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Story by
marymary
Published on June 8, 2009 in Spotlight |
Photo by |
Marcia of KahiliCreations has been selling on Etsy for over a year and is already seeing enough success to contribute a significant portion to the household income. Marcia has not had to return to her day job of Power Point presentations and meetings; instead she's in a position to stay home with her family and get creative while making a living. The joy of working from home comes with the pressure of being responsible for her business' success, but Marcia has carved a definitive path for herself on Etsy. Today she will share some tips and tricks that she's picked up along the way.
How did you originally get into the business of making things?
In the early nineties, I really wanted all of the cute necklaces the girls on Friends were wearing. Since I wanted about fifty of them and couldn't afford to buy them all, I went to a bead shop and made every necklace I ever wanted. Then my friends wanted to buy them. Around the same time, I got addicted to international travel, which is a bummer when you don't have a lot of money. I could always afford my plane ticket and hotel, but I needed spending money. A big gelato a day wasn't going to cut it for me in Italy. So, I started selling my pieces at work and jewelry parties.
When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
I haven't had a real day job since having my first child six years ago. After years and years of working for other people, I knew that I would eventually have my own business. I was actually thinking about opening up a small bakery or sandwich shop before I discovered Etsy and all of its Etsy goodness. My main goal when I opened my shop was to sell enough jewelry to buy our weekly groceries. As soon as my sales increased after a few months, I knew that I could really grow my business if I put my mind to it.
Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?
Oh, definitely. Besides all of the usual business start up stuff, I sketched a bunch of designs, read The Tipping Point and Blink by Malcolm Gladwell and the Lovemarks books by Kevin Roberts. I got a Tax ID number so I could buy my supplies wholesale.
I put a lot of thought into my branding and packaging. My all-time favorite packaging was when I bought a bottle of fragrance from a Comptoir Sud Pacifique boutique. Inside the perfect shopping bag, my bottle was wrapped in matching tissue paper which was placed in a gorgeous microsuede bag. I felt proud and special walking down the street with my CSP bag! Silly, but true. I tried to emulate that experience. So, I found the perfect paper boxes from Thailand to house my creations. Then I made jewelry like a mofo.
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
Other than listing or renewing every day, I'd say my most effective promotion was a large CPM banner buy over a network of blogs with high traffic, geared towards women. I bought 130,000 impressions to run over the course of three days. Even though only 342 people clicked through on the ad, I see them as 342 potential customers. Using Google Analytics, I could see that they were viewing at least 10 pages in my shop. Users from one of the blogs, a site where women dish about makeup, viewed an average of 12 pages in my shop and the bounce rate was only 20%. These people are quality leads. I'm not sure how that translated into sales, but I've had a lot of "new to Etsy" customers in the past weeks.
What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
I find that sponsoring giveaways and such, while fun, has had absolutely no impact on my traffic or sales. I can't Twitter or blog to save my life. The few times I've participated in the Forums, you could hear the crickets. I also tried advertising through Project Wonderful, but I haven't found any sites that brought me any meaningful traffic.
Walk us through your typical workday.
- 5:30 a.m. - My 4 month old's favorite time to get up. I'll talk with him while I turn my computer on. Check email and answer any convos. Read the news online. Check my hearts on Craftcult.
- 7:00 a.m. - Attempt to get my 6 year old up and ready for school. Luckily, my husband makes breakfast and packs her lunch. I'm in charge of fashion and grooming. I'll pack up any orders that I don't have to alter, and he drops them at the post office.
- 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Coffee drinking, picture taking and editing, description writing and listing, all while making faces at the baby. Might do some Swiffering (as my beloved Roomba is broken) and laundry. I'll make a few things while the baby naps.
- 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch break. Husband comes down from his shop and we eat, catch up on our day and watch Gordon Ramsay yell at people on BBC America.
- 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Catch up on convos and pack up any new orders. Hubby picks up daughter at school and drops off my packages. If I'm lucky I can get a quick nap.
- Usually, the mail person shows up around this time. I greet her by clapping and jumping up and down. I love getting new supplies!
- 2:30 - 7:00 p.m. - Family time.
