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Quit Your Day Job: elizandaxel


Story by marymary Published on June 22, 2009 in Spotlight	Photo by elizandaxel

Eliza has been running her Etsy shop, elizandaxel, for just under a year and has already seen enough success to call it her full-time gig. She's been designing, making, and embellishing clothing since she was a wee ice skater. Since then she earned her BFA in Fashion Design and worked in the New York City fashion industry for a host of designers. It wasn't until she was let go from her previous corporate setting that Eliza set the goal to make a go of it on her own. She's hit a few bumps along the road, but she has some incredible advice from her own learning experience for those of you thinking about taking the plunge.

How did you originally get into the business of making things?
My mother was always making clothing for my sisters and I, but I didn’t become interested in fashion or sewing until I began designing and beading my own figure skating dresses. I had skated throughout elementary school and began competing a few years later, but dresses were expensive so I learned to do all the beading myself. (I’m convinced this is where my love for hand work and embellishing originates.)

After skating I went on to study and graduate with a BFA in Fashion Design from Stephens College. I completed several internships in NYC, one with designer Elie Tahari and another with the New York City Ballet Costume Shop. It was a year later at my then current job that I began noticing the huge amounts of usable fabric ending up in landfills. At that job we tossed several thousand pounds of textiles out each year. I wanted to develop a way to turn that waste into lovely and usable objects to wear, and so Eliza + Axel was born. Currently I use reclaimed fabrics as the trims (textured flowers, appliquéd circles, etc…) on my tees and dresses, but eventually I would like my garments to be made completely of reclaimed fabrics.

When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
Absolutely. I started work as an Assistant Designer with a large, southern-based retailer after school, but I discovered very quickly that corporate life wasn't something I wanted to pursue. I started researching other options and found Etsy. Eliza + Axel came into creation about a year later, and not even a week after I posted my first tees I was laid off, along with 600 others from my company. The transition from full-time corporate life to working for myself was both exciting and incredibly stressful, but in the end the lay-off was truly a blessing in disguise: I am so much happier now!

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?
I wasn’t at all prepared when the first orders started pouring in. Before I was laid off I had registered my company name and got a tax ID number, but that was it. A few things happened that I hadn’t anticipated, and as a result I’m now scrambling to figure out all of the tax and additional licenses/registrations I need. I do not recommend doing it this way; it’s a huge headache and results in a lot of additional fees and possible fines.

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
Not a single day goes by that I don't do something to promote Eliza + Axel. I am constantly passing out cards and networking in person and via blogs, forums and social networking sites. Also, I always keep an eye on the Treasury and renew my postings a few minutes before it goes below 333; that way all of my listings are towards the top of searches and there’s a higher chance I’ll have items featured in Treasuries and on the front page.

What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
Paid advertising rarely works for me.

Walk us through your typical workday.

Wake up around 8; walk and feed my puppy, Axel.
I check my shop and relist anything that sold the night before. If I haven’t had any orders I renew a few of my bestsellers.
Print up shipping labels and pack/ship all tees to go out that day.
Begin cutting petals; once I have enough I sew them together in separate strands per color.
Lunchtime! I take a 30 minute break to eat and walk Axel.
The afternoon is spent pinning and hand sewing petals to the tees.
Yoga at 5:30, followed by a quick dinner and more sewing.
I usually crawl into bed around 12 or 1 a.m. after more sewing and petal making.

What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
I love that I can do whatever I want, dress however I want and work as much or as little as I want. It’s a great life! The only thing I really miss is the social aspect of a normal "day job." Even though socializing was frowned upon at my previous job, it was nice knowing I at least had the opportunity to do so on a day-to-day basis; I miss that a lot.

What's the hardest part about running your own business?
Time management and the long hours. There are some days I only get 4-5 hours of sleep and it’s hard not having true weekends anymore. But it’s completely worth it; I wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?

