Quit Your Day Job: Oh Dier

Tell us about the inspiration behind your shop name, “Oh Dier.”
Oh Dier really began with the logo, which we wanted to reflect our Midwestern roots; we have great design and great work ethic here. We love how Minnesota embraces both great design and the “simple life” of cabin living. The logo also comes from how much we worry, like the colloquialism “oh dear!”  The alternate “deer” spelling is Dutch and part of William’s heritage.

Tell us about your previous working situation and how you discovered Etsy.
I worked as an architectural designer for a small firm, but it seemed like every time I sketched a house or worked on a project, I found sketches in the margins of products I wanted to make. I was always telling Katie, “I should make this or that,” and finally, I just started doing it. At first it was just on the side — gifts for friends or participating in an art crawl in our neighborhood. Gradually it started taking over my thoughts. It was only a matter of time before I started wanting an outlet to sell my work. Etsy was my first stop.

I’ve told people that Katie is the best PR person and I bounce ideas off her all the time. She helps me craft communications, think up new strategies and talk about what’s popular in the style world (she’s a style editor). She still works and loves her day job. She helps in the evenings with correspondence, packaging, thank yous, and other administrative details.

Did you do anything to prepare for transitioning into full-time Etsy selling?
The biggest thing that helped us get going was (perhaps counterintuitively) continuing to work as an architectural designer. While keeping my day job I could focus my off-hours on building the foundation of our business: shop aesthetic, products, understanding e-commerce. Once the foundation was set, I could leave and have something stable to build from.

If I had just leapt off without a nest egg or a true understanding of how to run a shop when I first started in 2008, we would have struggled. Having a safety net allows you to continue to design and create out of passion, rather than necessity or fear. For the final jump, we calculated how many sales we would need per day to equal the amount of pay I took home —not just my paycheck, but benefits like health care, 401K, etc. Once we consistently hit that mark we dove in. There may have been a few scared screams on the way in!

What are your best marketing tips?
One of the great things about being on Etsy is that we have a community and a company that does so much promotion for its shops. Crafters and artists are being seen as legitimate business people, especially after The New York Times and NPR started reporting on it. But you can’t just rely on that:

  • You need to have a brand and make your shop look good. We wanted a feel that would reach several different audiences, so we had to strike the balance with product choice, copywriting, and photography, without sacrificing our products, standards, or design viewpoint. An esteemed web professional recently mentioned at a nationwide web conference that she loved our shop because it embodied and exuded a philosophy that made her want to buy, based on her experience with it.
  • We participated in Black Friday sales, which provided a huge increase in business.
  • Other things we do: Facebook, Twitter, coupons, and charitable donations that send people our way.
  • Great packaging and customer service also counts in this category. It all takes more time, but it’s worth it!

What’s been your most popular item or line to date?
Hello and Holla are quite popular, but they all seem to go through their own phase.

What’s been your most memorable custom request?
Our most memorable request was “mother******,” cut in script font “to keep that feminine touch,” then spraypainted gold. We loved that one!

What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion? Have you made any business mistakes you regret?

  • The silhouette line hasn’t been as successful as we thought it would be. They look beautiful in person, but they are extremely difficult to photograph. With an online shop where you can’t see in 3-D, touch, taste, or smell a product, you MUST have good photos. We love the silhouettes, but we have had to rethink how to market them.
  • There are people on the internet that can and will take advantage of artists with requests for free items. Carefully evaluate who you partner with so that you also get something out of the partnership. That said, exposure is great, and showing up one place spreads to showing up other places. You never know where you’ll be noticed.
  • Before we rolled out the rebranding of our Oh Dier shop, we should have coordinated rolling out new items we have been bouncing around for ages. So rather than a big blitz, it’s been more of a slow burn.

What is the biggest challenge you face during your daily schedule?
The biggest challenge is the amount of time that goes into custom work and correspondence. It’s shocking how many emails you have to respond to in a very timely matter. The internet makes users and buyers want immediacy, like their experience with Amazon or Zappos. However, we’re a small shop making everything by hand. It’s worth the time we spend because we have received great feedback and return customers based on our service. Plus, we pride ourselves on our “Minnesota Nice.” We want everyone to feel good about the purchase they are making.