- 7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. - This is actually when I get most of my work done. The kids are asleep and I have a chance to stare at my gemstones and findings and come up with some designs and make some pieces. I scan the web for more places to advertise, try to update my flickr and glance through the fora on Etsy. I also check my supplies and re-order what's needed.
This is a typical day if I don't have any sales: Wake up, no convos, no sales. I sulk all day, complain to my husband at lunch that I haven't sold anything. His eyes slowly glaze over. Then, I come to the conclusion that my shop sucks.
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
Other than a weekly paycheck, bonuses and paid health insurance? No! If I had to come up with one thing, it would be going out to lunch with my friends. I do not miss PowerPoint presentations, meetings, justifying my existence and pretending to work when I was really shopping online.
What's the hardest part about running your own business?
I am responsible for the success of my business. I can't go to the Marketing division and tell them their campaigns aren't working. I'm also in denial about how much I spend on supplies, so I dread the financial end. Dealing with returns is also difficult. If someone says, "This really doesn't go with my skin tone," I need to understand that it's just that and not take it so personally.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?
When I first started out on Etsy, I wasn't listing every day and my sales were sporadic. As soon as I found my groove I realized that the more I listed, the more I sold. I should have also really worked on my photography, as my pictures at the beginning weren't very good. I know it's been said ad nauseum, but pictures are key to success on Etsy.
What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
I wish to cultivate more repeat customers. I have many loyal repeat customers, and they really sustain my business. I love them dearly. I eventually want to expand more into bridal jewelry, but then I catch an episode of Bridezillas and get really scared. Just kidding! I've worked with a lot of brides since opening my shop, and they've all been wonderful. Some just buy from my shop and convo me afterward telling me it's for their special day.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I do. In another life, I produced websites for a living, and I have to thank Etsy for giving me the opportunity to open up my shop with ease. Also, I get to stay home and be with my family, get creative and make some money! This is the first job I've had that I look forward to every day.
Thanks to Marcia for sharing her story. Have a your own questions to ask? Come on by and chat with Marcia Wednesday, June 10th at 7 p.m. ET in Etsy's Virtual Labs.
You can see some of her beautiful jewelry in the related items. Check out previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.
| Tags | beads, full-time, Hawaii, interviews, Jewelry, KahiliCreations, Quit Your Day Job, sellers, selling, supplies, workflow, working |
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216 comments Login to add your own!
missindie
beautifulbridget
chARiTyelise
adoreneko
Thanks for the sharing your beautiful jewelry and story, Marcia! Great article and inspiring, as always.
anandi
ArtDecoDame
JensJewellery
great story.. My income from Etsy suppliments my part time work which is awesome because it means that I can be here for my children in the mornings and the afternoons.
Jenni - Australia
BeadinBabe
Wow, what a wonderful story, such a great inspiration for us all! Thank you! :)
EJPcreations
Nomsa
I love your sense of humor! I am pretty sure you are the first 'quit your day job' subject to use the term 'mofo' in their article. Quite awesome!
AkumuInk
haha don't despair if you have no sales one day. tomorrows another day :)
BlueNostalgia
uncharted
LoellaMedina
sweetsmilesbaby
Super funny, I love the typical day of no sales. I can relate to both of your workday scenarios.
BlueTerracotta
my3gemz
TheDizzyPixie
Jadedmind
alisonkelleydesigns
It was a real pleasure to read your article Marcia! I can relate in so many way and your words of advice are wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing your self with us!
dragonhouseofyuen
what a wonderful interview Marcia - and what a funny lady!!
I had a nice laugh and a few smiles reading this!
Congratulations and I wish you all the best of even more success!
thanks Mary for interviewing Marcia!
4TheSparrowsNest
Congrats Marcia!! You do BEAUTIFUL, quality work and I appreciate your humorous, yet extremely helpful perspective in your interview. Thanks so much for sharing!
Faeriedtreasures
You are hilarious! HA! Such a great sense of humour, and such beautiful jewelry!
