Johanna of goodgirlsstudio brings her longstanding background in the fashion and culinary fields to the forefront with her unique designs. She began making her pieces from the broken bits of jewelry and leftover fabric in the shop where she worked. After spending many years in retail, Johanna was able to turn a negative (the shop where she worked being liquidated) into a positive life change that allowed her to fulfill a dream of running her own Etsy business. Johanna admits becoming her own boss has been a challenging learning curve as she is now her own accountant, photographer, writer, marketer, outside sales rep and creative designer, all while raising her son. Johanna’s favorite part about being her own boss is the time it has allowed her to spend one on one with her son and she reiterates the importance of following one’s heart.
How did you originally get into the business of making things?
Other than a few jobs in the culinary field, the only jobs I’ve ever held have been in the fashion industry. I was always able to up-sell my clients by showing them how to accessorize and give the outfit a whole new look just by changing something as simple as a necklace. I started making jewelry from bits of broken pieces of jewelry and fabric from the shop I managed and luckily there was a bead shop right across the street! Customers and coworkers started commenting on my creations and my hobby slowly began making me money. It just seemed a natural flow of events to begin to design my own accessory line.
When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
I’d dreamed about quitting my day job ever since I had my son. Retail had become a grind but once I began selling pieces to my coworkers and friends it seemed like a viable form of income. When the company I was working for liquidated, I used my severance and unemployment checks to float until Good Girls Studio could bring in enough money to support us. So in a serendipitous fashion, my bad luck was the catalyst to making my dream a reality.
Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?
I’d like to say that I budgeted, planned, saved and figured it all out ahead of time…but I didn’t. I incorporated my business and opened up shop all the while thinking I would keep looking for a “real” job, because there was no way I could make ends meet by working for myself. I didn’t really have the faith that I could make this happen. Managing your own business is a completely different animal than running someone else’s! How was I supposed to become an accountant, photographer, writer, marketer, outside sales rep and creative designer, all while raising my son on my own?! There was a huge learning curve but thankfully I had friends and family who all offered such a wealth of knowledge and emotional support!
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What’s your best marketing tip?
- I try and blog several times a week and I post on relevant blogs as well, which has made me both friends and customers!
- Utilizing Facebook and Twitter has done more for me than anything else. I post on both of those regularly.
- Customer service also plays a big role in marketing. My customers constantly send me more customers! They are my biggest cheerleaders (aside from my mom, of course).
- I also try and send 25% off coupons with every order and that has generated more repeat business.
- My number one marketing tip: Make what you love and wear it with pride! Don’t be afraid to talk about yourself; be passionate about it!
What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
Having a giveaway on my blog, or on someone else’s, has never generated any sales, to my knowledge. It’s nice exposure but I’ve never found it to be profitable to give away something I could have sold.
Walk us through your typical workday.
- I get up at 7 every morning and get my son ready for school. I’m back home by 8 and have my quiet time. That is the only constant in my day! My favorite flow of my work week involves making jewelry in the beginning of the week, followed by taking and editing pictures and then uploading the new goodies to my shops.
- I’m most creative in the morning, so that’s when I try and make jewelry. Some designs take weeks to finish as I gather and pile up little “collections” of vintage baubles and work them together. Others “speak” to me right away and I’m done within an hour or so.
- If I’m really not feeling creative I’ll go to one of the local antique malls. Loading up on treasures and touching pieces of the past clears my head. Hopefully I remember to stop and have lunch — if not…watch out!
- I schedule my meetings with shop owners before I pick up my son from school around 2:30, then try to finish up whatever I’m working on by 4. From there it’s usually time to take my son to the park, do homework and make dinner.
- I try and blog and plan out my next day after he goes to bed.
- Each work week is as different as each day. Lately I’ve been involved in several local fashion shows and photo shoots, so there’s been the added running around, meeting with clothing designers, planning out hairstyles and makeup and the general craziness of putting together a show!
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
Being able to spend quality time with my son! It is very important to me to be able to pick him up from school and volunteer in his classroom, which was such an impossibility when I worked retail hours. I love having the flexibility to run out to help a friend or just grab a cup of coffee with my mom. Not working nights, weekends and holidays is amazing!
