July 30, 2010
Berlin, Germany
Dear Friends,
I want to begin by offering a hearty slap on the back to all the engineers and product designers who made the first phase of currency conversion a reality on Etsy today. You can now view prices in your choice of 23 currencies. This is yet another important step towards the internationalization of the site, and a great accomplishment for the Brooklyn-based team leading the technical aspects of Etsy’s global expansion.
Work in Berlin continues at an accelerated pace, and in all the dust that has been flying around, I realize that I may not have taken enough time to introduce you to the team here and let you know a bit about what we are doing. This is going to be a slightly longer post, so please hang in there.
Hate reading? Scroll to the bottom for a video of me reading it for you.*
As a team in Europe we have three major areas of focus:
1. Community Support:
As Etsy expands outside of the United States, it is of paramount importance to me that we are building something not just for the creative people of Europe, but with them. I see the artists on Etsy as our partners, and it is my top priority to make sure that their voices are being heard. We’re trying to make sure our ideas and plans are being shared openly, and that we are doing everything we can do to support them and their micro-enterprises on and off of Etsy.
To better achieve these goals we have divided up our European-based Etsy team and designated a part of Europe to a point person. It is the responsibility of each of us to make sure that the needs of the communities in our regions are understood and are being met. We are here to be advocates for, and work directly with, Street Teams and sellers in these areas, to understand the market challenges and data, and finally work to increase Etsy’s overall exposure there. Please note that our aim is to augment customer support at Etsy, not replace them in technical or private transaction matters. That said, we are available to you, and we invite you to contact us as needed, even if we are not assigned specifically to where you are.
So, without further ado, meet your European-based Etsy team.
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Etsy Username: matt Email: matt@etsy.com Regions Covered: Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands, Russia Hi, my name is Matthew Stinchcomb, but you probably remember me as Jamie Lawson on TV’s Small Wonder [Ed. note: Not really.] Now a recovered child star, I spend my time heading up the European team at Etsy, passionately gesticulating and rabble-rousing about the ecological, spiritual and emotional benefits of Etsy. You can find me riding my overly heavy bike around Berlin. I am married to the unflaggingly charming Benedikta Karaisl Von Karais. You can read more about me here. |
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Etsy Username: benedikta Regions Covered: Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy Guten tag, my name is Benedikta Karaisl Von Karais and I am mostly known for always having been around at Etsy, on account of being Rob’s roommate, Matt’s wife, and Etsy’s officemate when working for my previous job at BurdaStyle.com. Despite having spent so much time around those Etsy boys, I was honored when they asked me to join the team. |
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Username: anda Email: anda@etsy.com Regions Covered: The Middle East, Spain, Portugal Hello, my name is Anda Corrie (the one on the left) and in a couple of weeks I am moving my family to Berlin and joining Etsy’s international team. I remember Etsy when she was a wee lass, and I am excited to work on community support in Europe. I like Internet communities, children’s book illustration from 1940-1970, attaching things onto other things, drawing, brunch, Lotte Lenya, homemade tattoos, seasonal cocktails, airports, the Eurovision Song Contest and telling elaborate stories. |
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Etsy Username: mariezei Email: mzeisler@etsy.com Regions Covered: Turkey, Greece, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Croatia Hi there! My Name is Marie Zeisler. I grew up in the eastern part of my beloved Berlin. Last year I visited New York, discovered Matt gesticulating about Etsy at a John Fogerty concert and started working with the European Team. I am now responsible for the German Etsy blog. Being from the East, as Matt constantly reminds me by offering me chocolate and bananas, I am honored to be the community coordinator for Eastern Europe. Die Zukunft liegt im Osten! Yay! |
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Username: AmityUK Email: aroach@etsy.com Regions Covered: Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Iceland Hiya, I’m Amity. In addition to writing the UK edition of the Etsy Blog, I am at 5 feet, 11 inches (and three quarters, to be precise), the tallest female member of the Etsy team. I was born, and have lived, in London for most of my life, but am mistaken for an American/Australian/New Zealander tourist shockingly often due to a slight twang in my accent of unknown origin. According to my family I am a distant relative of the Messina Brothers, who were a Maltese-based criminal organization that dominated London’s underworld during the inter-war and post-WWII years. No one seems to be quite sure whether this is a long-standing family joke or not. But don’t mess with me just in case, eh? |
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Username: AmelieFrenchie Email: anello@etsy.com Regions Covered: France (with Benedikta) Bonjour à toutes et à tous! My name is Amelie and I’m a part-time member of the Etsy international team. I am writing the French blog from Paris, where I’m also teaming up with Stéphanie, a.k.a. detourneuse, who is helping Etsy organize events, manage partnerships, and reach the French media. I am half Spanish, and must admit while sad for Beni, Matt, and Marie, I loved watching the Spanish defeat of the German football squad in this year’s World Cup. |
We are available to you at the email addresses above, but you can also visit with us during our European chats in the Virtual Labs, or in the flesh at our events and meet ups throughout Europe, or at the Labs in Berlin.
