Tell us about your previous working situations and how you discovered Etsy.
I was working in the office of a local youth arts organization when I stumbled upon Etsy. I had studied to be a designer and had a qualification in fashion design, but I hadn’t found a job in my field. I was becoming frustrated with the lack of opportunities and Etsy was a ray of hope.
I initially saw Etsy as a hobby and something to keep my skills fresh — I never anticipated that it would actually evolve into a job. Within a year or so, I approached my business partner, Ger, to join me. Ger is my father’s younger sister, who is also a designer. Creativity and sewing runs in the family!
How did you prepare to transition into full-time Etsy selling?
In the early days I was working in a regular 9-5 job; as the orders grew and our label became established, we were able to pull back the hours from our other commitments and work on Etsy, along with part-time day jobs. It was an organic process. By year three, we were in a position to quit our day jobs and commit to our Etsy store full time. Ger was working from her own studio at home and raising three young boys. She was creating for local clients and Etsy broadened the client base to include an international market for both of us.
What is your favorite part of the process in fashion design?
I would have to say the initial stages of design: contemplating color schemes, a theme, the details, working out how it’s going to look and what direction to steer the elements in.
For Ger I think it’s the finishing stages. Ger is a perfectionist and I know she derives a lot of pleasure putting a top quality finish on a garment. Couture attention to detail is Ger’s strength.
What are your best marketing tips?
- Create a community around your brand. We engage regularly with our clients, customers and fans via Facebook, Twitter, and our blog. It’s very important for us to share our world with our readers and followers. We allow folks into our daily routine, our studio, and our personal lives (although I should mention that you should only do this within reason).
- Provide your customers with transparency. Some of the best marketing is achieved by proving your integrity as a brand. It doesn’t matter how fabulous your work is if you don’t have a nice caring manner to go along with it. Our whole journey has been documented and shared online via our blog.
- Social media is the most powerful tool for engaging with your customers online. It’s a very powerful medium and also happens to be the cheapest marketing tool out there.
What’s been your most popular item or line to date?
The most popular products for us has been our wraps/boleros/shrugs. We’ve sold these to thousands of brides all over the world and continue to do so today. We create a lot of other products,such as corsetry, fascinators, bags, scarves, and jewellery that we sell via other avenues at home in Ireland. But our Etsy customers tend to enjoy the cover-ups most.
What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
We have found paid advertisements in magazines and newspapers to be the most unsuccessful. I think these publications are so saturated with ads that it can be difficult to stand out. We prefer to work on editorials with stylists and photographers. That way, when an image of our work is included in a magazine, it receives much more positive attention through stylized photoshoots.
Have you made any business mistakes you regret?
Plenty, and we’ll most certainly continue to do so. It’s all part and parcel of running a business. The mistakes are lessons in disguise — you just have to take every mishap or challenge along the way and use it as a learning curve. Remember, the biggest failure of all is not trying new things and exploring avenues!
What is the biggest challenge you face during your daily schedule?
Having only two hands! As a crafter it can be quite frustrating dealing with the limitations of creating handmade products. We often leave the studio longing for increased productivity or quicker results. It’s important to remind yourself now and again that you are only one person with one set of hands.
What’s the hardest part about running your own business?
The biggest challenge of running your own business is wearing so many hats. One minute you are a designer, the next you are working on logistics, marketing, PR, web development, accounting, etc. It’s a long list that never gets any smaller. Often folks think that being self-employed allows more freedom, but quite often it’s the opposite!
What are the advantages and challenges to working with a family member?
There’s a huge element of trust in our partnership and I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather share the experience with. The challenges of working with a family member can feel similar to a committed relationship or a marriage. It takes a lot of hard work!
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job?
I think we both enjoy being our own bosses and mapping out our own destiny. I like that there are no limitations for us. It’s actually possible to achieve your dreams as the captain of the ship, so to speak.
What is the most exciting thing that has come of selling your designs via Etsy?
Etsy has given us so much over the last few years: job satisfaction, fulfillment, and superb opportunities that keep on coming as a result of being so accessible online.
We have been featured in hundreds of magazines, newspapers, and blogs both nationally and internationally. We have won 4 business awards in the last 12 months in Ireland. We have been featured on TV in Ireland. Most importantly, Etsy has allowed us to reach our customers worldwide, something we could not have done from our small towns in southern Ireland.
What advice would you give someone considering a similar path?
