Etsy's Handmade Blog
Quit Your Day Job: DolorisPetunia
Story by marymary
Published on September 14, 2009 in Spotlight 		Photo by

DolorisPetunia

Courtney of DolorisPetunia has a unique version of the quit your day job story. You see, Courtney was able to successfully quit her day job in the corporate design world to sell her artistic jewelry pieces on the streets of New York before she ever heard of Etsy. After gaining a small following in the city, she and her boyfriend decided to move to Los Angeles. However, Courtney found it difficult to survive in the LA scene like she had in New York and almost gave up. If not for a chance encounter with Etsy, she might not be telling this story today. Courtney's success on Etsy has allowed her to make more contacts and accounts than she ever had before and opened up doors that might not have been possible without the success of her online presence. Keep reading to find out how Courtney uses Etsy to support herself and get a glimpse into some of her best tips for marketing effectively on Etsy.

How did you originally get into the business of making things?
Although I have been making things my entire life, I will have officially been in business for about a year this coming winter. I started making accessories for myself when I was unable to find in stores what was in my mind. When my friends saw what I was making, they started asking me to make things for them too. That then turned into their friends making requests and then their friends' friends. Finally, with the help of a good friend, I decided to quit my job and go stand out on the streets in New York City's Soho and West Village neighborhoods with a card table full of handmade accessories and a warm winter coat. I would create my items Monday through Thursday each week and sell all day on the streets Friday through Sunday. In the spring of 2009 I officially created Doloris Petunia LLC, which I named after my 8-year-old Maltese, Lolita.

After a few months, I was starting to develop a small NYC following, but my boyfriend and I decided to move to Los Angeles. After being in NYC for 13 years, I had no idea how to market myself in LA. I was just about to give up and go back into the corporate design world, but I found Etsy.
 
When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
Etsy saved my design life and turned my hobbies into a career. I can't say that my relative success is the typical quit your day job story, because I looked at it more as a sink or swim situation. My goal was not to get a corporate job in LA. Beyond that, the economy had taken a major downturn and I didn't know the first thing about how to go about creating job opportunities for myself in LA. I then began researching online marketplaces, and I turned exclusively to Etsy to help me create a market for my brand. Within a few weeks, I had the site and the nuances more or less figured out and began to be able to support myself solely based on the sales and contacts I was making through Etsy. I have never used any sort of PR, nor do I have any connections, yet through Etsy and my own passion for design, I have been connected to a few major retail stores, hundreds of brides, and thousands of wonderful prospective clients, who like myself had a vision of what they wanted to buy, yet were unable to find it elsewhere.

I was surprised by several things about Etsy: first, how quickly Etsy worked. I was also pleasantly surprised how quickly I was able to establish a base for myself within Etsy. Etsy allowed me to be able to consistently get out as much as I was putting into my online shop and my budding design studio, Doloris Petunia.
 

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time, feel free to give us the nitty gritty business details?
No, I leapt before I looked. This could have been quite a sad story if not for Etsy.
 
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
I think what really helped me at first was buying Showcases as often as I could afford. This is a great way to get your products seen. You can be selling the best and neatest things on the web, but if they are not seen they will not sell.

I also think you need to update your shop as often as you can, thus getting your items in the "just listed" categories so buyers remain interested in your shop. It also goes without saying that you need to have the best possible photos of your items. I have found the key to getting selected for the Treasury, which is a great way to make the homepage, is to have beautiful and interesting photographs. I am not at the point where I can hire a professional photographer and/or model. Instead, I use my own digital camera, find the spot in my house with the best lighting, have the help of a good and very beautiful friend (who used to model and now accepts lunch as a form of payment), and try to create the best shots I can. At each photo shoot, I learn what works and what doesn't. One day I hope I will be able to leave all that stuff up to the professionals, but I am learning so much about my products and how best to feature them by being the stylist, photographer, make up artist, and designer all at the same time.

I also think it is important to really look around Etsy and support other artists and designers. I "heart" sellers who I think are doing a great job and will write sellers whose Treasuries I think are great. Why not be on the radar of people who are doing great work? Especially in the Treasury department!
 
Overall, I think the real key to Etsy is getting seen by as many people as possible and using the many free ways to do so. The easiest way to do this is to take time and really browse the site. Take the time to see who is doing what and interact with those sellers when their work has moved you. Nothing is better than receiving a note from someone saying that they admire what you do.
 
What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
I can't say I love Twitter. Maybe I just don't understand it yet.

