~ How I started Lifestylewithlove ~
I found Etsy in 2008 while I was working as a merchandiser in a fashion company. "The handmade items are really beautiful!" That's my first reaction.

Everyday I browsed Etsy for more than an hour and just to enjoy the wonderful handmade world. Due to my work nature, I always got in touch with different fabrics and trims, and there were times that the company need to discard the past seasons' fabrics and trims.

"What a waste....but wait a minute, isn't it a good idea if I make something out of these beautiful materials?" From that day onwards, I decided to open my own Etsy shop as well. That was the day that totally changed my life, in a better way.

I invested in a Brother sewing machine and started to sew. I wasn't that good at sewing in the beginning. Practice makes perfect, slowly I got the hang of it and I got such great sense of achievement when I saw my products.

I also realized that taking a good photo is very important for online shops because people cannot access to your products, so the only way is to capture as many great angles as possible. It took me some time to list each item because I have to sew and take photos during my afterwork hours. I also had to look after 2 kids and go to work everyday.
Therefore, Etsy was just a "hobby thing" for me at the beginning stage.

Few months later, the company I worked for closed down, so I had more time for my shop. Also thanks to my husband's support ( financially and emotionally), I became a non-working mom and naturally I can work full-time for my Etsy shop.

~ Highlights of shop experience ~
I still remember the day when I had my first sale. It was a small red wool pouch with some applique. The excitement was beyond words can describe.

My products were also featured at the front page of Etsy for two times and in gift guides for 2 times ( during that time there was a gift-guide). These were memorable moments and highlights of Lifestylewithlove.

~ Creative process ~
From my fabric collections, I select some designs to use and decide what products suit them the best. Sometimes i use seasonal fabrics according to different seasons, like using nautical theme fabrics during Summer or using floral patterns in Spring.

I try to provide different categories in my shop and from there I could see what my customers like the best so that I can adjust my production pieces base on popularity.

However, I feel that we should not be too over-driven by market, I always believe in one thing, " Do what you love and people will love what you do." Therefore, we have to strike a balance between the market needs and our own beliefs.