You need to be tenacious in business with a fierce determination to pull you through the challenging times. Believe in your work and have integrity and care for your customers. Try to approach it as a business and ease into it. In our experience, it’s best to keep you day job in the initial stages until you become established and can afford to take the plunge.
What goals do you have in store for the future of your business?
We recently opened our first brick and mortar store in Waterford, Ireland as part of a new tourist attraction in the Viking Quarters. We now have a public base where we can meet clients and sell our wares from a retail frontage,along with our first boutique window. It’s wonderful to have a base and a presence offline. In fact, a lady recently walked into the store from Texas, purchased a fascinator from our stand and mentioned that she knew all about us from Etsy. The world is a small place after all!
Anything else you would like to share?
We are so immensely grateful to Etsy for leading us on such a magical adventure and opening up such a wonderful community of clients, fans and friends. We have met such vibrant crafters and buddies through Etsy, and it has had a profound effect on both of our lives.
Thanks for sharing your story, Yvonne and Ger. Check out their work in the Seller’s Items below.
Previous Quit Your Day Job posts
129 comments
Sign in to add your ownStudioDevinat says:
Beautiful work & such an inspiring interview! Congrats & thanks for sharing!
335 days ago
SevonLaing says:
<3 speechless
335 days ago
SevonLaing says:
<3 speechless
335 days ago
Dulcissima says:
Fantastic piece! Thank you for sharing your story and being an inspiration to myself and others!
335 days ago
RiRiFisch says:
beautiful beautiful beautiful! I look forward to visiting the next time I head to Ireland...
335 days ago
juneandruby says:
Beautiful-eye candy! Thanks for inspiring me:)
335 days ago
Mikono says:
Wow, love your Ethereal Baroque Wrap! Thanks for sharing - very inspiring!
335 days ago
SunshineSparrow says:
lovely designs. very very romantic. thanks for sharing
335 days ago
tropicsandtradewinds says:
Spectacular items for sale and some really wonderful and actionable advice. Thank you for sharing your story!!
335 days ago
Balanced says:
congrats, ladies!! well deserved! So nice to see Irish sellers on QYDJ!
335 days ago
OneLaneRoad says:
Wow, you two are truly inspiring. Fantastic interview. I would love to browse around your shop in Ireland one day!
335 days ago
buttonsbyrobin says:
Beautiful work. Congratulations!
335 days ago
ReinasStudio says:
Congratulations!! I love your work and thanks for sharing!!!!!
335 days ago
houdacrea says:
So talented hands!
335 days ago
grimmandgrete says:
Absolutely love your designs, crazy cool !!!
335 days ago
mozaicgirl1 says:
Absolutely stunning designs!
335 days ago
Hurray4Crochet says:
I've looked through your shop before...such lovely things and all so beautiful! It's so nice to head the story behind the shop.
335 days ago
phgandhi says:
fantastic collection! all the best.
335 days ago
simplyworn says:
great...sound and honest advice beautiful work
335 days ago
PeachyKeenCreations says:
I've love Bonzie even before I became an Etsy member. Your designs are so beautiful they make me want to get married. ;)
335 days ago
GOLDhearted says:
This is so inspiring! I love these posts. Congrats, ladies, I commend you!
335 days ago
ourfrontyard says:
Absolutely Beautiful!
335 days ago
LivingVintage says:
Wonderful advice! I almost wish I was getting married.
335 days ago
jammerjewelry says:
Loved the article.
335 days ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
beautiful work, I love how Etsy has connected you to buyers from all round the world. Was great to read your story!
335 days ago
overthemeadow says:
Absolutely beautiful work! Very inspiring!
335 days ago
StudioCherie says:
fabulous interview. Love your photos!
335 days ago
paramountvintage says:
i love the ruffles and silk. what an amazing store. congrats on the feature!
335 days ago
AlpineGypsy says:
I noticed your shop many years ago, and it was one of my first 'Favourites' so I'm very happy to read your words! Congratulations on your success~ Heidi
335 days ago
VitalVintage says:
Such a beautiful shop and a lovely interview as well. Congrats on the feature!
335 days ago
knitfitt says:
Love the way you are able to make such romantic work without a hint of being corny or cute.
335 days ago
CraftsbyCarolAnn says:
One of my all time favorite shops! Nice to see you on the front page and sending you well wishes for continued success. Your wraps are gorgeous! ~ CA
335 days ago
missusfrenchie says:
Gorgeous work and a great interview:) Congratulations on the feature!