I have really been pleased with how Etsy now links to Facebook.  Beyond Etsy, I have found Facebook to be one of the best free selling tools out there. I tend to feature my full collection and past collections on Facebook (add Doloris Petunia as a friend or become a fan!). This is an easy way for friends to share you as a designer with their friends. I will advertise my Etsy success in my Facebook status and use it to let my friends and clients know when I am having trunk shows or being featured elsewhere.

Walk us through your typical workday.

  • I wake up and answer email requests and do all administrative stuff.
  • Then I either go out and shop for supplies or I start working on orders. I try to create something that I am inspired by once a day, meaning beyond filling orders.
  • I make sure to take some design time and experiment with a new idea each day. I use this sort of as my design recess, giving my mind a bit of a break from the pressure of making things for other people. Nine times out of ten this new creation ends up being listed in my shop, but I like to give myself the opportunity each day to remember what it is I love about what I do, which is creatively making something I would want and can't seem to find elsewhere.
  • I usually go to the post office at the end of the day and then come home and finish a few more orders before or after dinner.
  • I tend to work 7 days a week, but need to take creative breaks every 10 days or so, when I make sure not to go in my office at all. This break gives my head, eyes, and hands time to rest. I find that I do not work well when I am not excited about what I am doing, and whenever I get overwhelmed I know that a few days away from my company will be all I need to get passionate about creating again.

 
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
I love the "no degrees of separation" contact with my clients, meaning that I know my clients are buying something I have lovingly made with my hands for their wedding day, or a big party, or just to go to the movies. I love knowing that I am listening directly to what they want, working with them closely, and helping them have something that makes them feel more beautiful. It is an especially huge honor for me to work with brides. Helping women to create the perfect look for THEIR day is something I take very seriously. 
 
I also love being able to make my own schedule and working in a way and on a timetable that is best for my constitution, not someone else's.

What I miss is the safety in a "day job." It can be scary to know that I have created something where if I stopped doing all that I do, it would cease to exist. I guess it is the same with anything in life, in that whatever you "put in" is what you hopefully "get out." Not having a day job makes this feel even more true and it can be scary. I think it is the difference between playing on a team and being an individual athlete, and occasionally I wish that I had someone to pass the ball to.
 
What's the hardest part about running your own business?
Having only two hands. I am actually in the process of looking for an intern.
 

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?
What advice would I have given myself? Trust myself sooner. Do what I have done sooner. It's hard to believe anyone would want to buy something you have made in half the time. I wish that I would have listened to others and trusted in my ability. Without the organization of Etsy I don't think I would have had the discipline, ability to develop a reputation, or the financial means to do so.

What would I say to others? Well, oddly enough, I get emails a lot on Facebook and Etsy asking for advice about how I got started doing what I do and if they to should just trust their gut and take the leap. I guess as cliche as it is, I would say that life is too short to not do what you love. Doloris Petunia is as much of a full-time job as I have ever had; in fact, it is even more so. It is what I eat, breathe and sleep. It is my obsession and it is fun. That is what I want my life to be about: creating beautiful things that others, including myself, can enjoy. This never feels like a job: instead it is my life.

What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
I would love to have 10,000 hearts.
 
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Here is a blog that just did a nice little posting on my company and my inspirations. One thing I make sure to do every day is Google my company's name (you can also set Google up to email you updates automatically). This is a great way to see who is saying what about you. It is amazing how many blogs are out there that could be writing about your work and you don't even know it. I love to contact the blogs and thank them for their support. I will also usually offer 10% off orders to their readers if they mention their blog when ordering from my Etsy page.

Thank you for your time in reading this. Please add Doloris Petunia as a Facebook friend to see my full collection, my designs that were worn on the red carpet of the Emmys, as well as the skating dress I recently designed for Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan. You can also add Doloris Petunia on Twitter — and maybe show me that it is a great promotional tool after all!

Thanks to Courtney for sharing her story. Have your own questions to ask? Come on by and chat with her Wednesday, September 16 at 5 p.m. ET in Etsy's Virtual Labs. 

You can see some of Courtney's beautiful work in the Related Items. Check out previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.

