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Story by
marymary
Published on July 13, 2009 in Spotlight |
Photo by |
Since childhood Liane, a.k.a. enhabiten, has been peddling her wares and exploring her creative side. Now that she's graduated from selling "junque" on the street corner to beautifully handcrafted housewares online, she's found her place in the world of Etsy. After working years in the service industry, Liane is happy to find her consistent income now coming from her Etsy sales and the ability to work in her pajamas until 11 a.m. if she wishes. Some of her best promotional tips are gaining free blog recognition and spending time in Etsy's Treasury. Keep reading to find out what makes this Gemini tick.
How did you originally get into the business of making things?
I have been making things since I was little. One of my best friends growing up, Fay, was also crafty. We made all kinds of crafts and sometimes tried to sell them. We liked to have sales when we were little, say 6-10 years old. I recall one where we sold crafts we’d made, as well as all sorts of collected stuff from around the house, including dust-covered goodies from the cellar (the beginnings of my love for both vintage and handmade). We made a big sign which said “Junque Sale." I swear we spelled it that way. Like we were admitting to selling crap, but we spelled it in a sort of fancy French way and that made up for it some.
So we’re on the street corner, just a couple of industrious 9-year-olds, holding up our sign and yelling at all the cars passing by, “Junque sale, junque sale…come and get your junque.” When along came a smart-aleck kid in a beat-up Ford Pinto or something (this was the '70s) and he rolls down his window (manually, again '70s) and yells, “WHO WANTS JUNQUE??” Well buddy, turns out lots of people want junque, so there. I continued to love making things throughout school (black corduroy knickers in 7th grade being a particularly memorable project) and ended up with a college degree in studio art.
Two side notes: If you want to hear the rest of the Fay stories which involve such topics as streaking, cod liver oil and the chief of police, just send me a convo. I also want to share that my family proudly drove an orange AMC Gremlin back in the day.
When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
I was so excited when I heard about Etsy in the fall of 2007 from my friend Erica. She opened her shop around the same time as me but had been an Etsy customer for a bit beforehand. I knew immediately it was a crazy good opportunity, but I really didn’t have a plan or goal at all. I’m an artist and a Gemini. I do stuff first, think second. But really, I did quit my day job — which was as a full-time coffee shop girl — because of an illness in my family. I started the Etsy shop while I was home being a full-time caretaker to a sick child. Life’s a rollercoaster. One utterly crappy thing happens and then a pretty good kismet thing happens. I give up working to understand…I just try to roll with it.
Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?
I guess I do like to understand things before I get into them, even if I don’t have a clear plan. I read every bit of information on Etsy for sellers. For me this was important. Understanding what can be found on Etsy and also how the site works and how I could make it work for me was key. I registered my shop name with the state, got my tax ID and opened a business checking account. I recall that the Storque articles featuring seller success stories were really inspiring. Although I did not plot out my own success I do remember thinking, if they could do it, why not me?
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
I think being featured in Treasuries really helped my shop get off the ground. I made lots of Treasuries myself and doing that helped with name recognition among other Treasury makers and folks viewing the Treasuries. I also think becoming familiar to the design-oriented bloggers out there has been helpful. Being featured on popular blogs brings me traffic from outside of Etsy. Although Flickr is not a promotional tool per se, I know I get traffic from there as well.
What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
The only thing I can say here is that free blog features help me more than paid advertising. I spent some time in the past on the Etsy Forums but I don’t think that makes a difference in my business. I go there just to procrastinate, honestly. I don’t have a lot of procrastination time at the moment.
Walk us through your typical workday.
- 5ish a.m.: Wake up, make coffee, check Etsy. I also have a Flickr account which I like, so I check Flickr and see what my contacts have posted overnight. Living in a small town, I have found that the internet has filled a void in terms of connecting with people with the same interests. I love the long distance friends I’ve made through Etsy, Flickr and blogs. I scroll through the Etsy vintage category while I drink my coffee. I actually do this several times a day, a little OCD, and I check a couple other Etsians' Favorites (you know who you are). I can’t buy everything I favorite, but I feel like it’s an activity which is creatively satisfying and it helps improve my eye/aesthetic.