I do miss the one-on-one interaction with customers since most of my sales are wholesale orders and Internet purchases. Trunk shows and participating in local markets give me the opportunity to meet my local customers. It’s great when I meet someone in person and they recognize my jewelry because they’ve bought pieces at a local shop!
What’s the hardest part about running your own business?
Being a one woman show! I’m such a great delegator and there is no one to delegate to! Seriously though, it’s hard to find time to do it all and I have a hard time asking for help. Luckily I have friends that will work for free jewelry! I’m also terrible about visiting new shops and marketing myself to them. I really need to get some new wholesale accountants and I get so nervous even thinking about it that I don’t make it out of the house! I’ve gotten much better at this and have found that wearing my jewelry is usually a big conversation starter. Once they ask me about it, I ask if they are the owner and take it from there.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?
Believe in yourself! If you’re not excited about what you are doing no one else will be either; it really does show in everything you do. Also, follow your heart! I really feel that God gave me this talent and this is what I was made to do. Sometimes I forget this and start floundering, questioning myself and getting discouraged with my business. I start looking for a “real job,” you know, the one with health insurance and benefits. I never find one and am always reminded that I already have a real job, one I love and while it doesn’t have insurance benefits, it does have one great benefit: I can’t be fired! The emotional benefits of being home for my son and being creative all day far outweigh any negative ones!
What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
- I’d like to get my jewelry into fashion magazines.
- Opening up new wholesale accounts is a constant goal for my business.
- Seeing a movie star on the red carpet being interviewed and saying, “This is a Good Girls Studio necklace,” — now that would be amazing!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Be true to yourself! There will always be other people who don’t want to see you succeed; it is a sad fact of life. If you believe in yourself and use your God-given talent, there is no end to what you can accomplish!
Thanks to Johanna for sharing her story. You can see some of Johanna’s beautiful work in the Related Items. Check out previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.
249 comments
Sign in to add your ownlittlealouette says:
CONGRATS! I love yr work- great interview! xo
2 years ago
RubyBeets says:
Congrats! Beautiful Work!
2 years ago
CindyEllison says:
Love your shop! Your story was very inspiring. You followed your dream and most importantly you are able to spend time with you son.
2 years ago
KittyCityCreations says:
Lovely work. Very colorful.
2 years ago
TheWellSeasonedNest says:
I applaud your "gumption" and hope someday to make a go of this as well. I'm soon to launch my shop.... Thanks for the inspiration.
2 years ago
rikrak says:
oh gorgeous! great interview - and love your beautiful work!
2 years ago
vintagestyling says:
Beautiful shop and totally inspiring. Wishing you lots of luck with your business in the future!
2 years ago
SewnNatural says:
yay! great to hear about your work and life, congratulations to you. thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
GemsByJoy says:
Very inspiring! I love to hear these stories...it gives me a boost of hope and optimism!
2 years ago
stitchknitsew says:
Great Article.
2 years ago
BabbidgePatch says:
Thank you, Johanna, for sharing your inspiring story! Your work is gorgeous!
2 years ago
SepiaSmiles says:
What an inspiring lady. Doing all of that AND bringing up a son Wow! I completely understand your point about being scared to market yourself, I am the same as I am quite shy, something I still have to work on! Rosey :)
2 years ago
EJPcreations says:
Wonderful story! So glad I read it! Congrats on all your hard work!
2 years ago
forrestinavintage says:
I agree--inspiring words. Good for you for having that strong background in retail and fashion when you took this plunge. Being rich in one's life really doesn't equate to how much money/stuff we have--congrats!
2 years ago
pitoreskni says:
Love the studio photos. Congratulations on living the dream!
2 years ago
VixVintage says:
Inspiring story and lovely jewelry, thanks for sharing.
2 years ago
Aquanetta says:
You go girl!
2 years ago
AugustRainSupplyShop says:
Another great inspiration. I had never come across her studio before. She has a lot of things going for her. Her work is beautiful and her prices are awesome. I am impressed! Thanks for being another shining star in our Etsy galaxy!
2 years ago
Radness says:
Wonderful work :)
2 years ago
Radness says:
Super organized workspace too!!!
