Quit Your Day Job: irenesuchocki

marymary

Story by marymary

Published on Feb 09, 2009 in Shop

Photo by irenesuchocki

Irene of irenesuchocki has been dabbling in photography for the past 12 years.  After buying her first digital SLR camera, her photography transformed from a hobby to a full time business she had previously only dreamed about.  Irene has been able to leave her full time day job during these rough economic times and her business has flourished with her determination.  Keep reading to find out her best marketing tips for Etsy success!
If you’d like to ask Irene questions of your own or listen in on her advice in real time, we invite you to join us in a follow-up Question and Answer session this Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 at 2pm EST in the Auditorium room of the Virtual Labs.

When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?

At the start, they were only daydreams that I didn’t take seriously at all. Initially, I just thought that any sales I made on Etsy would come in handy to pay for some photographic equipment. It took about six months for sales to pick up to the point that I began to consider it more seriously, or at least the prospect of working part time at a day job and part time selling my prints.

How long had you been on Etsy before taking the plunge into selling full time? What made you decide to do so?

I opened my Etsy shop early in February 2007 and quit my day job at the end of May 2008, so about 16 months. The steady increase in sales convinced me that I could leave full time work (I was a technical writer). I initially thought that I would end up doing a mix of photography and technical writing (in the form of shorter contracts). After I left my office job, I decided to give myself until the end of 2008 to focus on photography and then see if I needed to start looking for a technical writing contract to supplement my income. So far though, I haven’t had to. My fingers are crossed as I write these words, which makes it hard to type.

How did you originally get into photography?

About 12 years ago I got into travel photography. There was a period of about three years where I traveled quite a bit, but I didn’t really take photographs when I wasn’t traveling. Then about three and a half years ago I bought my first digital SLR camera and that changed everything. With the immediacy of the digital medium, Photoshop and sites like flickr where I could share my photographs with other photographers, I got hooked and became passionate about photography.

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?

I had a fair bit of money saved. Without that, I wouldn’t have taken the plunge. I left my day job just months before the economy tanked, and I’m so glad that I had that cushion for a sense of security. My safety blanket was the knowledge that I could always take on technical writing contracts or return to technical writing if it didn’t work out. I felt that I had nothing to lose, but would forever regret it if I didn’t try.


What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What’s your best marketing tip?Since I’ve joined Etsy, I’ve purchased Showcases regularly and I think that this has increased my visibility significantly. I think that my persistence has paid off. I also relist often, though I’m starting to do it less with the changes in batch uploading of items. I’m lucky in that my items are often selected for Treasuries and somewhat regularly show up on the front page. It’s beyond my control really, but it means that people are responding to my work. From time to time I also advertise on design blogs. It’s been hard to assess the impact of that advertising, but the recent addition of Google Analytics is a wonderful way to determine what is paying off.

I think that my best tip is to just keep putting yourself out there in whatever way possible. (I have my Etsy shop where I’m very active, my own website, I post on flickr, I’m on Trunkt and I advertise online.) Some of the best opportunities that have come my way have been by virtue of people finding my work somewhere on the vast Internet and contacting me. You just never know who’s going to find you! The results aren’t usually immediate, so you have to have faith that one day putting yourself out there will lead to something. This can be both a bit scary, but also quite exciting.

What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?

Although I love spending time on flickr, I don’t think it’s a very good promotional tool for selling fine art photographic prints. It is a community of photographers for the most part, and photographers generally don’t buy other photographers’ works (as a general rule; there are exceptions of course). On the other hand, it can be great for being found or “discovered” by bloggers, designers, stock agencies and the like. I also once did a promotional postcard campaign, which didn’t seem to be very effective.

Walk us through what a typical workday might entail.

My days aren’t all the same, since some days I focus more on business type tasks such as administration, packaging orders, planning future marketing strategies, whereas other days are more creative.

