What’s the idea behind your shop?
My shop has evolved from a strictly vintage store featuring antiques and vintage finds that I gather around the country to a store with pieces that I design and fabricate myself. I love industrial metal objects, letters, light fixtures, furniture, anything unique and from the machine age. They are becoming harder to find so I thought I would make my own. It all started while I was searching for a metal hotel arrow that I wanted to have in my shop — when I couldn’t find one I decided to make my own. Then I made letters and repurposed other objects into interesting light fixtures and furniture. Now I barely have time to go search at estate sales and auctions for those treasures. I miss the excitement of finding interesting pieces, researching and learning about the history of that object. You also meet people who are equally as interesting on the road.
Tell us about your previous working situation and how you discovered Etsy?
The winding road that led me to Etsy has been long and curvy. I went to college and studied architectural engineering, ending up in business administration. Then I spent four years in the Air Force — I joined three months before 9/11. My career field was logistics munitions. The military was an amazing experience and I enjoyed serving my country. After leaving the Air Force and coming back to Nashville I managed personnel for four years. I was working more hours on less pay so I decided to start buying and selling full time. A friend of mine, Darin, who has the shop Funky Quail, knew that I would love Etsy and as always he was right. From then on it has been a wonderful experience.
What steps did you take to prepare for transitioning into full-time Etsy selling?
What steps? I jumped in with both feet. I was engaged and starting a new business! Luckily the business aspect to owning your own Etsy shop is really simple. I went to the county clerk’s office and registered my business and got a tax ID number and started with $200 buying and selling.
What is your favorite part of the process in working with vintage materials?
I enjoy creating new pieces and re-purposing even more. Making an object into something people will use and start a conversation about can be addicting. In fact it’s hard to sleep sometimes when I have an idea for a new project. I also love it when a customer inspires me with an idea they have for their home or business.
What are your best marketing tips?
- Talk to people locally, get out and find out what’s hot.
- Respond to people quickly in the beginning, and especially as you get busier, make it a policy that you will return convos at a certain time.
- Think outside the box and find your niche. Finding your passion is easier said than done and sometimes life will get in the way of that. Listen to yourself.
- Don’t pay for advertising in the beginning. Keep working on your craft and come up with an idea that sets you apart. I didn’t want to buy and sell forever — I wanted to use my talents to create. Your product will market itself if you show it to enough people in different channels. If you’re an painter and take your work to an art show with 50 other painters it’s hard to get noticed.
- You’ll sell your product if you are excited about it and if the product is interesting. Do what you like, not necessarily what you know. Do not be afraid to try new things.
What’s been your most popular item or line to date?
The barn wood and metal arrow light fixture. I use a process to age metal that creates a rusty, corroded soft look and use reclaimed barn lumber to set it off. There is something about it that is alluring. The first one took me five hours and I had no idea what I was doing.
Aircraft Electric Light fixture Silver Arrow WWII P 51 Mustang inspired "The Smithsonian"
I attribute my ability to work with different materials — wood, metal, glass, electricity — to my parents. Dad can tell you something about any topic and my mother, Linda, has always known how to fix or do anything. I would watch her as she crafted, painted, made stained glass pieces or floral arrangements and it inspired me to make my own work.
What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
I took some ads out in newspapers that did absolutely nothing for me. It wasn’t a lot of money but word of mouth and hard work pays off.
What is the biggest challenge you face during your daily schedule?
Interruptions, or rather life happening. There is not enough time to do it all so I hired Leslie, my dynamic hero, who has helped me keep track of all my emails while working beside me in the shop. I have trouble asking for help and I am so glad I did. There comes a point where you just have to get some assistance if you want to grow.
What’s the hardest part about running your own business?
Running all over town when I need to be in the shop working. I find that I must stay very organized and plan in writing what I am doing for the next day and week ahead.
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job?
Well I have a day job, but not working under bosses is one good thing. I feel like I am more creative and can express myself without an under-qualified, overbearing “executive” taking my ideas. Can I get an amen?
What is the most exciting thing that has come out of selling through Etsy?