Plan everything in advance. Start small and always, always write down what you want/need to accomplish each day, week, month and year.
Start small. I’ve always intended on expanding Eliza + Axel to include dresses, sweaters, accessories, etc… but I started with tees because they were affordable and accessible to the everyday person. In addition, they were also less expensive to produce and required less labor, keeping the costs down and making them available to a larger audience. Starting small allowed me to gradually grow as I could afford it and it left me debt and stress free.
Find an appropriate niche. Do your homework! When doing my initial research I only found two Etsy shops specializing in embellished tees and each had great sales, so it seemed like a sure bet. If there had been more than ten shops I would have reconsidered my plan. Thriving in a category that already has a lot of sellers is completely possible, but you need to work at establishing a unique identity for your shop and giving your customer a reason to buy from you and not someone else.
Create what you love (but remember: what you love may not sell). A fantastic product WILL sell, regardless of whether you love it or not; my least favorite tee is one of my bestsellers. Regardless of how well you know your customers, you never know how they’ll react to a new style, so try everything. If it doesn’t sell you can always unlist it and try something else. Once you’ve found what works for you, run with it. Create additional styles and products based on that bestseller. For example, I took my Flora Tee and created a tank, babydoll and dress based on the same concept.
The customer is always right. Be good to your customers. Really, really good. Assuming that your product is fantastic, treating your customers extra well, with respect, appreciation, honesty, and generosity, will make them happy to come back to your shop over and over again.
People are going to knock you off. Since fashion is clothing and legally considered a “useful article,” it is not eligible for copyright protection. If you have a bestseller you can count on it being knocked off at some point, so don’t let it bother you.

What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
Still sewing and loving it. I would love to expand Eliza + Axel to include clothing, accessories and home objects, but it will always be a small/local company. I am looking forward to my first holiday season, and I am already hard at work creating additional stock of my current styles and designing my new fall collection. I’ll be including a brand new line of reclaimed cashmere and fur tops and dresses for fall, as well as embellished shoes and hats.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Without Etsy I don't know where or what I'd be doing right now, but I know it wouldn't be nearly as wonderful/fulfilling as creating and selling my garments to fantastic customers around the world. Today I am lucky enough to be able to do what I love and make a good living at it; I never thought that was possible until I found Etsy. Thank you so much for everything you do, my fellow Etsians and I truly appreciate it.

Thanks to Eliza for sharing her story. Have your own questions to ask? Come on by and chat with her Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 7 p.m. in Etsy's Virtual Labs.

You can see some of her fashion work in the related items. Check out previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.

Tags	accessories, Arkansas, Clothing, Eliza + Axel, elizandaxel, fashion, full-time, Quit Your Day Job, sellers, selling, workflow, working

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191 comments Login to add your own!

June 22, 2009 at 4:36 p.m.

stitchknitsew

Great article. Your work is beautiful!

June 22, 2009 at 4:39 p.m.

hazelandhunter

i love these articles! great work and congrats!

June 22, 2009 at 4:39 p.m.

SeptemberStars

These "Quit Your Day Job" stories always inspire me! Thanks for posting them!

June 22, 2009 at 4:44 p.m.

Mikono

Been waiting since 3pm EST. Thank you for inspiring the rest of us :) And your tees are really one of a kind.

June 22, 2009 at 4:44 p.m.

4TheSparrowsNest

Fabulous!! Beautiful work Eliza, and super helpful advice too...best of wishes to you and continued success here on Etsy! :o)

June 22, 2009 at 4:45 p.m.

TheBrassHussy

I was in her shop the other day. I just love all the ruffled shirts. make some plus sizes, hint hint.

June 22, 2009 at 4:46 p.m.

EJPcreations

So inspiring and such pretty work!!!

June 22, 2009 at 4:46 p.m.

KiraFerrer

Beautiful work, and some great advice!

June 22, 2009 at 4:47 p.m.

OhFaro

Great story and I love the old sewing machine; my granny sewed on one like that (hers was the foot pump kind.) :0)

June 22, 2009 at 4:48 p.m.

PookieandPierre

I love Eliza + Axel... such great style. Thanks for sharing your story with us. I always learn so much from these articles!

June 22, 2009 at 4:48 p.m.

tannerglass

nice article! I like her comment about 'being good to your customers. Really, really good"

It's so true! Congrats on your success!