Tags Accessories, dolorispetunia, full-time, Jewelry, LA, Los Angeles, New York, Quit Your Day Job, sellers, selling, Spotlight, SPOTLIGHT, workflow, working
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223 comments     Login to add your own!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 4:39 p.m. TapestryHandbags

Congratulations on your success! Your items are beautiful! I will definitely look for you on FB and Twitter!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 4:42 p.m. AmandaSainsbury

Gorgeous pieces!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 4:42 p.m. jewelrybyjackie

How wonderful! Congrats, Congrats!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 4:43 p.m. QuiltFinger

Congrats! This is a wonderful success story! I love how she started selling on the streets! Very inspiring!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 4:46 p.m. silken

Wonderful, and what a lovely shop :D

Sept. 14, 2009 at 4:49 p.m. JeweledAmbrosia

lovely pieces! I can see why she has been successful

Sept. 14, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. JustJaynes

Great article and fantastic shop!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. sonyarasi

What an inspirational story!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 4:56 p.m. Gosia

Great story and awesome items!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:02 p.m. RUBYrecycled

wow! amazing items...I'll definitely be one to help you on your way to 10000 hearts ;) off to add to favourites now!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:05 p.m. MeowBarkArt

What intricate & beautiful items... I appreciate your kindness in mentioning the support of other artists and designers on etsy. I had my first sale today & the buyer was so kind & encouraging. Best wishes for you!!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. PhineasandLou

Amazing work! Thank you for sharing your story :)

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. VintageEye

Lovely story! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Continued success!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. tinybirdarts

I have loved your work since you've been on Etsy...very nice to see your success!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. HarrietsHaven

Congratulations! I love to read the Quit Your Day Job stories each week. Fascinating story!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:15 p.m. ToadLillie

You were one of my early faves here! So happy for your success. Best of luck!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:23 p.m. ZooplesAndCo

Love your work! Absolutely Beautiful!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:25 p.m. PookieandPierre

Congratulations! You have such gorgeous pieces. I wish you continued success!!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. AriesRoad

Holy beautifulness! I wish you continued success!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:34 p.m. ThePaperTray

Beautiful work! thank you for sharing your success story!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:36 p.m. SweetHaileyGrace

LOVE your work! Thank you for the inspiration!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:39 p.m. paramountvintage

absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:43 p.m. TessaKim

love your work!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:44 p.m. imfromthewoods

just amazing work! loving the big bib'ness of your necklaces

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:49 p.m. mythunderstood

Thanks for the great story!

Best wishes to you!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:52 p.m. adoseofjen

what a great story :)

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:52 p.m. PoshDots

wtg!! Best of luck to you. Your pieces are amazing!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:55 p.m. HoneyThistle

I really love the part where you talked about being passionate about what you do :) for me, that is probably even more important than financial success on etsy. Congrats, and rock on!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 5:58 p.m. ufer

Congratulations! I really admire your story. I love the way you say QUIT YOUR DAY JOB. I didn't quit mine got laid off. But, I am happy. This way like you say (there is more time then ever) I hope you have the best in your life and to continue your success!
Bless you

Sept. 14, 2009 at 6:09 p.m. DolorisPetunia

Thank you everyone so much! Means soooooo sooooo much to me!

In celebration of all this - if anyone wants to place any orders for the next 48 hours- please email me and mention this and I will wave the shipping fees. Thank you all so much!

XO

Courtney @ Doloris Petunia

Sept. 14, 2009 at 6:11 p.m. juicychristians

How absolutely wonderful!!!!! Congrats Girl!!!! This is an awesome story!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 6:12 p.m. blueskyclouds

So talented, such beautiful, artistic pieces. Congratulations to you!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 6:14 p.m. spacejam

gorgeous pieces!! and as always great article

Sept. 14, 2009 at 6:17 p.m. haveyourcake2

Congratulations! I love hearing succcess stories;)
Wishing you continued prosperity and abundance!
Maura

Sept. 14, 2009 at 6:21 p.m. bylynnkrestel

DolorisPetunia, thank you for sharing and inspiring!
your work is so unique and beautiful!!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 6:27 p.m. ChloesRuffleButt

Beautiful work! Congratulations on all your success!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 6:27 p.m. apiecebydenise

Congrats! Great story and so glad for the happy ending :o)

Sept. 14, 2009 at 6:27 p.m. LillipilliDesigns

GORgeous pieces and a truly inspirational story. Thanks Courtney, and congrats!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 6:31 p.m. lovelygifts

Congratulations on your success! Beautiful pieces.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 6:39 p.m. recycledwares

Beautiful work. I love how you cluster the jewels together and create such lovely pieces.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 6:40 p.m. EJPcreations

An amazing interview!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 6:40 p.m. wingflash

it's nice to see a shop with a wide price range doing well--gives me hope!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 6:49 p.m. ruthnore