2 years ago
sweetsmilesbaby says:
I love the stories in your listings and the collages are amazing!
2 years ago
Firedaisy says:
What a great interview. Thank you for all of your advice, Johanna! This was inspiring and motivational. I can see why you are successful your designs are beautiful and fun.
2 years ago
PunchDrunkPrincess says:
Congratulations! Your locket rings are gorgeous!
2 years ago
seababejewelry says:
Congradulations! I love the Annie Oakley gun!
2 years ago
emetalworks says:
i am so happy to read these stories!
2 years ago
HoneysuckleLane says:
Beautiful work and inspiring story! Thanks for sharing and best wishes for your continued success! :)
2 years ago
IcingOnTheCupcake says:
Great shop and unique pieces!
2 years ago
LaveMeSoapCo says:
purdy
2 years ago
1AEON says:
nice pics!
2 years ago
sonyarasi says:
Congratulations! Great work!
2 years ago
beachhouseblues says:
So nice to hear your story!
2 years ago
Peacefuldusk says:
Great inspiration, it is hard to get things off the ground in the beginning.
2 years ago
sweetsparrow says:
Hey! I know that chick! Congrats on the article and you look great in that photo! WOO WOO for GGS!!
2 years ago
cassidycay says:
Congratulations! Your work is beautiful!
2 years ago
LambCandy says:
so inspiring! thank you!
2 years ago
JoshuaByOak says:
I love reading about how other sellers have been able to quit their day jobs. Whenever I'm feeling bogged down it's inspiring to read a story such as yours. Congrats!
2 years ago
odiliafu says:
Congrats! Beautiful work!
2 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
The Wild West Prairie necklace is incredible, love your style, congrats to you as well, wish you continued success in the future too.
2 years ago
PocketComfort says:
Loved reading your story. I am always interested in reading about how us creative types can balance all the business pieces without some falling on our heads! Congratulations!
2 years ago
rakshniyavintage says:
Great interview - very inspiring!! Your work is beautiful - good luck and hopefully one day I will be able to do this full time too :)
2 years ago
pinkytoeclothing says:
Congrats - beautiful pieces :)
2 years ago
IslaNewYork says:
Lovely interview, and very inspiring! The pictures of your work studio are amaaaazing! So organized and colorful!
2 years ago
DesignedByLucinda says:
Very inspiring and how do you keep your studio so (relatively) neat?!? :)
2 years ago
JeannineRobertsRoyce says:
Love these stories! Another artist who leapt with no guarantee of a net. It's not always easy to keep up the confidence. I love her work... so inventive and imaginative.
2 years ago
PonderandStitch says:
Yay, goodgirlsstudio!!! Great feature. :)
2 years ago
lovahandmade says:
Keep up the great work! Believing in yourself is one of the biggest parts, thanks for sharing your story! Your jewelry is really lovely!!
2 years ago
underoakstudios says:
Yay! These articles are great! What a great interview. Your workspace is awesome!
2 years ago
wristcandycreations says:
Great interview and exquisite work! Congratulations on the feature!
2 years ago
soule says:
Congrats! I just quit my day job too! (about a two month ago) Takes alot of courage and energy! Keep it up! You can do it!
2 years ago
CastAwayCreation says:
Congrats and thank you for the inspiration!
2 years ago
KMala says:
this stories are always inspiring, nice work!
2 years ago
fantasybeader says:
great interview :-) I would also love to see a star with something I made :-)
2 years ago
sassmama says:
Love your words of wisdom at the end! Congrats and thanks for the inspiration.
2 years ago
recycledwares says:
i really enjoyed the interview. congratulations on the success of your etsy store. very nice pieces, i had fun looking through your store.
2 years ago
Kailea says:
Very inspiring!
2 years ago
AngelEllie says:
Congrats and thank you so much for sharing your story!
2 years ago
goodgirlsstudio says:
Thank you all soo much for your kind words of encouragement! All the comments on my workspace are making me giggle ;) You can be sure I spent many hours cleaning that space to get it ready for the shoot. What you don't see are all the boxes piled around as I was preparing for my upcoming move!
2 years ago
Seyshelles says:
Inspires me, I was starting to think there wasn't room for me....but there is! Thanks for your story.
