Tell us about your shop, nicolecarey, and the idea behind it.
I make clothing, accessories, jewelry and some housewares for gals who aren’t afraid of color. The line is all made by me in my home studio in Johnson, Vermont, where I live with my boyfriend and two funny dogs.
Tell us about your previous working situation and how you discovered Etsy.
I’ve held jobs from retail to waiting tables. I also had a vintage pickin’ habit and started buying and selling some vintage and handmade clothing on eBay. A lot of my favorite sellers migrated from eBay to Etsy — I was so inspired by the craft revolution that seemed to be taking place and was excited to join in myself.
What steps did you take to transition into full-time Etsy selling?
When I began selling on Etsy, I didn’t take it very seriously. I was playing music a lot back then and crafting was on the back burner. It wasn’t until I was let go from a waitressing job that I had an epiphany: I wanted all of my hard work to help me gain independence. I wasn’t in a financial position to be a full-time Etsy seller, but I knew I had to step it up a notch. I started a new day job, but after my shifts I would come home and sew until I was exhausted.
I moved to a very rural part of Vermont last October. I was looking for steady work, but in rural Vermont it’s slim pickings. As the holidays approached, my sales started snowballing! Suddenly, I had no time to look for a job and I wasn’t even sure I needed to. Living several miles up a dirt road and not having high speed internet made it difficult to run an online business, but I was determined to make it work. When our half-year lease was up, we relocated to a slightly less rural town with more accessibility. I was never so excited for modern technology than after those six months!
As my teeny tiny business started to grow, it made sense to take things more seriously. I tried to be as organized as possible, which wasn’t easy for me. I started buying supplies in bulk, which saved me money and allowed me to open my supply shop, basilandfluffy. I also moved my vintage clothing into a separate shop to distinguish it from my handmade shop.
What is your favorite part of designing clothing?
I love stitching all of the pieces together and watching designs take form!
What are your best marketing tips?
- Take great photos with natural light!
- Brand your shop. Make your items look good together.
- Never underestimate the power of social networking. If people are there, they are listening.
- Provide exceptional customer service. If the customer is happy, they’ll come back. Include a few extra business cards in case they want to tell their friends.
- Always be one step ahead. When it’s a hot and sticky summer, it’s so hard to remember that it actually gets cold here and I need to be cranking out the flannel fabric and making some cozy tops for winter. Always be on the lookout for what will be good for you in the future.
- Be proactive, yet humble. Look for new ways to get your name out there, but be tactful about it.
What’s been your most popular item or line to date?
My black houndstooth top has been my most popular clothing item. I am going to offer it with long sleeves soon. My button earrings also sell really well!
What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
I haven’t had a lot of unsuccessful promotions, but I also haven’t done much in terms of paid advertising. I’ve had things on consignment in a few stores that closed and I was never paid. I now stick to wholesale.
What is the biggest challenge you face during your daily schedule?
Finding balance and giving myself time off. As the owner of your own business, you have to wear several different hats. Nicole’s Threads is my bread and butter, so I don’t always have time to go thrifting for Granny’s Threads, and I have even less time to go make ceramic jewelry for the Pottery Lottery. It’s often hard to leave work and do simple things like socializing, baking or playing music.
What’s the hardest part about running your own business?
Finding the time to get everything done without the elves I’m always wishing for.
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job?
I love being being my own boss and being in control of my daily life. It is so liberating.
What is the most exciting thing that has come out of selling your designs through Etsy?
Well, being asked to do this interview is exciting and humbling! I am so thankful to be working for myself. Also, I used my Etsy shop as a portfolio to apply for the Renegade Craft Fair. I am so excited to be included in their Chicago and San Francisco shows for the holidays!
What advice would you give someone considering a similar path?
- Work hard and have plenty of savings before you quit your job.
- Always carry your business cards. Read and take the advice of successful, positive people in your field.
- Surround yourself with positive, supportive and encouraging people. I would never be where I am today without my family and boyfriend.
What goals do you have in store for the future of your businesses?
It would be great to have an intern or an employee. I’d love to have a store but still have time to create. Burlington, VT could really use a great little handmade shop.
Anything else you would like to share?
