :)
2 years ago
shantishanty says:
lovely, tidy shop. these are always an inspiration...and what an amazing lil man!
2 years ago
moonovermaize says:
Love your story and Brayden is such a cutie!
2 years ago
TheFancyLamb says:
Yet another QYDJ story that warms my cockles! Love these inspiring stories!
2 years ago
roxiejewelry says:
Thank you for sharing your story, I appreciate the inspiration!
2 years ago
BirdhouseBlessings says:
I think the best message that came from this article for me was, don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Thank you!
2 years ago
postroadvintage says:
Great to hear what its like for other moms getting to stay at home and love on their children while also taking part in this awesome Etsy experience! Congrats on your success- wish you all the best!
2 years ago
aimeesarmoire says:
Congratulations! (and, umm, I'd better get my studio/storage spaces straightened out right-quick... serious case of clutter overload going on!!!)
2 years ago
sweetsmilesbaby says:
Such a cheery studio and artwork and your little boy is so cute!
2 years ago
papercutdiecut says:
LOVELY!
2 years ago
lesjoujou says:
Loved this article! Your little boy is so precious. I totally agree about every single person that buys from you. I wish I could gather them all up into a great big hug too.
2 years ago
faraharia says:
what an inspirational story! I love reading about other moms who have balanced raising a child and working on their art succesfully!
2 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
Beautiful Story, congrats!
2 years ago
voleurdebijoux says:
Congrats, Shelli! I lovelove your studio space...it is so sweet and organized. :)
2 years ago
SaraBJewelry says:
what a lovely and inspiring story! i purchased one of Shelli's prints a month or two ago and i just love it! it is so great to read this story and it gives me great hope for my own future :) thank you!
2 years ago
Lindazkewl says:
Ohmygosh! This article brought me to tears. What a beautiful life. There is hope. So happy for you and thanks for sharing.
2 years ago
wristielove says:
I have to forward this to my mom.
2 years ago
beautifulbridget says:
So inspirational!!
2 years ago
Weezawear says:
This is the best quit your dayjob article yet. What a sweetie.
2 years ago
Firelily says:
Fantastic article. Congratulations! Your son is adorable and I love your schedule! Mine is quite similar :)
2 years ago
walkthetalk says:
Great story! Thank you for sharing your advice and congrats with your business and best to you and your little man.
2 years ago
stubborndog says:
Wonderful article. I love seeing your bird with frenchfry print whenever I walk through our apartment door. :-) Congratulations on all of your success! Inspiring studio!
2 years ago
monkeyandsquirrel says:
lovely lovely lovely!!! brings big smiles :)
2 years ago
PAINTINGSBYSAM says:
Great Article. & I LOVE the artwork!
2 years ago
StoriesinStitches says:
I LOVE your artwork-- good luck with everything, including keeping up with your little one!
2 years ago
GimCarry says:
lovely story (* v *) her works also lovely :D so happy when read this story + + +
2 years ago
YuzuRose says:
I am in the process of setting up my first ever store on Etsy! This article is both inspiring and insightful, thanks so much for sharing! P.S. Really nice work! xx
2 years ago
vivilian says:
such a lovely creation!! congrats on everything http://www.vivilian.etsy.com /＼　　　　　　　 ï¼\ |　＼＿＿ËËË ï¼ | | ï¼ï¿£ã€€â—¥â–ˆâ–ˆâ—¤ ╲ | ∕　　　　　　　　﹨ ︳　ï¼ï¿£ï¼¼ã€€ï¼ï¿£ï¼¼ â–• ︳　︳　â—　◠　 ︳▕ ┼　 ï¼¼Ëï¼ã€€ï¼¼Ëï¼ã€€â”¼ ﹨Ë　　　â—　　　Ë∕ ¯╲Ë　　‧　　Ëï¼Â¯ â•â”€â—¤Â¯Â¯Â¯ï¿£â—¥â—¤ï¹¨ （　 ︳　　　　　 /﹀﹀\◢█ （____︳　▕ ï¼ â–• .‧. █◤ 　　　\︿︿/ ︺︺︺＼â—ï¼
2 years ago
polarity says:
ooh I love this artist and this interview! and someone who doesn't get up at 10am, thank goodness, although that is just my jealous nature speaking! extra points for the adorable baby, too!