June 22, 2009 at 4:49 p.m.

VintageEye

creating beautiful things and helping the environment...
does it get any better? thanks for sharing your story!

June 22, 2009 at 4:50 p.m.

uncharted

beautiful work!

June 22, 2009 at 4:53 p.m.

embroideryimpression

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story! very inspiring!
you are very creative!

June 22, 2009 at 4:53 p.m.

bungalowmarketplace

Oh I just love those tee's. Thanks for the inspiring advice!

June 22, 2009 at 4:55 p.m.

RoseLullabyDolls

great article and lovely items :-)

June 22, 2009 at 4:56 p.m.

ifanhour

Lovely story and work!

June 22, 2009 at 4:57 p.m.

kikisthings

Thanks for that! There's hope yet!!!

June 22, 2009 at 4:59 p.m.

TheGlassPie

Wow, I'm always so inspired after reading these articles and the shirts are beautiful.

June 22, 2009 at 5:02 p.m.

makepienotwar

i just love your shop! you are adorable! great advice! i appreciate it!

June 22, 2009 at 5:03 p.m.

sherrytruitt

beautiful work, continued success to you.

June 22, 2009 at 5:04 p.m.

galit

Inspiring!
Once I'll become a student I hope I'll be able to quit my day job! what a dream!

June 22, 2009 at 5:05 p.m.

TheSilverDog

I love elizaandaxel's shop! Really great to see an article on her. Love her work

June 22, 2009 at 5:08 p.m.

odiliafu

Wonderful work!! They are really pretty! Thanks for sharing!

June 22, 2009 at 5:13 p.m.

SundraSandrusi

Wonderful work!!

June 22, 2009 at 5:14 p.m.

tiltedtulipvintage

I've admired your work for some time now! It's nice to see you featured. Your interview was very helpful...

June 22, 2009 at 5:16 p.m.

PinkNightOwl

Beautiful shop and congrats to you! Please reconsider using fur though!

June 22, 2009 at 5:17 p.m.

jewelalchemy

awesome Treasury tip, thank you!
wonderful shop :)

June 22, 2009 at 5:19 p.m.

michon

Congratulations, your work is beautiful!

June 22, 2009 at 5:21 p.m.

voleurdebijoux

Gorgeous work, Eliza! Congrats on your success! :)

June 22, 2009 at 5:21 p.m.

badinfluence

I'm among the inspired! Thanks for your honesty. Your clothes are gorgeous.

June 22, 2009 at 5:22 p.m.

heirloomjewelry

I love your work! Congratulations!!

June 22, 2009 at 5:23 p.m.

HarrietsHaven

Wonderful advice, beautiful work! Thanks for sharing!

June 22, 2009 at 5:24 p.m.

ashdel

Your designs are lovely! Great inspiration.

June 22, 2009 at 5:26 p.m.

PAINTINGSBYSAM

Absolutely Beautiful!!

June 22, 2009 at 5:26 p.m.

klacustomcreations

beautiful work, just so romantic and elegant!

June 22, 2009 at 5:27 p.m.

JMGJewelDesign

I love that old sewing machine, it's so romantic looking!

June 22, 2009 at 5:33 p.m.

Metallura

Great subject, beautiful work, and very inspiring!

June 22, 2009 at 5:39 p.m.

EverydayDiamonds

Amazing!

June 22, 2009 at 5:39 p.m.

SurrenderDorothy

What a fab article!

June 22, 2009 at 5:44 p.m.

PurpleBears

Your clothing line looks soft, feminine, and comfortable. Thank you for sharing your etsy experience.

June 22, 2009 at 5:56 p.m.

JulieWebb

Beautiful work and an inspiring story, thank you! :)

June 22, 2009 at 5:59 p.m.

beautifulbridget

How inspirational!!

June 22, 2009 at 6:13 p.m.

donnageissler

Wonderful story and info!

June 22, 2009 at 6:14 p.m.

creativelyspun

nice story and such lovely clothing!

June 22, 2009 at 6:18 p.m.

madeofjacinta

I love your work!
Congrats!