- 7ish a.m.: I get to work in my studio, usually still in the sweatpants and t-shirt I wore to bed. I’m trying to break myself out of this habit, but once I finish my computer routine I feel anxious to get going. It is a little icky, however, when a friend drops by at 11 a.m. and I’m still in pajamas and haven’t brushed my teeth. Anyway, from 7-noon I work on orders and make some new things to list. My 11-year-old is home schooled and he wakes up late and works with me in the studio on his own stuff. He’s currently studying Italian online and he’s making a big hand drawn map of the world. He’s really interested in geography. I have a big studio in our old house. It’s still a work in progress but I L-O-V-E it. It’s got a vintage wood stove and big windows and even a sink in it.
- Noon: Get cleaned up and get dressed, eat lunch, do dishes, clean up around the house. I sometimes weed in the garden and play with the dog in the backyard to spend time outside.
- 2-6 p.m.: Work in the studio some more.
- 6-8 p.m.: Make and eat dinner and spend time with the family.
- 8 p.m.: Either mess around on the computer checking Flickr, blogs, Etsy or work more in the studio.
- 9 or 10 p.m.: Bedtime.
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
Well, I have never been good at having a conventional full-time job. I have three kids ages 19, 17 and 11, and my focus for the past nineteen years has been raising them. (I got pregnant my senior year of college. And although I don’t recommend it, I also don’t regret it.) All along I’ve worked part-time in various jobs, such as child and elder care and working at a health food store and in a coffee shop. (Really, I’ve done more kinds of part-time work than it makes sense to list here.) Service-oriented jobs suit me more than the cubicle/office work. I also spent some time doing art gallery work, including corporate art.
The idea of having a profession like that was somewhat appealing in theory, but the reality left me bored and uninspired. I think my ideal job would be this: maintain my Etsy business while working on my painting (art is my background) while also working on some styling/design work and/or writing a book!
I had my astrological chart done several years ago and I was told I would be remembered for my writing and not my art. So I’m waiting for that to happen. I love to read good fiction, especially historical. I also love to look at interior design picture books. I can study the pictures in depth over and over. It’s a little weird, but it makes me happy. I didn’t answer the question, did I? The answer is I don’t miss anything, except perhaps the customers at the coffee shop. And free doughnuts.
What's the hardest part about running your own business?
The business part of it. If you saw the sky-high pile of papers I need to sort through…for shame! But I’m going to work on that. No really, I swear! This is something I need to overcome because at this point I do feel like I need to run that part well in order to succeed.
I have noticed that there are these sort of steps or even periods where things plateau and you have to have a plan and know where you want to go next in order to go there. I need to get organized and clear about what I want to do and what my ultimate goal is. I like to go into the studio and la la la…just do whatever my whims tell me to do. But I see definite areas where I can improve my shop appearance and products and I have to focus and get those things done. It might be nice to have someone else be in charge of this aspect of the business, but have I mentioned that I’m also a little bit controlling? So that might pose a problem.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?
I believe that the most critical thing for people making a craft is to realize that you have to have something special people want. Photos, a business plan, and marketing skills are all important, but without that special something, it won’t fly. I spend a lot of time on Etsy and working in my studio. When I don’t, it shows. And, don’t underestimate the power of just showing up and putting in the time to improve what you make. My things have changed and been refined lots over the past year.
What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
Well, in the next couple months I plan to create a more consistent look for my photos. I also want to focus in on a few different categories of products. I’m really loving vintage fabric, particularly barkcloth, and especially in combination with patterned wool on the back. And I want to expand my pillows made with these fabrics, but make them more consistent in terms of look and size. I also want to expand the line of embroidered word pillows and maintain the cross pillows, but I have some tweaking I want to do to that “line." At the same time, I want to keep experimenting. I’m working on some reupholstery projects and also clothing made with vintage fabric. It’s a juggling act. Did I already say I’m a Gemini?
