Tell us about your previous working situation and how you discovered Etsy.
I make an array of toy-size smiley and frowny crocheted foods, common objects and creatures. I also make owl soaps that come with mini crocheted scarves. EternalSunshine grew out of a time that was anything but “eternal sunshine.” A year and a half after I graduated from college, I was diagnosed with a severe form of the chronic autoimmune digestive disease, ulcerative colitis. At the time I was living in New York City, working in museum education and public programs while also dabbling in nannying. Because of my bad health, I was eventually forced to leave all those jobs and live primarily a house-bound existence. My live-in boyfriend, then a full-time web developer at a NYC blogging empire, was very tech-savvy and was aware of Etsy, which was only a year old. He knew I lived and breathed everything craft as a kid and encouraged me to revisit those creative skills.
Crocheting was one of the few crafty skills I had never attained, and in those early days of browsing Etsy, I kept coming across smiley “amigurumi.” I wanted to master crocheting, and I literally and bitterly said to that boyfriend, “If I’m going to be twiddling my thumbs indefinitely, I’d better as hell have something to show for it.” So, from the confines of my bed and numerous medical environments, I taught myself to crochet. At first, I sold a variety of crafts in my shop: origami envelopes, cookies and earrings, but I quickly settled on crochet.
Tell us about your shop and the idea behind it.
The name of my shop refers to the Alexander Pope poem, which I had studied in college, and the Charlie Kaufman film it inspired. Both the poem and film address the idea of forgetfulness as a way to deal with life. “EternalSunshine” was also meant to be tongue in cheek, because I was so sick and pretty darn miserable. Since I had a love/hate relationship with food (and life!), I started creating patterns for “frowny foods,” foods that were exposed to high heat like roasted marshmallows.
I was positively addicted to crochet and expanded beyond frowny foods, making deflated balloons, happy peas in a pod, Christmas ball ornaments, clementines, silver-lined clouds, and anything else my customers wanted. There were a lot of custom requests! As part of my listing description, I usually included some kind of personal story — the “why” behind the item, which again, goes back to my teaching roots, those storytelling, imaginative, and explaining-everyting elements. In hindsight, I realize that I was creating this little world that replaced the one I had when working with children on a daily basis, both full of stories, socialness, emotions, excitement and adventure.
What steps did you take to prepare for transitioning into full time Etsy selling?
For better or worse, not many! Etsy becoming more of a full-time gig was not exactly planned. For many months and even the first couple years I considered it a hobby to keep me busy until I got better and could return to teaching. Well, I never got better, and my hobby turned into a business almost without me realizing! In the early years of EternalSunshine, I also had a bunch of writing/blogging/social media gigs, so it only became more full-time in the last year and a half when I moved back home for health reasons and didn’t have those writing gigs that were NYC-specific.
What is your favorite part of the process in crocheting?
I love all of it! I truly love getting custom requests from customers that I call “crochet challenges,” turning their little yarn dreams into realities. It makes the process of crocheting the same thing over and over so much more interesting, personal, creative, entertaining and collaborative. For instance, when I was still in NYC, a prominent fromager there asked me to design a line of smiling gourmet cheeses, so I met her and some other cheese folks in the process. Teachers have requested objects to represent the vowels to use in preschool classes and construction and transportation-related companies will adopt my crochet safety cone as their mascot.
Some custom requests involve inside-joke stories; I think this one is my favorite: “The relationship with my boyfriend started over a conversation about clementines in Whole Foods. I only gave him my number because he described clementines as kind and generous and the quiet king of citrus. He also keeps small stuffed animals tucked in all of his cabinets because he ‘likes to be greeted when he opens a door.’ So this is really a perfect gift for him.”
What are your best marketing tips?
