Karina of KreatedbyKarina has always known she wanted to be her own boss. After moving to the U.S. from Canada she began working a regular day job in customer service while beginning her Etsy business at the same time. Once Karina became pregnant she placed a greater focus on her soapmaking and made a long term business plan with her husband in order to stay at home with their daughter. Since leaving her day job, she’s successfully paying the bills with her soapmaking income and making plans for her husband to be able to leave his job in the coming two years.
How did you originally get into the business of making things?
Growing up, when most kids wanted to become ballerinas, or firemen, my standard answer to the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” was always “I want to be the boss.” When I hit my early twenties, I knew I didn’t want to work for someone else forever, I wanted to work for myself. After taking a soapmaking class on a whim I immediately fell in love with the idea of working with colors and blending scents; I’ve never looked back.
Tell us about your previous working situation.
After coming to New York City from Canada, my first “American” job was handling the customer service end of a company that rented telephones and TVs to patients at over 22 hospitals across the tri-state area. I think I learned how to deal with all sorts of customer issues (and personalities, considering hardly anyone’s happy when they’re staying in a hospital) from that experience. I ran my soapmaking business on the side. After I become pregnant, I wanted to stay at home to raise my daughter instead of leaving her in daycare and that really pushed me to try harder at my business and my Etsy shop.
When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
It was always in the back of my mind. Once I started doing regular craft shows and picked up my first few wholesale accounts (they found me on Etsy) I started seriously working towards making it happen.
Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time? Feel free to give us the nitty gritty business details.
The easy answer would be “I just took the leap, and everything worked out fabulously!” The more realistic answer is that it was a lot of planning ahead of time, tight budgeting to make my business self-sustainable and turn a profit, plenty of sacrifice (time, energy, luxuries), a bit of luck and old-fashioned hard work.
If you don’t have a business plan drawn up, I seriously urge you to get one. You can find lots of information and templates (as well as full examples) at sba.gov. It truly is my opinion that no business can succeed full time without one. My husband and I sat down and wrote ours several years ago. A business plan covers not only your company’s mission and planning out your target audience, but also your fiscal projection for several years ahead, all costs associated with running it from the beginning (for example, license cost, capital needed, utilities, supplies, advertising budget, etc.), how you plan on covering these costs, short and long-term goals, and it will become your business manual of sorts. Plus, if you need to go to a bank for a loan to finance your business at any time, many will want to see your business plan, which should then also cover how you plan on paying your lender back.
Through careful budgeting in the beginning — a lot of previous “necessities” turned out to really be “luxuries” — I was able to gradually decrease the hours spent at my workplace as our spending as a family became more discerning. Once I realized that my Etsy business had become self-sustainable, and I was actually paying household bills with my income from soapmaking, I made the move to full-time, and Etsy continues to be my only online venue after 3.5 years.
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What’s your best marketing tip?
Etsy has been incredible in exposure and while they are the forefront and a large part of my business, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that craft shows, wholesale accounts, and private soap parties make up a good portion of my income as well. Although, I wouldn’t have gotten any of those accounts if it hadn’t been for them finding me on Etsy.
One of the best ways to draw customers to your shop is to get your name out there as often as you can. Take the leap and sign up for a craft show if you’ve never done one, teach a class at your local community center, throw a private party selling your wares, or join a work-from-home business group/conference. We typically do at least two craft shows per week during the busy spring/summer season and one show biweekly during off-peak months. In between those, we are constantly selling at private home shows. It’s fantastic to meet customers face-to-face, hear their feedback and promote Soap That Makes Scents to people who don’t necessarily like to shop online. Each person walks away from our booth or table with a business card, whether they buy something or not, in the hopes that they’ll return to our Etsy shop later on.
What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion? Have you made any business mistakes you regret?
I haven’t really had “regrets,” but I have thought about ways I could have done better with promotional tactics that didn’t turn out as well as I’d hoped. Sometimes it just comes down to the wrong market or wrong timing.
Walk us through your typical workday.
- I wake up around 6:30 a.m. with my toddler patting me on the cheek saying “It’s morning time.” My husband’s already left for work, so while Isabella’s eating breakfast I quickly boot up the computer to check for emails, answer any Convos, and relist items sold the night prior.
