Etsy's Handmade Blog
Quit Your Day Job: goodgirlsstudio
Story by goodgirlsstudio, marymary
Published on October 26, 2009 in Spotlight 		Photo by

goodgirlsstudio

Johanna of goodgirlsstudio brings her longstanding background in the fashion and culinary fields to the forefront with her unique designs. She began making her pieces from the broken bits of jewelry and leftover fabric in the shop where she worked. After spending many years in retail, Johanna was able to turn a negative (the shop where she worked being liquidated) into a positive life change that allowed her to fulfill a dream of running her own Etsy business. Johanna admits becoming her own boss has been a challenging learning curve as she is now her own accountant, photographer, writer, marketer, outside sales rep and creative designer, all while raising her son. Johanna's favorite part about being her own boss is the time it has allowed her to spend one on one with her son and she reiterates the importance of following one's heart.

How did you originally get into the business of making things?
Other than a few jobs in the culinary field, the only jobs I’ve ever held have been in the fashion industry. I was always able to up-sell my clients by showing them how to accessorize and give the outfit a whole new look just by changing something as simple as a necklace. I started making jewelry from bits of broken pieces of jewelry and fabric from the shop I managed and luckily there was a bead shop right across the street! Customers and coworkers started commenting on my creations and my hobby slowly began making me money. It just seemed a natural flow of events to begin to design my own accessory line.

When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
I’d dreamed about quitting my day job ever since I had my son. Retail had become a grind but once I began selling pieces to my coworkers and friends it seemed like a viable form of income. When the company I was working for liquidated, I used my severance and unemployment checks to float until Good Girls Studio could bring in enough money to support us. So in a serendipitous fashion, my bad luck was the catalyst to making my dream a reality.

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?
I’d like to say that I budgeted, planned, saved and figured it all out ahead of time…but I didn’t. I incorporated my business and opened up shop all the while thinking I would keep looking for a “real” job, because there was no way I could make ends meet by working for myself. I didn’t really have the faith that I could make this happen. Managing your own business is a completely different animal than running someone else’s! How was I supposed to become an accountant, photographer, writer, marketer, outside sales rep and creative designer, all while raising my son on my own?! There was a huge learning curve but thankfully I had friends and family who all offered such a wealth of knowledge and emotional support!

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?

  • I try and blog several times a week and I post on relevant blogs as well, which has made me both friends and customers!
  • Utilizing Facebook and Twitter has done more for me than anything else. I post on both of those regularly.
  • Customer service also plays a big role in marketing. My customers constantly send me more customers! They are my biggest cheerleaders (aside from my mom, of course).
  • I also try and send 25% off coupons with every order and that has generated more repeat business.
  • My number one marketing tip: Make what you love and wear it with pride! Don’t be afraid to talk about yourself; be passionate about it!

What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
Having a giveaway on my blog, or on someone else’s, has never generated any sales, to my knowledge. It’s nice exposure but I’ve never found it to be profitable to give away something I could have sold.


Walk us through your typical workday.

  • I get up at 7 every morning and get my son ready for school. I’m back home by 8 and have my quiet time. That is the only constant in my day! My favorite flow of my work week involves making jewelry in the beginning of the week, followed by taking and editing pictures and then uploading the new goodies to my shops.
  • I’m most creative in the morning, so that’s when I try and make jewelry. Some designs take weeks to finish as I gather and pile up little "collections" of vintage baubles and work them together. Others "speak" to me right away and I’m done within an hour or so.
  • If I’m really not feeling creative I’ll go to one of the local antique malls. Loading up on treasures and touching pieces of the past clears my head. Hopefully I remember to stop and have lunch — if not…watch out!
  • I schedule my meetings with shop owners before I pick up my son from school around 2:30, then try to finish up whatever I’m working on by 4. From there it’s usually time to take my son to the park, do homework and make dinner.
  • I try and blog and plan out my next day after he goes to bed. 
  • Each work week is as different as each day. Lately I’ve been involved in several local fashion shows and photo shoots, so there’s been the added running around, meeting with clothing designers, planning out hairstyles and makeup and the general craziness of putting together a show!

