 |
|
|
Story by
marymary
Published on April 13, 2009 in Spotlight |
Photo by |
Christine of BloomStudios knew from a young age her path in life should be in the arts, but opted for a job in the dentistry field where she eventually met her husband. After taking a metalsmithing class while staying at home with their children, she began selling her work on Etsy. She hasn't regretted leaving the dentist office since. Keep reading to find out some of Christine's best selling tips (including why she thinks item photography is key) and to catch a glimpse of her studio and lightbox set up.
How did you originally get into the business of making things?
I had to laugh when I really sat down and thought of the proverbial beginning for me. As a child I used to repackage pieces of gum, make little trinkets and draw numerous pictures. I ran around my neighborhood anonymously sticking these items in various mailboxes. I would attach an imaginative note that would sound like a sales pitch for my items — ultimately requesting the finder of my treasures to leave a little money in their mailbox in return. The next day I would run back to all the homes and search for my profits. Needless to say this was not very successful and I never saw a single dime. I can now see the subtle glimpses of how I was setting the tone for my future. Thankfully I learned from my mistakes and I definitely got sidetracked along the way, but here I am now!
When you first started selling on Etsy did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job and how long were you selling before deciding to take the plunge?
Although going to art school was my goal, at my mother's urging I followed a more practical path and went to dental hygiene school. I knew deep down this wasn't the career choice for me and I floundered in and out of the field. During my last jaunt back into dentistry I met my husband, a dentist, and we began a family. I ended up eventually staying home with the children, and during this time, I experienced a great deal of internal conflict. I was raised by a single mother who stressed in me the need to be able to take care of yourself financially, and it was very difficult for me to define myself as a "kept woman." I felt a loss of identity which ultimately led me to sign up for metalsmithing class. This was something that I had always wanted to do. After the first class I was completely hooked and I had that strong sense of knowing that this is what I was meant to do. When our son, Athan, was about three, my husband began talking of having me come back into the office and work with him once Athan began kindergarten. By this time, I had begun selling my jewelry in a few local galleries. My fledgling business was financially in the deep red, but I genuinely felt sick inside every time he would bring up coming back to work at the office. At that point I knew I had to get moving and establish myself as an a profitable artist.
In the fall of 2007, I was dabbling in setting up an e-boutique to sell my items as well as feature other artists. During a search for potential artists, I found Etsy. I can't explain the excitement I felt while sifting through the shops! I just kept muttering, "This is it! I can do this too!" I had a little over a year at this point to get my act together and prove to my husband that I could be successful and that's exactly what I did. I payed off my business debt within six months of starting my own Etsy shop, BloomStudios, and quickly began bringing in a better income than I could have expected in dental hygiene. Most of all, my husband saw my success and genuine happiness, so he stopped pushing for me to come back.
Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time before taking the plunge?
I am pretty much a "plunger!" I did have a business license and separate checking account due to the gallery sales. I also had more inventory than I needed. I think though, the most beneficial thing I had done in preparation was having a clear vision and belief in my success. I knew, and I do mean absolutely knew, that this was right for me. I think having a clear vision of what you want it crucial. I also wrote down my goals as if I would attain them. 
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business and what's your best marketing tip?
- I don't know if it's anything magical, but for me having a combination of marketing approaches has worked well. Customer service is crucial and I spend a lot of time personally connecting with my customers. I have many repeat customers and referred customers. I feel very fortunate to do what I love and I try to share this enthusiasm and gratitude with them.
- I also think joining a really good Etsy Team is so beneficial! I belong to the EtsyMetal Team: we do spend time promoting each other as a team, but also the information provided from this affiliation has been so very valuable to me in developing my own shop.
- In following my traffic with Google Analytics (also known as Etsy Web Analytics), I've found that I get a lot of traffic from flickr (Note: please follow flickr's Terms or Use.), my Facebook business page, and specific tag words. I think Google Analytics is a valuable tool to see what's working and what's not.
