I was recently contacted by Alissa, the designer extraordinaire behind MewPaperArts, who wanted to share the story behind her successful business after reading some of our previous Quit Your Day Job articles.  Alissa had signed up to sell on Etsy just over a year ago in February of 2007. Within the span of a year, Alissa not only set up shop, but she was able to quit her cubicle day job.  She is now her own boss and living her dream of running her own stationery business. Keep reading to learn how she did it.

When you first started selling on Etsy did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
Are you kidding? When I first started working at my day job I had dreams of eventually quitting it! It's always been a part of the plan — as things started to progress on Etsy, I began to realize that I would never be able to make a real go of things just as a side-gig...I would really need to give it more time and attention to see it through to its full potential. Coming home at 5:30 after having my brain and creative spirit chewed on by corporate trolls all day did nothing for my productivity!

How long were you selling on Etsy and working your day job before deciding you were ready to switch over to Etsy full time?
I opened my Etsy shop in February of 2007 and had a personal website built in October 2007. My first holiday season here was promising, and that's kind of the jolt I needed. So in January of 2008, after months of lamenting to my very supportive and patient husband, I took the leap and haven't regretted it for a day!

What made you decide to quit your day job?
Lots of things besides the obvious — the four foot tall cubicle the color of an ace-bandage, mundane work routines and repetitive schedules. I spent a lot of time surfing the Etsy forums (from that cubicle!) where I was really inspired by some of the other full time shops. The dream of success was really what fueled the move — and kind of knowing that I would never be able to tell if it would work out if I didn't try it. I literally told myself many times during the decision period, "You can talk about this, or you can DO this." And here I am!

How did you know you were ready to take the plunge?
In addition to the points mentioned above...I guess I didn't really know for sure that I was ready. But I knew that my business would stagnate, and never grow if I didn't nurture it, so it was a matter of hope and chance of real fierce determination — and an undying love for what I do, most importantly.

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time before taking the plunge
Big time — and this is an important one. Like I said, it was about a year before I really went for it. Thankfully, I had the financial support of my now husband.  I may be down a different path if not for that. I wasn't interested in being a starving artist, so I did a lot of reading and seeking advice from other small business owners. The creative part is easy — but all of these sneaky administrative bits are vital organs to the body of a business. I meet with an accountant quarterly (well, I've just started this part) to make sure I'm on the straight-and-narrow with our friends at the IRS, and also to make sure I'm getting all the benefits and resources out of my own small business.

What goals have you set for your Etsy business in the next few months and year?
Grow, grow grow! In the simplest terms, that's all there is to it. I want to grow while still maintaining the integrity of handmade design.

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business?
Well, Etsy sort of promotes itself, which is a bonus — all of this built-in traffic. But the recent Storque series on Handmade Weddings has shown me a big boost in sales. I advertise on some indie blogs and websites as well. I'm a bit shameless about the self-promotion as well — for my recent wedding, I made my own invitations, favors, place cards, etc. I ALWAYS give my handmade stationery as gifts for every occasion. Once I saw a woman at Starbucks writing out a pile of "big box" Christmas cards — I handed her my business card and asked her to think of me next holiday season! Can't hurt, right?

How's it going so far? Are you getting by?
I'm living my dream! I'm not a millionaire, no. But I am growing at a rate that surprises me every day. I've projected my first quarter profits through to the end of '08 and if I stay on track I will have surpassed the salary I was making at my day job! People often ask me how I manage working for myself, alone, from home all the time — I LOVE it. I don't miss the drama of co-workers, I certainly don't miss the lame dress code, and the commute can't be beat!

Can you walk us through what a typical workday might entail?
Believe it or not, I set my alarm every day for 7:30 am and get dressed. Seems so obvious — but I find it really important not to work in my pajamas. And I never turn the T.V. on while I'm working. I'm surprisingly more focused than when I was in an office. My work involves a lot of back and forth correspondence with each client via e-mail. I try to multitask, so while the printer is humming away, I'm cutting paper for another job or working on the computer on design. My husband usually comes home around 8:30 pm to find me STILL in the studio and lately there's not been dinner on the table — the day gets away from me!

What do you enjoy most about not having a day job?
This is an easy one — being my own boss. Hands down.

What piece of advice would you give someone thinking about taking the plunge to sell full time on Etsy?
Plan carefully. Run numbers so you can be sure to be paying the mortgage and feeding the pets! Be committed — 100% and nothing less. That's important — I think your client or customer will sense your drive and be drawn to you for this. Be patient — the first year I think really has to serve as a barometer for the future. I think it's going to be hard to make big decisions and plans before knowing how a full year will pan out.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A big thank you for the team at Etsy who've created this platform for daydreamers like me!

 
Thanks to MewPaperArts for sharing her story of success with us!  Check out the gallery below to see some of Alissa's items. Check out some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts.