Etsy's Handmade Blog
Quit Your Day Job: 2ReVert
Story by marymary
Published on December 15, 2008 in Spotlight 		Photo by

2ReVert

Jann and Jeff of 2ReVert never expected their side project of recycling skateboards into jewelry and accessories would turn into a full time business, allowing Jeff to quit his regular day job. They work together on the business; Jann organizes orders while Jeff works in the studio and makes trips to the post office. Keep reading to find out what they think their most successful promotion has been to date.

When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
Although we like to believe in ourselves, and Jann usually dreams big, we would have to admit that neither of us thought 2ReVert would grow to the point of one of us being able to quit our day job.

How long were you selling on Etsy before you took the plunge into selling full time?
It was 6 months from the time we started selling on Etsy until Jeff was able to give his notice to quit his full time job (of 14 years).

What was the deciding factor resulting in pursuing Etsy as your full time job?
We believed in being able to sleep at some point... and with both of us working full time jobs and 2ReVert piled on top, we just never had any free time for anything (even our sleeping hours where being cut back).


Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?
Prior to Jeff giving his notice, we did many things.

  • We played with the budget and looked at our money many times over.
  • We had our business set up (license, bank account, etc.).
  • We spoke with our banker and then we quickly sold our first home, and bought a new one (that we would be happy in forever).
  • Once we were in our new house, we then dove into the deep end and Jeff gave his two weeks notice. We were both a ball a nerves but had never felt so alive.

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
First off, Etsy is amazing, and landing a spot in a treasury or on the front page is a huge boost for sales. Blogs are so great, as you get such positive feedback not only from the writer, but their readers as well. We have also been so lucky to have been featured in TransWorld Skateboarding magazine, our local newspaper, and we even had the experience of doing a national TV interview.


What have you found to be unsuccessful promotion?
We’ve been fortunate enough so far that we haven’t had many mistakes.

Would you walk us through what a typical workday might entail?
Jann goes to work and reports to another boss (oh!).  Jeff’s days as solely self-employed go like this:

  • Up at 7am with Jann
  • Watch a Tivo’d show (The Hour) during breakfast.
  • Out in the shop by 9am.
  • Check the orders that Jann set up for him and then turn on the Sirius radio and get to work.
  • He takes an hour for lunch, walks to the mailbox with Gabrielle (our baby, a Shih Tzu cutie pie pup), then back to the shop for the afternoon.
  • Leaving the shop at 5pm, give or take.
  • We sometimes work on the weekends, and it’s usually a couple more hours in the evening, doing the packaging and computer work.

What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
Being able to create and make a living off it is a great feeling, but because Jeff isn’t used to being alone all day he becomes quite chatty when Jann returns.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself, knowing what you know now?
We feel we planned pretty well for the day Jeff quit and could only wish that it happened earlier. Jeff used to work shift work, and we didn’t realize how hard it was on his body and sleeping patterns until after the plunge.

What advice would you give someone else thinking about taking the plunge?
Make sure you figure out the financials. Order loads of supplies prior to taking the plunge, talk to as many people as you can about it and sock away some cash.


What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year?
We plan on doing a couple craft shows and hope to continue to grow our business.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We want to say a huge thanks to Etsy and all our supportive customers. Having customers return again and again is so thrilling, we are very grateful for their support of our recycled goods

Thanks to Jann and Jeff for sharing their story and business with us! Check out the related items below to see some more of their work.

You can find some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.

Tags 2ReVert, eco friendly, jewelry, Quit Your Day Job, recycled, skateboard, upcycled
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124 comments     Login to add your own!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. NORMandLOU

amazing...congratulations!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. wyztribe

This is so inspiring and your work is gorgeous!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. kimikal

Awesome read and great items!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. tamaragarvey

Wow, I had never seen this shop before and the products are so inventive and eye-catching! Congrats on your amazing success, you two deserve it!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. vozclothingandart

I love their stuff- congrats!!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. fricdementol

Awesome work!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. infraredstudio

I am happy to see your success. I love the concept of your business. Both my husband & I skateboard so it's nice to see that you work as a team and offer products for both men & women. : )

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. maybeads

What an amazing and unique idea! I love your work (I hate calling it work when I can tell you enjoy it!) -- very cool! And a very inspirational story -- nice to see.