I sold a cowboy light fixture to Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn and got to go out to his place. Taylor Swift wants “SING” from me and I sold an arrow to Etsy which they used in one of their events. I sell to people all over the country and world and getting to meet new people is really the best part of it all. Making new relationships has been uplifting. With nice comments comes revitalization and the drive to keep on going.
- What advice would you give someone considering a similar path?
I believe the number one thing financially is, don’t fire your boss before you become your own. Start part time with what you do and put your frustrations from work into your passion. Make it happen and have a marathon runner’s pace. Slow and steady with a goal in sight.
What goals do you have in store for the future of your business?
I battle with having my pieces in major retail stores and keeping it smaller and personal. I think ultimately I will be satisfied If I have an outlet where I can sell many different lines or pieces to small to medium venues.
Anything else you would like to share?
Etsy has changed my life and brought out talent I knew I had but didn’t have the direction for. My grandfather could make furniture out of wood and I have always wanted to create, but my fear of being out of the norm kept me back. I am taking a chance, losing my 401(k), but being different and taking that step will give you energy you didn’t know you had. Live life to the fullest, work hard, pray, love, and you will be fine.
Thanks for sharing your story, Michael. Check out his work in the Seller’s Items below, connect with him via Facebook and Twitter, and follow his second shop, InTheWriteHands.
89 comments
Sign in to add your ownSusanFaye says:
Great article, great advice, and wonderful treasures! Best wishes for continued success!
1 year ago
NoFrump says:
Cool! It's always nice to hear about an Etsy shop (and seller!) that shifts and evolves as they grow. I suspect that a lot of us probably share that experience. :) Congrats on the article!
1 year ago
BonnieCastle says:
Love what your shop has to offer!
1 year ago
volkerwandering says:
Woo Hoo! Go Michael! Great work! Keep it up!
1 year ago
ExLibrisJournals says:
so cool! I am in LOVE with your signs!
1 year ago
funktionslust says:
Amen! Not working under bosses IS such a good thing Thanks for your inspiring story, your fearless determination to be "you"
1 year ago
AlpineGypsy says:
I love hearing about a mostly Vintage seller turning into a fabricator....awesome! It happened to me too. Started with vintage, and ended up crafting pretties. What fun! Congrats on your raging success, you deserve it with that rad attitude. :) Heidi
1 year ago
TheBloomingThread says:
I can just see that aircraft electric light in my living room! very cool shop~
1 year ago
MetalHoller says:
Awesome! Great to see one of my fav sellers get some love. Congrats Michael!!
1 year ago
LifeCovers says:
It takes great courage to do what you have so well done! Now off to look at your shop.
1 year ago
AustinJames says:
Cool stuff! Thanks for an inspiring story!
1 year ago
twistingthreads says:
Awesome article and truly wonderful items! Congrats on your feature!
1 year ago
TNHeritage says:
Awesome shop! Great to see a fellow Tennessean on this series! You have some great items, and I love your success with the country music stars! Congrats!
1 year ago
Iammie says:
Congrats on your feature!
1 year ago
DebsWhimsicalDesigns says:
Very cool interview and super cool shop! Congrats on the feature!
1 year ago
2TrickPony says:
started with 200 bucks, just like on Monopoly ! he he. congrats on the feature, I love the signs.
1 year ago
SameheartDesigns says:
At the risk of sounding cliche', this was what I needed to hear today. We are literally transitioning right now into fully believing in my work and taking the leap with it; leaving behind insecurities and just believing! My work has been a steady 'side thing' for ten years but what is holding me back from 100%!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Absolutely super! I want to do what you do when I grow up. Best of luck to you.
1 year ago
zozichic says:
Inspiring :)
1 year ago
dayslonggone says:
Congrats on the feature! Wonderful shop!
1 year ago
MootiDesigns says:
I love hearing about artists like WestVintage. Such creative mind. Great post!
1 year ago
designfrog123 says:
Cool!!!!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Nice, I love the vintage feel of your shop I wouldnt have guessed your pieces are all new!
1 year ago
AronaDesigns says:
Your work is very unique...I enjoyed reading your post.
1 year ago
barnheart says:
Your electric light fixtures are awesome! It is always a pleasure to see great people with great shops succeed. Congratulations!