I’m not a business person by nature, so this is where I’m not so good with advice; I’ve never advertised and never done craft shows. My email signature and quote on my business cards is from William Blake: “I will not reason or compare; my business is to create.” So… yeah. But here goes:
This may seem really obvious, but you know how for brick-and-mortar businesses, they say, “Location, location location!”? I think for Etsy shops, that simple but vital concept should be either “Tags, tags, tags!” or “Photos, photos, photos!” “Tags” because that is one important way of finding you in the sea of sellers and photos because they affect how people instantaneously react to your shop and goods. In both cases, obviously your product or service needs to somehow be desirable and sustainable, but words and photos will go a long way, especially if you are just starting out. Check out your Shop Stats to see how browsers and customers arrive at your shop.
I also advocate spreading the word about your shop merely by word of mouth. I used to be more active in the craft blog scene, but letting friends and family know about your business can go a long way.
What’s been your most popular item or line to date?
My Snow-Proof Safety Cone (and his many Safety Cone friends) has quite the following and he’s the only one of my creations that can boast a Facebook page and a prime spot on my nightstand. I posted the pattern for him on my blog a while back and for whatever reason it really resonated with people — there are almost 100 comments! Snow-Proof Safety Cone came into existence when I was living alone for the first time during a NYC winter. I started taking pictures if I was out and about with SPSC (for short!) in the same vein as the gnome in the movie Amelie.
When I moved back home to Pittsburgh, I made pierogies, because this is very much a pierogi town. They have been ridiculously popular, to the extent that in the year and a half I’ve been back here, I think I’ve sold 300-400 on Etsy and at a shop. That’s almost a pierogi a day!
Made any business mistakes you regret?
I can’t say I regret much in regards to my Etsy shop other than little snafus like printing one side of two-sided business cards upside-down. There are probably things I should regret — like particular instances when I said no to bigger, more corporate opportunities — but I have little desire to grow the business beyond my own two hands.
What’s the hardest part about running your own business?
Only having two hands and dealing with a chronic disease. I have become very fast at crocheting, but there’s still only one of me! It’s challenging to want to do so much, with my craft and with my life in general, and be faced with a lot of serious health obstacles. One time when I was in the hospital for about 12 days, I was up against a Crochet Today magazine deadline so, as usual, I brought all of my yarn work with me. My IVs kept bleeding and coming out of my wrists because of the crochet motion and because my veins were collapsed. My doctor, who knew me and my work well, looked at my hands and skeins of yarn everywhere and said, “I don’t want to see this stuff in here anymore.”
It was always hard for me when really sick and/or hospitalized to make the practical decision to cancel orders and close down my Etsy shop, to know when I had to stop creating for the time being. I lost my sense of purpose and identity, feeling like I failed and solely existed as a sick person. I also felt like I was letting people down. My doctor, all serious and blunt, would respond with something like, “Imagine how many people you are going to be let down because you ignore your disease and die.” It’s hard to find a balance between all of life’s responsibilities and know when to take a break to tend to other things.
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job?
I never would have imagined earning a living in such a creative and amazing way. I was not a 9-to-5er, never once held a job where I sat at a desk each day, but funnily enough, I sure do sit at a desk a lot for my Etsy work! But it’s doing something so fun and fulfilling where I can channel my energy. And let’s face it, I’ve created this alternate reality of fun plush objects that make for a super cute and fun work environment. It’s like living in a Toy Story or Muppet film! As one of my great inspirations, Jim Henson, said, “Life’s like a movie. Write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending.”
What is the most exciting thing that has come out of selling your designs through Etsy?
Books! Selling my things on Etsy is directly responsible for me becoming involved in co-editing and co-authoring craft books! Thus far, I have two titles under my belt, Witch Craft and Microcrafts, both published by Quirk Books and distributed by Random House. I’ve also made crafts for Better Homes & Gardens for their Halloween segments on The Today Show, designed for fiber magazines and contributed to the Photojojo book and a Barnes & Noble book/kit entitled Yummy Crochet. Again, I never would have imagined that picking up a ball of yarn and opening an Etsy shop could lead to such things!