Etsy Labs Berlin is a community center and event space for the DIY and artist community in Europe. Located in the Kreuzberg neighborhood of Berlin, the space is home to regular, free events and workshops that focus on micro-enterprise and the work and ideas of creative entrepreneurs. We are committed to supporting micro-entrepreneurs, creators, and arts-focused or business organizations whose values align with Etsy’s. Therefore, in addition to our own programming, we are proud to offer free use of the Etsy Labs for events, meetings, and exhibitions. Anyone may apply to use the space, though please note that we do not offer private studio space. More info here.
2. Education:
We are currently focused on two major educational initiatives: make Etsy easy and make business easy. We aim to do this through the content we create in German, French, and English, at the events we hold at the Etsy Labs Berlin (and broadcast in the Virtual Labs), and at the Handmade Summit we will be hosting in Berlin next April. We are also working hard to create a website and guidebook for micro-entrepreneurs and independent creators in Europe, as well as an Etsy users’ manual for buyers and sellers. Our regional leaders will work closely with their communities to make sure that locally specific information is included in both.
3. Buyer Marketing:
Finally, we realize that there is still a great deal to do to introduce Etsy to consumers in Europe. It is also our responsibility to get the word out about Etsy, and we are now focusing on a press and PR campaign for the holidays. We will also be attending many consumer-focused events during the season and working hard to get Etsy products and artists included in magazines, newspapers, and on television. We will be sure to share more with you as we approach the holiday season.
So, that’s what we’re up to. Please keep in touch and let us know what’s new with you. We are here and we are ready for you.
All the best from Berlin,
Matt
*Video of me reading the blog post for you:
92 comments
Sign in to add your ownKrystyna81 says:
wonderful!!! I feel like I am part of a global team :) WONDERFUL news on the Buyer Marketing - time to branch out and get more Art lovers here!
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
Thanks for introducing us to your international team - look forward to reading all the international blog posts here on Etsy!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Formidable , Merci :))
1 year ago
1dream says:
Thank you so much for introducing Etsy team! It is really great to see them here..
1 year ago
supplier says:
I am so happy for being a part of this great team. Every member is so special and great designer
1 year ago
LeafandInk says:
We agree with Krystyna81 above said! And really? We are all tourists on this planet you know : ) We are tourist http://www.etsy.com/listing/52901858/kramer-pipe-indie-illustration just as much as "Ceci n'est pas une pipe" . Pipe? What Pipe? There is no pipe!!! Rene Magritte & Cosmo Kramer...GREAT MINDS THINK A LIKE!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
I just came back from vacation today and All the best from Paris for Etsy and all talented artist !
1 year ago
ikabags says:
And Cogito, ergo sum; je pense, donc je suis ! René Descartes
1 year ago
bylynnkrestel says:
many thanks to all your hard work all around!! i was lucky enough to meet matt and anda in vancouver a year ago...europe is lucky to have such a great team!!
1 year ago
StringsnTings says:
It's so refreshing to be introduced to the people behind Etsy. It helps us know there are REAL people behind the business! Thank you everyone for all of your hard work :)
1 year ago
DarkBluebell says:
Makes such a difference to be able to view prices in local currency. Fantastic step in the right direction. Thank you, it's much appreciated.
1 year ago
sewnewthings says:
Yay for currency conversion!! Hi from Sydney Australia :)
1 year ago
iragrant says:
Good news all around, yay! Welcome to Etsy Europe team Anda and *I'm waving to Benedikta*... so so lovely to see all smiling faces here, aren't we lucky to have them all here?:)))
1 year ago
dkshattuck says:
What a lovely group of people! Nice to meet you all.
1 year ago
NakedBeautyJewelry says:
Yay This sounds great!!! - NakedBeautyJewelry
1 year ago
NakedBeautyJewelry says:
Yay This sounds great!!! - NakedBeautyJewelry
1 year ago
mkirana says:
This is what I've been waiting forrrrr!!! Thank you!! Hey if you guys open an office in London someday, let me know . Michelle
1 year ago
Evajune says:
That is great. I can let my friend know in France.
1 year ago
SoPreshDesigns says:
Formidable! <3 How exciting!
1 year ago
rarebeasts says:
It's great to see.
1 year ago
BusinessLetters says:
Hi Matt!!! We have missed you here in the USA :) Go have some great German beer for me (and maybe cross the border and grab some Swiss chocolate? MMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!)))
1 year ago
PilliPillihandmade says:
Nice to meet you all! Merci, grazie, danke, dankjewel, gracias!!! & bon travail! *hearts* pilli pilli
1 year ago
11m2 says:
So cool that Anda moved as well. :) But really, get Marie a new photo, she looks cuter in person. Hugs from Hamburg, Gila
1 year ago
Fibrillaria says:
Welcome once again to Europe, glad you are finally here!