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I adore Etsy. B.E. (before Etsy) I felt a little lost in the wilderness of life and I wondered, “Where do I fit in?” Like that scene in Zoolander where Derek is talking to his really really good-looking reflection in the street puddle and he asks himself, “Who am I?” But seriously, Etsy has allowed me to make money while being my creative self. It allows me a really flexible schedule and I feel like I get out of it what I put in. It’s incredibly easy to use and there is next to no financial risk. So thank you, Etsy. For reals. If you were a really really good looking boy, I’d totally smooch you. Or even a half-way decent looking boy driving an orange AMC Gremlin. Just brush your teeth first.
Thanks to Liane for sharing her story. Have a your own questions to ask? Come on by and chat with her Wednesday, July 15th at 7pm ET in Etsy's Virtual Labs.
You can see some of Liane's beautiful housewares in the related items. Check out previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.
| Tags | enhabiten, full-time, home decor, Housewares, pillows, Quit Your Day Job, sellers, selling, workflow, working |
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232 comments Login to add your own!
Xenotees
aBreathofFrenchair
piddix
Even though I've already "quit my day job," (thanks so much etsy), I always find these so inspirational and helpful. Thanks so much for sharing.
replicca
congrats, Liane! beautiful work & studio...(I have the same table in mine, with the metal top!)
yaelfran
zombuki
Very inspiring, I'm quitting my day job now, so in three weeks I'll be full time handmade and I cannot wait!
dogties
pogoshop
Oh, wow! Enhabiten has long been a favorite mine. It's so great to finally "meet" her. I love, love, love the fabrics she uses and the clean bleachy, beachy look of her photos. They always transport me to some great old beach house or summery porch rocker. Thanks!
SewnNatural
foamywader
Morado
aimeesarmoire
I love full-time artists/crafters/junque-dealers! There are always great & inspiring stories behind them. Keep up the good work, Liane!
TeenAngster
Liane and I share many common inspirations and a very distinct aesthetic. I love poking through her favorites, and I absolutely adore the pillow I purchased from her. Congrats, enhabiten!
monkeysalwayslook
Yay! The funniest bestest quit your day job story in the history of Etsy and B.E. too!
banou
thank you for sharing your experience! I would love to work as a full time artist too but everything takes time and in the meantime I dream my dream everyday a little more.
contempojewels
fleurfatale
BabbidgePatch
allencompanyinc
forestbound
liane is so, so sweet and also an incredibly talented artist. i absolutely loved reading this!
shavingkitsuppplies
It couldn't happen to a nicer person. Best wishes and many successes, Liane - your work is just wonderful and so pleasing! Zakka zakka zak!
phydeaux
Loooove Liane's work! And this was definitely a joy and treat to read - coming from a fellow Gemini!
TipsyTimeMachine
ravenwren
Totally a fan of your work. I may sew, but I also love to buy sewn items. It was so nice to read this and be inspired.
restlessthings
Loving the white on white cross pillow - it's just perfect!
sushipie
Liane, you are so funny! I adore your sense of humor, and your shop is cozy.
xoxo,
sp
chakrapennywhistle
Oh my Gosh. I just love you and your work :) Simply beautiful story from one beautiful lady!
I adore my pillow too ;)
treefox
CollectionObsession
Such a great story. I'm going to go browse enhabiten now.
My family had an orange AMC Matador.
steinschmuckdesign
PhineasandLou
One of my favorite yet! This is so inspiring...the authenticity and warmth really come through.
Thank you :)
DaniellesDesigns
PipocaHandmade
I feel like cuddling up with one of your pillows and taking a nap now! They are beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
LaBellaCandela
What a wonderful story! I have never been good at having a conventional full-time job either;-) Super inspiring...thank you.
irisschwarz
EJPcreations
4TheSparrowsNest
Liane ...this was so much fun to read!! Thank you for sharing and blessings with continued success.
BlueShoeStudio
My Mother is a Gemini, and this really spoke to me. Another great interview, what an interesting story and talented woman! Thank you.
nightcloud
what I inhaled already on flickr, I find here again: the human mix of work and home, family, distractions, passions, dislikes, ...and the art behind the craft. Thank you for sharing this, Liane!