  • I usually wake up at around 7:30 and have a leisurely breakfast over some morning news.
  • I then log onto Etsy and check my emails to see if I’ve made any sales on Etsy or on my website.
  • I respond to convos and emails, visit some of my favorite blogs, and peruse flickr.
  • If it’s a day during which I’m preparing orders for shipping, I’ll go to my print lab to pick up the latest batch of prints and run any necessary errands on the way home. I’ll then package up my orders and then take them over to the post office.
  • If it’s a more creative day, I’ll either sift through my archive of photographs to identify those that I might want to work on more and potentially turn into a fine art print that I end up selling in my shop. Or, I’ll experiment with techniques in Photoshop and maybe look at some books or websites for inspiration. If the weather’s nice or interesting, I’ll get out for a couple of hours to shoot some new photographs. I love the flexibility I have to do what I want when it’s my creative time.
  • Late in the afternoon I’ll take a break for a workout and/or some yoga.
  • After that, it’s time to prepare dinner.
  • I’m trying harder these days to not work so much during the evenings, though if my boyfriend is out, I’ll usually drift over to the computer. Otherwise, I’ll do a bit of reading or, if my boyfriend is in, we’ll catch up on all of our favorite shows.


What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?

I was getting very bored with technical writing and I treasure the fact that I can now spend my time doing what I love. It’s a lot of hard work, but I feel that I’m doing it for me and that I’m building a business that means something to me and that is viable. I don’t miss the morning commute, or having to dig my car out early in the morning after a snowstorm, or having to work during the day and fit my passion of photography into whatever time I could find outside of work. I love that looking at design blogs, sifting through all the wonderful photographs on flickr and tinkering in Photoshop are now part of my job. The only thing I miss is the social aspect. I need to do better at getting out more during the day to meet friends for lunch or maybe take a yoga class rather than always doing it at home alone.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself, knowing what you know now?

To allow more time for creative pursuits, experimentation, and just mucking about. It’s an essential part of creating new work. Because I made this transition during tough economic times, I focused a lot on the business side of things out of fear of my business failing. At some point I realized that I need to give myself more room to play. Things have been going well for my shop despite the poor economy, and I’m generally feeling more confident about my success, so I feel that I can relax a bit more. Oh, and get the bookkeeping under control ASAP, because come tax time, I just want to hide under my desk.

What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?

I would love for it to continue to grow, though I would be thrilled if business remains as good as it has for the past six months. Sometimes I toy with the idea of opening a second shop for a different style of art, but I’m not certain yet, and I don’t want to spread myself too thin to soon. I would also like to pursue more wholesale accounts.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Simply that I’m thrilled to be part of this wonderful and supportive community. The feedback and communications I get from buyers and other Etsy members is such wonderful encouragement, and so important when you work on your own from home. I couldn’t have done it without you Etsy!

Thanks to Irene for sharing her story and business with us! Check out the related items below to see some of her work.

You can find some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.

Discuss: 163 comments

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163 comments

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  • sushipot

    sushipot says:

    Thanks for sharing your story Irene!

    3 years ago

  • RubyBeets

    RubyBeets says:

    Thank you! I love Quit your day job!

    3 years ago

  • sagittariusgallery

    sagittariusgallery says:

    Surely an inspiration. I've admired your work for quite some time!

    3 years ago

  • asundrynotion

    asundrynotion says:

    Wonderful & inspiring!

    3 years ago

  • eyeful

    eyeful says:

    Lovely work! Good luck to you Irene! :)

    3 years ago

  • shopgoldmine

    shopgoldmine says:

    so very beautiful! and what an inspiring story for anyone who wants to be their own boss...but then again, who doesn't??

    3 years ago

  • lauradeponte

    lauradeponte says:

    wow great photography! its inspiring for fellow photographers like myself on etsy :) how i'd love to travel around the world taking pictures-your story is a dream come true!

    3 years ago

  • CJsBeadedJewelry

    CJsBeadedJewelry says:

    Love your photos! You do really nice work. I've just joined Etsy, so it's very encouraging to read about the success of others. Thanks and keep it up.