I’d love to share with you some of my favorite shops: My mom’s shop, Earth and Wears; Tiny Galaxies; Jennifer Kahn Jewelry; New Duds; and Clay Chickadee.
Thanks for sharing your story, Nicole. Check out her work in the Seller’s Items below.
129 comments
Sign in to add your ownWanderingWool says:
Congratulations on the feature! You have some great items in your shop--I love those button earrings in particular.
1 year ago
volkerwandering says:
Congrats! Your store is so awesome, and inspiring! I love your buttons necklaces, what a unique idea! Keep up the good work!
1 year ago
littleleestudios says:
awesome stuff!
1 year ago
yolandasclay says:
Pretty cool store! Lots of fun pieces.
1 year ago
Namoo says:
Congrats Nicole! Great interview. I enjoyed reading your story a lot! And I see the pincushion you got from me at Artstar in one of pics? :) Hope all is well with you! Best, Insung
1 year ago
UUPP says:
Nice! So glad you get to follow your passion.
1 year ago
TheBloomingThread says:
congrats my dear!
1 year ago
BeatificBijoux says:
Awww...plugging your mom's shop. What a good daughter! Congrats on the feature. Love your blouses.
1 year ago
HinterlandVintage says:
Such an amazing Etsy seller and friend. Congrats Nicole!
1 year ago
Thamburan says:
Beautiful.. !!!
1 year ago
PippiHepburn says:
When I saw the photo of you in your workroom with the dog on the floor, I thought, what a nice life. Love the photos of your workroom, so sunny and bright! Congratulations on the transition to working for yourself. I agree, it is work, but it is so much more fun!
1 year ago
SweetAvenueJewelry says:
Nicole is so talented, and a wonderful person to boot! Such an inspiration. Congratulations Nicole, you deserve it! :-)
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
Your style is so hip, unique, cute - clothes from indie designers like you gets me excited about fashion again!
1 year ago
supayana says:
Congrats Nicole! It's been so exciting to watch you grow....xoxo
1 year ago
VintageEye says:
Your button earrings are fantastic! Congrats on the feature!
1 year ago
FleaMarketGal says:
Congrats!
1 year ago
chersbabyshop says:
Inspirational Story - Congrats - Hope you have success continually and always
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Great to see you being featured here, so many members from teams I'm in getting featured at the moment! Congratulations : )
1 year ago
KatieJBeadDesigns says:
BEAUTIFUL! Keep it up girl! You will go far!
1 year ago
wildfireatheart says:
Soooo happy to see this today... I just graduated college and haven't been able to find a job just yet. I have been doing festivals and just started to work on my shop on etsy. Thanks for the inspiration!!
1 year ago
WhisperingOak says:
Congratulations, Nicole, on being featured. What a great interview. I lived in Vermont and understand what you mean by working with flannels in the summer.
1 year ago
gossamer531 says:
Nicole, I am so happy for you!! What an inspiration you are to me today! We also live in a small New England town and we know only too well how dismal the job situation is here. But we have spent the summer having garage sales in our shed and running some small online businesses (including my two Etsy shops). We are hoping for "the snowball" to hit us too and wish for much continued success for you!!!!
1 year ago
jenkahn says:
Congrats love! So proud of you!
1 year ago
PARTYBOXDESIGN says:
congrats! great feaure!
1 year ago
jenkahn says:
So proud of you!
1 year ago
OhDearWatson says:
awesome.
1 year ago
lyncarey says:
Incredibly proud of my super talented, hard working daughter, NICOLE. Can't tell you how amazing it feels as a mom to watch your daughter follow her dream (insert huge sobs of joy here). Congratulations Nicole,I am the proudest mom ever :) xo
1 year ago
HouseOfMoss says:
I've been admiring your work for some time now! Congratulations on being featured!
1 year ago
spiritfruits says:
Congratulations on the feature, and your success!
1 year ago
tinygalaxies says:
Congrats Nicole! So proud to see you here, you really deserve it and are a total inspiration!
1 year ago
SpottedFish says:
Great story, thanks for sharing - congratulations on the feature!