1 year ago
HouseOfMoss says:
Wow, so that's where that arrow came from! Congratulations on your success!
1 year ago
KIFCreations says:
Kudos to you for taking the risk and jumping in full time to do what you love. Really appreciated your marketing tips, especially the suggestion to hold off purchasing advertising until you really hone your craft. Continued success -
1 year ago
ACupOfSparkle says:
Thanks for sharing your story. I am glad you found something you enjoy and also earn money. Good luck with everything.
1 year ago
PetScribbles says:
Great story - thanks for sharing it! Love the giant arrow!
1 year ago
ThePolkadotMagpie says:
Yay, I love your shop. So glad you are here. Congrats!
1 year ago
reclaimedartistry says:
As a fellow lover of reclaimed materials, I found your interview very inspiring! Eclectic art like yours is timeless.
1 year ago
melimel1 says:
Very inspiring Mike! Congrats on all your success!
1 year ago
4EnvisioningVintage says:
To continued success!
1 year ago
4EnvisioningVintage says:
Great shop & I wish you continued success!!
1 year ago
HardlySimpleDesigns says:
Your work is beautiful! Congrats on your success! :) It is refreshing to hear that your business became your passion through natural progression in life. Ending up in a different place from where we began makes for a great journey! Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
BlenderGallery says:
Great Story. Thanks for sharing it. Your work is very nice.
1 year ago
TheHickoryTree says:
Hey, I've seen that arrow before, Fantastic interview by the way. Jumping in is the only way to start a business. Congratulations on the QYDJ feature.
1 year ago
sonyarasi says:
Congratulations!
1 year ago
SugarBabyStore says:
I love the large lighted letters you make! Congratulations on the article!
1 year ago
Melissababycreations says:
Best of luck to you! Love your stuff!
1 year ago
HarvestMoonFeltworks says:
What a great story. So happy for you!
1 year ago
TwistedWhimsyDesigns says:
Congratulations! Very inspiring article, thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
fondueavenue says:
So inspiring! Thanks so much for sharing, wishing you much success!
1 year ago
GracefullyGirly says:
Very cool! I love how you made what you wanted and made the rest happen for yourself. Good on ya!
1 year ago
Daniblu says:
Good for Darin! Great friend. Thanks for the marketing tips. Wish you The best!
1 year ago
LizNajdecki says:
thanks for sharing! It's nice to see there is a life beyond admin :) best of luck to you!
1 year ago
SorringowlandSons says:
Amen, Brother! Great work and really nice shop! Super inspiring!
1 year ago
BlueBunnynOrangeNose says:
very cool! you inspire me...
1 year ago
Hookedonhoney says:
amazing!!! SOO GREAT TO SEE PEOPLE FOLLOW THIER DREAMS!! YOU GO!!
1 year ago
GloryBDesign says:
Your work and your outlook will take you far! Congrats on the feature! Look forward to following your shop's successes!
1 year ago
chachingck says:
I am so glad that now,, you are the thoughts, you are the action, and you are the rewarded. I too understand how much people need to get praise or opportunity to change based on their own ideas,, not have your next in line take what is good and only acknowledge you when you had opportunities.... (or screw ups) Awesome article. Nice shop, and keep on "not compromising". I loved the marathon comment.
1 year ago
cosmicheart says:
You really have the part about the executive taking your ideas right. People do not realize how much work and time it takes to run your own business. They always think that you have time to keep them company because you don't have a real job. When in reality you are always behind with what you want to accomplish and have tons of work to do.
1 year ago
thebeadgirl says:
you do vintage so well! wow. i'm overly impressed! thank you and congrats on the feature!
1 year ago
Artsy says:
love your work!
1 year ago
MadeMerriShop says:
I've had your shop in my favs...your work is truly unique & awesome!! Congrats on the feature!
1 year ago
BonfireRuckus says:
Awesome feature today! Congratulations!
1 year ago
BlackStar says:
Love your work! Nice to see a local boy featured. :)
1 year ago
TheWhimsicalBlossom says:
Your lights are so cool! Congrats on your success and thanks for the advice in your interview.
1 year ago
raghousenternational says:
Really nice. I think the marketing tips are really good. Especially about not paying for advertising in the beginning. Very good point.
1 year ago
WriteTheGoodWrite says:
I love that you have the courage to jump into new things to explore and see how it goes. I also like the advice of getting out there in as many different avenues as possible. I truly believe that continually challenging yourself with new crafts/literature/travels, etc helps you grow as a person as well as develop your entrepreneurial skills. All the best of luck. :)
1 year ago
Modred12 says:
Great article. :)
1 year ago
handprintlady says:
LOVE your stuff!
1 year ago
mwest0425 says:
Thank you so much for all the comments, for taking the time to look and I hope we can all build a community of independent thinkers and inspire exchange other. Michael
1 year ago
mwest0425 says:
Sorry, I was on my phone when I sent that message. Inspire each other. Michael
1 year ago
AngeleyzDesign says:
I am excited to get started. I make jewelry, beads and crystal/glass. I am not clear on how to get started.
1 year ago
brazenhussies says:
Great interview. Your work is amazing and some great advice. Thanks! Best of luck for the future.
1 year ago
Epiphany6andCo says:
Amen!
1 year ago
ionesAttic says:
Thank you Michael for giving props to your parents and grandfather...the resourcefulness of those generations have inspired many of us who love vintage and salvaged items.
1 year ago
CarlaRaeVintage says:
Love the article and your things. Continued success to you. Congrats.
1 year ago
thehappycouple says:
I really liked what you said about marketing, "Your product will market itself if you show it to enough people in different channels. If you’re an painter and take your work to an art show with 50 other painters it’s hard to get noticed." Someone recently featured my item in a gift giving treasury, which I thought was strange, but actually it made perfect sense and really started me thinking about different ways to promote my items outside the wedding genre. Great items love your shop!
1 year ago
mwest0425 says:
Thank you to everyone who has wrote such nice things about me. It hasn't set in yet fully. Now I have to take the time to enjoy reading these. Something I heard recently about a growing business and control. You are a job owner or rather your job owns you until you can delegate and release control then you are a Business owner. If you are reading this you can take 10% off using heart10 as a coupon code in my shop. TY! Michael
1 year ago
HappyBonesArt says:
Congrats! Great article. I love all of your signs, especially the LOVE letter light fixture marquee. Best of luck with everything!
1 year ago
JeezumCrowVintage says:
These "Quit Your Day Job" blog posts are so inspirational. They really give me hope that one day I can make a living doing what I love: selling vintage clothing. Thanks for sharing your story, Michael. Your creations are awesome! :o)
1 year ago
chanchala says:
What a fantastic article and what a fantastic seller! Truly inspirational!
1 year ago
veryveraventage says:
Your advice was the best I've read in a long time. Keep up the great work and best wishes for your shiny future!
1 year ago
TotallyVintage says:
Love your work!!!
1 year ago
leatherExpressions says:
Beautiful work, and a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it. You are a true inspiration to all to live life and don't be afraid.
1 year ago
chaimorningdesigns says:
By far, my favorite "Quit Your Day Job" interview thus far!
1 year ago
Rubysjustenuff says:
Thank you for your service! Congrats on your success!
1 year ago
edlynnsattic says:
Thanks for the inspiration, I hope to quit my day job some day.
1 year ago
AKingsThings says:
Very inspirational and motivating. An example of "life is what you make it". Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
OysterVintage says:
So much success in such a short amount of time! - thank you so much for sharing -and for being such a great example! Whenever I feel discouraged, reading interviews like this always make me want to keep hustlin and not give up the fight!
1 year ago
jessiemccann says:
Thanks for sharing your wonderful journey and your inspiration!
1 year ago
kikdesign says:
Wow! Great story & great shop! Really inspiring -- thank you!
1 year ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
Thank you for a very inspiring interview. All that you said is very helpful and I just love your shop.
1 year ago
mwest0425 says:
Thank you everyone!!!!!
1 year ago
yuyutuo says:
Thanks for sharing
1 year ago
poppeacock says:
Your testimony is an inspiration. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
KbOriginalsetc says:
Love your story-full of inspiration! Good Luck in the future!
1 year ago