    3 years ago

  • TroveDesigns

    TroveDesigns says:

    Beautiful store, beautiful work! This series is part of my Tuesday morning ritual and I love reading these success stories.

    3 years ago

  • JMNPOTTERY

    JMNPOTTERY says:

    Beautiful!

    3 years ago

  • enchantedpond

    enchantedpond says:

    beautiful works !!! enjoyed reading your words :D

    3 years ago

  • voleurdebijoux

    voleurdebijoux says:

    lovely work and great article! thank you for sharing :)

    3 years ago

  • emmaray

    emmaray says:

    I've loved Irene's stuff since the first time I saw it! I LOVE putting a name with a face! Thank you!

    3 years ago

  • matchstickgirl

    matchstickgirl says:

    love reading insights into peoples lives and imagemaking processes ... thanks for showing us your world Irene :D Frances

    3 years ago

  • mamafamilias

    mamafamilias says:

    It is so good to hear of a seller doing well despite the econimic downturn AND does not depend on a day job!

    3 years ago

  • BlueTerracotta

    BlueTerracotta says:

    Oh, yes, I've seen her lovely photos many times! Inspiring story!

    3 years ago

  • HoursAndTimes

    HoursAndTimes says:

    Irene has such beautiful photos, and such a distinct style - you can always tell it's hers without seeing the caption when she's on the front page. Love your work!

    3 years ago

  • stilettoheights

    stilettoheights says:

    aw...you are one of my very favorite artists here on etsy, this was a wonderful read.

    3 years ago

  • baconsquarefarm

    baconsquarefarm says:

    ohhhh, one of my favorite artists on etsy~ love all your work~ loved your story, great read and I wish you continued success~ I'm so happy for you~!

    3 years ago

  • OrganicPanic

    OrganicPanic says:

    Beautiful photographs. I had never seen her work before. Its always nice to find new people through etsy articles.

    3 years ago

  • 4TheSparrowsNest

    4TheSparrowsNest says:

    *GASP* What LOVELY photography!!! Congratulations on your success!

    3 years ago

  • elisasherejewelry

    elisasherejewelry says:

    I'm so inspired, I love these features! Also, I just quit my day job myself, so these features are validation for sure.

    3 years ago

  • sherrytruitt

    sherrytruitt says:

    Irene, lovely work and continued success to you.

    3 years ago

  • MGMart

    MGMart says:

    Lovely article, really enjoyed reading it! Love the photos!!

    3 years ago

  • eliwill

    eliwill says:

    i enjoyed reading this, thanks!

    3 years ago

  • Toxicguineapigs

    Toxicguineapigs says:

    I love her stuff, I already had her as a fav :)

    3 years ago

  • FoundVintageStyle

    FoundVintageStyle says:

    original, evocative art photographs. love them.

    3 years ago

  • notmoira

    notmoira says:

    Beautiful stuff, I've eyeballed it several times in my searched for photography. Great article! :)

    3 years ago

  • joerenaud

    joerenaud says:

    Wow you have some beautiful photos and fab. info! thanks for the additional inspiration as well!!!!

    3 years ago

  • yaelfran

    yaelfran says:

    I just adore your work Irene!!!

    3 years ago

  • BooksAndBooks

    BooksAndBooks says:

    Thank you, Irene. And, stay warm!

    3 years ago

  • lapetitevie

    lapetitevie says:

    I received one of Irene's pendants as a gift and love it. I enjoyed reading this interview to get some more insight into her story. I love her work!

    3 years ago

  • BlackStar

    BlackStar says:

    Gorgeous photography!

    3 years ago

  • PDXfabricdeli

    PDXfabricdeli says:

    Well done, nice selection of photos.

    3 years ago

  • BlackStar

    BlackStar says:

    and Happy Birthday. :)

    3 years ago

  • dragondesignsjewelry

    dragondesignsjewelry says:

    I love your work - it is like a beautiful daydream!