2 years ago
spacejam says:
as always pretty inspiring
2 years ago
SaltwaterDesigns says:
I aspire to this!
2 years ago
BagatellesAndCo says:
I really feel the same about your nervousness about visiting new shops... and thanks for the inspiration, especially your last advices! Beautiful jewelry:)
2 years ago
jbeaudet says:
I hope your dreams of the red carpet come true!
2 years ago
FrillyButts says:
Lovely shop! Thanks for sharing with us!
2 years ago
LizzyClara says:
your work is beautiful and funny, what a winning combination! all the best to you
2 years ago
PurseParts says:
Wow!! Very impressive! Congratulations!
2 years ago
LeahSawyer says:
Thank you so much for sharing your story, I really needed to hear the final couple of paragraphs, as I was seriously considering going back to work. I think I'll hang on for a little longer. Cheers, Leah
2 years ago
GatheringSplendor says:
Love your work--great job
2 years ago
lterrill9 says:
Very nice to see that you have been so successful! Congrats and contiued success!
2 years ago
ElysianFields says:
Very cool interview and congratulations on your success.
2 years ago
ModernMeetsWhimsy says:
rock on! :)
2 years ago
MentaEra says:
Congrats! The floral necklaces blow my mind. Best wishes xo-Suzy
2 years ago
FruitionJewelry says:
Great advice!
2 years ago
smilingbluedog says:
Way to go! This article is so encouraging and inspiring and I love your jewelry!
2 years ago
paramountvintage says:
oooh. great article!
2 years ago
posiesforlulu says:
Lovely! You make such inspired little pieces! I am a vintage jewelry fan! I hope to quit my day job some day too! Good luck on your beautiful shop! ~Raina
2 years ago
TheGoodEmu says:
...I WILL quite my day job I WILL quit my day job....
2 years ago
DalkullanJewelry says:
Congratulations Johanna!
2 years ago
craftpile says:
great article and congrats!! You did it!
2 years ago
rebeccasanchez says:
Great interview! I love hearing success stories, they're so inspirational!
2 years ago
WoodPigeon says:
Congratulations! Great interview : )
2 years ago
hellobrowneyes says:
Congratulations on your success! Your work is beautiful :)
2 years ago
SeaFindDesigns says:
Congratulations.... Beautiful work!!
2 years ago
DecoratingYourself says:
i love yor story and that you have upcycled jewelry ...great work..Lisa
2 years ago
JemmDeeCreations says:
Congratulations! You inspire us all to continue to enjoy our hobbies. Thank you for sharing your success.
2 years ago
ThePaperTray says:
Congrats Johanna!!
2 years ago
hoganfe says:
Terrific interview & great designs!
2 years ago
mykonos says:
wow, unique jewelries!!
2 years ago
ShimmeringSky says:
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story - you have beautiful jewelry (my weakness... oh no! lol).
2 years ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Really inspiring! Good luck and best wishes for continued success on Etsy and beyond from one 'girl' (Me, Girl Tuesday Jewelry) to another (YOU--Good Girls Studio!)
2 years ago
SeizeTheNight says:
How encouraging! Thanks so much!
2 years ago
2TrickPony says:
Believe in yourself; so simple and so true! great article, thanks
2 years ago
megrnc says:
Congrats to a local Etsier!
2 years ago
threedeluxe says:
inspiring to say the least
2 years ago
thirtyonedesigns says:
Outstanding pieces! Congrats :)
2 years ago
SparklePaw says:
lovely pieces!
2 years ago
MarKhed says:
oh so lovely! Congrats I hope one day I'll be able to count myself as lucky!
2 years ago
yenjewelry says:
great article. congrats.
2 years ago
SpringtreeRoad says:
great interview & your shop is just lovely. :)
2 years ago
JiSTdesigns says:
thank you! someday...
2 years ago
warpedLaurie says:
Doing what you love and getting paid for it's so a wonderful aspect. Congrats.
2 years ago
crazyforcollars says:
Love the article! Thanks for sharing all the ideas and tips!
2 years ago
JetWhitePonytail says:
Very inspiring! =)
2 years ago
ozjools says:
Loved the interview. What an inspiration you are, Johanna. Thanks for the ideas and fab tips.