Wow what an inspiration! Thanks so much for sharing!!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 6:55 p.m. pinkytoeclothing

So inspiring as always! And such beautiful pieces, wow!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:03 p.m. amyhatch

wonderful, inspiring article, thanks!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:08 p.m. VixVintage

So pretty, you deserve good fortune! Thanks for sharing.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:11 p.m. elizandaxel

Fantastic article!! Congratulations on all your success Courtney. :) Your work is absolutely stunning!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:11 p.m. PurplePlatypus

Fabulous work! Great article. Thanks for sharing your info with us.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:12 p.m. IMHDesigns

Great inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:13 p.m. michon

Beautiful work & congratulations!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:13 p.m. BellaLili

i love reading these articles! I also really admire this artist bold style and use of color. She has a great eye.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:17 p.m. bobnstitch

fabulous!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:24 p.m. burntmill

I also love reading these the most
wish there were even more :)

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:25 p.m. Esma

"This never feels like a job: instead it is my life" - LOVE this... it's what I'm striving for!

I really enjoyed reading your story. You are inspiring! Even though I'm down to part time at my 'other' job, I'm so eager to take the leap into jewelry full-time. It is scary letting go of that safety net, though!

Oh, and your work is GORGEOUS!!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:31 p.m. belovedbaglady

She deserves all the success coming her way! Fabulous designs!!! I love the vintage feel of her pieces. Old Hollywood glamour!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:32 p.m. monkeyandsquirrel

congrats congrats! such beautiful work... you can tell you really love what you do!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:40 p.m. autumnsanticsstore

Congratulations on your success! Your pieces are gorgeous, and I'm glad that you're able to do what you love every day!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:44 p.m. SimpleTraditions

Wow!!! Beautiful works of art!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:51 p.m. PeaceImages

Wonderful!!!! And Twitter is a great tool for getting views on the new things you post. But if you are featured on the front page as often as you are, I can't imagine why you would need Twitter.. front page is all the exposure you need.

May I ask what was so tough about making the transition from NY to LA? I am moving back home to Cali from the east, and I found that very interesting.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:52 p.m. girltuesdayjewelry

Great story and beautiful creations! Wishing you continued success!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:54 p.m. tidalliving

Thanks again for your insights! You are so generous and kind... no wonder you're such a success. Cheers to you Courtney! BIG HUGS.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:56 p.m. graciemay

I had the thought when making things this weekend that it felt indulgent and so little like work- maybe I need bigger dreams!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 7:58 p.m. misspixieporter

WOO HOO Courtney- lovely story - you are creating some beauties...I wish you continued success!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 8:07 p.m. NostalgicCollections

Congrats! Dreaming this dream, too!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 8:07 p.m. vivikas

wow, what a cool article, and her pieces are just so gorgeous!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 8:08 p.m. mazzoni

Thanks for sharing your story...I enjoyed it! wishes for continued success.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 8:11 p.m. HibouCards

Congrats on your success! What especially rings true to me is when you say that what you do is your life and your obsession and that you love it. I feel the same way. It can be scary at times to take that leap of faith but like you said life is too short!
thanks again for being an inspiration to me and so many other people!
Hibou

Sept. 14, 2009 at 8:12 p.m. HibouCards

I forgot to say that I find your pieces really beautiful and unusual, great work!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 8:13 p.m. Berlinski

Lovely, lovely pieces!! Congratulations!! Very inspiring story!!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 8:17 p.m. philosophi

Your pieces would look just as beautiful on a gallery wall. Your honesty reads endearing - I'm very inspired.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 8:32 p.m. worksandfinds

Congratulations. I just love your story. Very inspirational.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 8:41 p.m. bhangtiez

So amazing, WOW! Keep up the amazing-ness!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 8:49 p.m. SabineTangerine

Great, unique, fun and beautiful pieces! I love what you're making (a few of the pieces really make me smile!) and your story is inspiring. Probably once, no two or three times a week (at least), I ask myself if all this obsession with what I do is a good thing... It's stories like yours that keep me grounded and encouraged. So, GOOD for you and thanks!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 8:53 p.m. nuevodesigns

Congrats and lovely work. I feel inspired. I just posted my first few items on Esty so I am hopeful :-)

Sept. 14, 2009 at 8:58 p.m. chewiemonster

great story and beautiful bold jewelry! Very unique!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 9:08 p.m. kimberlee881

I'll see you on twitter congrats!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 9:09 p.m. VintageJamie

Wonderful story! Thank you for this good article.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 9:18 p.m. auryndesign