What’s the hardest part about running your own business?
As with any creative industry, you need to collaborate and get outside inspiration. Being on your own means you miss that daily collaboration. While we have multiple years of design experience between us, we’re also making financial decisions, dealing with shipping and inventory, and designing all the products. And we’re balancing the Amazon/Zappos mentality of a buyer (immediacy, fast shipping, quick turnaround) with the reality of the slow-craft handmade movement (working as fast as we can, but we’re not a factory!). It’s a delicate balance.

What are the advantages and challenges of working with your significant other?
We are on the same page about the shop, its evolution, marketing: pretty much everything. We do have different working styles, which can cause conflict. William obviously takes the lead, so sometimes there’s a little bit of a power balance we need to manage.

Other advantages:

 

  • The immediacy of being able to talk shop together; we can be vulnerable and have complete trust.
  • We have a shared passion for good design.
  • We are the very best of friends.
  • We have the same kind of vocabulary but different perspectives. Katie is out in shops and looking at retail all the time; I come from the studio design world. It’s a good partnership.

The negative is that sometimes we forget we’re more than just business partners.

What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
Quit Your Day Job is kind of a misnomer. The shop has become a 24-hour job. It’s always here and there are always things to do. Our commutes were wearing on us, our dog has special needs, and the lack of free time was taking its toll. This opportunity has given us a lot more time together, although sometimes we are just working.

I miss being around different people, getting input and mentoring from coworkers. Day jobs do offer structure: I frequently forget to eat lunch. Time just flies because there’s so much to do and you become so engrossed in what you’re doing.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself or someone considering a similar path?
I always thought I would retire, then pursue something like this — open up a store and sell curiosities. But it got to where I was so busy, Katie started helping me. And then we were busy enough with just the two of us that the question was asked: What if William didn’t have to wait for retirement? Why does that have to be a far-off goal?

That said, we grew organically to get there. We hoarded money. Knowing you have a little safety net is really necessary. If you have a day job now, stay with it as long as you can to provide a good nest egg. Then you don’t have to push the panic button in that first year and you can stay true to your shop. When you’re working alone it’s stressful enough, and if the sales don’t immediately come flying in, you can feel like a failure pretty quickly. But a nest egg lets you know you’re going to be OK and allows you to stay true to design work and your brand. You can follow some trends, but as Portlandia’s Put a Bird on it cleverly parodies, you have to be authentic. You want respect with the paycheck. Try to keep a low overhead as long as possible. Get crafty!

What goals do you have in store for the future of your business?

We have quite a few:

  • We’d love to form relationships with interior designers. They have ideas, we have ideas, it makes sense to meet up and let us create things for their clients.
  • Widening and protecting our brand. We’re seeing a lot of duplicates these days.
  • Collaborate with other artists and have guest-inspired works.
  • Partner with major retailer on some design work; we have done this before, but we would love to broaden our reach while still remaining a strong handmade presence.
  • We have a large collection of interests that lead us to new things on a weekly, sometimes daily, quest. While this is a challenge in a business sense, it is also a great benefit because each of my crafts allow a slightly different view of the world and many times one will inspire another. I’m sure we’ll be working in other mediums as time goes on.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

 

  • William: I believe Bob Dylan once said, “A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.” This is truly how I see my life now. Yes, there is a lot of stress, but with that responsibility comes great joy.
  • Katie: Don’t be ashamed that what you do is “craft.” It’s just as solid as any either piece of business, if not more. Don’t devalue what you’re doing, mentally or financially.

There’s something very fulfilling about alternatives to big box shopping. We love being a venue that allows the money to go straight to the people who make it, rather than companies that don’t pay fair wages to their employees. Plus there’s something so powerful about owning something honestly made by hand. We love what we do, and if we can do it, so can you!

 

Thanks to both William and Katie for sharing their story. You can see some of their work in the Seller’s Items below.