What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
Being able to spend quality time with my son! It is very important to me to be able to pick him up from school and volunteer in his classroom, which was such an impossibility when I worked retail hours. I love having the flexibility to run out to help a friend or just grab a cup of coffee with my mom. Not working nights, weekends and holidays is amazing!

I do miss the one-on-one interaction with customers since most of my sales are wholesale orders and Internet purchases. Trunk shows and participating in local markets give me the opportunity to meet my local customers. It’s great when I meet someone in person and they recognize my jewelry because they’ve bought pieces at a local shop!

What's the hardest part about running your own business?
Being a one woman show! I’m such a great delegator and there is no one to delegate to! Seriously though, it’s hard to find time to do it all and I have a hard time asking for help. Luckily I have friends that will work for free jewelry! I’m also terrible about visiting new shops and marketing myself to them. I really need to get some new wholesale accountants and I get so nervous even thinking about it that I don’t make it out of the house! I’ve gotten much better at this and have found that wearing my jewelry is usually a big conversation starter. Once they ask me about it, I ask if they are the owner and take it from there.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?
Believe in yourself! If you’re not excited about what you are doing no one else will be either; it really does show in everything you do. Also, follow your heart! I really feel that God gave me this talent and this is what I was made to do. Sometimes I forget this and start floundering, questioning myself and getting discouraged with my business. I start looking for a “real job,” you know, the one with health insurance and benefits. I never find one and am always reminded that I already have a real job, one I love and while it doesn’t have insurance benefits, it does have one great benefit: I can’t be fired! The emotional benefits of being home for my son and being creative all day far outweigh any negative ones!

What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?

  • I’d like to get my jewelry into fashion magazines.
  • Opening up new wholesale accounts is a constant goal for my business.
  • Seeing a movie star on the red carpet being interviewed and saying, “This is a Good Girls Studio necklace,” — now that would be amazing!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Be true to yourself! There will always be other people who don’t want to see you succeed; it is a sad fact of life. If you believe in yourself and use your God-given talent, there is no end to what you can accomplish!

Thanks to Johanna for sharing her story.  You can see some of Johanna's beautiful work in the Related Items. Check out previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.

Tags full-time, goodgirlsstudio, Jewelry, NC, North Carolina, Quit Your Day Job, Raleigh, sellers, selling, Spotlight, SPOTLIGHT, workflow, working
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222 comments     Login to add your own!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 3:59 p.m. littlealouette

CONGRATS! I love yr work- great interview! xo

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. RubyBeets

Congrats! Beautiful Work!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. CindyEllison

Love your shop! Your story was very inspiring. You followed your dream and most importantly you are able to spend time with you son.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:07 p.m. KittyCityCreations

Lovely work. Very colorful.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:07 p.m. TheWellSeasonedNest

I applaud your "gumption" and hope someday to make a go of this as well. I'm soon to launch my shop.... Thanks for the inspiration.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:08 p.m. rikrak

oh gorgeous! great interview - and love your beautiful work!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:08 p.m. vintagestyling

Beautiful shop and totally inspiring. Wishing you lots of luck with your business in the future!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:10 p.m. SewnNatural

yay! great to hear about your work and life, congratulations to you. thanks for sharing!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:11 p.m. GemsByJoy

Very inspiring! I love to hear these stories...it gives me a boost of hope and optimism!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:11 p.m. stitchknitsew

Great Article.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:13 p.m. BabbidgePatch

Thank you, Johanna, for sharing your inspiring story! Your work is gorgeous!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. SepiaSmiles

What an inspiring lady. Doing all of that AND bringing up a son Wow!

I completely understand your point about being scared to market yourself, I am the same as I am quite shy, something I still have to work on!