Beautiful work!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 9:20 p.m. ArtDecoDame

such a pretty shop!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 9:22 p.m. annashoub

These are the best articles. Beautiful work and a great story.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 9:22 p.m. SusanKJewelry

really great story. Thanks for sharing.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 9:33 p.m. jpstyle

Your work is beautiful and so inspirational! Great story!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 9:40 p.m. japonicas

Gorgeous work and great interview! Very inspirational :)

Sept. 14, 2009 at 9:51 p.m. objectivejewellery

Congratulations on your success. Wonderful story with lots of great ideas.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 9:59 p.m. Joanna1966

What a great inspiration !!!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 10:05 p.m. RosesDesigns

Congratulations! You have inspired me and given me the push to believe in myself.. Thank you!
RosesDesigns

Sept. 14, 2009 at 10:10 p.m. Vonwilson

Your "Spotlight" is awesome and was very helpful! I've been thinking about opening a shop on Etsy. I'm on "Twitter" and I will follow you as well as make you one of my favorites...your stuff ROCKS!!!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 10:12 p.m. retrothreadz

Lovely ideas, but I can't afford to quit my day job of 17 years... Even said, with having almost 300 items in my shop. I work outside the home full time just as much on my Etsy shop full time.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 10:23 p.m. slidesideways

Love your work it's beautiful.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 10:23 p.m. Beadymonkey

Gorgeous! This is the epitome of the word "Jewel-ry" again... Gorgeous!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 10:31 p.m. littleyellowyarrow

Thank you DelorisPetunia - great interview and what beautiful art you create.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 10:49 p.m. LeelaBijou

How wonderful interview! Really inspiring!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 10:51 p.m. Furiousdreams

I'm so glad to see that you don't undervalue your talent. By that I mean your pricing is affordable, yet strong. Brava for the beautiful works!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 10:51 p.m. HabitJewelryDesign

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing your story.

Sept. 14, 2009 at 11:06 p.m. Pinkdawn

So inspirational. Thanks for sharing with us your story, Your work is amazing

Sept. 14, 2009 at 11:23 p.m. lisaroy

Great article and such beautiful pieces!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 11:26 p.m. surfandsand

I'm SO happy to see your story here.I've been following your shop since I first found Etsy! You were one of my first 'favorites'.Well deserved "Quit Your Day Job" story.Congratulations!!!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 11:28 p.m. jenniferdarezzo

Gorgeous items and you definitly found a very chic niche!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 11:32 p.m. krixdesigns

Very interesting and inspiring! I enjoyed it very much :)

Sept. 14, 2009 at 11:33 p.m. MyMoms

Oh, how beautiful! Love the colors & the finds!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 11:40 p.m. theweddingcontessa

Your work is stunning! Love the fact that you have followed your dreams and been very successful! Continued good luck to you! Thanks for sharing your story!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 11:50 p.m. WoodPigeon

Great article, always inspiring to read!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 11:58 p.m. RomanceinSilverAH

Hi

Thanks that is very inspiring. I hope I can make my jewerly business into a day job too. Congradulations

Sept. 15, 2009 at 12:12 a.m. ShellyFrancesMakeup

Amazing beautiful!!!!!!
You are one my favorites sellers.Great talent.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 12:24 a.m. Vintagefix

Wpnderful article. Always inspiring.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 12:32 a.m. perebags

Wow!! What a fantastic story!!! Totally adding to favorites!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 12:41 a.m. jbeaudet

Great article with great advise! I'm ready to quit my day job now

Sept. 15, 2009 at 1:05 a.m. fivelittlegems

gorgeous stuff in your shop. i can see why you're so popular!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 1:13 a.m. dayslonggone

I love your work!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 1:22 a.m. bMichelleDesigns

I love everything I have seen! You have incredible talent, and as they say, better late than never to do what you love!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 1:48 a.m. AzitasSurprises

gorgeous pieces! i am going to visit your shop right now.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 1:58 a.m. 1shoegirl

I'm so excited for you! This is a great article.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 1:59 a.m. 1shoegirl

P/S Thanks again for my piece. I find myself wanting to reach for it everyday.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 2:21 a.m. odiliafu

Congrats!! Your work is very, very beautiful. Love them all!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 2:32 a.m. steinschmuckdesign

Wonderful interview,
thank you,
good luck for the future!!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 2:36 a.m. StonePaperMetal

Great story and beautiful pieces!!!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 2:48 a.m. CesaroDesigns

Congrats on your success and wonderful designs!!!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 2:53 a.m. lissilulu

what an amazingly real person that has a talent for originally beautiful jewelry!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 3:21 a.m. TheLoudLion

Lovely, lovely story and thanks for sharring! congratulations on your success, and thank you for the inspiration!
:)

Sept. 15, 2009 at 3:33 a.m. Stompz

Your story is such an inspiration.