Previous Quit Your Day Job posts

  • soandsuch

    soandsuch says:

    Such an inspiration! Thanks for sharing and best of luck!

    1 year ago

  • labellefairy

    labellefairy says:

    bon chance!

    1 year ago

  • LucillesAttic

    LucillesAttic says:

    Such a great story and so honest! Thanks for sharing the ins and outs of such a wonderful shop and business!

    1 year ago

  • wahlrus

    wahlrus says:

    So inspiring! You've been a favorite of mine for a while! Thank you for sharing your story! EtsyLove from, Jamie

    1 year ago

  • DowntownGirlVintage

    DowntownGirlVintage says:

    Great story!! Beautiful products! Love them. Enjoyed reading the interview! Such an inspiration ^__^

    1 year ago

  • SeaGlassJournal

    SeaGlassJournal says:

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts, ideas and suggestions. I will keep your store in mind. Although I don't have a store of my own I can definitely see where one of your custom silhouette signs for the crafts fairs I attend would be applicable. Thanks, Gary

    1 year ago

  • DowntownGirlDesigns

    DowntownGirlDesigns says:

    Lovely story!!! Thank you for sharing :)

    1 year ago

  • TheBloomingThread

    TheBloomingThread says:

    This is one of my favorite shops! So happy to see you here! I received one of your wood signs as a gift and its so wonderful to see the people behind it! Beautiful work! Much continued success :)

    1 year ago

  • HouseOfMoss

    HouseOfMoss says:

    Beautiful! Thanks for sharing such everyday tips, too. The very best of luck to you two and your shop!

    1 year ago

  • HouseOfMoss

    HouseOfMoss says:

    Beautiful! Thanks for sharing such everyday tips, too. The very best of luck to you two and your shop!

    1 year ago

  • HoneyThistle

    HoneyThistle says:

    the tips are very helpful, and great products :)

    1 year ago

  • chantellcsdesigns

    chantellcsdesigns says:

    what a great story. thanks for sharing this with us. more power.

    1 year ago

  • bydaniela

    bydaniela says:

    Great interview! Great work!

    1 year ago

  • BooPatch

    BooPatch says:

    LOVE IT!!! I'm already thinking of words that need cut out ;-)

    1 year ago

  • BasahanAlit

    BasahanAlit says:

    Wonderful stories! Thank you for sharing. Your thought about building a nest egg was all make sense.. Thank you!

    1 year ago

  • BasahanAlit

    BasahanAlit says:

    Wonderful stories! Thank you for sharing. Your thought about building a nest egg was all make sense.. Thank you!

    1 year ago

  • BasahanAlit

    BasahanAlit says:

    Wonderful stories! Thank you for sharing. Your thought about building a nest egg was all make sense.. Thank you!

    1 year ago

  • ColorMeFabricbyNikki

    ColorMeFabricbyNikki says:

    Very inspiring cute couple! Best of luck in your continued business!

    1 year ago

  • CarryTheWord

    CarryTheWord says:

    Great story!

    1 year ago

  • ArtPhotosDiana

    ArtPhotosDiana says:

    I read every word. Great responses from this couple living the life (through a lotta hard work). Congratulations to them. Thanks to etsy.

    1 year ago

  • sonyarasi

    sonyarasi says:

    Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your inspiring story!

    1 year ago

  • cooljane

    cooljane says:

    wonderful interview! incredible work, congrats!

    1 year ago

  • CyanideStitches

    CyanideStitches says:

    Love love love! And I completely agree, people should never be ashamed of 'crafting'. It's just as valid as anything else!

    1 year ago

  • LittleWrenPottery

    LittleWrenPottery says:

    you two are so cute together! your work is really beautiful too, thanks for all the marketing tips they're really valuable reading : )

    1 year ago

  • dreamyvintage

    dreamyvintage says:

    congrats for the feature! I LOVE your shop :)

    1 year ago

  • EmmaGirlCreations

    EmmaGirlCreations says:

    Thank you both for your inspiring words. Great article!!!