Monicaj
Oh yay Liane, Congratulations! You inspire me so much. Thanks for this glimpse into your life. xo
DearDodo
Liane, reading this I can totally imagine why you will be remembered for your writing ;) Beside that and your lovely self I also adore all my enhabiten pillows- big and small!
xoxo!
elizandaxel
ericawalker
congratulations to one of my favorite people!!! seriously!
liane, you are so talented, impassioned and have such a beautiful, souleful aesthetic, not to mention you're laugh-out-loud funny- ok, i know i'm gushing a bit, but i have so enjoyed watching you grow enhabiten over the last couple of years, and am always looking forward to what you'll "be up to" next. i adore you- xoe
fernfiddlehead
I've been in love with enhabiten's work for a long time and it's great to see her featured here. Yayayayay!!
hellcatvintage
Liane, this is such a great article! Thank you so much for sharing.
michon
PlumeAdore
smarida5
WindlessMeadow
I so desperately want my Etsy store to take off so I can quit my day job. I've never been good at the 9-5 office lifestyle either. Thanks for giving me hope that it is possible!
Greenbriar
This was great to read! Put a smile on my face and a jump in my step to go off keep crafting!
SquierDesign
jewelalchemy
locallibrary
I loved reading this interview! and what a great shop. I can totally relate to this statement:
"I guess I do like to understand things before I get into them, even if I don’t have a clear plan."
it made me laugh, I'm glad I'm not alone!
fancypicnic
Liane, what a fabulous read!! Love you, and love enhabiten...you go, girl xx
baconsquarefarm
Great story,can picture you standing on the street corner peddling your wares. I'm super excited and happy for you, wish ya continued success.
kaylovesvintage
shellieartist
PonderandStitch
monkeyandsquirrel
your house looks incredible... so great for photos. congrats on all of your success!!!
NovellaCreations
MaryMary you write so very well! A fascinating article. I always enjoy the little bits of shop wisdom in these inspirational articles.
It is also nice to know that most artists are willing to detail our eccentric natures when provided with the opportunity. I think that most artists are a little crazy.
My shop is just a few months old, so I read a lot of the information on Etsy, and find most of it very helpful. Thanks for sharing, Liane.
pieintheskyjewelry
Your work is great..and I wish you lots of continued success...however if I depended completely on Etsy for my income I would starve..I am new and rather frustrated as I have not sold even one item. My prices are very competitive...do you have to know someone at Etsy to get your work on the Treasury?? I have been commenting on other people's sites, been buying things and even bought a spot in the showcase...but beyond that, I feel like a little fish in a very large ocean of very talented fishes.....
KiraFerrer
madebysam
VixVintage
madelinestreicher
A very good article, and inspirational. I wish the more best to you enhabiten! :)
HarrietsHaven
Congratulations on your success. I've liked your work for quite a while.
livingstonandporter
+ Love LOVE love your things +
PEACE and all good things to one of my favorite etsy sellers!
weirdwolf
I'm a huge enhabiten fan, such beautiful work! More Fay stories? Yes please.
PamlicoBee
Very uplifting story. Thanks for sharing! I wish even more success.
glasfaden
So nice to read this interview - thanks for sharing! I love how you tell us your story, Liane. As a Gemini I can relate many things you've said :) Keep up your wonderful work!
heartfeltvintage
PeppermintBark
Love this: "Living in a small town, I have found that the internet has filled a void in terms of connecting with people with the same interests."
So true. Thanks for sharing your story!
spacestitch
So I have to admit, I clicked on this article because the artist's name is Liane--so is mine!!
What a great read and beautiful work. Thanks for sharing!!
beautifulbridget
NanLawson
UnaOdd
I've long been a fan of Liane's aesthetic. Love the spare, heirloom look that her work has...very, very appealing! Great article!
chickypoo209
breadandroses2
Another big fan here and so glad to read a story I can completely relate to. Wonderful work! We had an AMC Gremlin hatchback, too, but purple instead of orange. Aside from being an ugly color, it was a great little car. I love those high mpg hatchbacks.
enhabiten
These comments are so fun to read! Thank you everyone who took the time to comment! Such sweetness and kindness. Please excuse my dorky pictures and run on stories! Long live etsy and all my totally awesome etsy friends:)
FashionTouch
oohvintage
You sound like a bundle of fun! Great interview and psh, what dorky pictures? I love them!