2 years ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
Great interview! Congrats on your success!
2 years ago
accentonvintage says:
Good for you! Congrats!
2 years ago
bayatinge says:
I love your work and your story! Congratulations on your success!
2 years ago
riverpebble says:
Congratulations!...yours is an inspiring story and loving what you do seems to be the key! It's great for you to be home with your son, bravo!!!
2 years ago
frenchhenshop says:
I loved this article & your jewelry is gorgeous! Kudos!
2 years ago
lynntodddesigns says:
I love these stories!
2 years ago
cravejewelrydesign says:
very cool! congrats!!
2 years ago
ourfrontyard says:
You have beautiful stuff and an inspiring story! Thank you!! :)
2 years ago
mayaruhi says:
Wow, gorgeous stuff!! Truly little pieces of art! Thank you somuch for sharing, Johanna! :D
2 years ago
excely says:
Oh, one of my very very favorites! Such a deserving feature- thank you!
2 years ago
db1920 says:
I love this article. Congrats and good luck to you. I really like your jewelry!
2 years ago
thevanitytable says:
I really liked this article. It's alwats great to see how others (especially the very successful) view everything from marketing to spending a day that you're not so creative. Knowing what these wonderful artists do when they're not in the "mood" is such a great help!! I think we can all use help for these days. Thanks so much for sharing!!
2 years ago
LANYARDLADY says:
Hey from down the road in Winston-Salem! Your work is fascinating and your creative gift literally moved me to tears. I wish you all the best; I've no doubt we'll be seeing your designs on the red carpet, the runway, and in fashion magazines around the world!
2 years ago
TrilliumTrue says:
Awesome! Beautiful and creative. Congrats!
2 years ago
FeatherandBean says:
This is one of the most inspiring interviews I've read. Thank you so much for that! You are truly an artist. I wish you continued success in your business and with your son. He is so lucky to have you as a role model as well as a dedicated mother. Congratulations and thanks to you for sharing such an honest and inspiring window into your life.
2 years ago
MyMoms says:
Great article, very inspiring!
2 years ago
DarkMoonJewelry says:
Something I aspire to do! Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
RubberStampPress says:
Great, great article!
2 years ago
theenchantedcupboard says:
A great read! Love to get a peek in other seller's lives!!
2 years ago
trudiedavies says:
Congrats! One day for me!!...........Thanks!
2 years ago
Rocknrobin says:
Well Done! I'm SO proud of a fellow female. Beautiful work, specially with a little one at home! How DO you do it???? I "clean up" my workspace when company comes too.......then can't find a THANG! LOL Bless your heart. Hang in there "sister". :)
2 years ago
MetroGypsy says:
Very cool feature!
2 years ago
CarolineRoseArt says:
Beautiful individual jewellery! A great article, best of luck to Johanna!
2 years ago
littleclouds says:
wow, lovely photos and I really like your style of jewelry, can definitely see it on the red carpet! I liked the bit about 'believing in yourself or no one else will', so true.
2 years ago
congcongdesign says:
good job.
2 years ago
dementedsnowflake says:
Such an inspiring interview!!
2 years ago
aimeesarmoire says:
Wonderful story, and an absolutely delightful shop! Of course, I'm a bit biased, being a vintage-jewelry-freak AND having a vintage bead and supply shop, too :)
2 years ago
RedMarionette says:
Wonderful article! Congratulations!
2 years ago
LemonGrove says:
beautiful jewelry and great article!!
2 years ago
HinasApprentice says:
Beautiful work. I love the midsummer rain necklace, absolutely gorgeous. Your blog looks great too!
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Great article. Congrats!
2 years ago
photoglassworks says:
Congrats Johanna! It's not easy to do it in this economy, great job! Tracy
2 years ago
handbagcave says:
I decided I'll keep reading the quit your day job every week! I stopped reading it for a while. Your story is very encoraging! Thanks for sharing, and I hope your bussiness keeps growing more and more! :D
2 years ago
jodieflowers says:
Love it! Awesome work!
2 years ago
RedorGrayArt says:
so talented ...so determined...way to go!