    1 year ago

  • mazedasastoat

    mazedasastoat says:

    It's so sad that you're a victim of copycats. So many folks see items online & think "I could make that" then go ahead & start selling it & undermining your customer base. It's much worse when the copies are sub-standard, as they often are. Keep up the great work, I'm sure you have as-yet untapped stores of fabulousness & will continue to come up with fantastic ideas faster than others can copy them.

    1 year ago

  • GinaRose

    GinaRose says:

    Great Interview. Thanks for sharing William and Katie!

    1 year ago

  • 3pearls

    3pearls says:

    Congrats on the feature! Looks like you have a really good collaboration. I wish you continued success :)

    1 year ago

  • simplyworn

    simplyworn says:

    cool interview what fun to be doing this venture together

    1 year ago

  • sacredsuds

    sacredsuds says:

    Minnesota Represent! Congratulations you two! I love your shop and learning more about the two of you who are behind it. You hit the nail on the head with this, "And we’re balancing the Amazon/Zappos mentality of a buyer (immediacy, fast shipping, quick turnaround) with the reality of the slow-craft handmade movement (working as fast as we can, but we’re not a factory!). It’s a delicate balance" - so true, and so well said :-) And LOVE the custom request :-D

    1 year ago

  • 1byliz

    1byliz says:

    a lovely feature-- thanks for sharing your success!

    1 year ago

  • vitamini

    vitamini says:

    What a wonderful interview! I'm sticking with an architectural day job as well, and sometimes it's difficult to juggle it with my Etsy night/weekend business but I think the hard work is worth it. Someday I'll be able to take the plunge! Thanks for the inspiration.

    1 year ago

  • goingplaces2

    goingplaces2 says:

    What a great story - very inspiring!

    1 year ago

  • Parachute425

    Parachute425 says:

    Congratulations. Sounds like you did it the right way. Great shop! Continued success to you.

    1 year ago

  • rozzie

    rozzie says:

    One of my favourite stores on etsy! congrats and love the photos

    1 year ago

  • AZCreativeStudio

    AZCreativeStudio says:

    Congratulations to both of you! I love your shop!

    1 year ago

  • amartisan

    amartisan says:

    Great story..Thanks for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • BingoBox

    BingoBox says:

    Thank you for sharing & congrats !

    1 year ago

  • TheVintageParlor

    TheVintageParlor says:

    This is the best 'quit you day job' interview I've ever read! So much inspiring, logical, and solid advice for Etsians! Thanks for sharing your story with us!

    1 year ago

  • LakesEdge

    LakesEdge says:

    I love reading these "Quit you Day Job" posts, it makes success seem more feasible on Etsy. I love the pacman & capt. blockhead, Congrats guys your shop is great :D

    1 year ago

  • GardenDaisies

    GardenDaisies says:

    Love this! Congratulations and thanks for sharing :)

    1 year ago

  • catmisterk

    catmisterk says:

    I love this story! Thanks for sharing! And I also appreciate the practical advice of staying with your day job until you're ready to make the jump.

    1 year ago

  • WoodlandCottage

    WoodlandCottage says:

    Many great ideas! Thanks for sharing with us!

    1 year ago

  • CoMoMegs

    CoMoMegs says:

    I've always loved this shop, and seeing the story behind it makes me love it even more!

    1 year ago

  • piecesofelises

    piecesofelises says:

    Thanks for sharing your story and advice!

    1 year ago

  • ShoponSherman

    ShoponSherman says:

    Very interesting and encouraging interview! Continued success with your shop!

    1 year ago

  • zucchiniandco

    zucchiniandco says:

    LOVE your story; thanks so much for sharing! Great advice, and best of luck on your continued successes.

    1 year ago

  • cjbcollectibles

    cjbcollectibles says:

    Oh, how I dream leaving the 9-5 to sell items on Etsy. Maybe one day. Great story and good luck.

    1 year ago

  • poppeacock

    poppeacock says:

    Thanks for the insight...very helpful information. Congratulations! and Good Luck!