But, outshining perhaps even these book, magazine, and TV accomplishments has been the ability to make a living (or part of a living) while maintaining a desire and will to live in spite of being dealt a rough hand. Sometimes I think I owe Etsy my very life and I say that in the deepest, most sincere way. In 2010, when I was essentially succumbing to my disease, I had to have my colon surgically removed and decided to design and crochet a “frowny colon,” which I guess was my creative way of dealing with this devastating culmination of being sick for six years. I listed it on Etsy and I got emails from all over the world, from other people who also had ulcerative colitis. They would tell me their story and thank me for making them laugh. Craft can be so powerful!
What advice would you give someone considering a similar path?
Be realistic about the financial challenges that come along with running a creative business full time, especially if you don’t have a spouse, a savings account or a trust fund to fall back on. I knew nothing about small business loans back then or buying in bulk or how to be an entrepreneur in general, and though it didn’t stop me from succeeding, if you have the luxury of doing research about the market you are entering and all the number-crunching, do it! And read this Quit Your Day Job column here on Etsy.
What goals do you have in store for the future of EternalSunshine?
I’ve been contemplating the future of my business a lot lately, as I just got through a year of three major abdominal surgeries and difficult recoveries, and I can finally boast some health! It has been a long seven years, and though I won’t ever quite be 100% normal, I will no longer be chronically ill. I can’t imagine working and creating without all the health hurdles, so it’s a really exciting time for me!
I would like to teach kids, especially teenagers, how to crochet and knit, but also give them the pragmatic business tools to be able to sell their wares if they want to. Foster Pride’s HandMade program in NYC is doing something similar, where a bunch of Manhattan group home teens run a crochet Etsy shop! Imagine the possibilities of having collectives like that all over the country. I would love to combine my former career of teaching with my new career of crafting and crocheting in this way.
Lastly, I would really like to publish a book of my crochet designs. This book would not only include the crochet instructions, but the stories from customers that I have collected along the way, so that you can “read” the book as well as create from it. Additionally, I have an idea for children’s books based on my Safety Cone Adventures photo-and-story series, but I want it to be thought-provoking enough for adults, like Dr. Seuss and Leo Lionni books or the Pixar films.
Anything else you would like to share?
When life hands you lemons, don’t be satisfied with just making lemonade. Instead, build the most fun, creative and successful lemonade stand that you can possibly imagine!
Thanks for sharing your story, Alicia. Check out her work in the Seller’s Items below.
133 comments
Sign in to add your ownsouthernladysvintage says:
Adorable shop!! A truly inspirational story!
153 days ago
DecoFamara says:
Beatiful
153 days ago
SherrySchatz says:
Those smiles are contagious.
153 days ago
KatBlasco says:
I love love love your products! Way to turn something potentially devastating into a great opportunity - and making people smile with it!
153 days ago
elishalong says:
The most meaningful and beautiful Interview in this series. Thank you so much for sharing your struggles and ways of coping. I wish you good health and lots of joy in the new year :)
153 days ago
SunnyCrowDesigns says:
Your story is such an inspiration!! And your smiling little creations are too cute!! Best of luck in the New Year!!
153 days ago
TheBloomingThread says:
im building a lemonaid stand right this minute...great interview, and i love your crochet hamburger!
153 days ago
blissfulbathandbody says:
Way to go on turning that frown upside down!!! I love the fact that you took your not so good health situation and took advantage of the time you had to create something that is fulfilling and profitable. Congrats! :-)
153 days ago
vintagejane says:
Amazing story, and adorable products!
153 days ago
EggMoneyQuilts says:
Inspiring story! Best wishes for your health. Love the Christmas pickle!
153 days ago
HouseOfMoss says:
Your story is absolutely amazing.
153 days ago
WhisperingOak says:
Oh, how lovely the traffic cones! Congratulations on such a great article
153 days ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Great interview, its lovely to hear that you've had such success and been able to keep your business running even during such difficult times. Your items are so cute too!
153 days ago
FaerieLightsStudio says:
So inspiring! I love your positive attitude and your items make me smile!
153 days ago
carolinesdaley says:
Your hambuger is my favorite!!!! great story and best wishes less health problems in 2012!!!!