June 22, 2009 at 6:19 p.m.

TheMemoryCafe

Very Inspiring. Love these stories! Wonderful shop!

June 22, 2009 at 6:22 p.m.

Gwendolynsdesign

I love the design aspects of your clothing... inspiring!

June 22, 2009 at 6:29 p.m.

ModernMeetsWhimsy

love your style. keep up the great work!

June 22, 2009 at 6:38 p.m.

FoxieMoxieJewels

Fantastic tips, thank you for sharing! Wonderful tops, and I cannot wait to see your holiday season wears.

June 22, 2009 at 6:46 p.m.

KahiliCreations

Sigh...what beautiful things. Congrats on the feature!

June 22, 2009 at 6:46 p.m.

PetiteRobeNoire

Your work is so beautiful. Many many wishes for continued success.

June 22, 2009 at 6:54 p.m.

EnchantedBella

great story beautiful clothing! wishing you and Axel continued sucess.

June 22, 2009 at 6:56 p.m.

temdesigns

I love your designs. I used to Ice Skate also, and my Mom would make all my outfits. What an inspiration you are.

June 22, 2009 at 7 p.m.

cheriebeadle

Truly beautiful work! A very inspiring story with great advice. Thanks for sharing!

June 22, 2009 at 7:10 p.m.

mykonos

pretty ruffles!!

June 22, 2009 at 7:16 p.m.

SasakiCreations

Always looking at role models and people who make "it" work. Thanks for the inspiring article.

June 22, 2009 at 7:17 p.m.

baconsquarefarm

Beautiful workmanship, love all your designs with the ruffles. Wish you continued success on Etsy and other venues you may follow in the future. Congrats on quiting your day job as well~!

June 22, 2009 at 7:24 p.m.

karapegg

So pretty. Very elaborate, but something that you could definitely pull off in a real world setting.

June 22, 2009 at 7:31 p.m.

VintageJamie

Great story, great shop!

June 22, 2009 at 7:35 p.m.

aggieray

Wonderful story...Beautiful shop!

June 22, 2009 at 7:42 p.m.

beachhouseblues

Beautiful Work...
Congratulations on your business!!!

June 22, 2009 at 7:45 p.m.

burntmill

I love reading about people who don't have to work a regular 9-5 anymore :)

June 22, 2009 at 7:51 p.m.

CatherineMarissa

How cool! I just featured her this morning on my blog (since she is gush worthy!) and then came to Etsy tonight and found her story. Beautiful shirts!

June 22, 2009 at 7:53 p.m.

PhineasandLou

Thanks for the honest perspective! Congrats and gorgeous work!

June 22, 2009 at 7:56 p.m.

FluteTeacher

Inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

June 22, 2009 at 8:01 p.m.

LoopOverLoop

Very inspiring! Thanks and may you have continued success with the shop! :)

June 22, 2009 at 8:04 p.m.

SILKSBYKAYLAORIGINAL

lovely items, I hearted your store, and inspiring article!

June 22, 2009 at 8:08 p.m.

MyWisteriaCottage

Good article, nice product.Good advice. Thank you

June 22, 2009 at 8:17 p.m.

YasmeensCollection

That schedule sounds familiar. I agree, I wouldn't change it either.

June 22, 2009 at 8:25 p.m.

instantcrimson

Thank you so much for sharing, your work is beautiful

June 22, 2009 at 8:28 p.m.

lulubeauty

So inspiring...Thank you so much for the article!

June 22, 2009 at 8:30 p.m.

lovelygifts

Great Article. Beautiful work.

June 22, 2009 at 8:34 p.m.

KathyPanton

thats a beautiful looking sewing machine

June 22, 2009 at 8:36 p.m.

beccamari

Very encouraging and such a beautiful product!

June 22, 2009 at 8:40 p.m.

IceCreamCandy

so pretty:)

June 22, 2009 at 8:48 p.m.

asundrynotion

Beautiful! Congratulations, elizandaxel!

June 22, 2009 at 8:52 p.m.

IcingOnTheCupcake

Your designs are gorgeous!

June 22, 2009 at 9:04 p.m.

thebestvintage

Your work is beautiful!!