My challenge is finding a focus...I get distracted so easily. As soon as I clear out my old inventory on Ebay...I hope to focus on more designing.

Thank you for sharing.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 3:35 a.m. fyf198

Your craft is very beautiful , very good . i think many people will like them in China .

Sept. 15, 2009 at 3:38 a.m. 1AEON

congrats!! always nice to hear!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 3:44 a.m. poesia

Congrats!!DolorisPetunia .I always love your shop,you are a great jewelry designer!!!thanks for share your story and experience:)

Sept. 15, 2009 at 3:57 a.m. amitiedesigns

Love your work..it's absolutely stunning.
Congrats on your success.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 4:19 a.m. evihan

wowww great jewels....and the story is just like mine:-)

Sept. 15, 2009 at 4:41 a.m. craftaria

What an inspiration! Love your work.
Somethings you've said really help me think about my own shop.
Thanks!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 4:41 a.m. ShesaGem

Wow Doloris Petunia you are a gem. Amazing work. Speechless...

Sept. 15, 2009 at 5:09 a.m. caoimhamarie

your pieces are absoloutely beautiful! so inspiring

Sept. 15, 2009 at 6:17 a.m. beachhouseblues

Love these stories.... so inspiring!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 6:23 a.m. QuiteContrary2

absolutely stunning designs!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 6:25 a.m. amberkane

Great designs, they look like so much wear. As you can see by my work I'm a big fan of unique accessories.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 7:27 a.m. prettybypistachio

Great Quit Your Day Job article! I absolutely love the designs! Simply beautiful!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 7:51 a.m. GeorginaKay

Congrats on quiting your day job, your story is very inspiring

Sept. 15, 2009 at 7:53 a.m. LadyLuLus

Very inspiring :)

Also very very lovely designs!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 7:59 a.m. MundoGitano787

Thanks for sharing this article, especially for first time sellers and conragts for your success!

Wonderful jewelry pieces!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 8:34 a.m. babook

Gorgeous store with the great experience !! Keep it the beauty inspiring every day : )Really joying to hear your story ....Thanks share ! http://www.babook.etsy.com/

Sept. 15, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. lavenderrabbit

Gorgeous pieces! Thanks for sharing your story.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. sparkleandflare

Great story!! Love all your items!!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 10:25 a.m. starvingartistbazaar

Love your work! Thanks for sharing!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. karuski

That's lovely! Congrats on your success, keep up the good work!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 10:44 a.m. HoneysuckleLane

Congratulations on your success!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. Morado

LOVE your work!!! Super cool...congrats!
http://twitter.com/MoradoShop
http://www.facebook.com/MoradoShop

Sept. 15, 2009 at 11:04 a.m. patkas

Love your jewelry and your story:)

Sept. 15, 2009 at 11:14 a.m. amoronia

Very inspiring! And I also love your jewelry!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 11:27 a.m. Studio410

Fantastic Story. I am so impressed that you just went out and started selling your stuff on the streets of New York. Your work is really original. Congratulations.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 11:35 a.m. EviesToolEmporium

Your jewelry is lovely and so unique! I wish you continued success!
Michelle-

Sept. 15, 2009 at 11:36 a.m. sandnsurfcreations

Thank you for the inspirational article. I am new to the etsy community and already feel a great boost personally, as well as professionally. Best of luck to your future! Congratulations!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. helenaemmans

well done, very inspiring!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. MeghanT

Great story! Your work is bold and breathtaking...just how I like jewellery. :) I am moved by your exquisite creations. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Your creations look like they're a lot of fun to wear. Congratulations on your success!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. outtahand

Good article, It helps because when you are new there are days you feel as though no one knows your work.