Rosey :)

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. EJPcreations

Wonderful story! So glad I read it! Congrats on all your hard work!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. forrestinavintage

I agree--inspiring words. Good for you for having that strong background in retail and fashion when you took this plunge. Being rich in one's life really doesn't equate to how much money/stuff we have--congrats!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. pitoreskni

Love the studio photos. Congratulations on living the dream!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:16 p.m. VixVintage

Inspiring story and lovely jewelry, thanks for sharing.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:19 p.m. Aquanetta

You go girl!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:19 p.m. AugustRainSupplyShop

Another great inspiration. I had never come across her studio before. She has a lot of things going for her. Her work is beautiful and her prices are awesome. I am impressed! Thanks for being another shining star in our Etsy galaxy!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:19 p.m. Radness

Wonderful work :)

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:20 p.m. Radness

Super organized workspace too!!!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:20 p.m. sweetsmilesbaby

I love the stories in your listings and the collages are amazing!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:20 p.m. Firedaisy

What a great interview. Thank you for all of your advice, Johanna! This was inspiring and motivational. I can see why you are successful your designs are beautiful and fun.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:21 p.m. PunchDrunkPrincess

Congratulations! Your locket rings are gorgeous!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:25 p.m. seababejewelry

Congradulations! I love the Annie Oakley gun!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. emetalworks

i am so happy to read these stories!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:31 p.m. HoneysuckleLane

Beautiful work and inspiring story!
Thanks for sharing and best wishes for your continued success! :)

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. IcingOnTheCupcake

Great shop and unique pieces!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:34 p.m. LaveMeSoapCo

purdy

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. 1AEON

nice pics!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:37 p.m. sonyarasi

Congratulations! Great work!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:41 p.m. beachhouseblues

So nice to hear your story!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:42 p.m. Peacefuldusk

Great inspiration, it is hard to get things off the ground in the beginning.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:44 p.m. sweetsparrow

Hey! I know that chick! Congrats on the article and you look great in that photo! WOO WOO for GGS!!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:47 p.m. cassidycay

Congratulations! Your work is beautiful!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:52 p.m. LambCandy

so inspiring! thank you!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:52 p.m. JoshuaByOak

I love reading about how other sellers have been able to quit their day jobs. Whenever I'm feeling bogged down it's inspiring to read a story such as yours.

Congrats!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:53 p.m. odiliafu

Congrats! Beautiful work!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:53 p.m. baconsquarefarm

The Wild West Prairie necklace is incredible, love your style, congrats to you as well, wish you continued success in the future too.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. PocketComfort

Loved reading your story. I am always interested in reading about how us creative types can balance all the business pieces without some falling on our heads! Congratulations!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:55 p.m. rakshniyavintage

Great interview - very inspiring!! Your work is beautiful - good luck and hopefully one day I will be able to do this full time too :)

Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:59 p.m. pinkytoeclothing

Congrats - beautiful pieces :)

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:08 p.m. IslaNewYork

Lovely interview, and very inspiring! The pictures of your work studio are amaaaazing! So organized and colorful!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. DesignedByLucinda

Very inspiring and how do you keep your studio so (relatively) neat?!? :)

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. JeannineRobertsRoyce

Love these stories! Another artist who leapt with no guarantee of a net. It's not always easy to keep up the confidence. I love her work... so inventive and imaginative.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. PonderandStitch

Yay, goodgirlsstudio!!! Great feature. :)

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:14 p.m. lovahandmade

Keep up the great work! Believing in yourself is one of the biggest parts, thanks for sharing your story! Your jewelry is really lovely!!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:14 p.m. underoakstudios

Yay! These articles are great!
What a great interview.
Your workspace is awesome!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:14 p.m. wristcandycreations

Great interview and exquisite work! Congratulations on the feature!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:17 p.m. soule

Congrats! I just quit my day job too! (about a two month ago)
Takes alot of courage and energy! Keep it up! You can do it!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:18 p.m. CastAwayCreation

Congrats and thank you for the inspiration!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:19 p.m. KMala

this stories are always inspiring, nice work!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. fantasybeader

great interview :-) I would also love to see a star with something I made :-)

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:26 p.m. sassmama

Love your words of wisdom at the end! Congrats and thanks for the inspiration.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:29 p.m. recycledwares

i really enjoyed the interview. congratulations on the success of your etsy store. very nice pieces, i had fun looking through your store.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. Kailea

Very inspiring!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:33 p.m. AngelEllie

Congrats and thank you so much for sharing your story!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:36 p.m. goodgirlsstudio

Thank you all soo much for your kind words of encouragement!