    3 years ago

  • Galaxy2411

    Galaxy2411 says:

    I think that is amazing! I would love to have the same story someday.

    3 years ago

  • gaboodles

    gaboodles says:

    oh my! love the photos...

    3 years ago

  • LaireMarie

    LaireMarie says:

    You are so very talented!

    3 years ago

  • VerreEncore

    VerreEncore says:

    such an eye for beauty :) thanks for sharing!

    3 years ago

  • irenesuchocki

    irenesuchocki says:

    Thank you fellow Etsians! I feel very lucky indeed to be part of this wonderful community.

    3 years ago

  • kilsook

    kilsook says:

    i really love your color choices and the things that you choose to enhance. really nicely done. you have a great eye for composition. one is better than the next. congrats!

    3 years ago

  • worksofwhimsy

    worksofwhimsy says:

    Reading these articles is so inspirational. irenesuchocki does amazing things with photography!

    3 years ago

  • thegratulatest

    thegratulatest says:

    Thank you again Irene! Inspiring.

    3 years ago

  • meganrhodes

    meganrhodes says:

    I love Irene's work! Her images are so peaceful and yet vibrant and alive. They are gorgeous! Thank you Irene for sharing your story!

    3 years ago

  • kasiablue

    kasiablue says:

    Oh to be in your shoes one day...congrats and thanks for your honesty and great advice!

    3 years ago

  • Legacy925

    Legacy925 says:

    Yes, my heart pounds deeply for Irene's photography. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing! I used to run my ecommerce store full time from home and I would say the isolation aspect is quite challenging. But, it's nice to know that you're following your own passion, not someone else's. You go, girl!! I heart your spunk!

    3 years ago

  • IcingOnTheCupcake

    IcingOnTheCupcake says:

    Your work is beautiful!

    3 years ago

  • locallibrary

    locallibrary says:

    Great interview - congratulations!!

    3 years ago

  • grassrootsartworks

    grassrootsartworks says:

    Looove your work...may you have continued success!

    3 years ago

  • CutieDynamite

    CutieDynamite says:

    So beautiful! Off to search your shop!

    3 years ago

  • jenniferdennispotter

    jenniferdennispotter says:

    Another inspirational story! Love your beautiful photography. :)

    3 years ago

  • Zygopsyche

    Zygopsyche says:

    Great story! Love your work Irene:) So happy to hear you are doing what you love the most!

    3 years ago

  • SweetAndKindOf

    SweetAndKindOf says:

    I love your work. Makes me want to go out and take more photos!

    3 years ago

  • SewCreativeBySara

    SewCreativeBySara says:

    Beautiful photographs, Irene! What an inspring story.

    3 years ago

  • KnitBerry

    KnitBerry says:

    beautiful images!

    3 years ago

  • thebline

    thebline says:

    I love Irene's work! So glad you are living the dream. I'm hoping to get there. Someday!

    3 years ago

  • ClaudiaLord

    ClaudiaLord says:

    Love your work Irene!

    3 years ago

  • pennyglassgirl

    pennyglassgirl says:

    Love your work! I left my day job as a writer too, never been better. Congrats!

    3 years ago

  • TiffanyDawnDesigns

    TiffanyDawnDesigns says:

    Beautiful work! I hope to get to the same place in my love of photography someday!

    3 years ago

  • ArtbyElizabethBauman

    ArtbyElizabethBauman says:

    Beautiful photographs!

    3 years ago

  • kricketbee

    kricketbee says:

    Great article & wonderful photos! :)

    3 years ago

  • LOOKAjewelry

    LOOKAjewelry says:

    Hi Irene! I am so happy I read this and got to see your amazing photos! This is a great story and I love hearing about how everyone spends their days... working for themselves! way to GO!

    3 years ago

  • odiliafu

    odiliafu says:

    Your work is very beautiful!!!! Congrats!