- Finally relisting and renewing make a huge difference for me. If I get too busy or have a project to work on, I just don't renew any items for a couple days. When I don't have as many sales as I want, I renew a few times that day. (Note: find out more about how renewing works on Etsy.)
What have you found to be unsuccessful promotion or something that's just not working for your shop?
I've done advertising on blogs along with one magazine ad and I didn't have the results I expected to see. Twitter has been one of those things that hasn't worked very well for me. I know some people swear by it, and though I continue to do it, I have yet to see its value in terms of sales and exposure.
Walk us through what a typical workday might entail being your own boss.
- I return home from taking the kids to school about 8:15 am.
- I have a ritual of sitting down with my coffee at the computer for the next hour or so.
- I write down my orders, send thank you Convos and answer any other Convos.
- I generally browse our team forum during this time and catch up with posts.
- Shortly after this I generally head into the studio and work until noon.
- I have some lunch, check the computer briefly, and package up orders to ship.
- I have been trying to turn over a new leaf in the afternoon and head to the gym for an hour or so, before I have to pick up my kids from school.
- Once we're home, this is often the time I edit pictures for new work, post new listings to Etsy, flickr, Facebook, and Twitter.
- In the evening, I often do some of my stone setting and finish work that I can do while hanging out with my family.
- I almost always pop back on the computer before bed to again reply to Convos and futz around for a bit.
It's a pretty simple life!
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job and is there anything you miss?
I enjoy everything about not having a day job!!! I finally feel passionate about working. I wake up everyday, grateful to put my energy into doing what I love! The flexibility is perfect. If I want a day off, I take one! Today I have a very sick little boy, and I can take care of him without worrying about how I am going to juggle my life. I can do the laundry, work in my pj's, tend to my children's schedules, run errands and a business without batting an eye. Nope! I definitely don't miss a thing!
If you could go back in time before you took the plunge, what advice would you give yourself knowing what you know now, and what advice would you give someone else thinking about taking the plunge?
Have a clear vision. I jumped into my shop before I stopped to think. I didn't think about my username much and regret not using my personal name. Also, I started my shop with the idea that I could only sell at certain price points because of what I saw others selling their work at. I was used to making very involved and expensive pieces for galleries and tried to change my style to my perception of what would sell. It went okay, though I wasn't happy with what I was making. One of the galleries that represented my work closed, and I listed those items as a test of sorts to see how they might do. I sold all the pieces (at the prices I wanted) within a couple days. Have good support! I can't stress enough how valuable the right Etsy Team can be as a resource and support. 
What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
I started off the year with a few simple goals. One was financial and growth oriented. I already felt very lucky to be making a good living doing what I love, so this year I wanted to define a higher purpose for this. Philanthropy became my second goal for this year. We already give to others as a family, but this was my hard earned cash that I could give now. This first quarter was very successful and I was so excited to send $500 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Finally, my last goal this year is to see a piece of my jewelry in a major fashion magazine. I came close with Lucky Magazine last year, but the article was canceled.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If there's anything else I can offer it would be to really think about your image and who your target audience is. Get your shop in order, and think about what you look for during your buying experience. I also believe great photos are your best tool to bring people into your shop. I see so many talented artists who don't have a good photos of their work and don't "sell" their pieces well in the item descriptions.
Etsy has been absolutely amazing for me! I tell absolutely everyone about it. Etsy has helped me turn my habit into a career and my dream into a reality! I am grateful for all of the support I have received here.
Please join Christine for a follow-up Question and Answer session this Tuesday, April 14th, 2009 at 3pm EDT in the Auditorium room of the Virtual Labs (the VL schedule is magically in your local time). See you there!
You can find some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts here!
See items from the EtsyMetal Team. And take a look at some of Christine's gorgeous jewelry below.
| Tags | BloomStudios, careers, Christine Mighion, gold, Jewelry, jobs, metalsmithing, metalwork, quit your day job, selling, silver, success story, WAHMs, work, Work at Home Moms |
|---|
186 comments Login to add your own!