- Most mornings involve a trip to the post office and when we come back it’s full business mode. I must admit I do utilize a bit of child labor once in a while — Isabella enjoys unpacking supplies and gets quite excited every time she sees a UPS truck pull up outside our home.
- While she has lunch or plays with her toys, most of the “behind the scenes” work gets done — labels are printed and then hand-stamped or hand-colored, invoices are written up (to this day I still hand write invoices, I think it adds a nice touch to the handmade shopping experience), thank you cards written out, and I’m constantly checking the computer for any new Convos or sales to keep on top of things.
- The bulk of soapmaking gets done either during her naptime (at least on the days I’m lucky enough for her to settle down for one) or when she’s gone to bed, which is around 8:30 p.m.
- I normally go to bed around midnight after soapmaking — wrapping and labeling the bars/body souffle jars/lip balms are easily done in front of the television so I can still catch my favorite shows.
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
One of the things I never counted on when I quit my day job was that I’d miss anything at all. But there are times when I do wish my daily conversations didn’t include the latest happenings with Elmo or the newest dance on Yo Gabba Gabba. Sometimes I have to push myself to really take a day off and get out to socialize with other adults or do some shopping. Other than being able to set my own pace, my own deadlines, and my own hours, the biggest reward of not having a day job was witnessing my daughter’s first steps, first word, first everything.
What’s the hardest part about running your own business?
Time management is always a struggle. Between taking care of my family, handling my business, housework, quiet time and running errands there’s just not enough hours in the day. There’s really no such thing as “vacation” or “sick days” like when I worked outside the home. There’s no easy part about running your own business. If production on my end goes down, so do my sales. If I’m not promoting wisely, my business is going to suffer. If I don’t make the right decisions, I’m getting the full brunt of the end result. It can be stressful at times knowing you’re fully responsible for the income you make (instead of getting a regular paycheck every two weeks), but I wouldn’t ever want to go back to working for someone else again. In the midst of all of that, my daughter has to remain the focal point. Spending time with her has to be more important than making soap, but the making of the soap contributes to her wellness, so it’s a bit of a catch-22. As a mom it’s difficult to strike the right balance between my business and my family life, and there are moments when the scales tip in either direction, but I hope always to do my best by her. This September she’ll be starting pre-kindergarten for a few hours a day, so that will be good for her, and for me.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself?
Don’t underestimate the value of networking. As with any business, promotion is really the key to success. Some never promote and do fine. I like to look at it as “Think of how much better you’d be doing now if you did.”
What advice would you give someone else?
Do not expect a flock of buyers in your store the moment you list your first item. Networking is extremely important all of the time, but even more so in the beginning stages of your business. It does take time to build a customer base, and things won’t happen magically overnight, no matter how original and exciting your items are. Promote to your target audience instead of just anyone: you’ll save a lot of time, energy and money this way.
What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
Our goal is for Richard, my husband, to be able to quit his day job as well in either 2011 or 2012. It’s a little ways off, but everything’s pointing in the right direction so far.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I quit my day job and had a baby all in the same year — it can be done — just keep on working hard, and take some well educated risks. Thanks so very much to all of my customers for your continued support, and for making Soap That Makes Scents a success!
Thanks to Karina for sharing her story. You can see some of Karina‘s beautiful work in the Related Items. Check out previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.
186 comments
Sign in to add your ownArtigianoJewelBox says:
Great story!
2 years ago
BagsOfaFeather says:
Beautiful shop and inspiring story! Congratulations!
2 years ago
recycledwares says:
who doesn't love wonderful bath products? yours look so tempting. congrats!
2 years ago
DowntownGirlDesigns says:
Great products! I love soaps. Thank you for sharing your story and congrats!
2 years ago
maxandolivia says:
Love the story. Congratulations!!
2 years ago
polkadotmagpie says:
Beautiful story. Lovely shop. Cute pics of the little one. Buona Fortuna!
2 years ago
DowntownGirlVintage says:
very inspiring story :)Big Congrats!!
2 years ago
sweetmixcreations says:
Well done for managing to build and run a business with a toddler. It's not an easy balance!