1 year ago
babyjives says:
Yay Nicole! Congratulations so great to see you and your work here, although I almost didn't recognize you without the curls :D
1 year ago
chicster says:
Love you and your story. So inspiring to see creativity and talent cannot be squelched. I hope you continue to have great success!
1 year ago
BarbaraWoltmannPhoto says:
I love how bright and cheery your workspace is! Best of luck for continued success!
1 year ago
LincolnStreetDesign says:
So inspiring!
1 year ago
RivalryTime says:
Very inspiring. Thank you.
1 year ago
BlueToad says:
Fabulous job Nicole!! You've done such an incredible job!
1 year ago
SusanFaye says:
Your marketing tips are on the money-- each and every one is SO important! I especially like the "proactive but humble" advice-- be tactful not tacky when self-promoting-- something we all need to be reminded of! Best wishes for continued success!
1 year ago
Leatherworks4U says:
I know all about that slow rural internet and finally have a much better connection myself. It really makes a difference. Congratulations on this feature and keep up the great work. You have a lovely, bright work space.
1 year ago
briiana says:
thanks for being an inspiration and for the great advice! :)
1 year ago
readyruthieoriginals says:
I check this compulsively and was so pleasantly surprised to see you were the feature this week! Woo hoo, way to go! Up the Vermonters! Congrats
1 year ago
claychickadee says:
Congratulations, Nicole! So fantastic!!! What a great interview! You are inspiring : )
1 year ago
Iammie says:
Lovely! Congrats!
1 year ago
lamarmota says:
LOVE!! Your courage is so inspiring for me :)
1 year ago
VIXEmporium says:
Good for you, Nicole!!! Your clothes are so cute and that quilt is AMAZING. I am happy to represent your great work in Philly. Congrats on the feature!
1 year ago
PiixlWixCandleCo says:
Such great items and ideas!! I love that you offer plus sizes in your clothing shop! Thanks for thinking of every woman!
1 year ago
sparrowsnestdesigns says:
way awesome! Congrats :)
1 year ago
VivaGailBeads says:
amazing!
1 year ago
soopertramp says:
Just the inspiration and motivation I needed today! Thank you and I love your work!
1 year ago
alibli says:
Congrats Nicole, so good to see you here! :)
1 year ago
SandBoxStudio says:
Congratulations on your feature! AND...good luck with the Renegade shows...that is sooo exciting!
1 year ago
Mystiquebijoux says:
Fun creations and inspiring story! ;o) Congrats!
1 year ago
razzlexxdazzle says:
This story is completely inspiring! Thanks for the great tips, and love allll of your shops :-)
1 year ago
LivelyGirlDesigns says:
This is such a great interview, I love your answers and tips. I am so happy for you and all the success you've had already, it sounds like this is just the beginning too! You are so inspiring to me as I am just starting up my little business! Best of luck to you ( and your Mom)!!!
1 year ago
sarahryanstudio says:
Go Nicole! Super interview. Nicely done!
1 year ago
Studio4150 says:
What an inspiration you are! Congratulations and Best Wishes for huge successes in whatever comes your way! Lori PS I want to be just like you when I grow up! lol What you have is truly what I want with my business!!!
1 year ago
ohzie says:
yay Nicole :O) Awesome!!!
1 year ago
lucytaylordesigns says:
What a great shop and inspiring post! Thanks Nicole! (http://lucytaylorartanddesign.blogspot.com/)
1 year ago
OsoVictoria says:
Congratulations on being able to focus on your shops, so much to do and so little time, keep on trucking...
1 year ago
VillainousVixen says:
Fantastic article! It is super inspiring reading stories like this! Congrats Nicole and i hope you continue to have amazing success!
1 year ago
rebourne says:
Congrats! I was just peeking around your shop (again) the other day, enjoying your leg warmers and button earrings. Best of luck at your fairs this winter!!!
1 year ago
riverluna says:
Thanks for sharing! Great advice for those of us just starting out! Congrats :)
1 year ago
bisousrose says:
Great read, thanks for that! And an inspiration!
1 year ago
urbanponyarts says:
awesome! love the marketing tips!