June 22, 2009 at 9:07 p.m.

Riversandco

Fun stuff! Your designs are sweet!

June 22, 2009 at 9:09 p.m.

SimpleTraditions

Your work is gorgeous!!!

June 22, 2009 at 9:14 p.m.

ZhivanaDesigns

Thanks for sharing your story! I love your work!

June 22, 2009 at 9:25 p.m.

mythunderstood

Love your cameo tees!

Thanks for sharing.

Best to you always.

June 22, 2009 at 9:35 p.m.

moonovermaize

Great article which is full of wonderful advice! Thanks for sharing!

June 22, 2009 at 9:58 p.m.

MichelleStudio

Very pretty tees. Great story and useful tips. Thanks.

June 22, 2009 at 10:11 p.m.

HazelHoney

Such beautiful and original embellished tops!!!

June 22, 2009 at 10:31 p.m.

northernfleeceweaver

Very beautiful and professional work, what a joy to view your work and story. Thank you

June 22, 2009 at 10:32 p.m.

MooBeeTees

Great story - thank for sharing it with us :) Lots of great hints for the newbie!

June 22, 2009 at 10:39 p.m.

xochickletxox

OMG!! I hope it all works out for the best for you!! YOUR TOPS ARE AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you are truely inspiring and gifted.

June 22, 2009 at 10:40 p.m.

little5footdesigns

Wow, this gives me some hope! I'm not a fashion designer but a girl can hope. :) Good luck to you!

June 22, 2009 at 10:59 p.m.

TheNightjar

very feminine tees- cant wait to see the rest of your line

June 22, 2009 at 11:01 p.m.

bobnstitch

Excellent! Way to go!

June 22, 2009 at 11:03 p.m.

worksandfinds

Oh, how much do I love these stories. Good luck, love you.

June 22, 2009 at 11:08 p.m.

oo0oSUGARo0oo

You're my hero, I'd like to be like you some day! :D

thanks for the article marymary! :D

June 22, 2009 at 11:11 p.m.

IdeaTown

So inspiring and such beautiful pieces!

June 23, 2009 at 12:01 a.m.

CutieDynamite

Beautiful stuff! Thanks for the inspiration!

June 23, 2009 at 12:15 a.m.

amerrymishap

Such a great article!

June 23, 2009 at 12:17 a.m.

cthings

Congratulations and keep up your beautiful work!! Very wonderful items!!

June 23, 2009 at 12:29 a.m.

AllenandGrace

Your story is so inspiring. I am glad that you found something that makes you so happy.

Also, thank you for sharing such candid advice. I always wanted to know Axel's identity :-)

June 23, 2009 at 1:11 a.m.

CRBoggsDesigns

Thank you for doing an article on this fabulous designer. I've been drooling over her shop for some time. I love the Storque and appreciate all Etsy Admin. does daily. Wonderful.

June 23, 2009 at 1:28 a.m.

BirdhouseBlessings

I really enjoyed your story. I quit my job a year ago and I am learning every day. I love your work too.

June 23, 2009 at 1:30 a.m.

patriciasaabdesigns

Those are wonderful! So feminine! Don't forget us XL's!

June 23, 2009 at 1:39 a.m.

HinStyle

her clothing are you nice design and this absolutely inspired me , and I won't give up my work :)

June 23, 2009 at 2:33 a.m.

cappucino

Awesome article, I am so inspired to really go on my own now

June 23, 2009 at 4 a.m.

steinschmuckdesign

Beautiful work designs!

June 23, 2009 at 4:42 a.m.

lazygiraffe

Great article, your sewing machine is gorgeous! As is your shop :)

June 23, 2009 at 4:49 a.m.

independent5050

Well done! Love your beautiful antique sewing machine.

June 23, 2009 at 5 a.m.

childdeluxe

I love your work Eliza + Axel. Very inspiring!

June 23, 2009 at 5:33 a.m.

gretchenmist

great article ~ thanks for sharing your biz details and advice + congrats on your success :)

June 23, 2009 at 5:53 a.m.

betsy3

Wonderful work!