335 days ago
MootiDesigns says:
Looks a lot like my studio! Great fabrics, and designs. Thanks for sharing!
335 days ago
Iammie says:
Gorgeous.
335 days ago
sonyarasi says:
Beautiful work! Congratulations!
335 days ago
KettleConfections says:
The craftsmanship on your wedding accessories are amazing! And perfect for special occasions too - love the boleros you have up.
335 days ago
PruAtelier says:
Such beautiful, beautiful work and many wonderful congratulations on your success! I can only hope that for myself as a company consisting of ONE, that I do half as well as you lovely ladies once I really dig in and start posting my own fashion creations!
335 days ago
sfcitysnippets says:
Wonderful work. Thanks for sharing your story and inspirations and congratulations on all your success. It's awesome that you were able to create your own job(s) and follow your passions.
335 days ago
madebynanna says:
Congratulations!!! You make beautful clothing.
335 days ago
OsoVictoria says:
Fantastimo! Very inspiring story of how someone so far away is closer than you think. Congratulations on your success.
335 days ago
SoliDeoGloriaSDG says:
Your work is unbelievable gorgeous! Wow! Well done on creating such beauty full time!
335 days ago
HookableDesigns says:
I do love bonzie and have been following them for a while. They always produce amazing designs.
335 days ago
RaineDesign says:
Love their designs! Great post!
335 days ago
flauntdesignsjewelry says:
Beautiful work, inspiring interview, two wonderful ladies to admire! Thank you for sharing and spreading hope :~)
335 days ago
TheWellingtonBoot says:
I can see why the wraps are popular....they're gorgeous! :-)
335 days ago
raspberrybutterflies says:
Beautiful and talented thanks for sharing your my inspiration for today!
335 days ago
petalandpink says:
Such beautiful work. Congrats on your success!
335 days ago
petalandpink says:
Such beautiful work. Congrats on your success!
335 days ago
pamwares says:
Never truer words written. Absolutely a great interview. Congratulations on all your success now and into the future!
335 days ago
BooPatch says:
Slainte!!! from a Scotsman's wife :-) Your eye for delicate detail is breathtaking...
335 days ago
AlphabetCityStudio says:
Gorgeous! Gorgeous! Gorgeous! Lovely pieces and wonderful details and designs! Congrats!
335 days ago
thevelvetheart says:
Great advice and GORGEOUS work! Congrats!!!!
335 days ago
benddownboutique says:
such an inspiration. reading this has only encouraged me more to pursue my fashion dreams. i also love your clothing! congrats to you both! <3
335 days ago
NowISee says:
Such great advice. Blessings.
335 days ago
NowISee says:
Such great advice. Blessings.
335 days ago
CarlaRaeVintage says:
Your work is BEAUTIFUL. I loved the article and your ideas. Congrats.
335 days ago
SewCarolineSew says:
Thank you for sharing your story, your work is lovely you are very talented. Congratulations.
335 days ago
hoosiermamma1 says:
Congratulations on your success!
335 days ago
asileoriginals says:
Very inspirational, congratulations!
335 days ago
ME2Designs says:
Congratulations once again on your further success, Bonzie! The Bonzie shop was one of the first that I purchased items from after joining Etsy. I have a large custom box containing all of my exquisite Bonzie creations, and whenever I want to add a big boost to my day all it takes it to wear one of my Bonzie dreams - instant sunshine! Today I'm wearing the blue watercolor confection (a custom order from 2008) and as always, strangers stop and comment on the beautiful design & work of this talented duo (who are so kind and sweet in addition to having mega-talent)! The Bonzie label is a true success story ♥♥♥
335 days ago
KatherineCooper says:
Yay! for Bonzie, and they both have got there through share hard work and dedication to their art, there designs are stunning :D
335 days ago
teenytinyenvelopes says:
Hurray for you and your beautiful work!
335 days ago
irisdesign says:
I'm grinning from ear to ear 'cause I'm totally chuffed with you two gorgeous girls :))))))))))))))))) well done and keep going!! ♥
335 days ago
TheIrishStill says:
Your items are incredible, I own 3 pieces myself and always get compliments whenever I wear them!!!
335 days ago
JanetElizabethLLC says:
I love reading success stories like this.....really inspires me to keep going. Thanks to you both!
335 days ago
SeedandSky says:
WHat an inspiring story! I love to hear of family members working together! congratulations!!!