1 year ago
downthealley says:
ace news about currency conversion - good to see Australian dollars has been included in the mix. Etsy just continues on the up and up. It's funky fun being part of such a global community, especially moving back to Oz from London and feeling quite far (physically) from it all. When you're ready to scout an Aussie rep - pick me! pick me! ;)
1 year ago
AZCreativeStudio says:
This is amazing! I am going to visit Romania next year and I hope I will see more sellers from there on Etsy.
1 year ago
Huismus says:
Yay! Great stuff, thanks!
1 year ago
strikk says:
a fantastically cool europe team. i'm honoured to have met some of you already. all the best, as you take over the world.... ;-)
1 year ago
Artistico says:
Hi Matt!!! Etsy just continues on the up and up... great news .. and i am happy who you are here :)many thanks to all your hard work all around!!
1 year ago
recycledwares says:
i am so happy that etsy is expanding in other countries.
1 year ago
JanJat says:
I think it's wonderful that Etsy is expanding and I love the currency conversion it makes everything easier. Thank you!!!
1 year ago
ChiccaStyle says:
Fantastico!!! Grazie, thank you, merci!!!
1 year ago
glasfaden says:
Ooh, love watching the Euro Etsy growing. Looking forward for more positive steps. Have a good move, Anda (and cuddle the little one from me ^_^)!
1 year ago
onewayback says:
That's cool for the news,"You can now view prices in your choice of 23 currencies." This would certainly increase the popularity of ETSY and bring much more convienent for consumers all over the world. Cheers! Want some pieces of cheap and chic sterling silver jewelry? Visit http://www.silverjewelryeshop.com
1 year ago
ShebboDesign says:
*Waves* to Etsy European Team! It is really great to see you all here! Yay, looking forward to see you in Istanbul soon Marie :)))
1 year ago
tortillagirl says:
[Waving to everyone] But...Anda is coming to Europe? If you'll excuse me, I will now step away from this keyboard and run around the room madly in circles from joy. Okay, I'm back. Pardon my all caps, BUT OMG I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET HER. Welcome to Europe, Anda! Will see you on my trip to Berlin in April (or after I beg Matt to bring you to the next Etsy meeting in Paris. I already begged him at the last meeting. Will do it again, shamelessly).
1 year ago
evihan says:
see you sooon Marie...hope it will be sooo much fun hereee:-)
1 year ago
ArtMind says:
Looking forward to all new and exciting things that the above peeps have up their sleeve. The handmade summit sounds absolutely awesome and I love how Etsy is addressed as 'she' by Anda! :) YAY Etsy Europe! :)
1 year ago
pasin says:
That is amazing
1 year ago
LAccentNou says:
Hey, Matt! Thank you for introducing european Etsy team! Everybody is so smily! Love you, guys! :) The convertor is already working and it's great! Thank you! Matt, you play bottle very well! :D
1 year ago
realfaery says:
THis is so great to read this articule! THanks for keeping informed us about the development of the Etsy Europe! THe more we know about it the more we can adjust and plan.
1 year ago
SeptimaSoaps says:
it is great to know a little about all the team, very nice
1 year ago
RainaSkye says:
Is that necklace "I am not a tourist" for sale???
1 year ago
RainaSkye says:
Is that necklace "I am not a tourist" for sale?
1 year ago
bigbluebed says:
'How do you do' and offers handshake in Terry Thomas English way.
1 year ago
moonthroughfog says:
hey mariezei! greetings from croatia :)
1 year ago
moonthroughfog says:
@rainaskye it is sold but you can check out her shop, maybe she will relist it http://www.etsy.com/shop/dindi?ref=seller_info
1 year ago
AMIdesigns says:
Nice to find out a bit about the team :)
1 year ago
AmityUK says:
Yay for Europe! RainaSkye - it was indeed for sale, but appears to have been sold! You could always contact the seller to see if they have another: http://www.etsy.com/shop/dindi?ref=seller_info FYI, under all header images in the blog it says "Photo by..." - this will tell you where to find the pictured product.
1 year ago
BlackDaisyDesigns says:
Hi from Sweden! Good to meet all of you! :D And - WOW Matt... you're an awesome muscian!! LOL
1 year ago
Leocardia says:
How nice, to get to know more of you. I hope, Etsy will grow soon in Europe!
1 year ago
SoleDeVita says:
Go Europe!! :) Greetings from "far far away land" Latvia!! I am honored to be a member of this AMAZING Team! xo
1 year ago
MGMart says:
Thank you for the new currency feature! Love from Hungary, Marianna
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Great to see all the Euro team! Its exciting the planned expansion into europe, I hope handmade goes big!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Anda you are very wellcome to Europe ! Matt such a crazy concert ;) and you are so lucy you found beautiful Benedikta , she has beautiful eyes !