    3 years ago

  • squareware

    squareware says:

    Congrats, I'm always inspired and uplifted after reading these. I'm a quitter of day job too and I identify with so many of your points.

    3 years ago

  • MysticGypsyEmporium

    MysticGypsyEmporium says:

    Congrats! Thank you for your very inspiring story...I was wondering if I should give up on Etsy. So far this site hasn't gotten me far with sales *sigh* I'm more successful with private requests off-line. I'm hopeful Etsy will be more productive for me but I'll give it a fair chance (so many others here seen to be successful.) I may possibly buy a show case and will take that advice about "putting my art out there" more online. Writing AND art AND photography are passions of mine and I think we can be successful at whatever our greatest passions are. I wish you the greatest success Irene! ~Angel Smith~

    3 years ago

  • EJPcreations

    EJPcreations says:

    What a wonderful store. Your work is amazing!!!

    3 years ago

  • JKphotography

    JKphotography says:

    Such a lovely in-depth interview from Irene. She is so very talented!

    3 years ago

  • TheLaLaLaShop

    TheLaLaLaShop says:

    So inspiring! :)

    3 years ago

  • zombuki

    zombuki says:

    Your work is lovely :3 all the best to you!

    3 years ago

  • BabbidgePatch

    BabbidgePatch says:

    Beautiful work ~ inspirational, Go Irene!

    3 years ago

  • EpicBones

    EpicBones says:

    congrats irene!!

    3 years ago

  • maiziedesigns

    maiziedesigns says:

    Thanks for sharing your story. Inspriring and motivating and a reminder to keep at making your shop successful!

    3 years ago

  • ALPhotography

    ALPhotography says:

    Irene your photography and your story are so inspiring. Your work is just Gorgeous.

    3 years ago

  • neawear

    neawear says:

    Félicitations Irene!! You rock!! :)

    3 years ago

  • indiansummers

    indiansummers says:

    Your work is beautiful! Thanks for sharing your story with us! :-)

    3 years ago

  • violetjulia

    violetjulia says:

    You have a very interesting story, thank you.

    3 years ago

  • blinkonmynose

    blinkonmynose says:

    Congratulations! Awesome photos and very inspiring article. Thanks!

    3 years ago

  • ashleyeaston

    ashleyeaston says:

    A wonderful, inspiring story. I've seen your work well before this article, and I love it! Best of luck into the future :) Ashley

    3 years ago

  • rareimage

    rareimage says:

    Beautiful story and congrats on your business!!

    3 years ago

  • Waterrose

    Waterrose says:

    I love your work and it was a pleasant surprise to see that you will be in the virtual labs today...can't wait!

    3 years ago

  • TheShabbyPinkCottage

    TheShabbyPinkCottage says:

    Great story. I enjoyed reading about this talented lady!

    3 years ago

  • lilacpop

    lilacpop says:

    I really enjoyed reading this--I was just looking through her shop the other day. Plus her work has been all over the place so I was curious about the photographer behind the work. Thanks so much for picking her! She is an inspiration!

    3 years ago

  • RoseMarieGallery

    RoseMarieGallery says:

    I'm a "newbie" and Irene was my first choice for favorite !

    3 years ago

  • Peekb4

    Peekb4 says:

    I love your work. Your story was very inspirational.

    3 years ago

  • dragonhouseofyuen

    dragonhouseofyuen says:

    wonderful to hear your story Irene, and to see your business ideas too. I love your work and your pendants are lovely aswell, there is a deamy, ethereal quality in them! best of continued success, kind regards, Annette

    3 years ago

  • mattallen

    mattallen says:

    as a guy who is a photography hobbyist who hates his job at the moment this really resonated with me. I only wish I had the courage to step fully into my art as my profession like Irene has.

    3 years ago

  • birribe

    birribe says:

    Great story to read.