153 days ago
SunnyDayDiggs says:
Thank you, not only have you created art with your hands but you have created beautifully the true art of life, where so many of us forget to color are own canvas.Certainly more to learn from you than crochet indeed!! Sending some LOVE your way, xoxo p.s. a big belly Buddha to hug, ever made one?
153 days ago
mamif says:
wow. great story.
153 days ago
sermengtk says:
Amazing story of strength and perseverance. And such cute items! Congratulations and keep it coming!
153 days ago
julessabjewelry says:
Wow! What a fantastic story. Your doctor is right, we would rather you be healthy and miss a few buying opportunities than to lose your creativity all together. Keep the faith and continue on, my friend. The buyers and shop owners of Etsy will support you always.
153 days ago
yourauntiespanties says:
Terrific story! I love that little hamburger toooooo much! :)
153 days ago
catwalls says:
Thank you for sharing your story, it gives me hope as I try to find a way to be productive despite chronic illness challenges.
153 days ago
lillysshoppe says:
great story, congrats to you!~
153 days ago
minipotterybyanita says:
Oh, my! I'm in mini Heaven with her adorable stuff!...Love it!...Love it!!...Right up my alley (although I make larger, functional pottery, too! ... ;-)
153 days ago
jammerjewelry says:
Wonderful article thanks for sharing
153 days ago
thelittlemarket says:
Fabulous and inspiring story!!
153 days ago
AnniesAppliques says:
I commend you and your courage to make the best of life! I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis when still in my 20s and I have fibromyalgia. The Drs said I would be in a wheel chair by 35....I will be 65 next month and have this shop, a part time job, 6 kids, and 14 grandkids!!!! Keep the faith and your shop is wonderful!
153 days ago
truthbeautyandlove27 says:
such an inspiring story. you took lemons and made lemonade, I bet its delicious just like your cute little creatures
153 days ago
AlisaDesign says:
Amazing!!
153 days ago
btaylorquilts says:
Inspiring and amazing story! Yes, stay healthy and pay attention, like your Dr. Advised :) I've got crohn's disease, which is a disease like ulcerative colitis.... it can be terribly difficult to work through the pain associated with such debilitating illnesses. Keep your chin up and your yarn stash close by!
153 days ago
thetarnishedhalo says:
Okay, I think I cried through most of your story...not because of the circumstances of health....but what great tenacity you have. I witnessed this with my late husband, and it flooded me with memories of thinking, Where does this strength come from? I'm in awe, and inspired so much by your story, your perspective, strength and courage! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us, sincerely I will never forget it...and I simply adored your "lemon" take on life...you have inspired me, and for that I thank you, from the bottom of my heart! Wishing you the very best in business, life, and in health in this New Year! Okay, I have to get some tissues. Sincerely, Michelle
153 days ago
RivalryTime says:
Way to go.
153 days ago
DarkEuphoriaDesigns says:
What a great story you have! I work at a non-profit for people with disabilities of all kinds, and I love hearing success stories and stories of people doing what makes them happy dispite physical, mental, or emotional setbacks. Plus, your crochet designs are SUPER CUTE! So glad to see you on QYDJ.. think I'll buy something soon! Good luck in your future endeavors!
153 days ago
SecondEditionJewelry says:
Wow what an amazing story! Very inspiring! Congrats on being featured you deserve it!
153 days ago
JasmineLund says:
Loved your story. Thanks for sharing with us "beginners"; it's encouraging and inspiring. :o) Merry Christmas! Hannah Jasmine
153 days ago
bellasparty says:
Great story!
153 days ago
terrihvaught says:
So wonderful that you are looking at a healthy future. May all your dreams come true. I love the food. My daughter who is 23 and has pausticular JRA which is also auto immune, has recently become allergic to some foods and shes a foodie, such as potatoes, so i know what a sad food must look like to her. Thanks for a great article.