Thanks for the inspiration

Sept. 15, 2009 at 11:43 a.m. ialbert

Congratulations very inspring

Sept. 15, 2009 at 11:46 a.m. artsylois

Great story! Very inspiring! I hope to be able to do the same one day.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 11:47 a.m. AlaskanFibers

Your jewelry is amazing and so is your story. Congratulations on all of your success.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 11:52 a.m. Prissygirl64

So original and so beautiful! Great work.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 12:01 p.m. lilyja

Gorgeous pieces and a great article!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 1:01 p.m. thebestvintage

OK... I'm inspired!!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 1:04 p.m. poppyfox

Wow beautiful beautiful stuff.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 1:06 p.m. DalkullanJewelry

Congratulations on all your success! Thanks for the wonderful tips and advice!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. VintageZen

Congrats! Beautiful Creations!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 1:16 p.m. MsNovemberTuesday

Amazing! And a great reminder to myself to get a few of my photos redone, lol.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 1:47 p.m. thecluelesscrafter

So true that we need to believe in ourselves sooner.

What a super thought to google ourselves once a day. Perfect way to get the pulse.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 2:04 p.m. LizzyBdesigns

Wonderful Article!! Thank you!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 2:29 p.m. RussianDollDesigns

I love these necklaces!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 2:38 p.m. lampdesign

I would love to quit my day job too, great talent

Sept. 15, 2009 at 2:55 p.m. GRACEnDIGNITYColl

I saw her designs in Lucky magazine!! Great, amazing designs.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. MetroGypsy

I knew I had seen her before in NYC! Great article!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. 2TrickPony

i love these articles...never give up!
Truly enjoyed your story

Sept. 15, 2009 at 3:54 p.m. mrowe

Great article. You are living the dream. I can really relate to how the creativity flows and taking a break occassionally is a necessity. Thanks!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 4:29 p.m. UnderTheSunbyJan

I saw Oprah on Jay Leno last night she may have had one of your creations on, You think?

Sept. 15, 2009 at 4:51 p.m. limiboutique

I loved your interview in the article. You definitely inspire many designers in all crafts & your jewelry is unique and amazing! Your love & passion for your craft is admirable. Will find you on FB!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 5 p.m. BeadedJewelsbyTammy

Very inspiring!!! Thank you for sharing your story.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 5:05 p.m. PipocaHandmade

Beautiful shop! Thanks for sharing in this wonderful article!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. KalliopeJewelry

Wow, very beautiful, inspiring work! Thanks for your story, and best of luck for continued success!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 5:23 p.m. breadandroses

Congratulations! Love reading this feature. Always something new to learn.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 5:36 p.m. pascalepetit

Love it! I feel inspired!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 6:42 p.m. ArleenDesign

What a beautiful pieces. Thanks for sharing your story..that's amazing!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 7:36 p.m. paintnplace

Beautiful! Do you love LA??

Sept. 15, 2009 at 8:33 p.m. clubviv

Congrats! It's very inspiring.
Thanks for sharing your story with us.

http://www.clubviv.etsy.com

Sept. 15, 2009 at 9:09 p.m. LoveAtFirstBlush

What an inspiring story. Congratulations on your success!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 9:17 p.m. clothesmindedvintage

Thanks for the inspiration... Your pieces are gorgeous!!!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 10 p.m. SoothingCandleStore

Fabulous products & fabulous story. Thanks for the inspiration.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 10:16 p.m. cardinalhouse

Beautiful...was Anthropologie one of the retailers? Congrats!!!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 10:37 p.m. thisOtherthing

Oh, Yes!

Wonderful!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 11:10 p.m. MyMoms

These look magnificent! So surprising! thank you.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 11:48 p.m. Tina669

Great story and awesome items!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 11:53 p.m. thenucreative

Congratulations! Success inspires success...
I'm currently looking for savvy creatives who've successfully quit their day job to profile in my new book. More details @ http://bit.ly/gxgbB

xxx
Monique Van Dijk

Sept. 16, 2009 at 12:47 a.m. sevenwestdesigns

Great inspiration for all of us who are trying to sell our work and support our families, thank you

Sept. 16, 2009 at 3:31 a.m. twokidsstudio

wow! you have unique accessories! thank you for sharing your story.

Sept. 16, 2009 at 6:08 a.m. Maykela

Congratulations on your success!Very inspiring :)

Sept. 16, 2009 at 12:42 p.m. CavemanPottery

I loved reading your story and all of your jewelry is beautiful. I found your "honest and open" advise to be very helpful and inspirational. I wish you much continued success!

Sept. 16, 2009 at 1:25 p.m. ElegantRoseBoutique

Great article! Congratulations!

Sept. 16, 2009 at 1:54 p.m. sweetsmilesbaby

Beyond beautiful!! Great story.

Sept. 16, 2009 at 3:13 p.m. TKCT

Great story, I wish you much success.