All the comments on my workspace are making me giggle ;) You can be sure I spent many hours cleaning that space to get it ready for the shoot. What you don't see are all the boxes piled around as I was preparing for my upcoming move!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:36 p.m. Seyshelles

Inspires me, I was starting to think there wasn't room for me....but there is! Thanks for your story.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:38 p.m. spacejam

as always pretty inspiring

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:45 p.m. SaltwaterDesigns

I aspire to this!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:49 p.m. BagatellesAndCo

I really feel the same about your nervousness about visiting new shops... and thanks for the inspiration, especially your last advices! Beautiful jewelry:)

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:49 p.m. jbeaudet

I hope your dreams of the red carpet come true!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:50 p.m. ChloesRuffleButt

Lovely shop! Thanks for sharing with us!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:51 p.m. LizzyClara

your work is beautiful and funny, what a winning combination! all the best to you

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:51 p.m. PurseParts

Wow!! Very impressive! Congratulations!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:53 p.m. LeahSawyer

Thank you so much for sharing your story, I really needed to hear the final couple of paragraphs, as I was seriously considering going back to work. I think I'll hang on for a little longer. Cheers, Leah

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:55 p.m. GatheringSplendor

Love your work--great job

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:57 p.m. lterrill9

Very nice to see that you have been so successful! Congrats and contiued success!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:58 p.m. ElysianFields

Very cool interview and congratulations on your success.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:59 p.m. ModernMeetsWhimsy

rock on! :)

Oct. 26, 2009 at 5:59 p.m. MentaEra

Congrats! The floral necklaces blow my mind.
Best wishes
xo-Suzy

Oct. 26, 2009 at 6 p.m. FruitionJewelry

Great advice!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 6:16 p.m. smilingbluedog

Way to go!
This article is so encouraging and inspiring
and I love your jewelry!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 6:19 p.m. paramountvintage

oooh. great article!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 6:22 p.m. posiesforlulu

Lovely! You make such inspired little pieces! I am a vintage jewelry fan! I hope to quit my day job some day too! Good luck on your beautiful shop! ~Raina

Oct. 26, 2009 at 6:29 p.m. TheGoodEmu

...I WILL quite my day job I WILL quit my day job....

Oct. 26, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. DalkullanJewelry

Congratulations Johanna!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. craftpile

great article and congrats!! You did it!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 6:32 p.m. rebeccasanchez

Great interview! I love hearing success stories, they're so inspirational!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 6:39 p.m. WoodPigeon

Congratulations! Great interview : )

Oct. 26, 2009 at 6:42 p.m. hellobrowneyes

Congratulations on your success! Your work is beautiful :)

Oct. 26, 2009 at 6:44 p.m. SeaFindDesigns

Congratulations.... Beautiful work!!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 6:53 p.m. DecoratingYourself

i love yor story and that you have upcycled jewelry ...great work..Lisa

Oct. 26, 2009 at 6:56 p.m. JemmDeeCreations

Congratulations! You inspire us all to continue to enjoy our hobbies. Thank you for sharing your success.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 7:04 p.m. ThePaperTray

Congrats Johanna!!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 7:19 p.m. hoganfe

Terrific interview & great designs!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 7:23 p.m. mykonos

wow, unique jewelries!!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 7:26 p.m. ShimmeringSky

Thank you for sharing your wonderful story - you have beautiful jewelry (my weakness... oh no! lol).

Oct. 26, 2009 at 7:36 p.m. girltuesdayjewelry

Really inspiring! Good luck and best wishes for continued success on Etsy and beyond from one 'girl' (Me, Girl Tuesday Jewelry) to another (YOU--Good Girls Studio!)