2 years ago
marin says:
yay! This is the first featured seller for QYDJ! I LOVE Karina's products!! Nice work!!
2 years ago
BebesDecor says:
I always love these stories, so inspiring hopefully one day that can be me! (:
2 years ago
rarebeasts says:
An inspiring story.
2 years ago
momochas says:
Lovely shop and story!!. Congrats on your sucess!
2 years ago
candacejean says:
Ooh this is wonderful! Such an inspiring story. I carry the hope that one day I will be able to "quit my day job" too. Congrats Karina!
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Thanks everyone! sweetmix--it was definately a bit easier when Isabella was an infant...then all she really did back then was sleep most of the day or eat---now she's at the age where she needs to be stimulated more, so it gets a bit tricker. ;)
2 years ago
aBreathofFrenchair says:
* waves to Karina!
2 years ago
Floreal says:
What a great article and such an inspiring story.. patience and perseverance are the key..:)
2 years ago
sarahknightdesign says:
wow! This is a wonderful product- so much talent! Thanks for all the wonderful advice and good luck in the future:)
2 years ago
craftscafe says:
Congrats Karina - I hope Richard joins you soon!
2 years ago
CindyEllison says:
Karina, an uplifting story on this gray and rainy Monday. May you have continued success so your husband can join you in the business.
2 years ago
Laurasbox says:
Great article :)
2 years ago
Ayca says:
Great story ! Thanks for sharing
2 years ago
FamaraDesigns says:
Congratulation Karina :)
2 years ago
lifeofcolors says:
Beautiful soaps and other products!
2 years ago
DesignedByLucinda says:
Yay Karina!!!!!
2 years ago
CottageGardenTherapi says:
Great story & well deserved! Congrats Karina!
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
*waves to aBreath*
2 years ago
silkstory says:
You my hero tonight, wish you the best Karina!
2 years ago
archaicdesign says:
yea Karina! wonderful to read your story!
2 years ago
Maleaab says:
You give me hope! I'm not moving from Canada to the US but from the West Coast to the East. My goal is to work from home while also attending Grad School. Hoping to grow my Etsy business and get a few wholesale orders in order to move towards those ends. Congrats Karina and much luck to your family and the future of your business.
2 years ago
VerreDesign says:
What a great interview, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and telling us like it is - Very inspiring:) Wishing you all the best and success so your husband can quit his day job at the beginning of next year!! Patricia
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Maleaab...if someone had told me 10 years ago that I would be moving from my homeland..I would have said they were crazy. I didn't predict back then that I'd meet and fall inlove with an American ;)
2 years ago
KOALACaddie says:
Thanks for a wonderful interview. Also, Karina's shop item photos are especially appealing - one picture is worth....
2 years ago
odiliafu says:
Congrats!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful story!!
2 years ago
fernfiddlehead says:
Yay, Karina! Good for you!
2 years ago
VALLEYGIRLBEADS says:
Congrats to you and your shop... you are an inspiration
2 years ago
EJPcreations says:
Such an inspiring article! Thank you for sharing.
2 years ago
akkricket says:
Lovely article. Very inspiring. I feel ya on missing adult conversations at a real job. I have a 3 yr old....sounds like you and I have many of the same convos. LOL
2 years ago
sweettidings says:
I love Karina's products!! Congrats! You inspire everybody!
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Ohhhh I'm sure we have, akkricket! LOL
2 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Lovely shop congrats to you for being able to stay home, raise your daughter and run a successful etsy shop. Don't tell anyone but I talk to myself during the day until the hubby comes home. lol. Again good luck and wish you only the best.
2 years ago
Vanessa says:
Hi Karina! Congrats!
2 years ago
hollygems says:
What a great feature! Karina is awesome and so are her products! :)
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Thanks Verre--we're looking forward to when it happens!
2 years ago
greensprings0 says:
I have tried Karina's lip balm and it's awesome! I love reading these success stories.
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Hi Vanessa--and thanks so much!
2 years ago
saintesmariesjewelry says:
wonderfully inspiring!
2 years ago
jbeaudet says:
Congratulations! Thank you for the tips and the inspiration! :)
2 years ago
sherrytruitt says:
So nice to see you here! Continued success to you. I also love your lip balm! xo
2 years ago
cherryblossompaperco says:
This is a great story. Gorgeous shop! Everything is complete eye candy!!