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. sillylittlelady

That is so neat, recycling skateboards! Perfect gifts for my little brother, the avid skateboarder.

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. CharOuellette

What a great story and great imagination to match it!
You are where we would all love to be. Someday I hope to quit my day job as well. Good luck!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. creatini

Congratulations on your success. That is awesome.

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. PetitPlat

Oh how great! Would love to make a full time job of what I'm doing :)
I'm glad you two managed it!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. DowdyStudio

You guys rock! Love your work.

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. elainebiss

Great items! I think I will quit my job! :)

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. ashleyeaston

It's fantastic to see items made from recycled materials having so much success! Wishing you continued good fortune and success. :)

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. sweetshorn

Etsy gives me so many warm fuzzies - yay!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. TMcG

Great feature on a great seller! I love their products and am a repeat/serial buyer from 2ReVert.

I wish you guys all the best!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. qwynwyn

Cool! I remember seeing your shop a while ago. Congrats on doing well enough, so one of you can quit your day job!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 1 p.m. scrapbookcompleted

Once again, I love the "Quit Your Day Job" feature! Your products are so unique and amazing! Congrats on your success!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. breccamerie

What an awesome idea. I use to wear a broken ball bearing as a ring when I was a teenager that my boyfriend broke while skating. He went through a lot of those on his board. The only problem was that they are a one size fits all. I like your rings much better!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. bonafidedesign

Wow, that was a pretty inspiring story.
Its kinda giving me a second wind to spark some past dormant energy that has been pushed to the side due to other, sometimes hectic, life patterns we find ourselves thinking were trapped in.
Keep up the good work.

Dec. 15, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. pouch

I love 2ReVert's work, I've seem featured in lots of recycling-themed treasuries. Keep up the good work :)

Dec. 15, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. christinececelia

Thats great guys!
awesome story~
:)

Dec. 15, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. DorsetHillBeads

beautiful couple and awesome items...

Dec. 15, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. NestaHome

Yaaaaay 2Revert!!! You guys are awesome!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. whimdesign

These stories are always so inspiring. What a great couple.

Dec. 15, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. JessicaDoyle

YAY! Congratulations 2Revert from a neighbor up in New Brunswick! Cheers!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. kilsook

i can't get over how amazing this stuff is. my best to you both.

Dec. 15, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. capitolagirl

Great interview, its so inspiring to read the Quit Your Day Job series. Congrats 2Revert!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. autumnsanticsstore

Fantastic concept! Your work is beautiful -- congratulations!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. EJPcreations

Wonderful story!!!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. digiliodesigns

Beautiful work and continued success!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. greenbelts

I'm a huge fan of 2ReVert. It was so great to see their lovely faces and to read about them. Thanks marymary!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. Rebecque

Very inspiring. Thanks for demonstrating your artistic courage! I'm going to share the link to your shop with friends.

Dec. 15, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. kinchi

Great story and such beautiful work, I whish you lots more success!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. amaamo

wonderful shop + story... love the QYDJ series! --- very inspiring stories... keeps me moving forward.

Dec. 15, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. buttercupbloom

My 2revert pendant is one of the very coolest things I've purchased on etsy!! Congrats you two!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. jodieflowers

Awesome product! Way to go!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. CatherinetteRings

Excellent Work ! Awesome !

Dec. 15, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. Valleycreations

Very neat work! It's so nice to see the successful people here on Etsy! Congrats!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. TheCottageCheese

So cool. I saw one of their necklaces featured in a treasury and coundl't wait to show my boyfriend. Congrats, so glad you guys are doing this!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. OriginalDesignUK

well done, what a niche market!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 6:35 p.m. aisle3studio

i love this shop!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. TwistedRiverClay

Love the idea. And the color are wonderfu. Good Luck.