Oct. 26, 2009 at 7:36 p.m. SeizeTheNight

How encouraging! Thanks so much!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 7:39 p.m. 2TrickPony

Believe in yourself; so simple and so true!
great article, thanks

Oct. 26, 2009 at 7:45 p.m. megrnc

Congrats to a local Etsier!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 7:46 p.m. threedeluxe

inspiring to say the least

Oct. 26, 2009 at 7:47 p.m. thirtyonedesigns

Outstanding pieces! Congrats :)

Oct. 26, 2009 at 7:47 p.m. SparklePaw

lovely pieces!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 7:53 p.m. MarKhed

oh so lovely! Congrats I hope one day I'll be able to count myself as lucky!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 8:03 p.m. yenjewelry

great article. congrats.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 8:07 p.m. SpringtreeRoad

great interview & your shop is just lovely. :)

Oct. 26, 2009 at 8:16 p.m. JiSTdesigns

thank you! someday...

Oct. 26, 2009 at 8:17 p.m. warpedLaurie

Doing what you love and getting paid for it's so a wonderful aspect. Congrats.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 8:23 p.m. crazyforcollars

Love the article! Thanks for sharing all the ideas and tips!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 8:37 p.m. JetWhitePonytail

Very inspiring! =)

Oct. 26, 2009 at 8:42 p.m. ozjools

Loved the interview. What an inspiration you are, Johanna. Thanks for the ideas and fab tips.

Oct. 26, 2009 at 9:02 p.m. ArtisticIntentions

Great interview! Congrats on your success!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 9:05 p.m. accentonvintage

Good for you! Congrats!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 9:18 p.m. bayatinge

I love your work and your story! Congratulations on your success!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 9:23 p.m. riverpebble

Congratulations!...yours is an inspiring story and loving what you do seems to be the key! It's great for you to be home with your son, bravo!!!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 9:49 p.m. frenchhenshop

I loved this article & your jewelry is gorgeous! Kudos!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 9:50 p.m. lynntodddesigns

I love these stories!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 9:51 p.m. cravejewelrydesign

very cool! congrats!!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 10:03 p.m. ourfrontyard

You have beautiful stuff and an inspiring story! Thank you!! :)

Oct. 26, 2009 at 10:07 p.m. mayaruhi

Wow, gorgeous stuff!! Truly little pieces of art! Thank you somuch for sharing, Johanna! :D

Oct. 26, 2009 at 10:25 p.m. excely

Oh, one of my very very favorites! Such a deserving feature- thank you!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 10:28 p.m. db1920

I love this article. Congrats and good luck to you. I really like your jewelry!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 10:36 p.m. thevanitytable

I really liked this article. It's alwats great to see how others (especially the very successful) view everything from marketing to spending a day that you're not so creative. Knowing what these wonderful artists do when they're not in the "mood" is such a great help!! I think we can all use help for these days.
Thanks so much for sharing!!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 11 p.m. LANYARDLADY

Hey from down the road in Winston-Salem! Your work is fascinating and your creative gift literally moved me to tears. I wish you all the best; I've no doubt we'll be seeing your designs on the red carpet, the runway, and in fashion magazines around the world!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 11:23 p.m. TrilliumTrue

Awesome! Beautiful and creative. Congrats!

Oct. 26, 2009 at 11:53 p.m. FeatherandBean

This is one of the most inspiring interviews I've read. Thank you so much for that! You are truly an artist. I wish you continued success in your business and with your son. He is so lucky to have you as a role model as well as a dedicated mother. Congratulations and thanks to you for sharing such an honest and inspiring window into your life.

Oct. 27, 2009 at 12:10 a.m. MyMoms

Great article, very inspiring!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 12:31 a.m. DarkMoonJewelry

Something I aspire to do! Thanks for sharing!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 12:32 a.m. RubberStampPress

Great, great article!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 12:38 a.m. theenchantedcupboard

A great read! Love to get a peek in other seller's lives!!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 12:42 a.m. trudiedavies

Congrats! One day for me!!...........Thanks!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 2:03 a.m. Rocknrobin

Well Done! I'm SO proud of a fellow female. Beautiful work, specially with a little one at home! How DO you do it????
I "clean up" my workspace when company comes too.......then can't find a THANG! LOL
Bless your heart.
Hang in there "sister".
:)

Oct. 27, 2009 at 2:19 a.m. MetroGypsy

Very cool feature!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 3:51 a.m. CarolineRoseArt

Beautiful individual jewellery! A great article, best of luck to Johanna!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 4:31 a.m. littleclouds

wow, lovely photos and I really like your style of jewelry, can definitely see it on the red carpet! I liked the bit about 'believing in yourself or no one else will', so true.