2 years ago
JCsCreativeArt says:
Awesome advise. Thanks. I'm just beginning, and finding my target audience is tough but I wont give up.
2 years ago
KristyLynnJewelry says:
Great interview, feeling inspired!!! Great work and best of luck!!!
2 years ago
febejstudio says:
Man, I can't get enough of "quit your day job" stories for the fact of the tips they give and each one is different from different experiences!
2 years ago
embellishedlife says:
Woot woot! Congrats, Karina! *waves to Isabella* Seriously folks, she is one real cutie, I've met her in person!
2 years ago
accentonvintage says:
Great products and great story!
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Thanks so much Sherry---I'm happy to be a part of this series!
2 years ago
Art2ArtColorado says:
What a wonderful article! well done! *have some of her soaps and love them*
2 years ago
ParadiseBodyShop says:
Karina, congratulations! Great article, and very motivational! :)
2 years ago
FancyPantsAndMore says:
Nice interview. Congrats Karina!
2 years ago
prettychicsf says:
So inspiring!!! great job!!! I think networking and promoting to your direct audience is really key. thank you for sharing your tips!
2 years ago
autumnray09 says:
Wonderful! Wishing you and your family many more success for this year and the many years to come. Warm hugs, Autumn
2 years ago
ExclusiefByVera says:
Congratulations, Karina. It's wonderful that you are a stay at home Mom. It is so important for children that parents are there for them. All the best for your business building and achieving your goal.
2 years ago
SleepKnitting says:
Congratulations! Great article, and I wish you more continued success :) I have personally enjoyed your scents and soaps, and hope to buy more in the future!
2 years ago
LaAlicia says:
Congratulations on a beautiful baby and a successful business! Cheers!
2 years ago
peaseblossomstudio says:
Yay Karina! Congrats!
2 years ago
sweetirie says:
Wow! It is nice to be able to put a face with the name! Congrats on your feature!!!
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Thanks Sharon (embellished)!! Hope to see you again soon at a local show! prettychicst--I am also a member of the Etsy Sellers Assisting Sellers team, so if you ever need any advice I'm just a convo away.
2 years ago
kittyd says:
Congratulations! :) Glad to see you here!
2 years ago
kadlubik says:
congrats!
2 years ago
StarletGlamBathBody says:
Congrats Karina! Nice feature!
2 years ago
WingsDove says:
Congratulations on your successful journey.
2 years ago
CountrySquirrelsRUS says:
Absolutely inspiring! A future full-time husband and wife team and a great family business.
2 years ago
VinkDesign says:
Thank you for sharing, great story and congrats on your successful journey!
2 years ago
teegee says:
Awesome! Congrats! and Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
poetryjewelry says:
Congratulations on a great feature. Very inspiring!
2 years ago
Vintageplaneterra says:
I loved your story, I wish you lots of continued success. Terra
2 years ago
KnockKnocking says:
I'm really happy to see KreatedByKarina here, she has always been super kind on the forums and is one of those lovely Etsy souls you find on this site!
2 years ago
elizabethrosemond says:
VERY inspiring story! Thanks so much for sharing Karina!!
2 years ago
dannialexan says:
Congrats!!! That's awesome to hear and very inspiring ... especially from another Queens native :)
2 years ago
CoquetteBath says:
wonderful story and very inspiring!
2 years ago
LibertyImages says:
What a bunch of great, fun finds. I really like the GreyDays print, the lions, and the turquoise kitty. Always a bottomless well of talent here on Etsy!
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
KnockKnocking that was very nice of you to say :)
2 years ago
LibertyImages says:
Sorry, that was meant for another Storque post and ended up here somehow by mistake. Must have hit the wrong button... Congrats on your success, Karina! Your products are so beautiful they look edible. :) You are right about business plans...I really need to write one, though doing so for a sort of non-tangible like art is far different from the half-dozen business plans I wrote in college or for other people running their own businesses. Still, they are a great roadmap to have, a great touchpoint and way to track one's progress and create new goals.
2 years ago
BellaLunaCrafts says:
Terrific story, Karina! And congrats on being able to quit your day job!