2 years ago
zeropumpkin says:
:D my fav shop :) so cool
2 years ago
HarrietsHaven says:
congrats to you. you seem to be a very wonderful, deserving person. i wish only the best :) p.s. i need to follow your daily routine.....2 kids make it a little difficult to find time to craft!!!
2 years ago
BeadinBabe says:
Such an inspiration!!! I love it, I love the schedule, I need one of those :)
2 years ago
mayaruhi says:
SO sweet! Brayden's looks like the happiest Little Man! I am sure it's actually tougher than it all sounds here... good on you, Shelli! My routine is pretty much like yours, with 2 little girls. And I am still learning to make my weekends Etsy-free... ;)
2 years ago
theDearestBird says:
fabulous story!! i remember the first time i saw your work, i was so inspired!! (:
2 years ago
PixelWildChild says:
DazeyChic was one of my favourite shops since I discovered Etsy, so nice to read her interview now!
2 years ago
yaelfran says:
i just adore your shop!!!!!!!
2 years ago
shoshanna2003 says:
Beautifu story. I will definately take the advice for my own etsy clothing store. thanks xoxo
2 years ago
fuzzibax says:
Me too Math class? what was that? An annoying stop on my way to French! Pam
2 years ago
FluteTeacher says:
Great interview! I loved reading this.
2 years ago
Neysasart says:
...I am so proud of you and all that you have accomplished...and are continuing to accomplish...but mostly for...My little Pookie and your continued love and friendship! Way to to Shells!
2 years ago
GranGrahamsTable says:
A lovely story.Keep up the great work.
2 years ago
invitesbyjen says:
Way to go.....what an inspiring story and I love how much time you get to spend with your son, I am sure you feel blessed!! I hope Mary doesn't mind this self-promotion, but I started a similar series on my blog (with Mary's permission of course as it was definitely a CASE'd idea/set-up)....if anyone is interested in reading visit http://www.invitesbyjen.blogspot.com and click on the "My Own Nine to Five" Category on the right =)
2 years ago
PawPawsWorkshop says:
Great article
2 years ago
DeBonisOrquera says:
Soooo lovely!
2 years ago
asundrynotion says:
Congrats, dazeychic! Keep growing!
2 years ago
AnniesWearableArt says:
I love seeing artists who started their craft very early in life reaping those rewards after so many years of struggle. Wonderful story!
2 years ago
happymaxdesigns says:
Very inspiring! And great advice. I think Etsy makes a lot of moms happy! Congrats on your success!
2 years ago
veronica06 says:
Thanks for the story. Very inspiring.
2 years ago
SusanKJewelry says:
how lovely Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Wonderful~wonderful story, always admired your shop as well, congrats and continued success. Yea Minnesota~!
2 years ago
TrishAns says:
I love reading these, it makes me hopeful to someday quit my day job!
2 years ago
ParisBoutique says:
love your story!!
2 years ago
StitchinStyle says:
Shelli, your story is so inspiring, and I did the math which is even more inspiring. All I can say is "You Go Girl".
2 years ago
AchAchLiebling says:
This is such a sweet interview. Shelli, thanks for sharing your enthusiasm, insight and a peek into your life.
2 years ago
oldschooltrading says:
Inspiring story! You are very talented!
2 years ago
VixVintage says:
You and your artwork are just adorable (little man too)! I honestly don't think after being a part of the Etsy family that I will ever shop anywhere else.
2 years ago
pradomarin says:
wonderful story! I love your illustrations Shelli!! I can totally relate to loving art class and being terrible at maths!!
2 years ago
Palooza says:
Inspiring! Your artwork is beautiful!
2 years ago
tinyspace says:
i love to be one someday!
2 years ago
shopgoodgrace says:
Lovely, lovely article from a seller I've had "hearted" forever. Such adorable, original pieces!!
2 years ago
Artsy says:
Great interview and stellar art..
2 years ago
NanLawson says:
i love this shop! a great example of success on etsy!
2 years ago
OhFaro says:
So sweet! I love your happy faces. Looks delightful.
2 years ago
TheCozyFarmhouse says:
I am in LOVE with this article! Great visuals and information and inspiration! Such talent and beauty...
2 years ago
blithegardens says:
What a great article. Always love these - very inspiring.
2 years ago
PomLove says:
Shelli- thank you so much for sharing all of that! Our days are so similar! And you're totally right, the constant worry/thinking about work doesn't end! I guess it's a balance, but if you love what you do then it's worth it. You're inspiring!