1 year ago
SisterCreationsVT says:
Congratulations from a fellow Vermonter! :)
1 year ago
callmemimi says:
Congrats Nicole! Well deserved feature !!!! I love your shop and your story !!!! Very happy to see you here :))))))
1 year ago
lucileskitchen says:
Nicole you are the best !!! congrats from another part of the world .D
1 year ago
theowlshop says:
Your shops are amazing…congrats on the feature!
1 year ago
recyclemoe says:
AWESOME!
1 year ago
elleestpetite says:
Congrats! You have some lovely items.
1 year ago
fbstudiovt says:
YAY Nicole!!! Well deserved feature! And you're right, BTV does need a handmade shop. Since Sara closed Made Boutique it's slim pickins. Lets all band together and start one :)
1 year ago
ByAThread2 says:
Congratulations, Nicole! Can't wait to see where the future takes you.
1 year ago
BearStitches says:
It's wonderful seeing a young woman from Vermont being successful doing what she loves ! Way to go Nicole !
1 year ago
mountainashdesign says:
Congratulations, Nicole! You rock. I'm so glad I know you : >
1 year ago
CarlaRaeVintage says:
Love the article and your outlook on your life and business. Thanks.
1 year ago
BrownOut says:
Happy for you!!! I hope I can do the same :0)
1 year ago
bookmarksNbangles says:
Congrats! I'm inspired to keep working on my own business.
1 year ago
marcgounard says:
Very inspiring, lots of people should read this piece and have faith...it can be done, thanks Nicole
1 year ago
Relydesign says:
Congrats Nicole! great interview :) really inspiring!!!!
1 year ago
PebblesPatch says:
Such beautiful designs, congratulations on your success!
1 year ago
oldgatesfarm says:
congrats, nicole! awesome interview!
1 year ago
JessicannaTropicanna says:
I really enjoyed reading your story. It is inspiring and practical! Your shop is lovely. I wish you well with regards to opening a storefront, with employees :)!! Have a beautiful and creative day.
1 year ago
khowardquilts says:
Nice to see you in this feature interview. Glad to hear that someone in Vermont is doing well on Etsy.
1 year ago
AronaDesigns says:
So cool, what a great success story!
1 year ago
madfabvintage says:
Yea! What a good story. living in VT I can totally relate to your story. Congratulations to you and all of your success!!!
1 year ago
RedBirdMakes says:
Brilliant stuff. well done at persuing what you love...onwards & upwards!!
1 year ago
NoFrump says:
Congrats, congrats!! I love what you're doing with your work. :)
1 year ago
TheWhimsicalBlossom says:
Gorgeous! Congratulations on the interview.Good luck with the store!
1 year ago
KJsnaturallycreative says:
Congrats! What an inspiring read. Thanks!
1 year ago
mimiworkshop says:
Congrats!! keep your great work!!!!!
1 year ago
mimiworkshop says:
Congrats! Keep your great work!
1 year ago
ArleenDesign says:
Lovely!Keep up the good work and congrats again!
1 year ago
honeypothollow says:
congrats nicole! i really enjoyed reading your story. it has really inspired me. i am still fairly new to selling on etsy. i would love to make this a full time job. after reading your wonderful story, i have a whole new outlook on doing things. :) i wish you continued success! thanks for sharing your wonderful story! take care!!!!!!!!! and again... CONGRATS!
1 year ago
CindyEllison says:
Hi Nicole! I ♥ your story! You have made my morning brighter and have made "making it happen" seem like a possible reality for more of us ... you did it and maybe some more of us can, too! Thanks so much for the tips and advice. I love your work, keep it up! Congratulations!
1 year ago
mbennett61 says:
Great story, Nicole! I love your black houndstooth top! :) Congrats and wish you continued success!
1 year ago
sylmasrainbow says:
Best wishes to you and your Mom.. Your story is just the inspiration I need to get started. Thanks so much for sharing.
1 year ago
sylmasrainbow says:
PS: My all time favorite outfit was a Pink Houndstooth slim fitting wool dress I wore at age 15, almost 50 years ago. Houndstooth NEVER goes out of style. Such good memories..
1 year ago
modernrubbishsf says:
Great practical advice! Congrats, and I totally agree, Burlington needs a handmade store!