153 days ago
blainedesign says:
This is one of my favorite Quit Your Day Job articles ever. It's profoundly moving. The contrast between the circumstances of your health and the lightness of your work is a genuine testament to the human spirit -- as someone else said, "Way to go!" And your efforts speak so strongly to me of the healing and sustaining power of craft. I love this article. Good luck with everything.
153 days ago
DORALstyle says:
stand up and take a bow Alicia! .... for oh so many accomplishments so far......
153 days ago
baygun says:
Thank you for sharing your truly amazing and inspiring story. You have touched more lives than you could ever imagine. I wish you continued health and success and thank you for being you. Thank you also for your boyfriend who pointed you in this direction.
153 days ago
bhangtiez says:
Wow! What a wonderful Quit Your Day Job story. So inspiring, and a bit tear jerking........and all in a good way. Thank you for sharing your story. Your creations make me smile and your story is a blessing to all.
153 days ago
Grafxquest says:
Good for you! I am a disabled artist too. I lost my job recently due to making mistakes brought on by my disability. I have been diagnosed with IH, Fibromialgia, an Aneurism, Chronic bronchitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and the list keeps growing! I have found that engrossing myself in my art has gives me a new purpose and the strength I need! You go girl!
153 days ago
StudioCybele says:
Beatiful
153 days ago
theroyal says:
i like the burger :)
153 days ago
EmmieE says:
You're very inspirational!
153 days ago
suezqbirds says:
Thank you so much for your story. I am having problems with collagenous colitus, and was feeling sorry for myself. Your story made me realize that perhaps my jewelry making could end up making my life more meaningful. I am currently trying to find out what's going on with my colitus, and feel like a shut-in. Thinking of mself as a jewelry maker could be a much better choice.Good luck to you, and Happy Holidays.
153 days ago
RedRavenStudios says:
Hooray, Alicia! I'm so happy that you had the chance to tell your story here. It's an inspirational and teary one- you really are the campion of making people smile lady!
153 days ago
littleshopofphotos says:
Such an amazing, inspirational story! Thank you so much for sharing. Your shop is fabulous!
153 days ago
isitsecretisitsafe says:
what an amazing story. i wish you all good things as you continue to recover, and may 2012 be a year of good health for you! your creations are sweet and beautiful...i may have a new obsession! best wishes, sarah
153 days ago
TheHickoryTree says:
Great interview. It's wonderful that you are the featured artist. Happy Holidays, My mother-in-law would have loved your pierogi's for she was truly a pierogi queen.
153 days ago
HealthyReflections says:
What a wonderful story! Congratulations and best wishes for the future.
153 days ago
MyLovingTree says:
Congrats to your store, and I look forward to see your books as I want to keep them in my own bookshelves. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story.
153 days ago
amysfunkyfibers says:
Very inspiring. I think you would write a wonderful book...go for it!
153 days ago
jewelrydesign18 says:
I really enjoyed your article. I too struggle with some health issues and found your story to be inspirational...you are very talented!
153 days ago
jusbecuzz says:
Thanks for the Inspirational Stories. Adorable Shop!
153 days ago
AuraGaia says:
Love your story! and that you found a niche working from home! i'm sure many will find this a source of inspiration personally!!! kudos to you! my story is similar, worked in the corporate world, got diagnosed w/ scoliosis, colitis and fms...had to rearrange my life like you. hard times. but finding the sunshine behind those clouds was a necessary step...glad to see others stepping into that sun after the darkness set in...and happy that etsy asked you to tell us your story! shine on!!!!!
153 days ago
oakstudiosofdesign says:
Lovely article and love your shop!
153 days ago
nachan says:
Kawaii!
153 days ago
driftforever says:
Awesome story! Congrats!
153 days ago
designsbydaniela says:
Truly inspiring story and lovely shop :) Merry Christmas and Happy New Year :)
153 days ago
HardlySimpleDesigns says:
Gorgeous work! What a great story about overcoming challenges and drawing inspiration from the roughest times in life. Congrats on the feature and much success in the future!
153 days ago
contempojewels says:
Cute stuff - Congrats!