2 years ago
thingsthataremade says:
Wonderful story! I feel like I just finished a really good book :)
2 years ago
coventgardenvintage says:
So fun to see who is behind all of the great work I keep seeing in the sold column. Continued success!
2 years ago
NatashaBlue says:
what an inspirational story!! Keep up the amazing artwork!
2 years ago
Beadsforpeace says:
Shelli! you look like Renee Zellweger in that photo! So pretty!
2 years ago
Iammie says:
Lovely shop and story!
2 years ago
bittybambu says:
Your work is beautiful. Your little Man is also super cheek-pinching cute! Thanks for the inspiration.
2 years ago
ChristopherBoswell says:
Wow, nice job! Love your stuff and the article.
2 years ago
evihan says:
woww..great work....congratulations...
2 years ago
eviemdesignstudio says:
I love your shop! What an inspiring story and thank you for sharing. Congratulations on your success!
2 years ago
goosegrease says:
you're quite inspirational in more ways than one! thanks for sharing with us!!
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Great story! Congrats!
2 years ago
notmoira says:
Great story, congrats! My sister got me the "Today I will be happier than a bird with a french fry" print, and I love it!
2 years ago
MessyJesse says:
such lovely inspiration :) thanks for sharing ...
2 years ago
florriemitton says:
I L O V E this story so much! What an inspiration!
2 years ago
ArtisticSavvy says:
Wow. Her story has been my favorite Quit Your Day Job story yet! What an inspiration!
2 years ago
JAdamsDesigns says:
Great story! What an inspiration! Not to mention your work is so fresh and happy looking, I just love it!! Though I was wondering this before and now even more since I read this, does a re-listed item show up on the front page after being re-listed?
2 years ago
whichgoose says:
I am happier than a bird with TWO french fries for you :)
2 years ago
PixiTogs says:
Great story! I can relate to soo much you wrote about
2 years ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Such an inspiring story... and a cutie pie little man!
2 years ago
punkybunny300 says:
dazeychic is the first shop I ever bought from here on Etsy (and I absolutely love everything I've ever purchased from her)!! I'm so happy that her wonderful story is featured!!!
2 years ago
thestapeliacompany says:
I love her work! Congrats on making it with your art!
2 years ago
leoandlibra says:
What a great story!!! Congrats & thank you.
2 years ago
ImJewelee says:
YAY love your story Shelli and love that you get to stay home with your little man!! I still run 24/7 and need to schedule for some time with my little girl who is growing up FAST....!! Have fun and congrats too! ♥ Julee
2 years ago
embellishedlife says:
Nice shop but your best creation yet is that little man! Sooo cute :)
2 years ago
RetroHouse says:
Great example of dedication and balance - Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
momochas says:
Beautiful and inspirational story. Thanks for sharing and Congrats!
2 years ago
pinpinn says:
My FAVORITE sign in your ENTIRE SHOP is "May I be as happy as a bird with a french fry" and I am totally going to buy it one day and put it in my studio ^_^
2 years ago
rkdsign88 says:
Brayden is so cute. You follow your heart and what you belief plus you are a hard workers, all of above make you a success artist. Thank you so much for sharing.
2 years ago
CinnamonSass says:
So inspiring to see your schedule laid out and how you do it!
2 years ago
littlepinkpebble says:
congrats.. i love the quit your day jobs : )
2 years ago
mokopo says:
"Don't put expectations so high that you can't reach. Do it because you cannot imagine doing anything else." Really struck a chord with me! Thanks for an inspiring article! And P.S.- Your studio is GORGEOUS! I'm super jealous :)
2 years ago
Serpentaires says:
Thank you very much for the advice. I need to remember the part about not putting too much pressure on yourself. In three years I want to be just in your place :)
2 years ago
smushbox says:
very inspiring :) i just started with etsy yesterday so the words of encouragement mean a lot. it's hard to get your work out there!
2 years ago
FunFavors says:
Thank you for sharing this...very encouraging!!!...keep the good work!!
2 years ago
wearthou says:
What a day!! I want to quit my day job!! Awesome article and great shop!!
2 years ago
oceano says:
Great interview! super inspirational and dazeychic's work is fabulous!
2 years ago
laurabrownart says:
woo, minneapolis represent!