June 23, 2009 at 6:15 a.m.

harvestmoonbyhand

Interesting article. Enjoyed reading it.

June 23, 2009 at 6:42 a.m.

BayMoonDesign

I just love your creations.

June 23, 2009 at 7:01 a.m.

designsbyLANAIE

I loved your article and you gave some very helpful advice. Congratulations and keep loving what you are doing.

June 23, 2009 at 7:12 a.m.

earthydesigns

Great job I love your designs!!

June 23, 2009 at 7:25 a.m.

nightcloud

thank you for sharing all about your learning curve to success -- very appreciated from all making and buying handmade!

June 23, 2009 at 7:44 a.m.

fashionshelf

Gorgeous designs, great article with helpful advice!

June 23, 2009 at 7:54 a.m.

treasuresupplies

Those raffles are so fashionable right now. Have to have me one of those tops!!!

June 23, 2009 at 8:10 a.m.

MarcellasExcess

I own an Elizandaxel...and I love it! I get so many compliments on it and always refer people to your shop on Etsy. Continued success to you ~

June 23, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.

Wildewear

wow I love your designs! and your insights. Congrats!

June 23, 2009 at 8:49 a.m.

chinacutter

Thanks for sharing.I think your makes are wonderful,very talented

June 23, 2009 at 8:53 a.m.

mixeralex

I have been helping my partner develop her business, Etsy a great way to market your items.

Great Designs

June 23, 2009 at 9:01 a.m.

evihan

just LOVED them ALL:-)

June 23, 2009 at 9:15 a.m.

Namoo

Your works are so beautiful. It is a great story. Congrats!

June 23, 2009 at 9:21 a.m.

FebystanDesigns

great job & precious advice, thank you Eliza!

June 23, 2009 at 9:24 a.m.

tldgrainwear

Lovely tees, very nice work. Congratulations!

June 23, 2009 at 9:26 a.m.

KarensArt

I enjoyed you article and your shop is delightful!

June 23, 2009 at 9:26 a.m.

LizzyBdesigns

Thanks for posting this!! What a great article w/ helpful information:)

June 23, 2009 at 9:27 a.m.

birdie1

Thanks so much for your hard-won, practical words of wisdom!

June 23, 2009 at 10:02 a.m.

PaCaliCo

I love these articles! Fantastic tees!

June 23, 2009 at 10:02 a.m.

BabyNest

So inspiring. Thank you for sharing your great story with us.:) Beautiful shop btw.

June 23, 2009 at 10:10 a.m.

MomNMiaQuilts

ooh, adding some of those shirts to my wish list for my birthday and Christmas!

June 23, 2009 at 10:10 a.m.

TwistedCrystals

fantastic :)
and what a wonderful collection!

June 23, 2009 at 10:19 a.m.

sewlola

Great story, beautiful work!

June 23, 2009 at 10:32 a.m.

Shroompiloop

AWESOME storie -- I love your shop & designs -- your old sewing mashines are out of this world -- in this case old is gold ;)

June 23, 2009 at 10:52 a.m.

truliegifted

This is a great interview, very inspiring. You have beautiful work.

June 23, 2009 at 10:54 a.m.

YouBadGirl

Truly fantastic work and article! Thank you! I love those photos too, woah!! Cheers!! ;)

June 23, 2009 at 11:01 a.m.

youngmonster

super inspired!

June 23, 2009 at 11:13 a.m.

kidacollective

Gorgeous work and a great article. Thanks so much for sharing!

June 23, 2009 at 11:46 a.m.

babook

This unique clothing so elegance those i love : )
http://www.babook.etsy.com

June 23, 2009 at noon

SunshineFolk

wonderful advice, wonderful clothing!

June 23, 2009 at noon

ClutchThat

Beautiful work! Congrats on your success!

June 23, 2009 at 12:16 p.m.

poppyswickedgarden

Pretty little things!

June 23, 2009 at 12:44 p.m.

chubbycheeksweaters

very pretty things!

June 23, 2009 at 12:51 p.m.