    1 year ago

  • TamsyTrends

    TamsyTrends says:

    Such an inspiring story! I completely agree with Katie that we should never be ashamed that what we do is "craft". I wish you all the best and continued success for your shop.

    1 year ago

  • MysticalRaindrops

    MysticalRaindrops says:

    Great story. I love husband and wife teams with success stories!

    1 year ago

  • paramountvintage

    paramountvintage says:

    such a great story! and i agree, being a part of etsy and it's supportive community is one of the best marketing tools.

    1 year ago

  • MysticalRaindrops

    MysticalRaindrops says:

    Great story. I love husband and wife teams with success stories!

    1 year ago

  • JLCrochetedCreations

    JLCrochetedCreations says:

    Love the interview! Thanks for sharing. I am very inspired now:) and the package man bots are great!

    1 year ago

  • Snazziedrawers

    Snazziedrawers says:

    As a day job quitter myself, this was so genuine and honest and oh so close to home. Thanks for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • steampunkfunk

    steampunkfunk says:

    That was awesome! Great advice! Love your work and congratulations!

    1 year ago

  • inklingsm

    inklingsm says:

    Thank You so much for featuring Oh Dier! Oh Dier! I recently found you in my daily inspirations on Etsy and love looking at your shop... You can tell, like you mentioned, it's very important to create that esthetic that earns new customers and returning ones... You do an amazing job at that and I LOVE your product. Oh, and of course I LOVE that you are in Minnesota, that was a draw for me to your shop :D Much love from your North Dakota neighbor!

    1 year ago

  • postroadvintage

    postroadvintage says:

    Great sound advice you offer... but then I would expect nothing less from Minnesota- I love that place ;)

    1 year ago

  • shopdomestica

    shopdomestica says:

    Yay! Congrats, guys! Two favs here today - Oh Dier + Debbie Carlos. Best day so far this week!

    1 year ago

  • RedBirdMakes

    RedBirdMakes says:

    Brilliant stuff!! It's good to know that i should keep plugging at it. I find it so theraputic making stuff that as long as I can keep on making things i'll be happy..... Thanks for the inspiration. x

    1 year ago

  • LittleWeeShop

    LittleWeeShop says:

    Great Inspiration! Thanks for the practical tips. Your little wooden robots bring a real smile to my face.

    1 year ago

  • Sewfarsewgood

    Sewfarsewgood says:

    I loved this blog. It has made me feel much better about the direction I am taking. I work full time (40 hours a week) and then put probably another 30 a week into SewfarSewgood. I haven't had any sales yet, but am not fretting about that, the sales will come in time, and in the mean time, it is about allowing this to grow organically. Thanks for helping me know there are other people who have chosen a similiar path!

    1 year ago

  • HerissonRose

    HerissonRose says:

    Inspirational, down-to-earth and authentic.. I'v ejust jumped in to the work from home thing, and am finding it a bit daunting and dispiriting truth said. Seeing other peoples success is reassuring and gives all us beginners something to work towards! Your shop is awesome, and your tips invaluable and much appreciated. Thanks! ^(^_^)^

    1 year ago

  • belou492

    belou492 says:

    Very inspirational! So happy for you. I have loved your shop for awhile now. Great information and congrats from a fellow Minnesotan!!

    1 year ago

  • VonlenskaVintage

    VonlenskaVintage says:

    this is probably the BEST quit your day job I've ever read and one of the most helpful too! what a great read- awesome product, awesome success story, and adorable couple.

    1 year ago

  • rbgcolor

    rbgcolor says:

    Great interview - I love that the dichotomy of the online buyer mentality vs. the handmade reality was brought up...twice! Such a delicate balance, indeed! Great work.

    1 year ago

  • kvossdesigns

    kvossdesigns says:

    Love your shop so much, and a big HOLLA from Rochester, MN!

    1 year ago

  • jennyndesign

    jennyndesign says:

    This is definitely one of the best QYDJ articles I've read in a long long time. Good job and good luck with your growing business and relationship! :)

    1 year ago

  • SugarCubeVintage

    SugarCubeVintage says:

    fantastic insights! huge fan of your shop - wishing you lots of success! congrats!