2 years ago
lisaroy says:
great article and such beautiful pieces!
2 years ago
autumnsanticsstore says:
Beautiful work! Congratulations!
2 years ago
SeptemberStars says:
Interesting jewelry! Thank you for sharing this story!
2 years ago
monkeyandsquirrel says:
your pieces are amazing! congrats on all the success. i'm off to browse your shop now :)
2 years ago
TwilightVisions says:
Beautiful work:) Congrats no quitting your day job!
2 years ago
jFrancesDesign says:
Your jewelry is so unique and beautiful, and your story was very inspiring. Congratulations!
2 years ago
Humanidad says:
Very inspiring!
2 years ago
pulpsushi says:
Beautiful work, congratulations!
2 years ago
zJayne says:
Great sharing and words of wisdom - Be true to yourself. Rah rah ~
2 years ago
evihan says:
wowww great story..and shop
2 years ago
amysfunkyfibers says:
What a fun shop, I love collecting things too,you have made so many neat one of a kinds with them!
2 years ago
FashionTouch says:
Happy for you! And your items are so romantic and beautiful! FashionTouch Unique and Affordable accessories at http://fashiontouch.etsy.com Useful Tips, Showcases, Reviews and many more at http://fashiontouchme.blogspot.com
2 years ago
blithegardens says:
Love how you rework the vintage pieces you find. I love the necklace with the key hanging down - beautiful! Keep it up!
2 years ago
VelveteenHabbit says:
You are fulfilling my dream!!! Congratulations! Our styles are similar yet unique to each of us--your falling for you necklace is candy to my eyes!! Best wishes!!
2 years ago
breadandroses2 says:
One door closed and another opened....with your great talent, planning and hard work. Congratulations! So well done.
2 years ago
outspokenjewelry says:
Really unique. Love the vintage jewelry. Congratulations and oontinued success!!
2 years ago
retrodition says:
wow, i needed to hear your story today. :) thanks for the inspiration! Your work is amazing, and I know it won't be long before we see you in those fashion mags! ;) peace and love!
2 years ago
LittleStudioJewels says:
How inspirational! I too feel like I am meant to do this, but I also begin to feel discouraged when I don't get sales every day like other shops...I try to get a 'real job' and then realize why I do what I do: I LOVE creating and would hate to do anything else! I wish you all the best of success on and off of Etsy :)
2 years ago
FairyDecos says:
Yes, I have to agree with others. Very inspiring! I like that you make a many "strong" necklaces. I appreciate your work!
2 years ago
ClotheslineCreations says:
I loved your story! It gives me hope that I can make it with my shop! Thanks for giving inspiration and hope to others.
2 years ago
LoveBlossomTrue says:
so inspiring on this rainy autumn day! your pieces are unique and make me smile. (-:
2 years ago
prairieboutique says:
love your shop! Way to go on being able to work from home doing what you love to do----create!
2 years ago
nataliabodre says:
Great for you!!! You do really good job!!!!!
2 years ago
ODDimagination says:
I love your creative pieces! Weren't you just in Durham at the Vintage RockandShop?
2 years ago
lucky0girl0racer says:
Congrats! You do great work!
2 years ago
LizzyBdesigns says:
Congratulations, your work is beautiful!!
2 years ago
JanuaryJaniesJewelry says:
Congratulations and much continued success!
2 years ago
sorensonya says:
Thank you for the great interview! I'm inspired!
2 years ago
lmgboutique says:
Love everything! Congrats!!!
2 years ago
mytangerinedream says:
Love how you incorporate all these different styles into one piece of art. congrats on your day job!
2 years ago
beyondweddings says:
Very inspiring story. Great interview!
2 years ago
thedianacollection says:
Great article. I too hope to one day quit my day job and have my jewelry be my only job. Hearing from others that have done it inspires me!
2 years ago
zueeuz says:
Love the way you put bits and bobs together, here's to continued success!
2 years ago
SilverNutmegStudio says:
Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story, it is such a boost of encouragement!
2 years ago
GracieDesigns says:
What an inspirational story! I'm very happy for you!