2 years ago
carolinabythesea1 says:
You have two prints that I want so badly....but alas, my husband lost his job a few weeks ago and even I can't rationalize putting out the $$ for them. Do you have a layaway system? LOL Congratulations on your success and I hope it continues for as long as you want it to. You are truly gifted.
2 years ago
AgShap says:
Great success story. Gives me hope that I too one day will make this a growing business. Love etsy and am trying to find ways to get my business known. I too want to quit my day job!
2 years ago
junkyjunk says:
What an inspiration to all us moms! Thanks for showing us we can be parents and Etsians also! Love your site, and best wishes to you.
2 years ago
billiegirl says:
Oh, I love your story Shellie. Such an inspiration.
2 years ago
lucky0girl0racer says:
Beautiful work, and I love your desk!
2 years ago
thehotcookie says:
I love your work! You have been a favorite of mine for awile now. Congrats on your success!
2 years ago
prettylittlethieves says:
thank you for sharing your sweet and inspiring story. congratulations!
2 years ago
RivasStudios says:
Thanks for sharing! Great pics to.
2 years ago
RabbitHoleArt says:
Thanks for the great story!
2 years ago
RabbitHoleArt says:
Love your Sweet Security print!
2 years ago
worksandfinds says:
Congratulation. Great shop.
2 years ago
indigotwin says:
Congrats on quitting your day job...and how do you keep your studio so clean with a little boy around? :) Great Stuff!
2 years ago
bellasparty says:
Great story! Beautiful studio.
2 years ago
gretchenmist says:
gorgeous photos ~ and a lovely read. thanks for sharing your story :)
2 years ago
hippopotamusgifts says:
Thanks so much for sharing the inspirational story! I hope to be like you someday, although I do already have the 2.5 year old boy running under my feet while I work. You have a really beautiful place to work and be creative.
2 years ago
coup says:
I loved reading about your day! I share many of your same feelings, as my one-woman design business is my day job ; ) gotta love it!
2 years ago
spethstation says:
Thanks for showcasing an artist who sells digital prints. I was beginning to worry that I'd never find myself featured here unless I switched to jewellery making. Glad to see success happens all across the artistic spectrum. That said, I love your work, it's all quite cute and charming!
2 years ago
RoughGems says:
echoing very else, this is very awesome indeed. great article.
2 years ago
thedaydreamer says:
"I hated math and I LOVED art class." That sounds like ME! Loved the article and my best wishes to Shelli. :-)
2 years ago
SweetPeaFabrications says:
Great story! Love your shop. Continued success to you!
2 years ago
elainebiss says:
What a fantastic article! It gives me hope!
2 years ago
beadmomsrockart says:
Thank You for sharing your wonderful story. It has given me hope that some day I my have a little of what you are doing. I am definately NOT a math person either, I only hope some day to need an accountant! Thank You, Marcia
2 years ago
missmacau says:
Great read, your table is so sweet and neat!!!
2 years ago
scrapsandjewels says:
Very inspiring story...I'm hoping to do the same with my etsy shop. I'm wondering about relisting...are you talking about items you've sold? How do you go about the process of relisting unsold items? Do you just start from scratch? I would think that would be really time-consuming. But I do notice the difference...I get plenty of hits on that first day and very little after that.
2 years ago
SimpleTraditions says:
Wow, awesome story! I love that you get to spend time with your little man! You sound like a great family, it's always nice to see a family work together to make things work. And I love your studo, it's no nice and bright. You make me want to give mine a nice new paint job!
2 years ago
blendastudio says:
Nothing better than to read someone's story to success. Congrats!
2 years ago
whiletangerinedreams says:
This is such a great interview and what an awesome, inspring studio! Cute, cute little boy too :)
2 years ago
TheKiwiBee says:
thanks for sharing! and I love your studio, it is so cute!
2 years ago
SweetwaterGifts says:
Nice interview! I suppose we all manage to have regrets of some kind. Myself, I took LOTS of math and it helps - but I didn't take ANYTHING art or crafts and I really wish I had given myself the opportunity to relax and explore while in school. I think I wouldn't have stressed myself out so early in life!
2 years ago
talchen says:
It made me so happy, reading your story. very sweet and inspiring. Great art! keep doing what you're doing! Good luck
2 years ago
LoveForEarth says:
I love your store! I'll come visit real soon :) Great energy and article!