GollyBard
Liane, you make me laugh! I love your writing style, your humor, and your work of course, is amazing! Cheers to your success!
enhabiten
oh and weirdwolf: i knew there would be a big public outcry for more fay stories so i'll be rotating a few in my shop announcement. :)
clothpaperstitches
Yeah for New Hampshire etsians! I'm in NH, too...I really enjoyed reading the article. Continued success to you!
michelepatricedesign
3dots
fiveforty
Congratulations Liane! I loved reading your interview!! Yay for you!!
odiliafu
TheExtentofSilence
This was a great interview. I love how much your (Liane's) personality came through in your pictures and writing. Very inspiring to new Etsians!!
KellyLynneDesigns
great work! I am inspired to work even harder. It is a goal to make a living off of making. Love it!
whimsicalpaperdot
PearsonMaron
bijougirldesigns
I love your work too. You've been on my faves for a while=)
kikihuston
Yay Liane! Thanks for sharing your slice of life.....
congrats!
MiniatureRhino
lovelygifts
VintageJamie
notmoira
istiferet
your work is beautiful and you've got such a great sense of humor! congrats on your success and this story!
gretchenmist
i love your shop and creations! and a fun read :)
i know what u mean/agree about etsy making it possible to find your spot in work/life :)
sherrytruitt
whiteserenade
OccasionallyBrill
I absolutely love that you made a life comparison to Zoolander, that was simply icing :)
Wishing you success in all your endeavours!
pamelatang
So lovely to see you here Liane! Btw, I love your home...especially those floor boards! ;)
luckylife
*sigh* I adore you, Liane and am SO happy to learn more about you....I think you are so incredibly talented and such a sweetheart.....(and funny!) :) YAY!
xoxo
Melis
luckylife
Ah,yes...and you and your home are absolutely gorgeous!
xo
Melis
TuscaloosaRoad
beautiful story, thank you so much for sharing a piece of your life with us....You're family had a Gremlin! Lucky!
BROOKLYNrehab
oh i have been a fan for some time now. how wonderful to see you here!
thank you for the inspiration. oxo alyssa
simpledream2
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL......one of my FAVORITE shops, enhabiten, and a truly inspiring -quit your day job- article. What better way to spend procrastinating cleaning out the laundry closet. I will definetely read and reread this over again and again. I will be sure to refer back to the photos of your beautiful house when I get around to installing pine floors in my sewing room.
Thank you, Lisa
kidacollective
LittleGreenSquirrel
Great personal story! Thanks so much for sharing and many wishes for continued success!!
Don't you wish you had that orange Gremlin now?! I want my Chevy Nova back although I was SO embarrassed by it when it was handed down to me in the 80's!
jennamichelle
You are absolutely adorable. You ramble & go off topic...and it reminds me of myself. I love it. Congratulations on being able to do what you love full time! I wish I had the discipline to maintain a schedule the way you do! :)
classicdesigns
Good for you! Isn't it great to do what you love to do and make money too?
MagicTimeMachine
You do beautiful work! Congradulations on your success.
vantiani
Oh this is awesome!
I have been a fan of your shoppe and so happy reading this. You are one gorgeous gemini lady, Liane. Congrats!
feltonthefly
Hi Liane - What a great interview. I don't often read these interviews, but I read every word of this one! You were very helpful to me when I first started on Etsy, so I thank you for that. And congratulations on your continued success here. I always love seeing your work. All the best to you!
nomadcraftsetc
Your work is wonderful and I love how you Homeschool! So inspiring! Keep up the great work!