2 years ago
KnitArtbyGrace says:
Great article. Congrats! thanks for sharing:) from,Grace
2 years ago
EmmainWonderland says:
From one creative mum to another - thank you! I have a young son myself and lately I've been feeling like it's never going to happen for me so thank you for the inspiration to keep at it! Em ♥
2 years ago
CupcakesandPixels says:
WOW! I LOVE HER JEWELRY! She is so talented!
2 years ago
CardCandyBoutique says:
inspiring interview!
2 years ago
tanyap says:
Love this story!!!I swear I thought I was the only one that got ansy about my shop and making things! Thanx for the pick me up!!!
2 years ago
livetocraft says:
Beautiful work. You have a very creative mind.
2 years ago
SteampunkSupply says:
Good for you! A very inspiring read. Thank you!
2 years ago
chocolatecreative says:
Just what I needed to hear, your words are very inspirational. I just have been made redundant form my day job and not savings!! But I am not scared at all, I am going to make my business happen, I ma very positive and confident I will success. Good luck on your
2 years ago
CliqueDaCour says:
congrats on your shop and creations, they are really beautiful!!
2 years ago
frankideas says:
I'm inspired! -it sounds like you are more disciplined in your work routine than I seem to manage!!
2 years ago
raynecloud says:
Great work!
2 years ago
LynnesThisandThat says:
nice work....very different...congrats
2 years ago
caoimhamarie says:
I LOVE YOUR SHOP!
2 years ago
Parachute425 says:
Inspiring work. Inspiring article. Good luck to you. Health insurance is over rated. ;)
2 years ago
Vintage50sEyewear says:
What a great talent. Beautiful!
2 years ago
AudreyGardenLady says:
Congrats!!!!! You go girl!!!!! www.AudreyGardenLady.etsy.com
2 years ago
eatsbeadsandcards says:
Congrats and good luck in the future - its always so inspiring to see someone who is making this their full-time job!
2 years ago
Iammie says:
Neat works. Congrats!
2 years ago
whimsyandcharm says:
goodgirlsstudio is a beautiful shop. love her jewelry!
2 years ago
creativeordinary says:
Brought tears to my eyes!
2 years ago
LilaJo says:
Keep up the great work! Great article :)
2 years ago
adoredesigns says:
I love reading these "quit your day job" posts, so inspirational! This one was no exception. Keep up the good work!
2 years ago
PunkUpBettie says:
Very inspirational story and cool stuff!
2 years ago
ShugaRose says:
Congrats! Great advice and lovely items~!!
2 years ago
nbcvb says:
---------------------------------ã€ã€‘ http://www.uspopularbiz.com ã€ã€‘ ----ã€ã€‘http://www.uspopularbiz.com ã€ã€‘ ----------------------------ã€ã€‘ http://www.uspopularbiz.com ã€ã€‘ our company lentron is a professional exporting company dealing with name brand footwear, such as Nike etc. All of the products are exported to America, Europe, Middle-east and Southeast Asian countries.and honor with a gooddevelop the market with you. our price $33shoes,$15tshirt,15sunglasess, $13cap,$33jean,$35bag We sincerely hope to cooperate with the customers at home and abroad to develop together. reputation in the international company isa direct exporter and is becoming a brand enterprise integrated with design, production and sales together. With our good service, we believe lentron Trade CO., Ltd. is able to You can see the more photos and the price for our product in our website our website name is in the photos.we have all kinds of brand new shoes,clothing, handbag,sunglasses,hats etc for sale, 8000000% best quality with the cheapestprice. ,they are satisfied with our product .our price $33jordan shoes,$15tshirt,15sunglasess, $13cap,$33jean,$35bag"""" ---ã€ã€‘ http://www.uspopularbiz.com ã€ã€‘ ----------------------ã€ã€‘ http://www.uspopularbiz.com ã€ã€‘ ----------------------------------------------ã€ã€‘ http://www.uspopularbiz.com ã€ã€‘ --------------ã€ã€‘ http://www.uspopularbiz.com ã€ã€‘ http://www.uspopularbiz.com/productlist.asp?id=s70 ã€t-shirt】 http://www.uspopularbiz/productlist.asp?id=s5 ã€Timberland】 http://www.uspopularbiz/productlist.asp?id=s12 ã€jordan】 http://www.uspopularbiz/productlist.asp?id=s14 ã€DUNK】 http://www.uspopularbiz/productlist.asp?id=s29 ã€air max】 http://www.uspopularbiz/productlist.asp?id=s32 ã€women boot】 http://www.uspopularbiz/productlist.asp?id=s75 ã€Jean】 http://www.uspopularbiz/productlist.asp?id=s69 ã€handbags】 http://www.uspopularbiz/productlist.asp?id=s3 ã€NBA Jersey】 http://www.uspopularbiz/productlist.asp?id=s76 ã€Jacket】
2 years ago
michon says:
Congratulations, and beautiful work! (hmm, BTW editors, I think I see a spam comment in here that needs to be moderated)
2 years ago
DowntownGirlDesigns says:
Very inspiring :)
2 years ago
vintagemaison says:
congratulations on making it - lovely pieces too!