    3 years ago

  • DeadpanAlley

    DeadpanAlley says:

    I really appreciate this article and everything Irene has shared here. My Etsy store is just starting to really pick up, and this really gives me hope!

    3 years ago

  • JLynnCreations

    JLynnCreations says:

    Thanks for the great info and for sharing your story! You do such beautiful work!

    3 years ago

  • LynzieLee

    LynzieLee says:

    I love the "quit your day job" section of Etsy. Lynzie Lee + this spotlight = inspired

    3 years ago

  • dominiqueg617

    dominiqueg617 says:

    thank you for the encouragement. I would love to quit my day job!

    3 years ago

  • craftgasm

    craftgasm says:

    I love the fantasy-meets-realism sort of quality these have! Congrats to you, and best of luck!

    3 years ago

  • JulieWebb

    JulieWebb says:

    Irene, you've been an inspiration to me since I read the article featuring your work in the Montreal Gazette the weekend after I joined Etsy. Congratulations on your success! As someone else said, it's also so nice to put a face to a name. :)

    3 years ago

  • Squier

    Squier says:

    Beautiful work, great article!

    3 years ago

  • blackeyedsuzie

    blackeyedsuzie says:

    Congratulations Irene! I'm in Montreal and have loved spotting some favourite places in your beautiful photos.

    3 years ago

  • vineyardsky

    vineyardsky says:

    Your work was the first to inspire me to "add seller to favorites". I think your work is just lovely. Congratulations.

    3 years ago

  • KellysGifts

    KellysGifts says:

    Your work is beautiful. Your article has me wondering if any of my photos would be of interest to a buyer. Thank you.

    3 years ago

  • DeNovoStyle

    DeNovoStyle says:

    Wow! I love your work! I'm going to go heart you now!

    3 years ago

  • deleteyourself

    deleteyourself says:

    Such beautiful work:)

    3 years ago

  • CreamBakery

    CreamBakery says:

    I've seen a few of Irene's pieces on the front page and I've fallen in love every time. I'm glad to see that she's doing so well. Congratulations, Irene!

    3 years ago

  • Dejali

    Dejali says:

    I'm inspired by you to not give up. Thank you for taking your time to share your success.

    3 years ago

  • Stargazer02

    Stargazer02 says:

    lovely!!

    3 years ago

  • felicitycrew

    felicitycrew says:

    Thanks for sharing your insights with us, Irene!

    3 years ago

  • sarayard

    sarayard says:

    Beautiful work! Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge with us ^.^

    3 years ago

  • caryoliva

    caryoliva says:

    i have your lovely prints hanging in my hallway - they and YOU are so inspiring!

    3 years ago

  • LMcreation

    LMcreation says:

    Love reading about inspirational stories like yours and of course...your talented works of art! Love to join you one day.

    3 years ago

  • cleobelle

    cleobelle says:

    Beautiful work, I've admired it for a while now!

    3 years ago

  • blithegardens

    blithegardens says:

    Very inspirational story. Your photographs are beautiful. It is exciting to learn about people doing what they love and succeeding!

    3 years ago

  • fairchilddesigns

    fairchilddesigns says:

    I absolutely LOVE my Irene Suchocki prints!

    3 years ago

  • TheNebulousKingdom

    TheNebulousKingdom says:

    I love Irene's work, I'm thrilled to learn more about her and her life :)

    3 years ago

  • Studio155

    Studio155 says:

    Irene, I love your prints and your very inspiring story. Keep up the beautiful work!

    3 years ago

  • kingfishercrafts

    kingfishercrafts says:

    Bingo! Great prints. Great story.

    3 years ago

  • judemcconkey

    judemcconkey says:

    Absolutely one of my favorite photography/artists on Etsy and I'm so glad to see this articles. I've often wondered what it took and how you came about getting where you are today. I always did think you must be someone who "quit your day job" and totally am inspired by you. Beautiful, beautiful work.

    3 years ago

  • LittleGreenSquirrel

    LittleGreenSquirrel says:

    Such lovely images. Thank you for sharing!