DeborahVoizin
LeftHandHats
Thanks for sharing your story. I love hearing the stories of how people find Etsy and make a life they love. I think that's the greatest thing we make here... A live we love!
birdie1
Thank you, Liane, for opening your life up to us! Your shop is one of my original favorites.
tinkerdotdesigns
It's after midnight and I have 2 custom orders on my table that I am painting (or should be). I should also be sleeping..and yet, for no reason at all I checked Etsy and stumbled on your article. I just had to tell you that I had to keep reading...your story intrigued me. While you are a wonderful artist (i love your stuff), you really are a wonderul writer as well and I'm sure your dreams for that will certainly come true. Oh how I wish I could have a 'quit your day job' story :)
littlepinkpebble
MyWisteriaCottage
Your story is enspiring and fun and easy to relate to. I am also a Gemini and I do things like you do. I wonder if it is the Gemini.Also your writing is a kick so maybe you are a frustrated writer who has to acquire enough life experiences to actually start to write. I look forward to your fiction being on the Oprah book club. I too look forward to a "quit your day job" day.
JaneBoFelt
PUREnaturalMinerals
tinyspace
lucky0girl0racer
ModishVintage
slinkymalinkicat
Congratulations Liane! It has been fantastic getting to know you better.
I am a huge fan of your work and I am sooooooo excited about the vintage fabric clothing .... I can't wait!
Love the 'junque' story ........
amoronia
I meant LIANE'S shop!!!!! And a nice read for my morning coffee, too!!!
Huismus
What a fun read with my morning coffee! ;-)
Congrats Liane, you're one of my longlasting favs for sure!
Simone
Tina669
evihan
voleurdebijoux
Wonderful story and congrats on your success, Liane! Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story with a bit of laughter and joy. :)
SpacejamOrigami
treasuresupplies
ilovegreen
love your humour!and the way that you admit all the funny little things we probably all do(like staying in pj's all morning) xxx very inspiring
LeiLiLaLoo
I love Liane's work. She is one of my first stops every morning before i get started on my own work. She is an inspiration. And almost all her favs become mine :D
thepurplefinch
GimCarry
ahhh!!!! so beautiful pillow
I love this item
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
I think she happy so much to made them (* v *)
Thank you for nice article.
Toa
thebestvintage
That's a great story. Your work is beautiful.
I wish you great success with your business and art!
PawPawsWorkshop
anakim
bittersweetdesign
Liane, great article - a fun read. You are so right - Etsy is a great venue - beats the pants off of all that packing and unpacking I did for all those shows, all those years! The good shows were good! but the bad ones were horrid!
My first car - A RED with BLACK interior AMC Gremlin! Yay! $1200.00 with money I earned working as a chambermaid at the beach for the summer.
swallowfield
i love liane's shop and her work! congratulations on this great feature.
elisasherejewelry
Liane - I love, love your story. OMG, the Zoolander bit was funny. I think we all feel that way sometimes, and yes, Etsy has been a blessing! Also, knickers were way cool some years ago. I remember my mom buying me a pair, which I wore with my legwarmers (must have been combining fads). Thanks for sharing with us!!!!
elisasherejewelry
oh, P.S. your Fay stories would make an excellent book - either short stories or a full-length novel. This is your chance to become a famous author, I swear!
brandedbutterfly
Great article. Similar story to mine, so that always makes you feel like you are reading about an old friend. Thanks for sharing.
artisticaexpressions
Love your work, advice and attitude. Thanks for sharing your expertise.
Debi
copabananas
beachhouseblues
I love the sense of community that Etsy provides.
Thanks for sharing your story!
AnniesWearableArt
such a delightful read...loved the reminiscing part...sounds like my neighborhood friends and me back in the day!
Lambert
hamptonjewels
Congratulations to you! Great article, I really enjoyed reading. Wishing you continued success here! :)
NovemberRoseAtelier
JAdamsDesigns
What a great story! I really loved how you said before Etsy you were lost in the wilderness of life, and were wondering where you fit in. I can totally relate to that because I have been paying much more attention to my own crafting lately and I can see the difference that makes in my life!
Good job!