1 year ago
sweetjane says:
It amazes me how just a few people can accomplish so much! Thanks so much for all your hard work!
1 year ago
AmelieFrenchie says:
Yay for European 5'11 girls! *\o/*
1 year ago
Tangentine says:
Great post! Excellent to see the European team growing and loved reading the bios.
1 year ago
Spelfenmeisje says:
Sounds like you guys are doing a great job here! Very happy you've introduced different currencies (and hope you'll keep working on this)! And extremely happy you'll be promoting Etsy around Europe! Looking forward to jumping on my Fahrrad and dropping by one of the events at the lab in the future :)
1 year ago
RandomlyGenerated says:
Aww, hi guys! Loving the browing in GBP. Keep up the good work. Jen from the UK. x
1 year ago
Karramandi says:
Yay, thanks you so much for all your efforts and all the new ideas for promoting Etsy in Europe.
1 year ago
daintyprettythings says:
Lovely post, its great to see who is involved in International team.
1 year ago
zime says:
Yay for you guys!! And Matt, you really enjoy your work ahh!! :D
1 year ago
asundrynotion says:
Thanks for all you do and putting faces to the names behind Etsy's European Team.
1 year ago
akcArt says:
Yay Etsy's European Team! Congrats to all of you! Love the Mia Mouse!
1 year ago
amoronia says:
Hey guys, you really aren't tourists, hahaa!!!
1 year ago
amoronia says:
Of course I knew that... just a joke with the item you have featured at the top...! It really is a nice feeling to see that the community of Etsy is growing without losing its character. Etsy rocks!
1 year ago
Patriacontemporary says:
Good Group!!! Thanks for all!
1 year ago
ErikaPrice says:
Great to be part of a global team!
1 year ago
ConservationClothing says:
Thanks etsians!
1 year ago
HanseART says:
Hallo! Nice to meet you all. Great post!
1 year ago
floorartetc says:
Sitting here in my little corner of the world I forget about how many people are behind the everyday operations of Etsy. Thank you for sharing and all your work! Billie
1 year ago
LaPerLaA says:
GRAZIE! è fantastico! Hope to be able to be in Berlin next April. Ich hoffe ich kann in Berlin dabie sein.. ich liebe Berlin!
1 year ago
mainsdefees says:
Anda , ahla w sahla, :) welcome to the middle east that is very exciting weeha
1 year ago
lilabelledesign says:
great post, thank you ;o)
1 year ago
SheepishYarns says:
Brilliant, let the Etsy invasion begin!
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Welcome Europe! Thank you Etsy European Team!
1 year ago
Jusadreamin says:
Thanks Matt for reading to us
1 year ago
EmilySmithArt112 says:
I love the idea of Etsy becoming more popular around the world! Etsy rocks! (check out my shop yall, emilysmithart112)
1 year ago
Vanessa says:
Yes! I'm so happy we finally got you on the pan flute, Matt. Remember when you were going to do a musical interlude for the newscast or maybe that was going to be your About Us vid? Miss you guys!
1 year ago
BabongoHome says:
Yay! This is so exciting and I'm so happy! Thank you all so much!
1 year ago
anakit says:
Thanks team! Can't wait for this thing to really take off. Etsy is such a great place it's a shame so few people know about it.
1 year ago
squirrellicious says:
It's such an amazing thing that we can now shop in our own currency! I'm sure this will be a big change that will bring more Europian customers for sure :-D So great to be introduced to you all, thumbs up. Hi Matt, we have to make another photo when we meet again, I look ugly on it LOL
1 year ago
strawberryluna says:
A) HA! Matt's reading of this post, (which I definitely read in it's entirely first, I promise!) was amazing. B) Thanks for the awesome update, great to officially meet some of the European team members that I haven' run across yet and see what everyone is up to. C) Congrats Anda! Super cool, good luck with the move. D) The European team so totally makes my wishes to move to Europe that much more intense. Such an exciting time for Etsy and you guys and us back here in the States, all. Cheers! xo
1 year ago
mykonos says:
wow, lovely creations!!
1 year ago
elemegibere says:
Wonderful!
1 year ago
eeClaire says:
Let"s go for it!
1 year ago
viltalakim says:
I am happy you crossed the big Pond and help us from this side:)
1 year ago
martice says:
ooh this is a nice coming back from holiday :) And I didn't know matt was a tv star in his past life!!
1 year ago
karuski says:
You guys are the best, doing fab job here in Europe! I had to go and follow the link to Matt's interview from last summer, very entertaining read, thanks!
1 year ago
BeCharmedDesigns says:
Hello Europe!!
1 year ago
KMalinka says:
Supper!
1 year ago