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
That's ok, Liberty---I figured you were trying to comment on another article---glad you stuck around! You may want to contact the SBA anyhow and they can hook you up with a mentor, perhaps someone who has dealt in the same kind of business/craft you are in, it's free and can't hurt to give it a try!
2 years ago
sakurabathandbody says:
Congrats, Karina! What a wonderful story! I am hoping to follow in your footsteps...a little. ;)
2 years ago
serenie says:
Thanks for being an inspiration!! :)
2 years ago
NaturallyHip says:
Woohoo! Congrats Karina, it's wonderful to hear your story :D
2 years ago
theweddingcontessa says:
Great to hear success stories! Your soap looks amazing and is packaged so beautifully!
2 years ago
battysbath says:
What a great story! Thanks os much for the inspiration! I just officially opened my etsy bath and body shop in mid-Feb with hopes of my biz becoming my full time job so I love reading stories like this from people who have achieved just that :)
2 years ago
NotSoDotty says:
Wow... inspiring, and just a little intimidating! :-/ But good concrete advice, esp. re: business plan. I'm studying your shop to see how you do things! Really awesome and inspiring story. Thanks Karina and Etsy for sharing! :-)
2 years ago
MisguidedAngel says:
Thank You, it's great to know about the true successes on Etsy
2 years ago
niecynotes says:
Very inspiring. I feel the same way - I'm in my 20s, ready to be my own boss. Your story clearly shows me that selling my crafts is what I SHOULD do and that I CAN do it successfully. Thanks so much for a great story Karina! Keep up the good work! Oh, and thanks Etsy for posting these wonderful life-changing stories for us newbies and veterans :D
2 years ago
fairyberry says:
So encouraging! This is a great story indeed. Thanks Etsy and Karina! :)
2 years ago
TanyaMac says:
Congratulations Karina! ...and long may your success continue! ;)
2 years ago
lilabelledesign says:
very inspiring, thank you for sharing
2 years ago
polkadotsandblooms says:
YKarina - you have done so well for yourself. Congratulations! It really shows what you can do when you put your mind and energy into something! Another fab article. Quit your day shop is one of my favourite features.
2 years ago
BlackStar says:
Congrats on your success Karina! Great interview. xoxo
2 years ago
streetnoodles says:
karina what an inspiring story...and what a wonderful role-model you must be for isabelle...she probably already knows how to read, add & subtract as well as a good dose of work ethic & collaboration well before she hits kindergarten :D
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Thanks weddingcontessa! Batty--welcome to Etsy!
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
She knows a bit, streetnoodles--one of the great things about having her help me is that it gets her involved in my day (all little kids always want to "help"), and we're doing an activity together---plus learning about teamwork in that aspect.
2 years ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Great story, Karina! Your daughter is so adorable! Best of luck to you with your business and I hope that your husband can join you in your business sooner rather than later!
2 years ago
trinketsncharms says:
Lovely article and the soaps look gorgeous! Good luck with the future!
2 years ago
LaurieRyan says:
woo hoo Karina this is so awesome congrats and may you be blessed with many many sales in 2010
2 years ago
MyBagByRenee says:
Great interview - Karina you are an inspiration!!!
2 years ago
stitchntyme says:
Congratulations on your success! It definitely can't be easy with a little one around (she is adorable). It is great you have set another goal of your husband leaving his job, knowing you, it will happen. :)
2 years ago
crowsnestprimitive says:
Very inspiring! I wish you many more years of success :)
2 years ago
QuiltFinger says:
Wow, great story. So much good info too. I'm going to fill out a business plan.
2 years ago
PoisonApplePotions says:
COngratulations dear, I enjoyed reading this!
2 years ago
EviesToolEmporium says:
Congrats on your feature! Very well deserved! Michelle-
2 years ago
SparkleMe says:
Fabulous work and success!
2 years ago
Balanced says:
Congrats on all your success, Karina! I know I love your products, have some of your soap in my shower at this very moment. :)
2 years ago
PhineasandLou says:
Awesome feature! Congratulations :)
2 years ago
uncommonvintage says:
Congratulations Karina and thanks for sharing your inspiring story!