LaveMeSoapCo
rubywren29
Nice article...I'm always jealous of the fantastic studio space these featured artists have :)
kutz
ccampbell0509
FancifulForm
Your work is beautiful! Very inspirational. Congratulations Bloom! ^.^
choconaut
wristcandycreations
Congratulations on your feature! You create beautiful jewelry! I find such inspiration in these articles. Best wishes for your continued success!
zuppaartista
gorgeous jewelry! it's always so cool to see how other artists are inspired and how they are successful!
thanks for sharing Christine! :)
HaroldandJane
I am a repeat customer. I own a gorgeous OOAK moonstone ring, and a pair of aquamarine earrings. I love your shop and I'm so glad to see you getting some much deserved press :)
KathrynRiechert
Congratulations Christine!
PS. I love your red studio chair :-)
clubviv
aimeesarmoire
Beautiful story and beautiful products... much continued success!
PianoBenchDesigns
LoellaMedina
msbelle
maiziedesigns
Great story! Very inspiring and I think it is great that you give to charity! Good luck to you!
IstanbulDesigns
BeadsInTheBelfry
beyondtherockz
darvesh
elisasherejewelry
I can't (or maybe I can) believe how clean your bench is. It is really, really impressive - as is your beautiful work.
workingforpeanuts
1920
TheSilverDog
Beautiful work! And lot of wonderful tips - really nice article
EJPcreations
bridgemanstudios
ScottieinaCanoe
What a fabulous story and talented artist! Just lovely :)
uncharted
Great work - It was really cool to see her little photo set up...
IceCreamCandy
Legacy925
sherrytruitt
Welcome to the QYDJ club. Your work is wonderful, continued success.
ToujoursTu
thecupcakegoddess
Such a great read and really one of the best Quit Your Day Jobs I have yet read. So inspiring and yes, this is what I want too!
TexasBeauties
You are so talented! You make beautiful things. I hope to one day be able to buy something from you.
LittleCritters00
I am so inspired. I hope so someday be able to be so successful.
designsbyonye
This is a very inspiring article. Congratulations Christine!!
DreamsandJewelry
You are truly an inspiration. Your work is beyond beautiful.
simpledaisy
MissMinoes
Very inspiring!
(I just got a lighttent like that too. They're great.)
=^x^=
WillowandQuinn
moonsisters
baconsquarefarm
Congrats to you christine and enjoyed reading your story as well. You are very talented lady, love your designs and shop too~! Got you in my favorites for future shopping for ME. Again congratulations~! :)
NaturalUniqueJewelry
Beautiful jewelry. what a great story,very inspiring, that if you focus and work hard then anything is possible
jenniferlynnstudio
Gorgeous jewelry!..best of luck to you! I love the modern rectangular hoops!
rawvolta
Congratulations from the bottom of my heart!
Beautiful work!
I love the rings ;-)
girlbyAileen
Congratulations! Beautiful work. I hope to join your group someday. : )
PaperWheel
NewCreatioNZ
twogoodeyes
NicolaWyllieDesigns
This has been a very helpful and inspiring article, I hope to do as well as you have with me jewellery although I have only just started out :D
saraaires
esdesigns
dragonhouseofyuen
I enjoyed reading this article! Congratulations Christine!
mythunderstood
RareEarth
What an inspirational story. I am so happy to read of your success. Keep going!
WoollyWonka
themefragrance
i have a most beautiful ring from BloomStudios-it reminds me of the Caribbean...the stone is the most amazing blue.
highly recommend...superb work!
pocketcarnival
Congrats on the article (and how amazing is your jewellery!!!) So you cool just knew it was right and did it!
jessitaylor
JillPopowichDesigns
Great article, thank you for sharing. And I love the ring I purchased from your shop, I wear it every day!
MarcellasExcess
DeNovoStyle
Yeeaaa for us stay at home moms! Absolutely beautiful work. I must comment on the freaking clean workspace! How do you do that? Need some tips...
babyjewlz
Extraordinary! Love your work and enjoyed reading about your adventure, so far.
4TheSparrowsNest
LOVE her work and the snapshots of some of the process too. Another winner for the series!!
foxtrailgeneralstore
I really appreciate how elegantly this jewelry is presented! I would love to own one of these pieces. Good tips for sellers too:)
bobnstitch
summerground
Maybe we could have constant pictures of artist work's studio. It's always so inspiring!!
JLeeOhioDesigns
What a great article! I love everything from her shop.
...and I wish my studio was as neat and tidy as that one!
Congratulations Christine!
-Jennifer.
surfandsand
Just looking at yous shop and work bench made me realze how much I miss silversmithing.I'm gonna make that my goal for this year-to get the space and set up to persue my passion.Thank You so much for sharing your story.Julee
mettaproductions
great atricle, you are an inspiration, how I relate to your lack of interest in your previous day job!
Parisera
Thank you Christine for being such an inspiration, and thank you Mary for the article. You have provided such lucid details, adequately supported with photographs that I almost felt like I was in front of you listening to this. This is particularly so for me since I am from India and relatively new to Etsy. I offer jewelry that's sold at far higher price points than the typical Etsy average selling price. And am always looking for tips, such as you have provided, to promote my store.
LOOKAjewelry
Congratulations! This was a great and inspiring story to read!
All the best to you and I hope to see your beautiful jewelry in a fashion magazine soon too :)
tumbleweedstudios
ardorfire
Beautiful work. I just started silversmithing, but don't have a studio yet. Can't wait to get one and get to work.
LaVitaLola
really great article- thank you for sharing your story! i adore your work!
AutumnLeavesJewelry
Amazing jeweler! I love seeing the photos of the bezel setting and soldering the ring bezel to the shank! And that studio is so neat and pretty!!!
BlueTerracotta
ourteaparty
lucywallis
It is lovely to see the face and hear the story behind such gorgeous work. When I was new to Etsy you were one of the first sellers to catch my eye and become a 'favorite'!
All the best for the future.
Lucy x
BayMoonDesign
You have beautiful jewelry. I noticed your work before this article. Thanks you for the tips on promoting your shop.
dlkdesigns
What a wonderful story! I to was raised by a single mother whom I watched struggle everyday with two young children. There is something about coming from hard times that provides an unbelievable work ethic!
I put myself through college & now stay at home with my child because of this wonderful outlet ETSY provides.
Beautiful work! Thank you for sharing~
artwithallie
Love your total honesty Christine about not wanting to return to a 'normal' job...very inspiring!!
bannersandbags
EpicBones
wow, fabulous work and amazing set up and studio! congrats! very inspiring to read this :)
masaoms
Wow!! I love Christine jewelry since I had discovered it!! Great article!
Tumus
nice article! Hooray for proving to your family that you could do it!
pennyspug
juicychristians
MSHandbags
Great article. It's always so inspiring to hear of fellow etsians committing themselves to their online shop and succeeding!
ManoCelebrates
DalkullanJewelry
stamp
amyolsonjewelry
I have always loved Christine's jewelry and was thrilled to see her article here. I love the candidness and honesty- thanks Christine!
JAdamsDesigns
It's always so inspiring to read these! Good Job Christine!
michon
beautiful work, great interview, I am inspired to work on my shop now!
jessiemccann
Morado
novadesigns
so inspiring!!! Reading this makes me hopeful of the future.. One day I will be able to do this full time too!
montanalily
Wow! Beautiful big workspace!
Thanks Christine, very inspiring. Congratulations!
PhineasandLou
GeorginaKay
gilstrapdesigns
Wow this was really a good article and you have such beautiful jewerly. As always these articles are always inspiring to me.
ModernMetalJewelry
PhotosbyKymm
Really beautiful jewlery...Loved your story form childhood. Thank you-
FrenchieStiles
Centelleo
What an inspiring read! Thank you so much for sharing this great interview.
jorgensenstudio
hazelnutcottage
oh. this is perhaps, my dream. i feel that terrible angst about going back to 'work' too...what IS that? anyhoo, congrats on your success!
:) jan
hazlenut cottage
busterandboo
gnormyle
I am very inspired by what I have read. I have been in business for myself before and it takes a lot of work. I am so grateful to have found Etsy because now I can do what I love to do all of the time. Blessings to all Etsians from Glenna at Glenna's Garden www.gnormyle.etsy.com
lumafina
Very inspiring for those of us about ready to take the plunge! Gorgeous work. Thanks!
BretPendlebury
DiAnZoMe
Wonderful article! What a great inspiration for me. Beautiful jewelery!
cjswoodlandshed
Azoho
Fantastic interview and beautiful work. And I'm not sure I've ever seen such a clean bench! I can only imagine that it only looked that that for the photo- LOL. Cool red chair! It's amazing what one can do once she makes up her mind to do it.
theglasschef
oui2reveille
Wow, I am so excited to "do more" and "give more".!
Thank you.
traceygarciadesigns
Great article! I love reading about all the success people have achieved on Etsy. Hopefully, that will be me one day! You have beautiful things, and I wish you continued success! Thanks for the peek into your world.
sakizome
bijougirldesigns
Fantastic story! I love seeing into people's lives. Especially people on my Etsy team! Woo Hoo!
OriginalHardware
BloomStudios
Thank you so much everyone!!! Your comments truly mean so much to me. By the way...my bench is rarely that clean and I didn't show you the pile of tools on the floor. :)
VirginiaGeigerJewels
I have admired your work for some time! Thanks for the tips and for the little peek into your studio!
I just reorganized my jewelry work area. It has taken me three whole days...now if I can only keep it that way! I enjoyed the article!!
thejewelgarden
andfoundfurnishings
What an inspiring read! Thank you for sharing. I very much related with your comment on your "loss of identity". I am at a career crossroads in my life right now and your words have given me hope. Best of luck....
slumptown
Great article, Very inspiring. Thanks for a look into your life and beautiful work.
claudiabdesigns
What a totally inspiring and uplifting article...thanks and good luck Christine.
ROandKO
Thanks so much for sharing your story----very inspiring. I love your jewelry.
cthings
Congratulations! Very inspiring article! Glad to have read about you and really love your work!
JewelrySuppliesEtc
This is such an inspirational article. Congradulations and great work!
blithegardens
It is really exciting to see someone succeed at their dream. I think also being successful with higher price points is interesting to see. I love your jewelry!
AnLieDesigns
Beautiful items and very inspirational article. Congratulations on your success!!!
jmliss
What an inspiration!! Your story brought tears to my eyes & joy my heart. The path to my has been etched deeper thanks to you sharing your story of success!! Hip hip hooray for following one's dreams!!
clemroquigny
LavenderField
Wow! Really really inspiring story! And your items are exceptional! Congratulations!
bibflamingo
What high quality work, such lovely jewellery. I'm sure we all enjoy these inspiring success stories. Congratulations!
Helisek
Ooooooh, great inspiring story and your work is exceptional and high quality... Congratulations to living your dream...Hope I´ll manage it as well :).
katiaherrera
Beautiful items and very interesting article, Love your work!
sandali
Amazing article -- love to hear other's stories in regards to their lifestyle & creative processes -- Happy days ;)
photoworksbydawn
Very inspiring! It is so great to read about someone who has made their passion a success.
Navare
An inspiring article that I really needed to read. Thanks for getting me through another slow week!
caoimhamarie
lilliebowen
What a wonderful success story ~ thank you so much for sharing what you've learned along the way! I would love to know how you learned to take your great photos as I agree it's essential to have great photos!
Gwendolynsdesign
Wonderful... someday (soon) I hope to be one of the many self-supporting ETSYens. Schedual, schedual schedual as a pt worker & ft mom I always find somthing poping up and interupting my (home work) schedual! Deffinetly working on the photo aspect... learning!
Great stuff!!!
CrystalGoddessLisa
Congratulations! Your work is awesome and your story is sooo inspiring, especially to those of us who are just starting out. It would be cool to see more articles inside the studios of successfully artists. Getting the inside glimpse creates an amazing connection.
Shroompiloop
Cristine thanx for giving us a glimpse of your lifestyle !! Ypur shop is awesome -- keep up the excellent work -- you will only know progress ;)
LoriMarie
Wonderful..Thank you for all your insights into a running a creative business!
rawbeauty
papermichelle
LetaMarieDesigns
I hope to be where you are someday. Thanks for sharing your story. Its an inspiration to me.
circlesareforever
I want a wedding ring from you, I love the simplicity.
redorangelife
HibouCards
This is so uplifting! Just what I needed to hear to have my confidence back. Thank you so much Etsy for your interviews :)
youworthit
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Good works! I will work hard to make my dream come true.
preciousgemgarden
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. It's so encouraging to hear these success stories as there are so many nay-sayers out there just waiting to crush my dreams. Your story brought me hope again!
Jenifersfamilyjewels
Wonderful, inspirational story!! Thank you marymary for sharing with us!!
debhillart
AnnaKayCreations
urbanbead
BloomStudios, best of luck and you make such beautiful pieces! I love reading these stories! Keep them coming!
PeekoApparel
Very inspiring! Its a relief to hear from people that have been down numerous paths to find a successor. Congratulations on your success!
artnestshop
masonke
Thanks for sharing your story. I'm exited to hear that somebody else with children is making this work!
monamiga
I was just getting ready to convo you when I saw the article link. How great to read all the details! i just wanted you to know that I love my ruby ring so much, I have been wearing it instead of my wedding ring! It is so simple and perfect for me! Thanks again! ami
simplymega
well said, well written, well done.
It's nice to be reminded to focus and set goals and to realize that doing so leads to results.
JilliansGarden
Thanks for sharing this great article. I will certainly re read it more than a few times...the light box is awesome!!
giftsforkids
Congratulations on your success! Thank you for taking time to share your thougts and experience.
SiBonCreations
I love to hear success stories and am now inspired to work on my photography. Still waiting for our first sale, gotta try something!
blondiemom11
jennifermagnesi
Great article. Congrats on all of your success! Your work is amazing!
ktbicklebee
great info! i always love to read about the different expiriences. It certainly drives me to keep my eye on the ball :)
i wish you continued sucess bloom studios!
k t bicklebee
scrapbookcompleted
Fantastic article! You're very inspiring! Love your jewelry! Thanks for the motivation! I just talked to a friend who suggested that I really make a valiant effort to leave the corporate world and be my own boss. That's what I'm hoping to do with my crafts. Better get a move on! I have lots of work to do and goals to set!
wisteriaprints
Thanks for this article, it's really helpful. I think I have some things I need to change! Thanks a ton for the info!
TenDigitCreations
Thanks for sharing! Learned some new tips and will incorporate them into our shop.
BGBJewelry
Again, another fabulous story! thank you for sharing, and best of luck!
ZebraLilly
hipclothing
Thanks for the great information and encouragement Christine.
AzitasSurprises
DeannasTreasures
JuviCouture
Inspiring story! Congratulations! Thanks for some excellent tips! Your jewellery is gorgeous
barralidesigns
GlassyChix
I love your work. I am very inspired by this article. I am a working mother looking to do what I love full time. I also took a metalsmithing class and make and sell my jewelry part time. Its hard to balance work, family, and a hobby/side-business.
andtherainfell
I aspire to quit my day job and be a etsy seller full time! these stories are great inspirations!
Previous Page
cute picks:)
by IceCreamCandy
on Etsy Finds: Makin' A...
I just added it, and it was really easy. :) ...
by PainkillerStudios
on Seller How-To: Plug...
Great ideas! I'm updating my tags right now and also ...
by SaddleStitchStudio
on Holiday Tips for Sel...
Great ideas, thanks for sharing!
by kiki36890
on Holiday Tips for Sel...
nike shoes
by kiki36890
on Holiday Tips for Sel...
http://www.brandmavin.com
by kiki36890
on Holiday Tips for Sel...
Are you make you more fashion? Are you looking for ...
by kiki36890
on Quit Your Day Job: D...