    1 year ago

  • CtrysideCottage

    CtrysideCottage says:

    I completely agree, people should never be ashamed of 'crafting'. It's just as valid as anything else! Great Shop and good luck to you two.

    1 year ago

  • laceydu

    laceydu says:

    Your quote: "Plus there’s something so powerful about owning something honestly made by hand. We love what we do, and if we can do it, so can you!" WOW!! This is probably THE best interview on Etsy so far! You guys are so honest, smart, and encouraging. I have kept my day job and love your advice. Yes, when I wear something handmade, it is powerful indeed. Thank you! -LaceyDU

    1 year ago

  • gizmofiberarts

    gizmofiberarts says:

    Love your unique craft and lots of great advice here. Thanks for the feature!

    1 year ago

  • elegantgirl

    elegantgirl says:

    Awesome story! Adorable couple:)!!

    1 year ago

  • TheZestyDesk

    TheZestyDesk says:

    Thanks for the article and practical advice...way to go!

    1 year ago

  • BluegrassBonnet

    BluegrassBonnet says:

    Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • jamiebandito

    jamiebandito says:

    Wonderful story, excellent shop!

    1 year ago

  • turquoiseangels

    turquoiseangels says:

    Thanks so much for the very honest information. You are a very inspirational company and make fantastic products. I love the Mr. and Mrs. and the "Shut the front door"! Wonderful article. Congrats and thanks!!

    1 year ago

  • randisonlineshop

    randisonlineshop says:

    I love your story and totally agree with what you said Katie about being proud of doing your "craft" as a business! I am in the process of developing my business on Etsy.

    1 year ago

  • JadieCakes

    JadieCakes says:

    Your shop was already in my favorites! So glad to see that you guys were chosen for this series! Congratulations!

    1 year ago

  • ksickles

    ksickles says:

    We have the "hello" sign in our foyer and get gobs of compliments on it. I can tell you first hand that this is a first class shop with great product and customer service! Thanks for featuring a very worthy shop!

    1 year ago

  • designsbymarygrace

    designsbymarygrace says:

    Love your story! Thanks for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • margosoriginals

    margosoriginals says:

    So inspiring! I recently "quit my day job" to run my etsy shops... I have been reading these articles ever since I've been on etsy and they have inspired me to keep going. I am now at the point where I have saved a small nest egg and am ready to take that leap! Thanks for sharing your story!

    1 year ago

  • AriseDecals

    AriseDecals says:

    I can't wait to quit my day job! Thanks for the motivation! :)

    1 year ago

  • slgdesigns

    slgdesigns says:

    An absolutely cool couple with Minnesota Nice in spades. =) Great advice and great article!

    1 year ago

  • SewDetermined

    SewDetermined says:

    Loved your inspiration! Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I'm brand new to selling on Etsy and love the community here. There is something powereful wearing or owning handmade goods. Especially in the day of mass production.

    1 year ago

  • melange4you

    melange4you says:

    Looks great.......thank you...

    1 year ago

  • WilliamDohman

    WilliamDohman says:

    Hello everyone! Thank you so much for all of your kind comments. I was holed up in the wood shop today, but didn't want to be remiss in telling you all how much each and every comment means to us. We appreciate your good tidings and well wishes, and we're glad to see that our story has helped you feel inspired--we can all use a little of that from time to time, right? Your comments have inspired us in turn. All our best!

    1 year ago

  • theminabucket

    theminabucket says:

    i just added your shop to my favorites! love the wooden signs. and your story is very cool. wishing you lots of continued success!

    1 year ago

  • SticksandStars

    SticksandStars says:

    Wow... I am inspired and encouraged!! I just started my shop and this is just what I needed! I cannot wait for my first sale!!

    1 year ago

  • TheWhimsicalBlossom

    TheWhimsicalBlossom says:

    Thank you - some great advice and a great article. I love your toys! Wishing you all the best for the future!