Sept. 16, 2009 at 4:50 p.m. AubergineCat

Amazing and beautiful work! I definitely can identify with the feeling of knowing what you want or having an idea in your head, but not being able to find it!

Sept. 16, 2009 at 5:41 p.m. innerEYE

thank you for all your helpful comments. keep flying.

Sept. 16, 2009 at 5:58 p.m. greenpeadolls

love.

Sept. 16, 2009 at 6:45 p.m. jiltedjewels

Your work is beautiful and I loved reading your story. It was inspirational.
Thanks so much for sharing.

Sept. 16, 2009 at 11:25 p.m. maxandolivia

very pretty :)

Sept. 16, 2009 at 11:26 p.m. DowntownGirlDesigns

lovely :)

Sept. 17, 2009 at 5:09 a.m. multitasker1999

your story is very inspirational. thinking about taking a leapa and trusting myself. you gave a push

Sept. 17, 2009 at 7:06 p.m. onegarnetgirl

LOVE that you took the risk- and that we are lucky enough to see your work here on ETSY. Your work is outstanding, and soooooooo crave worthy!

Sept. 18, 2009 at 2:32 a.m. jenhough

I really enjoy how supportive this community is! I cant believe etsy wont run for public office.

Sept. 18, 2009 at 3:02 a.m. FabFindsVintage

It's great to see that someone is literally "Living" their "Passion"!!

Sept. 18, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. KarensRopeWork

Thanks for the inspiration. Fabulous work.

Sept. 18, 2009 at 1:36 p.m. wrapcycle

Extremely interesting story. I quit my job less than 2 months and couldn't be happier. I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't quite "get" Twitter. I'm tweeting but not exactly sure why...

Sept. 19, 2009 at 3:18 a.m. artsylovebug

Simply Beautiful!

Sept. 19, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. thefrenchfleashop

Love your jewelry! Thanks for the good advice on starting out on Etsy.

Sept. 19, 2009 at 6:18 p.m. HandMadeBling

So inspiring, I am basically doing the same aside from a small part time job that only pays my daughters tuition, otherwise I am selling my jewelry creations on etsy and through word of mouth and things are just starting to take off.

Sept. 20, 2009 at 11:59 a.m. risabeads

Thanks for sharing such an inspiring story. Courtney, your jewelry is beautiful. It's refreshing to see something so different and to hear about someone who is doing what she loves.

Sept. 23, 2009 at 4:21 p.m. lovinglymadecards

I love your pieces and what an inspiring story. Very unique; wish you much success in your craft.

Sept. 27, 2009 at 5:20 p.m. KJoannRussell

Inspiring story. Thanks, I admire your gutsyness. Don't know if that is a bonafide word, but you get the idea.

Sept. 27, 2009 at 7:51 p.m. TuscanBlooms

WOW I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BEAUTIFUL WORK~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NYC vendors rock.... I'm glad you're doing so well!!!!!!!!

Sept. 28, 2009 at 5:32 a.m. SepiaSmiles

I genuinely love your stuff and congratulations on doing what you love full time!

Oct. 2, 2009 at 2:49 p.m. knowingphotography

wow...thanks for sharing :)

Oct. 5, 2009 at 8:23 a.m. berthadiy

great!!!!!! study

Oct. 6, 2009 at 3:08 p.m. Dalina

wow...amazing

Oct. 9, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. Bluebrooch

Stunning stunning pieces!!

Oct. 18, 2009 at 12:41 p.m. 310jewelry

Lucky talented Girl!!!

Oct. 25, 2009 at 1:01 a.m. MalloryMaeDesigns

Very creative and unique pieces. Continued success!

Nov. 8, 2009 at 11:26 p.m. found300

Congratulations wonderful pieces.

Nov. 10, 2009 at 10:58 p.m. laura1953

A main stumbling block for me is health/dental insurance. If I quit my day job, it will become a significant monthly expense. (As is the case for many others in my position!)
Do you know of any insurance companies that cater to small business owners or craftspeople/artists? Your input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, and best of success and happiness in your work!
Laura

Nov. 11, 2009 at 5:37 p.m. r2swanger

Your jewelry is fabulous! I live in the middle of a cow field and going to town means donning a clean t-shirt, but if I lived where I could wear it, I would own every one of your pieces!

Ruth Ann

Nov. 19, 2009 at 11:41 p.m. GIMANA

Great pieces! I think I love your story the most, but your jewelry is worthy of celebrity status. Hey, do you think metropolitan areas will start like a "metropolitan walk of fame" for jewelers? You would be one of them.

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