Ron

Dec. 15, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. 2ReVert

Thank you all so much for the super warm words, and for Mary for featuring us. Etsy amazes us both every day. It's really still an unreal feeling that we are in the Quit Your Day Job feature!! Such a great feeling and so rewarding, and Etsy is just the cherry on top :)

Thanks everyone :)

Dec. 15, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. JoyandWhimsy

very interesting article - thanks!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. LabyrinthLeather

Congratulations 2Revert! You made it!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 10:03 p.m. SweetStella

I have a 2ReVert necklace and I love it!! They were so accommodating about making it with a shorter chain too. :)
Congrats on the article and congrats on quitting that day job!!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 10:47 p.m. DeborahVoizin

Too Cool!
I can't wait to show my son!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 11:03 p.m. soule

Great advice! thank you and congratulations!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 11:05 p.m. forwardcollective

Toooo coooool.

Dec. 16, 2008 at 12:12 a.m. PassionMoonPotions

I love it!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. BluCille

Awesome recycled skateboard coasters! And good story.
FREE SHIPPING in my store with purchase of any two or more items until December 21st! Expedited available.

Dec. 16, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. mixedspecies

So cool! How many time have I broken a board and thought "that's it, Im done" prolly would not have seemed so lame had I thought it would it end up like this.
Keep up the good work.

Dec. 16, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. weirdwolf

Fantastic rings!

Dec. 16, 2008 at noon dogties

Amazing items.
So many great things from one great thing.

Dec. 16, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. pinkshowercurtain

Very cool. LOVE those rings!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. 8PawsCollars

I love the necklaces! Great article and you guys are so positive! (I have the same metal folding table too, it's from Grandpa and great for craft shows!)

Dec. 16, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. beckycity

love the buckles.. look just like mine!
http://beckycity.com

the ORIGINAL sk8bags and accessories!!

:)

Dec. 16, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. VivaceCrafts

That is so awesome! You guys have such a neat style / craft! It's so inspiring to see these stories!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. underthewire

Great article and awesome work.

Dec. 16, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. luckybunnyworldwide

just checked out beckycity's link and the jewelry looks exactly like beckycity's as well. very disheartening.

Dec. 16, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. timestandsstill

great stuff, well done

Dec. 16, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. FluteTeacher

I love that you recycle to create your work! Best wishes.

Dec. 16, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. Atelier500

An absolutely romantic story...You guys are very smart, and very generous with information..you are destined for good fortune!!
Joan - in Florida

Dec. 16, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. CositasSeriasVintage

amazing!!!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. elisasherejewelry

Lovely work! Thanks for sharing your story, it's very inspirational.

Dec. 16, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. NicoAndMooMoo

These stories give us hope... more, more more!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. pepperhem

wow beautiful stuff! congrats!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. LadybugLimited

great story and great pieces-- thanks for the insights

Dec. 16, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. polarity

yeah! good for you guys- I have a pair of your earrings and just love them!!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. NineRed

wow, very inspiring story! Congrats!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. SalwaOwens

great job guys! so inspiring!!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. Salzanos

these articles are so positive and uplifting. Striving for our dreams to make a living at the Gift God has given us. Creative art. I am inspired as usual, and will keep striving to improve and get to that point where I too can say, I make my living at my art.

Dec. 16, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. 88Links

Good luck to everyone!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. FlipFlopFloat

Amazing you took the plunge! Cheers to you and good luck!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 6:02 p.m. SquaresOfFlair

Congrats on your success! You have very cool products.

Dec. 16, 2008 at 6:14 p.m. trudiedavies

I love it - such funky great jewelery. Cheers

Dec. 16, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. bindingbee

So inspiring! Thanks for sharing...

Dec. 16, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. ByJuliet

Congratulation on your success! Awesome work!!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 7:12 p.m. bijougirldesigns

Really awesome jewelry!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 7:49 p.m. adorebynat

Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing. Love the jewelries and the fact that they're recycled.

Dec. 16, 2008 at 8:16 p.m. grflores

Great story! I just love your shop, very cool!!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. jazjewelz

Very Cool! Congrats!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. ripperarts

Fabulous idea! Fun shop! I'm inspired by your story as my husband and I are about to take the plunge ourselves.

Dec. 16, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. lostandfoundart

upcycling is the way to go!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. signsofmylife

right on!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 10:43 p.m. thneed

WOW! How totally original and cool.

