Tell us a bit about yourself name, location,
affiliations, personal stuff.
My name is Julie Clem and I live in Eagle River, Alaska. It is an amazing place. In the spring I can see Dall sheep on the rocks above my house, in the fall and winter I can hear wolves howling in the valley, there are bears all around in the summer and moose year round. I am close enough to Anchorage to go for dinner and far enough away to be surrounded by wilderness.
I have two degrees from the University of Washington. I have a BA in Economics and another in Business Administration – Finance. My first job out of college was as an Industrial Engineer for Boeing. In my previous life I also worked as an Executive Director for Camp Fire. I was studying to become a Certified Financial Planner when I was inspired to create a better leash. I started Alaska Leash Company, LLC in November 2005 in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. I have always been an entrepreneur.
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
Play fetch numerous times each day with my three dogs. I live in an amazing state and I am just beginning to explore it. I love to be outside. I like to roller blade, bike, hike and hunt for morel mushrooms. In the winter I cross country and backcountry ski. I love winters here…with lots of snow and cold clear days. I love good food and great dinner parties.
What first made you want to become an artist?
I would love to be an artist, but I really don’t consider myself to be an artist. I think I am more of an entrepreneur and craftsperson. I love to be around artists and creative people. I taught myself how to sew so I could make dog collars…I felt sad seeing dogs with only plain red or blue collars.
Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.
I usually do administrative tasks in the morning while I drink my coffee and wake up. Then, I just do whatever I feel like doing each day. I choose from cutting rope, pounding rope clamps…which is awesome when I feel angry or rage-filled, heat shrinking, or branding foam grips. Other days, usually for several months in the winter, I sew from morning until midnight creating unique dog collars. I am always on the lookout for great fabric and trim and new climbing rope.
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
I cherish two sock monkeys from my childhood. I also have a double wedding ring quilt from a great aunt.
Name your top five books, movies, songs/musical groups, and web sites besides Etsy.
Books:
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Walking in This World by Julia Cameron
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Second Chances…More Tales of Found Dogs
A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
Movies:
The Muse
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory…both old and new
Serendipity
Joe Dirt
Music:
Van Morrison
Jack Johnson
Melissa Mitchell
Indigo Girls
Louis Armstrong…What a Wonderful World
Web sites:
www.usps.com
www.paypal.com
What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
To everyone in general…do the work to heal yourself so you can let go of all the stuff that doesn’t serve you. Be gentle with yourself. Encourage others and share the lessons you have learned. So many people have had a generous spirit and helped me so much, I try to give back or be helpful when given the opportunity. Be enthusiastic! Have a grateful heart…find something each day to be grateful for!
What are your favorite features on Etsy? What new features would you like to see?
I love how easy it is to use Etsy. I consider myself to be technically Amish…and even I can use it! I really have no suggestions for improving it…that is so outside my area of expertise!
How do you promote your work?
I believe in word of mouth…it worked for Krispy Kreme Doughnuts! I also do lots of festivals, craft fairs, dog shows, farmer’s markets and a few juried shows. I even had a small dog boutique in downtown Anchorage! I also contribute leashes and couplers to lots of non-profit fundraisers.
In ten years I'd like to be...
Creating. Traveling. Surrounded by silly loving dogs. In a deeply committed and exciting relationship…with the last great love of my life!
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