153 days ago
GalleonsGold says:
Fun story!
153 days ago
ElizabethSt says:
Such fun stuff; proud of you for taking something devastating and working with/through it. My husband has UC; thoughts are with you... All the best!
153 days ago
aldontrujacks says:
Thanks for telling us your story. Your crochet critters are all so cute. I love the picture of you and fred with his red sweater. He was such a nurturer of creativity. Sounds like you are too!
153 days ago
rustyneedleoriginals says:
What a wonderfully touching story, I to am disabled because of numerous health issues, and I find even on my worst day if I can just create one thing, it is a great deal for me. I tell people all the time how thankful that I am that I was given a creative gene. Creativity is a life line especially when you are faced with no longer being able to do quote unquote a normal job any more. Keep up the great work and keep inspiring others.
153 days ago
BijouxOdalisque says:
Estimated time it took me to smile from ear to ear while reading this: .002 seconds. :)
153 days ago
TwistedWhimsyDesigns says:
This such an inspirational story, thanks so much for sharing! I'm going to hang on to your last quote! "When life hands you lemons, don’t be satisfied with just making lemonade. Instead, build the most fun, creative and successful lemonade stand that you can possibly imagine!" Sending best wishes, positive thoughts and light your way!
153 days ago
KhushiOrganics says:
amazing person you are and love your work!
153 days ago
ballandchain says:
wow, very inspiring!
153 days ago
stitchandspoke says:
Love this article! Creating can be incredibly healing; I am so grateful to etsy for giving me a venue for my creativity, and for allowing me to work at my own pace, even when I'm not feeling well. Wishing you good health and eternal sunshine!
153 days ago
FruitOfMyHands says:
One of the most inspiring posts I have ever read. When He reminds me throughout the day, I'll pray for your health. Remember, With God, ALL things are possible.
153 days ago
LSDrewGraphics says:
Inspiring story, thanks for sharing-- best of luck and renewed health to you!
153 days ago
ZURIhandbags says:
Hi Alicia, I so enjoyed reading your story . Much continued success to you - thank you for sharing and being so open and honest! Through all of the challenges - you somehow managed to stay positive - I can't tell you how much you've really inspired me!!!! Thank you - Love your work!
153 days ago
SimpleThymePrims says:
What a wonderful interview!...Great job!
153 days ago
scandivintage says:
Thank you so much for sharing this with us - Happy Holidays! :D
153 days ago
peshka says:
Inspiring! I love your work!
153 days ago
InformalElegance says:
Wow, I can't believe what you've been through, and the incredible 'lemonade stand' you've created with the most sour lemons you've been given. You are truly inspirational, and I wish you health, happiness and success combining your amazingly creative craft skills with your teaching skills. Reading your interview, it is obvious that you have great skills in sharing your talents as well as great personality, all while healing others with smiles on the side. All the best to you...you are amazing:) Karen
153 days ago
strawberryluna says:
So awesome! Congratulations!
153 days ago
esmeraldadesigns says:
amazing and inspiring!! thank you for sharing your talent and your story with us on Etsy!!!
153 days ago
Masonsmumma says:
Congrats on the article! I love Mr. Roger's sweater! I've visted your Etsy Shop and somehow never noticed you were in Pittsburgh.
153 days ago
RhineandStone says:
You are never letting anyone down when you stop to take care of yourself - think of all the joy you have brought with your creations. I am so glad you are getting better and can only imagine your renewed vigor will lead to more wonderfully creative inventions. Thank you for the "lemonade stand" quote!
153 days ago
LuxeFabricandYarn says:
Truly one of the most inspirational stories I've ever read in this column. And for once someone who truly is doing it on her own without a spouse or parents backing her up. Good for you! Do continue to take care of yourself; listen to your body and your heart -- they will tell you when it's time to take a break -- and it's OKAY! You have my admiration and congrats on the health progress -- life will be much easier and more fun now, I'm imagining for you. Best wishes...