Oct. 27, 2009 at 4:42 a.m. congcongdesign

good job.

Oct. 27, 2009 at 5:35 a.m. dementedsnowflake

Such an inspiring interview!!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 7:03 a.m. aimeesarmoire

Wonderful story, and an absolutely delightful shop! Of course, I'm a bit biased, being a vintage-jewelry-freak AND having a vintage bead and supply shop, too :)

Oct. 27, 2009 at 7:12 a.m. RedMarionette

Wonderful article! Congratulations!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 7:20 a.m. LemonGrove

beautiful jewelry and great article!!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 7:43 a.m. HinasApprentice

Beautiful work. I love the midsummer rain necklace, absolutely gorgeous. Your blog looks great too!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 8:06 a.m. lovelygifts

Great article. Congrats!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 8:13 a.m. photoglassworks

Congrats Johanna! It's not easy to do it in this economy, great job!

Tracy

Oct. 27, 2009 at 8:15 a.m. handbagcave

I decided I'll keep reading the quit your day job every week! I stopped reading it for a while. Your story is very encoraging! Thanks for sharing, and I hope your bussiness keeps growing more and more! :D

Oct. 27, 2009 at 8:40 a.m. jodieflowers

Love it! Awesome work!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 8:42 a.m. RedorGrayArt

so talented ...so determined...way to go!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 8:59 a.m. lisaroy

great article and such beautiful pieces!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 9:01 a.m. autumnsanticsstore

Beautiful work! Congratulations!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 9:05 a.m. SeptemberStars

Interesting jewelry! Thank you for sharing this story!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 9:08 a.m. monkeyandsquirrel

your pieces are amazing! congrats on all the success. i'm off to browse your shop now :)

Oct. 27, 2009 at 9:13 a.m. TwilightVisions

Beautiful work:) Congrats no quitting your day job!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 9:17 a.m. jFrancesDesign

Your jewelry is so unique and beautiful, and your story was very inspiring. Congratulations!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 9:20 a.m. Humanidad

Very inspiring!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 9:22 a.m. pulpsushi

Beautiful work, congratulations!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 9:24 a.m. zJayne

Great sharing and words of wisdom - Be true to yourself.

Rah rah ~

Oct. 27, 2009 at 9:42 a.m. evihan

wowww great story..and shop

Oct. 27, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. amysfunkyfibers

What a fun shop, I love collecting things too,you have made so many neat one of a kinds with them!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 9:59 a.m. FashionTouch

Happy for you! And your items are so romantic and beautiful!

FashionTouch
Unique and Affordable accessories at http://fashiontouch.etsy.com
Useful Tips, Showcases, Reviews and many more at http://fashiontouchme.blogspot.com

Oct. 27, 2009 at 10:13 a.m. blithegardens

Love how you rework the vintage pieces you find. I love the necklace with the key hanging down - beautiful! Keep it up!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 10:21 a.m. VelveteenHabbit

You are fulfilling my dream!!! Congratulations! Our styles are similar yet unique to each of us--your falling for you necklace is candy to my eyes!! Best wishes!!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 10:22 a.m. breadandroses2

One door closed and another opened....with your great talent, planning and hard work. Congratulations! So well done.

Oct. 27, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. outspokenjewelry

Really unique. Love the vintage jewelry. Congratulations and oontinued success!!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 10:35 a.m. retrodition

wow, i needed to hear your story today. :)
thanks for the inspiration!
Your work is amazing, and I know it won't be long before we see you in those fashion mags! ;)
peace and love!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 10:45 a.m. LittleStudioJewels

How inspirational! I too feel like I am meant to do this, but I also begin to feel discouraged when I don't get sales every day like other shops...I try to get a 'real job' and then realize why I do what I do: I LOVE creating and would hate to do anything else!
I wish you all the best of success on and off of Etsy :)

Oct. 27, 2009 at 10:58 a.m. FairyDecos

Yes, I have to agree with others. Very inspiring! I like that you make a many "strong" necklaces.