    1 year ago

  • hummingbirdcraft

    hummingbirdcraft says:

    Such a fun shop with fun artists! This is inspiring because everything I do for my shop is after my "real" job. Maybe one day.......

    1 year ago

  • AnitaArtCraft

    AnitaArtCraft says:

    Oh, God! You guys are inspiring! Thanks! Oh, and I love that Dylan's quote, too! Peace and love!

    1 year ago

  • AnitaArtCraft

    AnitaArtCraft says:

    Ahaha, I watched that 'Put a bird on it' video, great! :D

    1 year ago

  • Jenerickartandcrafts

    Jenerickartandcrafts says:

    Congratulations to both of you! Jennifer and I joined Etsy a few days ago and your story is very inspiring for us. We are both on the same page when it comes to do this and work in our projects together. We both have a big passion for arts and designs so our goal is to eventually do this full time! Thanks for sharing your experience and keep up the good work! ~ Jenerick

    1 year ago

  • worldknits

    worldknits says:

    I really like your idea of having a community to bounce ideas (with the interior designers). It is isolating working from home and your interview gave me the idea to have a monthly meet up with some of my friends who are in the same boat, but in different, creative fields (web/graphic design, vintage boutique owner, wine store owner, film maker, artists, knitters, seamstresses). While we might not be doing the exact same things, whenever I get together with these guys individually I love bouncing ideas off of them and feel so inspired after our conversations. I wonder if that feeling would multiply if we were all in the same room together talking shop.

    1 year ago

  • daisyvortex

    daisyvortex says:

    I am impressed they they are using a hand jig saw to cut these things out.

    1 year ago

  • TheOverstuffedChair

    TheOverstuffedChair says:

    This is one of my favorite 'Quit Your Day Job' posts in a while! I love that you touched on the challenges of the immediacy in which customers want their purchased items. It's something that I've just realized recently in a different job, and it's definitely a dance of being nice, polite, but also helping customers understand the truths of small creative businesses!

    1 year ago

  • WiseApple

    WiseApple says:

    I really appreciate the pragmatism you voice regarding saving money and not just diving into things. It's so easy to romanticize quitting your day job and doing what you love - I appreciate your honesty about the scariness of it all, too!

    1 year ago

  • RhodaBear

    RhodaBear says:

    Thank-You for sharing your story, wishing you all the best & success! :}

    1 year ago

  • HotNeck

    HotNeck says:

    Love your products and great story!

    1 year ago

  • kraftoosia

    kraftoosia says:

    Bravi! And thanks for the important bit about being proud to be a professional artisan!

    1 year ago

  • efratdeutsch

    efratdeutsch says:

    I enjoyed reading this! Great job, keep it up!

    1 year ago

  • efratdeutsch

    efratdeutsch says:

    I enjoyed reading this! Great job, keep it up!

    1 year ago

  • PipandLola

    PipandLola says:

    Great job, guys. Thanks for sharing your story and not sugar-coating it. It is important to know both the positives and the negatives to "quitting" the real world. Good luck!!!

    1 year ago

  • WilliamDohman

    WilliamDohman says:

    Thanks, everyone, for your wonderful feedback. We appreciate each and every comment from you!

    1 year ago

  • ElfiePins

    ElfiePins says:

    Yay, one of my shop faves. Great interview! Congrats again!

    1 year ago

  • jjema

    jjema says:

    such a honest interview -- best of luck to the both of you!!

    1 year ago

  • AmazingMiniatures

    AmazingMiniatures says:

    Just love the interview (and your goodies).. thanks for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • tldgrainwear

    tldgrainwear says:

    I love this store! I have a "read" sign in my living room next to my bookcase and I adore it. Thanks for the great advice!

    1 year ago

  • shellsherree

    shellsherree says:

    So many great and important observations and pointers here. Your products are beautiful and I'm glad you've created a life where you can be with your puppy dog so often. Congratulations.