2 years ago
chiclover says:
Great story and very inspiring. What a dream to be able to support yourself and family doing what you love. You go, girl! :)
2 years ago
tldgrainwear says:
BEATIFUL PRINTS! I love your shops...straight to favourites...! Congrats!
2 years ago
CylentAlchemy says:
Nice story. There's always someone else to do the math!
2 years ago
noelledoodle says:
AWESOME inspirational story. I end my "real" job this week and can't wait to be a full time etsyer!
2 years ago
lizjewelry says:
what a gorgeous boy!
2 years ago
GeorginaKay says:
Fantastic story - I wish you every success.
2 years ago
slumptown says:
Great story and a lovely shop. Wishing you continued success.
2 years ago
cowgirlheaven says:
I love this story..
2 years ago
dazeychic says:
Wow! I cannot thank you guys enough for all the love and smiles sent my way! :) What an amazing place this is...this thing we call Etsy...filled with talented and amazingly kind people like all of you! I did want to pop in and correct myself as there have been many questions (and convos) as to what I meant by "re-listing" throughout the day. I mean "relist" sold items not "relist" items already in my shop. However, if it is a particularly slow or super busy day on Etsy and you notice your item has little views it may not hurt to "renew" (not relist) that item to shoot it back to the front of your category for a bit! We all know how hard it is to keep items in view or towards the front pages of a category. But you must trust that your tags are good enough to get you noticed when someone is searching for your product. Does that help explain the re-listing? Thanks again everyone for the comments! I wish each of you continued success...and if your just starting out...have fun & keep pushing! Hugs!! xo shelli
2 years ago
ollywollies says:
Lovely and very inspirational! (such a tidy studio!)
2 years ago
artwithallie says:
Dazeychic - thanks for the rockin' inspiration!
2 years ago
art4friends says:
I have been a long time fan and that was AMAZINGLY wonderful to read. Thank you. x
2 years ago
Jamfiescreations1 says:
Thank you so much for the wonderful inspiration. I will always remember your story. Thanks, Mary O
2 years ago
KahiliCreations says:
What a fun read! Shelli-will you come to Hawaii and make my studio as neat and pretty as yours???
2 years ago
ohmystarsink says:
Super sweet! I love your daily schedule...mine is a very scattered version of that having 2 kids, but at the end of the day, it's wonderful to get the best of both worlds!!
2 years ago
LoverlyMiss says:
Seriously, thank you for sharing!
2 years ago
TheExtentofSilence says:
I always love these articles. It's so inspiring to read about people who are successful. Thank you for sharing!
2 years ago
minnielola says:
I love your story! Now I'm off to check out your shop :)
2 years ago
MiasMunchies says:
Lovely! Love your pretty little organized desk as well!!!
2 years ago
AzitasSurprises says:
great story! thanks for sharing.
2 years ago
DeNovoStyle says:
Dazeychic was the first one I hearted when I was brand new!
2 years ago
seasonsart says:
Great story I AM having a hard time gettting going any advice????
2 years ago
MissKArt says:
U go girl! Do ur thang!!!
2 years ago
jennifermagnesi says:
Great article! I absolutely love your shop! Congrats on your success!
2 years ago
AJSnow says:
I love her story and you seem to balance mom time and crafter time very well.
2 years ago
denimee says:
Indeed, it is a gift. Congrats and go high with your gift.
2 years ago
KSWCreations says:
I didn't really know about the relisting. Do you jsut edit and finish it again and it reappears like it was just listed?
2 years ago
Toxicguineapigs says:
I've always loved her stuff. I dream of this being me one of these days. :)
2 years ago
whimsicalwitch says:
Beautiful Story!
2 years ago
SimplyBiana says:
Very inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing! I wish you all the best!!! :)
2 years ago
treefolkstudio says:
Oh my! ~I wish I'd thought of Etsy when my son Braedon (now 6)was Brayden's age! Instead I spent too much money setting up a website w/merchant services (and contract, yuk)and really never was able to focus on the creative aspect which makes all of us tick! You are such an inspiration to me. I can relate to your work, your schedule, and the amazing supportive husband. I just started facebook and I think it'll be good for me. Thanks for sharing your awesome and original creations, as well as your story! Best wishes and warm regards, Lenith Treefolk Studios
2 years ago