2 years ago
SimpleTraditions says:
I love your story! I honestly got all choked up reading it. It's always exciting to hear of a fellow soaper who is reaching the same dream your going for. Thank you so much for sharing!
2 years ago
CandyCaeks says:
Amazing soaps! they all look so beautiful.
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Thanks to all of you for leaving such great comments--I'm so glad I got the chance to share my story with you. stitchntyme--he can't wait to not have to wear a suit and tie everyday.
2 years ago
BlueTea says:
and she is also a generous and helpful veteran in the forums. congrats Karina!
2 years ago
Poshwashsoap says:
Good job Karina! Best wishes for your continued success! You inspire me! <3
2 years ago
BellaChicbyalicia says:
Nice Shop!! Congrats!!
2 years ago
SudsNSuch says:
Congrats Karina!
2 years ago
myliliesofthevalley says:
Wonderful story, truly inspiring!
2 years ago
MonEsperance says:
Good for you! Everyone else it right... very inspiring story. It may sound lame, but I'd like to be like you. It sounds like a lot of work, but it's work you love, so how can you go wrong? Keep it up, girl.
2 years ago
ABoxForMyTreasure says:
Fantastic article and great to hear that all that hard work has paid off - well done!
2 years ago
foulardthreads says:
So inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
foulardthreads says:
So inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
lkkelly98 says:
Doing what you love, that's great!
2 years ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
I love love love Quit Your Day Job articles. These articles have been and will always be very inspiring to me. Thank you for sharing.
2 years ago
NaturalAmber says:
Karina! Im so excited to you. I absolutely love her, she has been so helpful to me since I have started here on ETSY and I am so happy to see her featured.
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Thanks Posh and Suds!
2 years ago
JPATPURSES says:
Congrats girl! Since I never read storque, I am glad I heard you were the featured QYDJ :) JPAT
2 years ago
FerntreeStudio says:
Great article. I always think that the soapmakers out there must have the absolute BEST smelling houses! :) angie
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
I'll be doing a Virtual Lab Q&A next week where you can ask me any sort of business question you'd like--would love for all of you to be there!
2 years ago
hulagirlsoapco says:
soaping is love.
2 years ago
hulagirlsoapco says:
i will be there
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Fern right now my home smells like Black-Raspberry Vanilla
2 years ago
BidzOfLove says:
Very inspiring story...thnx for sharing.
2 years ago
1920 says:
love your products. it's like a candy store.
2 years ago
ManInTheMoonHerbs says:
You are a role model! Congrats on the feature. It's well deserved!
2 years ago
circleinthesand says:
Congratulations Karina!!! Great article - Wonderful Shop!!
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Hee hee--thanks 1920...I don't recommend eating any of them though!
2 years ago
ElegantHobbies says:
Very, Very inspiring.. Thank You!!
2 years ago
jagmediaproductions says:
This has been very helpful and inspiring. I am hoping this will let me be a stay-home-mom as well. Congratulations! This is the way of the future. Misty
2 years ago
gretchenmist says:
congrats on your success + thanks for sharing your story with us :) off to have a squizz at your lovely soaps!
2 years ago
cleobelle says:
love your work and your daughter is just beautiful!
2 years ago
TheMosaicJewelryShop says:
Thank you for sharing your story!
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Best of luck, jagmediaproductions
2 years ago
lissionetsy says:
great acticle, well done :) x
2 years ago
ninaglaser says:
lovely shop and lovely story! thanks so much for sharing, congrats!! :)
2 years ago
contempojewels says:
I love quit your day job... thanks for the article!
2 years ago
julessabjewelry says:
This is a great story. I think all of us hope to quit our day jobs, but the reality is we have responsibilities and have to make sure our families are well taken care of. I envy those who can work on their passion as a living instead of a part time job and I'm looking forward to the day I can leave my 9 to 5. In the meantime, Karina, congratulations and best of luck!
2 years ago
terrastratum says:
Inspirational!
2 years ago
feltonthefly says:
Hey! So THAT'S what you look like! I've seen you in forums, typed to you, and bought some of your products (and thank you for the train wreck sale!). So nice to see you in person!
2 years ago
Whimsywares says:
Very inspiring article for us fellow soap makers! Congrats on your growing family and business.