    1 year ago

  • luludixie

    luludixie says:

    Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing! I wish you continued success. Love your shop! Nothing better than living your dream! :)

    1 year ago

  • reapandsow

    reapandsow says:

    This was wonderful to read and very practical. Thank you for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • KristyLynnJewelry

    KristyLynnJewelry says:

    Great story and beautiful work! Best of luck to you both, so inspiring!

    1 year ago

  • nattyvintagevt

    nattyvintagevt says:

    congrats on the story! always been a fan of your shop!

    1 year ago

  • meandriz

    meandriz says:

    YAY Minnesota! Love your work!

    1 year ago

  • Countrymouse923

    Countrymouse923 says:

    Thanks for making Friday a bit brighter...loved your comments.

    1 year ago

  • lolalarue

    lolalarue says:

    this is exactly what I needed to 'hear ' (read), as the biggest nay-sayers are my family, who believe a craft isn't a JOB. If I hear "when are you going to work" one more time. Jeez Louise- this is work. Loved the article. Kudos to both of you. Many thanks again for the inspiration !!

    1 year ago

  • 3rdAveShore

    3rdAveShore says:

    Beautiful and very informative article. Congrats on the feature and just remember...although others may try to duplicate, they do not have the passion backing it. I have had the same experience lately with a few of my designs, but at the end of the day ...I know that my brand is stronger and leaves a more lastly impression. Cheers! A L O H A, Sam www.3rdaveshore.com

    1 year ago

  • 3rdAveShore

    3rdAveShore says:

    Beautiful and very informative article. Congrats on the feature and just remember...although others may try to duplicate, they do not have the passion backing it. I have had the same experience lately with a few of my designs, but at the end of the day ...I know that my brand is stronger and leaves a more lastly impression. Cheers! A L O H A, Sam www.3rdaveshore.com

    1 year ago

  • artsykat

    artsykat says:

    Neat ideas! Thanks for sharing.

    1 year ago

  • YetiShack

    YetiShack says:

    I want to be the two of you combined when I grow up. What great, practical advice and insight. Thanks!

    1 year ago

  • treeandsap

    treeandsap says:

    Wonderful shop, Loved the read

    1 year ago

  • trulyenchanted

    trulyenchanted says:

    How exciting! I am impressed by your candor and thoughtful insights...I agree about the amazon/zappos mentality!

    1 year ago

  • BILBOBABILO

    BILBOBABILO says:

    nice intervies, lots of interesting information about setting up a business gradually, regads

    1 year ago

  • ElisaGomez

    ElisaGomez says:

    I work with my BFF/husband everyday too.....best of luck to you both!

    1 year ago

  • gilstrapdesigns

    gilstrapdesigns says:

    Thanks for your very inspiring interview you both look like ya'll are having so much fun doing what you love and loving what you do.

    1 year ago

  • itsybitsycute

    itsybitsycute says:

    I'm an interior designer in the midwest and your story makes me realize i need to put more time into my shop while I'm working full time if I'm ever going to be self-employed! Way to go... I love your items.

    1 year ago

  • StylesbyHolly

    StylesbyHolly says:

    Thanks for sharing your story, congrats on all your success. I just love the different fonts you use on the signs. It's always nice to hear where people started and where they are now!

    1 year ago

  • DesiCloe

    DesiCloe says:

    Great interview! I really enjoy reading it and I found it really inspiring!

    1 year ago

  • hoosiermamma1

    hoosiermamma1 says:

    Great Couple! Great advice!

    1 year ago

  • MishaGirl

    MishaGirl says:

    A very inspiring story!

    1 year ago

  • uniqueartpendants

    uniqueartpendants says:

    What a great interview! I really enjoyed reading it! :)

    1 year ago

  • metalicious

    metalicious says:

    Great work! And a lovely story, thanks for sharing it with us!

    1 year ago

  • CampCurfew

    CampCurfew says:

    Love reading these quit your day job posts....as i stand at my day job...keeps the inspiration flowing!

    218 days ago

  • KereonLovely

    KereonLovely from KereonLovely says:

    love the story and you are look sooo cute! keep up the good work and thanks for the inspiration

    87 days ago