1 year ago
craftbeat says:
One day I want to become a full-time seller here as well !!! You are so talented and keep going : )
1 year ago
dizzykitten says:
Vermont is my favourite place, it's great for us arty farty people! My dad lives there but I'm still in England. If and when I move to Vermont we should set about opening a handmade shop downtown :D Great article and it's brilliant that you can make things full time, well done :D Kayleigh
1 year ago
3CelestialMaidens says:
Congrats Nicole!
1 year ago
LostWithoutColor says:
Congrats on the feature and all of your success, it is very inspiring! I just LOVE your store, I'm going to take a look around right now :)
1 year ago
DaisyTDesigns says:
congratulations & keep doin' what you're doin' please... you're an inspiration!
1 year ago
UpstateHerbWorks says:
Yippppeeeee!!! Nicole, everytime I wear my little navy blue dress with the white lace collar, I feel fantastic (and maybe turn a head or two :-) Thank you, you rock!!
1 year ago
guadalupeferreyra says:
congrats!!! well done! being your own boss is the most fabolous thing! :)
1 year ago
jadeangelsmile says:
It was so great reading your article! I'm also from Vermont and it's nice to hear about someone making their craft such a success! Here in VT it seems harder to do so then it might be in other states! Reading how well everything is going for you is very encouraging!
1 year ago
splendidwrendesign says:
great story - you have obviously worked hard! and fantastic products, well done :)
1 year ago
allreiko says:
Awesome determination and quality of work ethic. People like you should be the example of America. I know how exciting things can be. I have seen my friend's company http://SalSit.com who also sells designer clothing to people at lower prices than retail. I saw his transition from Ebay store to a warehouse within 12 months. You should start maybe your own store online and begin branding your clothing! wish you much success
1 year ago
BarnshopAntiques says:
Congrats, what a great story. I love reading about other positive people and their success. It really seems to prove something.
1 year ago
cakesandtroubles says:
Thank you for sharing your story! It was very interesting to read ...and very encouraging!! I hope I can follow your tips and make my etsy-job a full time Job as well !! Any suggestions are welcome!
1 year ago
robertcoffin says:
Seems like something great happening to a great person.
1 year ago
JCTgoods says:
nice
1 year ago
prettyflops says:
Made me feel so inspired! You are definately a mover and a shaker!!
1 year ago
PyxusPassionProject says:
Congrats on the feature and thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
pookdesignz says:
Thanks for sharing your story - its always an inspiration to hear about how one is "making it happen" on Etsy - totally identify with the wish for some "elves" - wish I had some too!
1 year ago
pookdesignz says:
Thank you for sharing your story - its inspirational to me.I love hearing about how people are quitting their day job and making a living doing what they love to do. I can totally identify with the wish for some "elves" - I wish I had some too!
1 year ago
realoslos says:
http://newonlineincomes.net Thank you for sharing your story - New Online INcome Reviews is the fastest and easiest way to make money online... =)
1 year ago
Inklets says:
Great article. Someday I hope to quit my day job too!
1 year ago
themagnificentmagnet says:
Enjoyed your interview. I laughed when I saw the photo of you and your dog in the studio! I make handcrafted magnets in my studio full time and my cat loves to stretch out in the big chair I keep there. Pets make great company in the studio, don't they?
1 year ago
VashiaDesigns says:
love it thank u!
1 year ago
michellearnold says:
Hooray! Congratulations!
1 year ago
AlisaDesign says:
Coool!!!
1 year ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
Great interview thank you for sharing with us.
1 year ago
bondergirl says:
thanks, i needed to read this!
1 year ago
celysedrew says:
I feel so very inspired! I just have one question: How old are you? you seem very focused, and I am 26 - I hope to have that much organization and focus when I take the plunge into self employment! Thank you for your story!
1 year ago
MsFoodie says:
You go girl I have worked for myself my whole life :) It's a good thing xoxo Love your flare and I'm a sucker for funny dogs!
1 year ago
L2Country from L2Country says:
Nicole......Love your shop and your work-place!..."L"
1 year ago
Joe Bridge from BlackShipCrafts says:
inspiring words to a fellow musician!
316 days ago
Annette from MYELLdesigns says:
inspirational
275 days ago