I have the same basic schedule for a day without sales, also, my husband's eyes tend to glaze over when I talk to him about my shop as well. LOL.
oppositetheeclipse
juicychristians
Awesomeness! You are so funny! Had me cracking up girl! Congrats and mucho success in the future. I'll have to convo you to ask you a couple of questions...hope that's okay!
selflesh
Twinsjewels
Congratulations! You don't have to go back to the office and you get to spend time with your family. Beautiful jewelry! I love your work space.
PAINTINGSBYSAM
Aloha! Such beautiful jewelry! Mahalo for all the great tips!
monichelledesigns
I love your jewelry and your packaging is awesome!! You are a true inspiration!
sillylittlelady
I love each and every one of these stories, so inspiring for the rest of us! very intriguing writing, funny and informative :)
thehappyhoneybee
What a great article--and beautiful jewelry! Love the Tiny Ono 5 in particular.
LuxStudio
Timberwerks
HinStyle
gloilocksandbody
Always an awesome read :D Your work is beautiful! Your days sound like mine, minus the kids.
Ugh and Gordon Ramsay ... big headed much? Hah. I've worked for some hot headed chefs, but him, I'd spit in his face! What a jerk.
tubbytabby
Wow, great article, very inspiring for me. Love, love, love her jewelry!
lilworkerb
I already work at home: Daycare, Housework, Taking care of grandmother with Alzimers. Its almost as if I never even had a chance to be a real teenager......but.....I love to dream about leaving home..........ahhh someday.
odiliafu
aimeesarmoire
Great, shoot-from-the-hip crafter! "Made jewelry like a mofo" made me SPLURT. MY. COFFEE!!! Yes, the supply side can be tough... kinda' wearing through the paintbrush stash that I thought would last forever.
Great story. Keep up the good work :)
scrapaddict
I love stories like this. I think my favorite part is that your goals were reasonable and it sounds like you've far exceeded them.
Supplies? I can never have enough!
lucia33
ModFarmgirl
Wonderful article! Yay, Marcia!!! Your story is very inspiring! Thank you for sharing!!
I did not even know that CraftCult existed.... It's cool! Thanks!
anicastillo
sewlutionsbyamo
BargainHeadbands
AlsoMrsB
Yeah... I love to hear about other Moms staying home, and working what they love!! Good for you Marcia.
KiraFerrer
Mahalo, Marcia, for sharing your story (waves from Maui)! Very inspiring and your jewelry is gorgeous!
artlab
HarrietsHaven
lovelygifts
SeizeTheNight
I was thrown into making Etsy my day job bc I was layed off. Hearing how other people are making it work is always encouraging! :)
LHogan
MissKiwisCrafts
This Definaetly gives me hope for my shop, Nice pieces by the way
VintageJamie
slumptown
great pieces and a wonderful story. Very inspirational as always this article gives me hope.
IcingOnTheCupcake
steponitart
PomLove
This is a great story! Beautiful work and how great that her shop is doing so well....:)
contempojewels
apiecebydenise
I've read all of the "quit your day job" posts and this has to be one of my favorites. Totally made me giggle.
seababejewelry
Yay! Congradulations on quitting your day job! WE love your work!
wildirisstudio
Thank you for letting us peek into a window of your world...balancing creativity and family with humor and grace. Keep it up!
pengpengs
baconsquarefarm
Wonderful story and lovely shop too~ happy you've found success~!
CandyTiles
I love how you balance your work day. I'm still trying to schedule in a lunch break..lol
LoveBlossomTrue
Thank you for sharing! You encourage and make me laugh! Aloha
FlowerArtPrints
To quote you ... "This is a typical day - if I don't have any sales: Wake up, no convos, no sales. I sulk all day, complain to my husband at lunch that I haven't sold anything. His eyes slowly glaze over. Then, I come to the conclusion that my shop sucks."
Made me laugh! Thanks so much for the glimpse into your Etsy day. And, being a photographer ... I totally agree with you about the pictures. Good pictures sell. I just opened my shop and need to do what you said, list something every day. But I need to get a system going for that. So much to do, so little time in each day!
And now I have photos to process ... but here I am reading instead!
;-)
Annie
Lunatiger
Oh that's such a wonderful story! Congrats to you! ^_^ It was very inspiring to read.
SugarShorts
FlowerArtPrints
Oh, one more thing!