2 years ago
cthings says:
Beautiful pieces!! Wonderful inspiration and I really like what you say in about the red carpet that would be inspiring! Continued success to you!!
2 years ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
Your jewelry is beautiful and reading your story just confirms to me that yes you can follow your bliss and make a living at it. Thanks Debra
2 years ago
Fullearths says:
Thank you so much for inspiring mommas working from home, like me, and so many others!! it's good to know that with hard work, and determination, it CAN be done!
2 years ago
simoneelumdesigns says:
I love your story! Keep inspiring others to do what they love! I'm on that path myself! God bless.
2 years ago
lauratoal says:
great story, as i have just gone part-time in my day job to spend more time on my own work. I would love some feedback on my shop. Thank you!
2 years ago
SpiritedWoodland says:
Terrific! Very inspirational! :)
2 years ago
frenchfleababy says:
You have beautiful, unique pieces. Congratulations on your success!
2 years ago
PurpleBears says:
Thanks for your honesty about how to balance family life and working from home, and your trepidation regarding wholesale accounts. I'm still working myself up to wholesale accounts!
2 years ago
CDChilds says:
Thank you for sharing. I love to hear how other sellers have managed to make a passion they love into a success.
2 years ago
slipshodsally says:
I love this story...it reminds me of my begining.
2 years ago
sundarose says:
Congratulations! Very inspiring. I love your studio space. ~Ronda O.
2 years ago
BGSStudio13 says:
you go girl, wonderful!!! Congrats.
2 years ago
cardinalhouse says:
Very fun pieces! Love the decanter tag necklaces! -Kat.
2 years ago
emmevielle says:
Your story inspires me! It looks like you marched ahead and expected success and that you are finding it! Juggling all of the aspects of the business as well as taking care of your family -- you've shown the rest of us that it can be done. Thanks so much for your story.
2 years ago
theapplecobbler says:
Congrats! Very inspiring... and we are in the same town! Cool!
2 years ago
nauli says:
So inspiring to read your story! I just started my shop here and found a lot of interesting information in this interview. Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
alittlecrazywithwax says:
Very inspiring!
2 years ago
catibug says:
Thank you for encouraging me my dream is to someday do this for a living when i hear stories like this it brings hope back into my hart im just starting out i need all of the advise i can get thank you and god bless always
2 years ago
tanglesastangled says:
Best advice ever! Wonderful work Johanna, love the backstabber necklace....and I really appreciate how you name all your pieces!
2 years ago
laura1953 says:
A main stumbling block for me is health/dental insurance. If I quit my day job, it will become a significant monthly expense. (As is the case for many others in my position!) Do you know of any insurance companies that cater to small business owners or craftspeople/artists? Your input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, and best of success and happiness in your work! Laura
2 years ago
laura1953 says:
A main stumbling block for me is health/dental insurance. If I quit my day job, it will become a significant monthly expense. (As is the case for many others in my position!) Do you know of any insurance companies that cater to small business owners or craftspeople/artists? Your input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, and best of success and happiness in your work! Laura
2 years ago
EyvindsAlchemy says:
thanks, that lifts my spirit.
2 years ago
JennyTreiber says:
Awesome story, very encouraging. Beautiful, unique work!
2 years ago
ThePinkSnailShop says:
Thanks you! Great story!
2 years ago