    3 years ago

  • realisationcreations

    realisationcreations says:

    Love your work Irene, and so interesting to read your story! Wonderful!

    3 years ago

  • marypearlsvintage

    marypearlsvintage says:

    Very inspiring! Your work is beautiful.

    3 years ago

  • CherieBosela

    CherieBosela says:

    It was really nice to read your story. It gives me hope that I too one day can quit my day job for something I love to do. I'm a photographer/artist too. I’ve been doing it since I was 13 yrs old when I took my first photography class. It was a hobby of my dads, so I used his film SLR camera. Photography has always been my first love. It wasn’t till the end of last yr a friend told me about Etsy. And I signed up instantly. I haven’t sold anything yet, but your article has given me hope and some pointers on what I need to do. Thanks for sharing!

    3 years ago

  • FaberasCraftworks

    FaberasCraftworks says:

    Very nice. Congrats on your success! :-)

    3 years ago

  • ChattyCatsArtWear

    ChattyCatsArtWear says:

    Stunning art...loved the article! I think we all dream of being able to sustain a prosperous lifestyle doing what we love.

    3 years ago

  • DeerSweetheartStudio

    DeerSweetheartStudio says:

    Thank you for sharing . . . and for giving me a boost of confidence!

    3 years ago

  • ArcadeArt

    ArcadeArt says:

    Amazing work, I've been a fan for quite a while :)

    3 years ago

  • laspottery

    laspottery says:

    I agree, her work is awesome. It's nice to put a face with the talent, it makes it more real!

    3 years ago

  • sstargell

    sstargell says:

    Love your work, and the interview was fabulous.

    3 years ago

  • SonjaArt

    SonjaArt says:

    I love your work

    3 years ago

  • gabeleon

    gabeleon says:

    good job!

    3 years ago

  • ZhivanaDesigns

    ZhivanaDesigns says:

    I just love your work, Irene. Thanks for sharing your story, and congratulations on all your success!

    3 years ago

  • pigeonprints

    pigeonprints says:

    Congratulations! Your work is lovely.

    3 years ago

  • NatureVisions

    NatureVisions says:

    As a fellow photographer, I find it so inspirational to read about your success on Etsy, Irene! Your work is so beautiful, and I love the dream-like quality:-)

    3 years ago

  • brownbunnybyiris

    brownbunnybyiris says:

    Great story Irene!

    3 years ago

  • lucidjewelry

    lucidjewelry says:

    LOVE your work Irenee !!! Thanks for sharing your marketing info and some information on yourself, it was good to get to know someone who's work I admire especially in my first love of photograpy !

    3 years ago

  • urbanroost

    urbanroost says:

    I'm brand new to Etsy, and your story is really inspiring me. Thanks for all the good advice!

    3 years ago

  • cloud9designstudio

    cloud9designstudio says:

    Irene, Congrats! You're photography is nothing short of AMAZING... I am a photographer by hobby, and would love to take the plunge into creating another Etsy shop for it. This inspiring story makes me feel like I would regret it if I never took the chance! Thanks so much for this motivating article!

    3 years ago

  • ajawin

    ajawin says:

    Gorgeous beyond words, your work is. I came here from FLickr thanks to you and few other photographers that listed Etsy as their shop in their profiles. I loved your work over there so much that I thought: "Let's check out this whole Etsy business..." And here I am now, liking it a lot :) You are a constant inspiration, dear Irene!

    3 years ago

  • dreamspiralart

    dreamspiralart says:

    I love your work, Irene! Happy to see this post about you. Best, Ann (DreamSpiralArt)

    3 years ago

  • luannevintage

    luannevintage says:

    your work is so beautiful and inspiring!!! keep it up :-)

    3 years ago

  • zuppaartista

    zuppaartista says:

    what an inspiration! such gorgeous work! thanks for sharing!