335 days ago
FalconandFinch says:
I'm a huge fan of bonzie. Thank you so much for featuring the creators!
335 days ago
AronaWalsh says:
Your items are so beautiful!!! Not a wonder that you could quit your day job in exchange for this one :-)
335 days ago
elishalong says:
I saw your shop years ago. You make beautiful things!! Might get one of your wraps one of these days. Especially love the duponi silk one!
335 days ago
AdornmentsbyDebbie says:
I enjoyed reading your story, you have beautiful items. Congrats on the growth of your business.
335 days ago
StrapTeeze says:
I've been a fan for many years, first finding you in Belle Armoire and then on Etsy. The magic is in the details and you do it so well. So nice to see you featured and your wonderful and inspiring story.
335 days ago
cuadapattern says:
Inspiring reading bonz and ger-congrats on the feature and flying the flag for all the great Irish shops:)
334 days ago
MegnificentCo says:
Absolutely gorgeous work! I would love to be a bride all over again and wear one of the boleros!
334 days ago
TheZestyDesk says:
I love how your stylized photos match your brand. Congrats on all of your success...it's well deserved!
334 days ago
TwoRoadsDiverged says:
One of my favorite interviews. Very inspiring and your work is amazing. Thank you for taking the time to share your story.
334 days ago
elettrarossa says:
what a great story! Very inspiring!
334 days ago
KaysWeddingCreations says:
I know just what you mean about only having two hands, good thing there is only 24 hrs. in day. And my mind seems to never shut down if I have a new idea. But I absolutely love what I do. Great inspiring story, I got laid off my job and I'm doing my wedding sewing business full time now. I'm so glad I read your story.
334 days ago
TheCakeStandBoutique says:
Love your work! Congrats on being featured!
334 days ago
bonzie says:
Thanks to everyone who took the time to comment and share their lovely support about the article. We are really very grateful to everyone for all of your wonderful encouragement. It's a real privilege to be seen as an inspiration, thank you sincerely, we are truly honored. Warm wishes from both of us.x
334 days ago
MixUpGallery says:
Beautiful story, congratulations!!
334 days ago
julessabjewelry says:
I love the ethereal quality of your designs. They make a tomboy like me want to become frilly & girlie. Congrats on the feature and I'll continue to watch for more of your fabulous designs.
334 days ago
princessdoodlebeans says:
I <3 BONZIE! thanks so much Etsy for featuring these lovely ladies. They are truly and inspiration
334 days ago
IrishBounty says:
Success couldn't have come to two nicer gals! WTG! And thanks ME2Designs for your FB heads up on the feature!
334 days ago
athisfeet738 says:
Beautiful, just freakin' beautiful!!! love it!
334 days ago
dandeliondaydreamer says:
nice one Bonzie!! Great article :) x
333 days ago
nicedaydesigns says:
I'm so delighted for you both that you got to share your fantastic story. When I found them here on etsy I thought of them as one of my 'online friends' and then I was lucky enough to meet them at a market this year, they were just as warm and friendly in person. This success couldn't have happened to two nicer people and I wish them all the best and success in their future ventures. Ruth xx
333 days ago
peacesofindigo says:
I adore Bonzie~ She was one of my first favorites on etsy and I still adore her and her shop. Congrats, Bonzie!!!
333 days ago
lynntodddesigns says:
Beautiful and inspiring!
333 days ago
Torann says:
CONGRATS! Oh so jealous! lol :D Cant wait to ever visit Waterford although will be going just to visit Bonzie not because of Waterford scenery (sorry Waterford ) :D ...because really want to see pieces in the flesh as to speak for it will be a happy day!
333 days ago
Torann says:
CONGRATS! Oh so jealous! lol :D Cant wait to ever visit Waterford although will be going just to visit Bonzie not because of Waterford scenery (sorry Waterford ) :D ...because really want to see pieces in the flesh as to speak for it will be a happy day!
333 days ago
kyleighglass says:
Awesome! Congrats!
333 days ago
elliven says:
absolutely gorgeous work! congratulations!
333 days ago
misty714 says:
Thank you for the advice!! Very true!! I love my etsy experience so far and I look forward to a long happy relationship with Etsy and friends! Thanks again for sharing, misty714
333 days ago
knitsandknotts says:
This is the exact inspiration that I needed right.. At work, (a very stressful job) yet the trunk show is friday @ the artists lounge here in Chicago.. Gotta build an inventory, take care of print media, etc... But articles like these let me know that its possible... Thanks so much!!!