I appreciate your work!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 11:23 a.m. ClotheslineCreations

I loved your story! It gives me hope that I can make it with my shop! Thanks for giving inspiration and hope to others.

Oct. 27, 2009 at 11:33 a.m. LoveBlossomTrue

so inspiring on this rainy autumn day! your pieces are unique and make me smile. (-:

Oct. 27, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. prairieboutique

love your shop! Way to go on being able to work from home doing what you love to do----create!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 12:51 p.m. nataliabodre

Great for you!!! You do really good job!!!!!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 1:02 p.m. ODDimagination

I love your creative pieces! Weren't you just in Durham at the Vintage RockandShop?

Oct. 27, 2009 at 1:19 p.m. lucky0girl0racer

Congrats! You do great work!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. LizzyBdesigns

Congratulations, your work is beautiful!!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 1:44 p.m. JanuaryJaniesJewelry

Congratulations and much continued success!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 2:04 p.m. sorensonya

Thank you for the great interview! I'm inspired!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. lmgboutique

Love everything! Congrats!!!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 2:41 p.m. mytangerinedream

Love how you incorporate all these different styles into one piece of art. congrats on your day job!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 2:54 p.m. beyondweddings

Very inspiring story. Great interview!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 3:13 p.m. thedianacollection

Great article. I too hope to one day quit my day job and have my jewelry be my only job. Hearing from others that have done it inspires me!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 3:32 p.m. zueeuz

Love the way you put bits and bobs together, here's to continued success!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 3:46 p.m. SilverNutmegStudio

Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story, it is such a boost of encouragement!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 4:16 p.m. GracieDesigns

What an inspirational story! I'm very happy for you!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 4:33 p.m. KnitArtbyGrace

Great article. Congrats! thanks for sharing:)
from,Grace

Oct. 27, 2009 at 4:38 p.m. EmmainWonderland

From one creative mum to another - thank you!
I have a young son myself and lately I've been feeling like it's never going to happen for me so thank you for the inspiration to keep at it!

Em ♥

Oct. 27, 2009 at 4:42 p.m. CupcakesandPixels

WOW! I LOVE HER JEWELRY! She is so talented!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 5:20 p.m. CardCandyBoutique

inspiring interview!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 5:55 p.m. tanyap

Love this story!!!I swear I thought I was the only one that got ansy about my shop and making things! Thanx for the pick me up!!!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 6:06 p.m. livetocraft

Beautiful work. You have a very creative mind.

Oct. 27, 2009 at 6:12 p.m. SteampunkSupply

Good for you! A very inspiring read. Thank you!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 6:32 p.m. chocolatecreative

Just what I needed to hear, your words are very inspirational. I just have been made redundant form my day job and not savings!! But I am not scared at all, I am going to make my business happen, I ma very positive and confident I will success.
Good luck on your

Oct. 27, 2009 at 6:39 p.m. CliqueDaCour

congrats on your shop and creations, they are really beautiful!!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 6:43 p.m. frankideas

I'm inspired! -it sounds like you are more disciplined in your work routine than I seem to manage!!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 6:51 p.m. raynecloud

Great work!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 7:10 p.m. LynnesThisandThat

nice work....very different...congrats

Oct. 27, 2009 at 7:25 p.m. caoimhamarie

I LOVE YOUR SHOP!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 8:36 p.m. Parachute425

Inspiring work.
Inspiring article.
Good luck to you.
Health insurance is over rated. ;)

Oct. 27, 2009 at 8:42 p.m. Vintage50sEyewear

What a great talent. Beautiful!

Oct. 27, 2009 at 10:52 p.m. AudreyGardenLady

Congrats!!!!! You go girl!!!!!
www.AudreyGardenLady.etsy.com

Oct. 27, 2009 at 10:55 p.m. eatsbeadsandcards

Congrats and good luck in the future - its always so inspiring to see someone who is making this their full-time job!

Oct. 28, 2009 at 1:05 a.m. Iammie

Neat works. Congrats!

Oct. 28, 2009 at 2:06 a.m. whimsyandcharm

goodgirlsstudio is a beautiful shop. love her jewelry!

Oct. 28, 2009 at 3:55 a.m. creativeordinary

Brought tears to my eyes!