PamelaAngus
moonovermaize
I loved reading your story especially as you have three children and you are homeschooling your youngest! That is something I am wanting to do while keeping up with my Etsy shop and you give me inspiration to give it a go :)
Your work is beautiful and I thank you for sharing your story!
Namoo
I guess I really enjoy reading quit your day job articles. And I am really touched by your story. Also, you have such simple and beautiful items at your shop!
FebystanDesigns
great life and Etsy story! thanks for sharing & congrats Liane!!!
lizjewelry
Liane... Great story... I can relate to your Zoolander reference...
YANDEBRIDAL
Amazing! Congrats. I also love your wittiness makes for a fun read =)
StudioCherie
What a sweet story. I am so glad I stopped in to read this morning. Congratulations on the feature Liane, and best wishes for ongoing success.
tldgrainwear
Lovely story, I love her work very much. Nice working space! Congratulations!
shopgoodgrace
What a wonderful, delightful, hilarious and inspiring article!! :)
It's evident that the astrology reading may have been right... your writing style is so engaging. (love it!!)
bluemoss
laurabucci
This was a lot of fun to read! Love your tone and playfulness. You go girl!
JinxMurphyDesigns
you may be my soul mate, lol how do you think geminis and saggitarius get along?
doodlebugsfunfabrics
I love your work and really enjoyed this article. It was so much fun reading about you and hopefully one day our paths might cross. After all I live in NH too! Congratulations on your success!
ExquisiteJewels
What a great story. I admire your courage, determination and patience. You worked hard and deserve the success of being the feature. Congrats.
VintageZen
VictoriaArtsnCrafts
Thank you for the inspirational story of your ongoing success... I read (more like absorbed!) every word, and visited your shop.... your cushions make us want to wrap our arms around them!! The studio looks like a peaceful but busy place. Really enjoyed reading about you!
cthings
shelbyhealey
What a fabulous read! Great work Liane, love your sense of humour too.
KatHannah
MonkeyThreads
I love this shop and finally ordered a pillow during a shoplive. Liane was quick with a convo and made me feel like a special customer!
Loved the interview.
luckyava
I love your unique style! and thanks for sharing your succesfully story with us....
Best wishes!
LUCKY AVA
FoundVintageStyle
it's so great to get an in depth look at your world...
I love your shop & work and have been inspired by your success on etsy. great article!
Cottagegarden
Wonderful article!! Thank you for sharing! I'm trying to do the same!! You have inspired me!!! Sarah
earlybirdcreations
What a lovely article, thankyou so much for sharing this.
VintageScraps
As always, you're a favorite of mine! (especially now that I know you are still in your jams at 11:00am...)
revampedart
PomLove
HazelHoney
TheKiwiBee
Hooray for Geminis! Congratulations on loving what you do - maybe you could still find a way to get free doughnuts . . .
TreeHuggerStudio
eureca3
Amazing colors and fabrics! I also love the plumpness of the pillows; makes you want to prop a few behind you and just relax. Congratulations!
1AEON
slumptown
Thanks for this article. Great story and store. As always these are so inspiring.
greensprings0
westwindcreations
What a truly wonderful story. Thanks for sharing your Etsy story and all of your life's adventures. It's nice to read about the success and happiness doing what you love brings to ones life. Very touching!
TheBlackSpotBooks
wow! An amazing story ANDDDD what a following... It took me so long to scroll down to the bottom and see how late I am in responding!!! Your house is beautiful. The story is beautiful and hilarious. I want to move to a small town in the middle of nowhere and have a big olde house and make stuff too.
As for that big flea - I never went! I wanted to. This summer has been nutso. Which is sad because we would be meeting for real to-morrow.
Someday...
KMayCreations
Great article! My favorite thing about Tuesdays is the Quit Your Day Job feature, and this one really spoke to me. (I am watching Zoolander at the moment, too weird!) I agree that you get out of Etsy what you put into it, and have to admit I haven't put nearly as much time into it as I should. I love your stuff and your story, thanks for the inspiration!
MotsDots
banfflines
Very inspiring! You have the soul of an artist and you write well also. I can hardly wait until I am able to cut the cord from work and play at all the fun and creative ventures I dream of.