333 days ago
lowercasejdesign says:
Your store is such an inspiration. I hope that one day I'll be successful enough to open a brick and mortar store!
333 days ago
jenya2 says:
Thanks for sharing!
333 days ago
byAMOR says:
Well done girls. Great to hear your story.
333 days ago
TheStitchinChicken says:
Wow, thanks for sharing your story. Your things are just beautiful!
333 days ago
SweetSincerity says:
This is such a great interview. Thanks for the fantastic advice about how to be successful. I love what you said about mistakes... It is SO true that "the biggest failure of all is not trying new things and exploring avenues!" Continued success to you both :)
333 days ago
Loveybyisha says:
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story! and tips. I enjoy Bonzie so much and can see all the love, care and inspiration they put into each piece :)
333 days ago
graceandfavourshop says:
I first discovered Bonzie through fashion editorials in magazines here in Ireland, so clearly their marketing strategy works! Really beautiful work and an inspiration to all us Irish Etsy folk, showing that design quality and attention to detail really can stand out in a global marketplace. Congratulations to Yvonne & Ger!
332 days ago
ssmdesign says:
Extremely inspiring!!! Thank you for sharing such helpful tips : )
332 days ago
SassyStitchesbyLori says:
Congratulations on being featured! Love your shop and your photos! You girls rock!!!!
332 days ago
vintagenelly says:
Truly lovely designs!! Loved your feature, especially the part where you talk about how you can create and sell the greatest things, but you need a caring personality to go with it. That is so true and your customers will be able to tell by your convos and the kind of customer service you provide. Thanks for sharing and congrats on your feature!!!
332 days ago
lilycobweb says:
Makes me proud to be Irish! Marvellous feature, really enjoyed reading it. Bonzie and Ger, best of luck with your new retail outlet and who knows, maybe I'll get to visit if I get as far as Waterford this (non)summer:) Keep up the amazing work-you two are an inspiration to all Etsy sellers.
332 days ago
TropicalChicStyle says:
Beautiful creations and very informative article, such an inspiration.
332 days ago
thesweetestmemory says:
Thank you for sharing, your message is very inspiring, your work beautiful.
332 days ago
MyCribDesign says:
Aww congratulations sounds like a dream xx
331 days ago
MyCribDesign says:
Aww congratulations sounds like a dream xx
331 days ago
AviAvonell says:
congrats, nice work
331 days ago
DarkBay says:
gorgeous items!!! good for you.
331 days ago
shopfancyfree says:
lovely (:
331 days ago
AVATARB3DCOV3R says:
Crazy wonderful work and spirit. AVATAR ARTbed cover Bali http://friendster.com/avatarbedcoverbali
331 days ago
WomanShopsWorld says:
So feminine and artistic- beautiful. And congrats on the feature!
330 days ago
GeorginaKay says:
beautiful pieces ! congrats on all your hard work and quitting your day job !
330 days ago
MALIjewelry says:
Amazing!!
330 days ago
Seraffa says:
I don't like their designs at all. And I study design of the Edwardian and 1920's time period. Their designs are just too loosely based and the boleros are outrageously small in the example pictures.
329 days ago
Studio21Designs says:
Very down to earth advice! Thanks for sharing. You two are a great inspiration!
329 days ago
lilinspirations says:
Wonderful article!! Thank you for sharing. Great inspiration.
329 days ago
willowstreetworkshop says:
Absolutely gorgeous designs!
327 days ago
vintagepalace says:
Great designs, and thanks for sharing.
327 days ago
magicalneedleworks says:
Wonderful designs and very inspiring story. Thanks for sharing it, along with the tips. All the best for your future plans.
326 days ago
BagNoir says:
I love your work girls!!! Happy to own one of ur creations :)
322 days ago
mroses says:
Inspiring! Thanks so much for sharing your story. Beautiful items too!
319 days ago
MasonRabbitsPaperie says:
I LOVE you guys! I've been a fan for a while now. :-) Great to learn about the people behind this wonderful shop!
312 days ago
TidbitsOfColor says:
I love your styles.
310 days ago
narasaca says:
very inspiring!
246 days ago
QPeeLove says:
An absolute pleasure! Such beautiful designs and amazing use of colours and fabric!! thankyou so much
179 days ago