153 days ago
alexibon says:
Your shop is adorable and your story is so inspiring! Congratulations on your success!
153 days ago
Leatherworks4U says:
Wishing you continued good health and success in every way.
153 days ago
SeedSewn says:
So inspiring, wishing you all the very best for the future
153 days ago
Minnie829 says:
You inspire me! Beautiful products, beautiful person!
153 days ago
HandmadeIsAllAround says:
So cute! Congrats on your feature!
153 days ago
sandcanyonjewelry says:
What a beautiful spirit you are! You've done so many wonderful things. Congratulations!
153 days ago
Colourscape says:
Absolutely the most inspirational QYDJ posts I've seen here in many years! What a fantastic spirit you have, we wish you nothing but for your shop to bloom even more than it is now and a long happy life! Oh and I'm LOVING your little safety cones, I want them all!
153 days ago
MotherEagle says:
Inspirational and wonderful.
153 days ago
Jemartglass says:
Very Inspirational Story! I love your crocheted cuties and your shop. Blessings To You!
153 days ago
OnTheRound says:
This is by fair my favorite "quit your day job" story I have ever read. Thank you for sharing Alicia and be well!
152 days ago
OnTheRound says:
*far
152 days ago
hoosiermamma1 says:
So good to finally see a self-taught crafter on here. I love to see fellow crocheters On here. You are so strong and creative! Keep up the great work
152 days ago
CreativeCardsForYou says:
Very inspring!! Thank you, Alicia!
152 days ago
FreshlySkweezed says:
Greetings for a fellow Pittsburgh native. I own one of your crocheted pierogies -purchased from the Craft-0-Tron machine while visiting family in Pgh. I didn't know about your Etsy shop though. Congrats on the feature. Great story, great enthusiasm, great work! Wishing you all the best!
152 days ago
mjdwares says:
just read your story- loved it and your items! i am thinking of selling for the first time ans your story helped with some of my questions and concerns.
152 days ago
HelloShoes says:
I love your work it is Sunshine:)
152 days ago
overthemeadow says:
Love the name of your shop! Very inspiring interview!
152 days ago
mimiworkshop says:
congratulation! Your items are so cute!
152 days ago
kristinasmiley says:
Absolutely inspiring! Continue to follow your dreams through your creativity. I would love to see more young people knitting and crocheting. In my area, crocheting is starting to become a lost art. Like you, I am trying to get the word out about it's therapeutic benefits. Congratulations on your successes. (Very cute items in your shop!!!)
152 days ago
penumbraimages says:
congratulations on the feature!!! The most inspirational one Ive read thus far, thank you for sharing your story. Anything is possible we just have to keep believing
152 days ago
Knitarelli says:
<3 so inspiring I love it <3
152 days ago
BeadGala says:
Great Article!
152 days ago
mangoavenue says:
As a fellow 'crocheteer', I have really appreciated your story and all of your advice :) What an inspiration! Good luck with all of your future goals and creations!
152 days ago
glusk says:
such a great store and a wonderful story! thanks for sharing.
152 days ago
SandBoxStudio says:
Congratulations on your success. My daughter suffers from Crohn's disease, in the IBD family with UC, and I know the complications that occur from this awful disase. I was thrilled for you when I read how you just ran over all the bumps and ruts in your way without even stopping to see what you hit! Always look forward to the next chapter.....best wishes for your shop and prayers for good health.
151 days ago
EternalSunshine says:
Thank you all SO MUCH for these warm and encouraging comments!!! I'm feeling even more blessed to be part of this Etsy community!
151 days ago
shopcreations says:
You are a true example. Congrats
151 days ago
KKSimpleRegalJewelry says:
Love your work!! So cute! ~Krista
151 days ago
SlopingBarnVintage says:
I've admired your cute work for a while, but wow, what an amazing story. Keep doing what you love and best wishes!