Dec. 16, 2008 at 10:50 p.m. timesandchimes

This shop is new to me and wow! So unique and wonderfully creative! Love them!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 11:46 p.m. SandisShellscapes

What an inspiring article!

Dec. 17, 2008 at 12:02 a.m. 1920

Love the story and the products.

Dec. 17, 2008 at 2:16 a.m. risabeads

Love your shop. Congratulations on your success. It's very inspiring to hear stories like yours.

Dec. 17, 2008 at 2:34 a.m. mlndesigns

WOW!!! CONGRATS ON BEING YOUR OWN BOSS. THESE ARE VERY COOL PIECES OF JEWELRY. VERY UNIQUE.

Dec. 17, 2008 at 4:08 a.m. Laurenceramics

Great interview. what a fab idea for recycling. Congratulations and good luck with the future. Nice to see you're doing so well doing what you love. ;-)

Dec. 17, 2008 at 4:24 a.m. themagpiesdaughter

You sound so lovely! :D

Dec. 17, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. CharmdImSur

LOVE your shop. The photography is excellent, too! Any tips to share?
Thanks!
Jean
charmdimsur.etsy.com

Dec. 17, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. softspoken

congrats! as of yesterday, i became a full-time etsian myself :)

Dec. 17, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. DeltaTreasures

Congratulations! Love your work!

Dec. 17, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. glasscircus

Your work is beautiful! Very inspiring story. Much success to you both.

Dec. 17, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. Fiorenza

wow!

Dec. 17, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. gregart

living a dream!

Dec. 17, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. missprintz

sooo inspiring for designers and creative people to take the plunge and live their dream!!!!!!!!! amazing work!

Dec. 17, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. modernfigurative

yup..inspiring!

Dec. 17, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. JacquelineVDesigns

Wow as a mother of 3 skateboarding dudes I have to say I am impressed.

Your jewelry is lovely. I wish you tons of success.

Happy HOlidays.

Dec. 17, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. Piggy

Congratulations! :D

Dec. 17, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. analoukopoulos

Congrats!!!

Dec. 18, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. ImogensGarden

how wonderful!!

Dec. 18, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. JudiFitzPatrick

Way to go!

Dec. 18, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. fuzzibax

Congratulations!!

Dec. 18, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. sassmama

Love your jewelry! Many blessings!!!

Dec. 19, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. nadineandkathleen

Great role modeling! You took the plunge but had it figured out first!

Dec. 19, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. gregart

WAY cool

Dec. 19, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. Bijunea

Great for the planet. Keep on doing a great job. =) ***

Dec. 21, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. EviesToolEmporium

Such creative ideas! Continued success!

Dec. 21, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. DoorCountyWoodworks

Congrats! Great story! Wish you all the best!

Dec. 21, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. AdaRosman

what a wonderful story and great pieces! Congrats and best wishes for continued success!

Dec. 21, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. hempandmore

I used to skate when I was 14 (although skateboards have changed greatly since then, the late 1970's hehe!) - AWESOME idea and good for you! More proof that the Universe is as large as we make it hehe!

Dec. 22, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. waltersbeads

wonderful idea, who ever would have thought of that - well they did

Dec. 30, 2008 at 12:42 a.m. MadEarth

The first ring my boyfriend of 10 ever gave me was a bearing from his beloved skateboard. That was 10 years ago - perhaps an "upgrade" is in the future. Love your style.

Dec. 30, 2008 at 1:39 a.m. smilingbluedog

Love your creations!
Love this "quit your day job" feature!
I got a sk8r in the family...gotta go
& check out your shop!

Jan. 4, 2009 at 8:28 p.m. GreenStripe

cool beans! I love the colors and the reuse of an old product. Congrats!

Jan. 8, 2009 at 12:24 p.m. novadesigns

I love this shop! Such an awesome business idea.
Congrats to your success!

Jan. 11, 2009 at 3:19 p.m. SarahMadsen

Such a great idea and you two deserve the best. Really clever!!!

Jan. 27, 2009 at 4 p.m. paulasmits

Wow this article was very very helpful to me. I was laid off my day job. I am brand new to Etsy. . .only 3 days now so any feedback about my shop would be greatly appreciated as this IS my day job now while I go back to school to further my education in Graphic Design. :o)

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