FloweringEarthBeauty

My fav article ever! Your store is awesome. I am trying to get my shop together but I am having a lot of difficulties in finding things to do and sell. I hope I end up finding that nitch and making my dreams come true. Thanks a bunch for your words of wisdom and I am totally in love with you antique machine! My machine keeps trying to break all the time :o( I wonder if the older ones are more heavy duty. Anyways thanks a bunch

June 23, 2009 at 1:11 p.m.

PDXfabricdeli

I love the whole idea of upcycle and such ....very thoughtful. Keep it up!!!!

June 23, 2009 at 1:34 p.m.

BluCille

Cute, feminine items!

June 23, 2009 at 1:53 p.m.

PipocaHandmade

Gorgeous shop! Continued success!

June 23, 2009 at 2:43 p.m.

bluerthanblue

So creative! I wish you all the success in the world.

June 23, 2009 at 2:56 p.m.

mksupplies

Your advice is really great for those starting out, or looking to go full time. Also, what an amazing shop! Congrats on your success :)

June 23, 2009 at 3:44 p.m.

ModFarmgirl

Wow!! You are amazing!! Thank you for sharing your story Eliza! Very inspiring!!!! (and I love how you named your shop after you and your dog! Very sweet!!)

June 23, 2009 at 3:51 p.m.

sweetsmilesbaby

great advice. Love the Serena Babydoll, just beautiful.

June 23, 2009 at 4:34 p.m.

Luciabella1

Beautiful items, love the shop!

June 23, 2009 at 5:07 p.m.

divergentlayers

some of THE MOST helpful advice possible! thank you and many blessings for your continued success!

June 23, 2009 at 5:21 p.m.

recycledwares

very nice work and very professional pictures, i can see why you are able to sell so many things. keep up the great designs!!

June 23, 2009 at 6:10 p.m.

catrinagirl

awesome!

June 23, 2009 at 6:25 p.m.

staceylyndesigns

Love your stuff! Thanks for sharing your story. Glad that things are going so well for you!

June 23, 2009 at 6:25 p.m.

emeeme

Great!!

June 23, 2009 at 7:09 p.m.

bogARTstudiogallery

I love to read stories like yours. those stories are full of encoragment and useful hints, also reading articles/ interviwes like yours let me believe is possible to make a good living doing what one loves. Some day I would love to make my living just working for and by myself.
ThanX!

June 23, 2009 at 8:28 p.m.

shelscreations

love your babydoll shirt, thanks for the inspiration

June 23, 2009 at 9:36 p.m.

ourteaparty

Great interview, I utterly love her shirts!

June 23, 2009 at 11:32 p.m.

ryacohen

Very inspiring! I loved reading your story. Isn't it great when you can do what you love!! Congratulations on your success.

June 24, 2009 at 12:20 a.m.

ItziandBitzi

Thanks for sharing your story...coming from a similar background in the fashion industry I am inspired! Absolutely beautiful work! I truly admire the hand sewing.

June 24, 2009 at 3:06 a.m.

AmandaYuDesign

Wonderful story, great advises too! congratulations of your fulfilling/wonderful career! :)

June 24, 2009 at 3:07 a.m.

ExoticFlavour

Thank you so much for sharing this amazing experience to us as well as all the useful tips! ^-^

June 24, 2009 at 7:31 a.m.

theduskyjewel

Nice article and we love the shirts. Very creative!

June 24, 2009 at 8:14 a.m.

JoDyer

Congratulations! Great story :)

June 24, 2009 at 8:27 a.m.

kokovanilladesigns

Great interview and such beautiful tops. You don't see that quality and detail in standard chain store tops. Absolutely stunning. Anna

June 24, 2009 at 9:07 a.m.

rolanddesigns

I saw your shop before, and thought it looked wonderful

June 24, 2009 at 11:10 a.m.

tldgrainwear

Great advice!

June 24, 2009 at 12:20 p.m.

freakaroni

Awesome work and very inspiring. I wonder if anyone can share more about the tax and licenses/registrations that might come up... I am about to open my first etsy shop and am concerned that I don't know what the heck I am doing.

June 24, 2009 at 12:45 p.m.