    3 years ago

  • PearlGirlPearls

    PearlGirlPearls says:

    What an inspiring story Irene. Your work is just beauty-full. Congratulations on following your bliss and coming up roses. Lovely!

    3 years ago

  • linnphotography

    linnphotography says:

    Gorgeous work and so inspiring to hear other people's stories :)

    3 years ago

  • f2images

    f2images says:

    Irene's work is one of the first to inspire me on Etsy. I'm such a big fan, and hope someday to achieve a fraction of the success she's earned.

    3 years ago

  • CreativeInputbyLiz

    CreativeInputbyLiz says:

    Thank you for sharing your story! I too love photography (and beading or anything creative). I was truly inspired to dream bigger dreams and have faith that the ones I currently have will come true.

    3 years ago

  • elhodges

    elhodges says:

    Wow! That was a great interview, very inspiring! Irene, your work is beautiful too. Thanks for sharing. All the best to you.

    3 years ago

  • SusannahTucker

    SusannahTucker says:

    Irene's photography is amazing, I loved reading this interview, thank you for sharing! You are inspirational!

    3 years ago

  • 360Jewels

    360Jewels says:

    Many people have recommended me to read your article. It's surely worthwhile!! Thanks so much for the inspiration! :-) Your work is awesome!

    3 years ago

  • CeanMartine

    CeanMartine says:

    Your story reminds us all that when you do something you love the money will follow. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

    3 years ago

  • NewCreatioNZ

    NewCreatioNZ says:

    Wow, what an inspiration! You are living my dream... Thanks for sharing.

    3 years ago

  • toolisjewelry

    toolisjewelry says:

    Great story Irene, love your works! MaryMary your interviews are very interesting, I get a lot of hope from reading them!

    3 years ago

  • bluebirdsandblossoms

    bluebirdsandblossoms says:

    Lovely work! Thanks for sharing your story too.

    3 years ago

  • beaneandco

    beaneandco says:

    Beautiful photographs...thanks for sharing.

    3 years ago

  • emporium51

    emporium51 says:

    this makes me smile...

    3 years ago

  • kathleenkrucoff

    kathleenkrucoff says:

    Great story. Wonderful inspiration. Thanks.

    3 years ago

  • littlegraypixel

    littlegraypixel says:

    Kudos! I'm so pleased to see a fellow photographer quit her day job. You give me hope.

    3 years ago

  • getthepicture

    getthepicture says:

    A wonderful story, and your beautiful work is something to aspire to!

    3 years ago

  • GracieDesigns

    GracieDesigns says:

    I am late on this post, as I am catching up on some reading, and I own "follow your bliss", and I just had a little girl, and it is in her bedroom. It is my favorite photo, besides the ones of my little Maggie, of course! Your work is AMAZING!!

    3 years ago

  • littlepinkpebble
  • rschiffbauer68

    rschiffbauer68 says:

    Great story. Good luck with everything!

    3 years ago

  • HopePhotoArt

    HopePhotoArt says:

    What an inspiration to other fellow artist. Keep up the excellent work!

    3 years ago

  • abstractvision

    abstractvision says:

    Excellent story...I'm a photographer new to ETSY and it helps to read a story like this.

    2 years ago

  • HazyDaisy

    HazyDaisy says:

    What a wonderfully inspiring story full of positivity! I have seen your work before and I love it

    2 years ago

  • hellosisilia

    hellosisilia says:

    I'm so glad to run across this. I've been looking for a photographer on the Quit Your Day Job section. Very inspiring indeed. Kudos to you, Irene!

    1 year ago

  • SerantoniDesigns

    SerantoniDesigns says:

    Merely marvelous inspiration. Thank you, Irene. So glad all tools are working for you! Blessings, Mary Serantoni SERANTONI Designs

    1 year ago

  • SpackleTheGap

    SpackleTheGap says:

    Irene you are truly an inspiration to me and what I hope for mmy future as a photographer. Best wishes!!

    356 days ago