Oct. 28, 2009 at 4:28 a.m. LilaJo

Keep up the great work! Great article :)

Oct. 28, 2009 at 8:51 a.m. adoredesigns

I love reading these "quit your day job" posts, so inspirational! This one was no exception. Keep up the good work!

Oct. 28, 2009 at 9:03 a.m. PunkUpBettie

Very inspirational story and cool stuff!

Oct. 28, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. ShugaRose

Congrats! Great advice and lovely items~!!

Oct. 28, 2009 at 11:59 a.m. nbcvb

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Oct. 28, 2009 at 12:29 p.m. michon

Congratulations, and beautiful work! (hmm, BTW editors, I think I see a spam comment in here that needs to be moderated)

Oct. 28, 2009 at 4:52 p.m. DowntownGirlDesigns

Very inspiring :)

Oct. 28, 2009 at 6:42 p.m. vintagemaison

congratulations on making it - lovely pieces too!

Oct. 28, 2009 at 8:14 p.m. cthings

Beautiful pieces!! Wonderful inspiration and I really like what you say in about the red carpet that would be inspiring! Continued success to you!!

Oct. 28, 2009 at 9:49 p.m. gilstrapdesigns

Your jewelry is beautiful and reading your story just confirms to me that yes you can follow your bliss and make a living at it.

Thanks
Debra

Oct. 28, 2009 at 11:36 p.m. Fullearths

Thank you so much for inspiring mommas working from home, like me, and so many others!! it's good to know that with hard work, and determination, it CAN be done!

Oct. 29, 2009 at 2:11 a.m. simoneelumdesigns

I love your story! Keep inspiring others to do what they love! I'm on that path myself! God bless.

Oct. 29, 2009 at 8:26 a.m. lauratoal

great story, as i have just gone part-time in my day job to spend more time on my own work. I would love some feedback on my shop. Thank you!

Oct. 29, 2009 at 8:59 a.m. SpiritedWoodland

Terrific! Very inspirational! :)

Oct. 29, 2009 at 3:03 p.m. frenchfleababy

You have beautiful, unique pieces. Congratulations on your success!

Oct. 29, 2009 at 4:17 p.m. PurpleBears

Thanks for your honesty about how to balance family life and working from home, and your trepidation regarding wholesale accounts. I'm still working myself up to wholesale accounts!

Oct. 29, 2009 at 11:16 p.m. CDChilds

Thank you for sharing. I love to hear how other sellers have managed to make a passion they love into a success.

Oct. 30, 2009 at 1:19 a.m. slipshodsally

I love this story...it reminds me of my begining.

Oct. 30, 2009 at 9:57 a.m. sundarose

Congratulations! Very inspiring. I love your studio space.
~Ronda O.

Oct. 30, 2009 at 11:07 a.m. BGSStudio13

you go girl, wonderful!!! Congrats.

Oct. 30, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. cardinalhouse

Very fun pieces! Love the decanter tag necklaces!
-Kat.

Oct. 30, 2009 at 5:54 p.m. emmevielle

Your story inspires me! It looks like you marched ahead and expected success and that you are finding it! Juggling all of the aspects of the business as well as taking care of your family -- you've shown the rest of us that it can be done. Thanks so much for your story.

Oct. 30, 2009 at 6:18 p.m. theapplecobbler

Congrats! Very inspiring... and we are in the same town! Cool!

Nov. 1, 2009 at 9:41 a.m. nauli

So inspiring to read your story! I just started my shop here and found a lot of interesting information in this interview. Thanks for sharing!

Nov. 1, 2009 at 10:22 a.m. alittlecrazywithwax

Very inspiring!

Nov. 1, 2009 at 11:35 p.m. catibug

Thank you for encouraging me my dream is to someday do this for a living when i hear stories like this it brings hope back into my hart im just starting out i need all of the advise i can get thank you and god bless always

Nov. 2, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. tanglesastangled

Best advice ever! Wonderful work Johanna, love the backstabber necklace....and I really appreciate how you name all your pieces!

Nov. 10, 2009 at 10:46 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. 10, 2009 at 10:47 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

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