149 days ago
Craftelina says:
Thank you very very much for this article. it is inspiring and brings much light. keep it up and Happy New Year! :) :) :)
149 days ago
Marumadrid says:
I didn't know your work, nor you. But you're are stubborn and that's GREAT in your case! ;-P
148 days ago
rusticwoods says:
I too suffer from the same disease and am finding it difficult to work my "normal" job. However, even before it became such a problem I had a five year goal to make my living by my art which is painting. However, I procrastinated and my five year goal came and went several years ago. No more. I am focused and driven to begin selling on Esty within the next six months. Wish me luck. P.S. Love your art!!
146 days ago
memoriesonhold says:
Thank you for giving me inspiration. I had brain surgery in 2000 and again in 2001. I will never be able to drive again-this is a horrible handicap. At any rate I love to sew and started making memory bears, quilts and pillows for my friends and others. I started a site on ETSY one year ago and have had no orders. So I started a new store this year, with the same items, but different store name. I have had no orders thru ETSY since a started this new store. I am really discouraged, but the advise you give, to just keep trying is helpful. If you have any futher advise I would appreciate it Thank You!
146 days ago
ElwynJewelry says:
Oh..truly inspiring story! Love your work... and wish you aaaall the best!
145 days ago
CharminginChelsea says:
I was away for Christmas and read this yesterday. Best story I have read on this blog. Thank you for your courage and inspiration!
145 days ago
LHogan says:
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have Crohn's myself and therefore really appreciate your interview. Thanks for the inspiration!
145 days ago
JenniferChammas says:
Your creations are adorable, and story very inspiring. I wish you much health and happiness in 2012.
141 days ago
Zorluna says:
What a truly inspiring story! Wishing you all the best for 2012.
140 days ago
berrymorin says:
Your story really hits home for me, as a severe chronic pain sufferer. You showed many of us that many wonderful things can come out of pain! I'm also a fan of the hamburger!
139 days ago
CarlottaART says:
Great story and AWESOME shop :-)
139 days ago
juliekarsky says:
Beautiful work! Thank you for sharing your story. You have a wonderful attitude, considering all that you have been through due to your health. Have a great New Year.
137 days ago
MegnificentCo says:
Very inspiring and motivating story! Gorgeous work too! Congrats on your success and I wish you continued good health and happiness.
137 days ago
Dollymama2 says:
All these wonderful stories! So much insperation!
136 days ago
PESHTEMAL says:
so funny and adorable products you have :) i loved them. thanks
130 days ago
TickleBebe says:
Thank you for sharing your story...you are an inspiration. I too suffer from colitis, although not nearly to the extent of yours. As a fellow crochet-er...blessing on you and your future health.
129 days ago
UrbanCottageCrafters says:
So inspirational! Thank you for giving us this gift of your journey. Your items are sweet and show the care you have for what you do!
125 days ago
deezzart says:
Telling your story is an inspiration to me and the rest of humanity. Congratulations to you on current and future health and success.
115 days ago
Natasha Lay from Marquetree says:
I know it has been said many times already but you are truely an inspiration. I hope I can one day be as determined and motivated as you in my life! Kepp it up!
94 days ago
Emily from EmSewCrazy says:
Thanks for sharing your story! As a diabetic, with celiac disease and and active case of gastritis your story was so encouraging! I am also living at home and this was a good reminder to persevere in my business because I don't know where it could lead!!
93 days ago
Drucilla Beal from hickoryridgefarm says:
I am facing spinal surgery that is going to keep me "laid up" for about three months. I hope I will be able to sit and spin so I can keep my Etsy site updated with new yarns. Shearing will be occuring soon, so I will have fleeces and washed locks that my daughter can help me with skirting and washing. I'm not looking forward to not being able to do it all, but at the rate my back is deteriorating, I already can't do it all! I am an RN, work at a local hospital, so will return to work, but maybe this time at home will enable me to increase my Etsy business.
84 days ago
Felicia Gbadegesin from GrandmaGsBabyCrafts says:
Thanks for sharing your story. It is definitely an inspiration for me. It gets me energized to think seriously about my creativity capabilities and what I can do with them. Thanks once again.
31 days ago