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
lol felt, you're most welcome!
2 years ago
inajuicebox says:
Love this story, I hope that will be me one day. Congratulations on your sucess!
2 years ago
MoyerDesignWorks says:
I second the remarks about drawing up a business plan. I've worked without one, and I've worked with one. The latter is definitely better. Pardon the oft-used metaphor, but working without one is like piloting a ship without a rudder.
2 years ago
GwenDelicious says:
Great story, what an inspiration!!! Congratulations and all the best!
2 years ago
simpledream2 says:
Karina, What an inspiring article.
2 years ago
creationsbyMrsJoJo says:
Enjoyed the success story!! Very valuable information Thanks for sharing.
2 years ago
trudiedavies says:
Real inspiring.. congratulations:)
2 years ago
leatherprince says:
Congratulations...Karina!!! Hope Richard will join you in this Etsy business soon, it's a kind of happiness that there's always someone to share the workload. Wish you all the best!!
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
MoyerDesign, I wholehearedly agree---good analogy! leatherprince--he's become such an integral part of my business over the last two years, I just had to make him an offical "partner"!
2 years ago
svitrolica says:
Thank you Karina for sharing - I'm new to Etsy & this wwas inspiring!
2 years ago
emilymoir says:
What a great artcicle, so much inspiration, well done Karina
2 years ago
mindyscustomjewelry says:
Good for you girl! I have always wanted to work for myself as well; I hope to open my own shop one day! For now im still in college...almost out though...
2 years ago
cottagecharms says:
Great article-and good advice on promotion! Easier said than done for some of us :) Congrats!
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Mindy, best of luck!
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
cottagecharms, don't count yourself out so quickly---your only limitations are those you set for yourself...everyone (including me!) has to take that "first leap" sometime!
2 years ago
discerningchichi says:
Well done K, am so pleased to see you featured! Well deserved!! (you were one of the first people I bought from, in 2007 under my blackrose name). Val
2 years ago
Hyppiechic says:
Wonderful story, Congratulations
2 years ago
piggytailsboutique says:
Wow, that was so inspiring! I actually quit my part time job in the fall to focus on my business and so far it's been such a fun ride! I hope to continue to grow as you have and if my husband could quit his job because of hairbows...NOW that would be amazing!!
2 years ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Hi Val! Great that you stopped by--thanks for reading the article! I'll definately be keeping Mary posted as we reach our goal of both of us working full-time in the soapmaking business, so hope to share Part Two of our story soon!
2 years ago
Melaniescreations14 says:
Its true that if you look desire it, God will send you Motivation and Inspiration! I want to thank you for writing this article. I needed to read it! Congrats on your success.
2 years ago
ApothecaryVenus says:
I can really relate to that strong drive to work on your very own business to support your family. Thanks for the inspiring story and the good advice about writing a business plan. Your soap is beautiful.
2 years ago
Nspireknits says:
Great tips and an inspiring story. Thanks Karina!
1 year ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Thanks for reading!
1 year ago
MysticalRaindrops says:
Love your packaging!
1 year ago
KreatedbyKarina says:
Thanks!
1 year ago
Amanda from LongWinterSoapCo says:
Etsy, you owe this lady an apology. I mean really?? I can't even BELIEVE how unprofessionally this was handled.
64 days ago
Cheri from AphenaJewelry says:
I have been following this and can only tell you that you and your family are in my thoughts.
64 days ago
TheStitchAndFold from TheStitchAndFold says:
I agree with Amanda and Cheri!
64 days ago
Cat from catmacdesigns says:
Too bad such a wonderful example of success was shut down w/o any apparent consideration......
64 days ago
Heather Torre from MySelvagedLife says:
so sorry karina, I hope this all gets worked out!
64 days ago
Danielle Pedersen from HandyMaiden says:
I'm sad to lose such a great member of the Etsy community. I hope this mess gets sorted out.
64 days ago
Ellareki from Ellareki says:
Just adding my support for Karina here too - I hope this gets resolved and soon.
61 days ago
Runz from RunzwithScissors says:
I just found out -- this is unbelievable! This nonsense has to stop and you get reinstated!!
46 days ago