Thanks for the insight.
Sandra from Banff, Canada
myglamour
kinaloon
DaunsSoapsandSuch
What a great Inspiring story. Kudos to you. I would love to be able to "Quit My Day Job".
coeurdepierres
Such a wonderful inspiration!
Thank you! It's a real pleasure to read you...
TodoCecilia
hey well done love what you're doing, your passion shows in your work :D
savannahroom
This would have to be one of my favourites in this series ! Humorous yet seriously good information .. love her products
I can really relate to Liane as I also quit my day job due to unforseen circumstances and I believe everything happens for a reason, one door closed & the next door opened showcasing the bright & wonderful world of Etsy !
Katherine x
www.thesavannahroom.blogspot.com
sweetoliviadesigns
LARobinson
Liane- I LOVED your story, brought back so many memories of growing up in the 70's! (I also made myself knickers and thought they were the bomb!) Hee Hee... :o)
You're a lady after my own heart, we're so much alike it's scary. But it's great to know there are others out there just like me. Wish we were neighbors!
junkyjunk
Congratulations on all your success! I wish you the best of luck! How amazing, hearing about other Mothers who make it work, you truly inspire me!
dancingintherains
Congratulation for your success and thank you for your inspiring story. You mention about "something special that people want", that really make me think...think...=)
blackmustard
Very inspiring and frank - thank you! I've admired your shop for a long time :)
I wanted to recommend an author to you since you like good historical fiction. You may already know of her but Isabel Allende is wonderful. So far I've only read one of her books - "The House of the Spirits" and it was one of the most enjoyable reads I've had in a while. If you're not familiar with her I'd definitely check her out!
Congrats on your success.
LavenderField
Liane I love your work, and your vintage fabrics are really beautiful. Inspiring story indeed!
congcongdesign
well.i like your story.hope i can do business on etsy all time.your works of pillow very beautiful. ^_^
enhabiten
hi blackmustard- i think i've read all allende's books! maybe not the most recent one. amazing author. really playful and sensual writing.
ellabellamay
Thanks for sharing, what a wonderful, twisting road to get where you are today! I can really appreciate that life takes the reins and we just hold on and have fun on the ride! You have beautiful and creative items!
emaleighscupboard
I loved this article. You are really a great writer, very good at expressing yourself. I was a crafty kid too and I still have the tiny Singer my mom bought me when I was about 8 years old. Your story is very inspiring.
gaylepritchard
Great and inspiring article, and terrific work. Thanks for sharing.
MariaLuna
Thanks for sharing. It's very inspiring...especially for someone who is new at this :)
lzubal01
modernbird
love liane! wonderful to peek into your world, thank you for being so open, funny, smart, and, and....xoxo, laura
Psweeneydesigns
Thank you for your inspiration! Being a Gemini myself, I will refocus now!!!
infusion
Liane you are the best, and totally funny!... and smart... and really cool... and hey! someone else just said that too - well see, it's true! Anyway, I am really excited to see you featured here. Thanks for being you... xo
esmeraldadesigns
Awesome! Your designs ROCK, Liane, such an inspiration to all of us Gemini designers.
xo,
Christina
MySassyLassy
So funny Liane...did I mention my Dad always drove El Caminos. . . .
lukethestampede
taffyyarn
This was an awesome article... I really love that you have your kid on the studio with you, too.
ChloesRuffleButt
Congratulations on your success! It is very inspiring, especially for a newbie. Thank you for a very entertaining read.
catnapcottage
Congrats!! Your pillows are beautiful and your shop looks great!! You are a true artist!!
brownbelly
designlab443
Life rolls and so do we, finding ourself along the way. Nice article!
YuriMiku
Thank you for sharing your experience and for your honesty. I wish to find that "special something" to make mine fly! =)
dorijenn
Well done! You're awesome! Always thought so!
Sorry this is late, but I just stumbled on the article. . .
PamelaJean
TheNightjar
i have read this article a few times and every time it informs me but also makes me laugh
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