I love that you have a picture of yourself on your Etsy shop and that your profile page has a wonderful story about you on it. I always check the profile page when I go to someone's shop and am disappointed when there is nothing there and it seems that most shops disappoint me in that respect.
As a shopper I want to "meet" the owner of the shop through a story about them and their product. I also want to see what he or she looks like so I can put a face with the story. I feel that's very important to the shopping experience since shoppers don't physically walk into the store and have the pleasure of being greeted by someone.
Thanks for making my visit to your Etsy shop so enjoyable. The product is beautiful, you are beautiful and your story is beautiful. Who would not want to buy from a shop that offers such a great shopping experience?
Anne
AnnsCrafts
What a great story, an inspiration to all of us. A
great help to all of us newbies who can use some advice.
Thanks!
sherrytruitt
Your jewelry and your home are lovely. Continued success to you.
MyGrandmasAttic
SloaneSiklos
Loved reading this story - especially the bit about how her husband's eyes glaze over as she comes to the conclusion that her shop and work suck... that was me for most of last week! I snapped out of it, but it's so reassuring to hear other people go through the same ups and downs...
CollectionObsession
Congratulations on such a wonderful family centered life. Your jewelry is beautiful.
cthings
Congratulations Marcia!! Very beautiful jewelry and it was wonderful to read about your success! Wishing you many more!
MakingPaper
QueenBeeInspirations
enjoyed reading about your experiences with etsy. Very helpful for a newbie.
BeadsInTheBelfry
Marcia - you are my kind of lady. Thanks for the informative AND comical read. :D Glad to know I'm not alone on the sulking and the glazed over eyed husband.
Continued success to you!
MeanderThroughLife
Marcia your jewelry is beautiful!!! I think this has to be one of my favorite interviews thanks for your honesty :)
sleepypillow
moonovermaize
I loved reading this story as I can relate to so much of it!
Beautiful jewelry and thanks for sharing!
PipocaHandmade
bobnstitch
MagnoliaFern
my word your photography is amazing! I've still got a lot to learn before I join the "quit your day job" ranks!
1AEON
IAPrincessTreasures
I really loved reading all of the good information and your work is beautiful. This was very helpful, and I have a love for beading also.
klacustomcreations
CreativeConceptsDS
Beautiful work! and very useful tips, thanks :) I
just recently opened my shop and need to list something every day.
littlepinkpebble
Mattamorphis
pipertate
Thanks for sharing your story. I enjoyed reading about your day, especially the "no sales" day cracked me up. lovely jewels.
WaxingMoon
It is so inspirational to hear everyone's story. Thanks for the great article :)
soule
Yeah! Thats funny! I spit on my computer laughing on this part:
This is a typical day if I don't have any sales: Wake up, no convos, no sales. I sulk all day, complain to my husband at lunch that I haven't sold anything. His eyes slowly glaze over. Then, I come to the conclusion that my shop sucks.
Thats funny! I just read it to my other half and he gets the Glazed over look often too....
kristendarling
Thanx for the advice! Very inspirational! Your work is beautiful!
nodeform
Thanks for sharing. This is one more of those inspiring stories. I'll keep on dreaming about one day quitting my day job too.
Kiie
gloriouscrochet
This article was so real and down to earth...even funny. Love it!!!
FluteTeacher
This was very entertaining to read! Thank you for sharing. You're work is lovely.
gearbox
I had many a wonderful chuckle reading some of the things Marcia says/thinks - gorgeous jewelry too!
clodaghmolloy
MelisaJVerch
BowAccessories
Story's like this keep me motivated. Thank you and best wishes for your continued success.
sarahemilydesign
Thankyou for sharing your success and I could relate to your story (especially about the husband's eyes glassing over !)
tinyspace
FlanneryCrane
glutamatedesign
Great read, what a lovely person - a with a good sense of humour!
Thanks!
PookieandPierre
OK, I dream of the day when I can say this: :)
I do not miss PowerPoint presentations, meetings, justifying my existence and pretending to work when I was really shopping online.
Awesome story. Made me laugh, smile and gave me hope all at once!
SundraSandrusi
DancingHorseGallery
That anyone can cover today's sky-high grocery costs with Etsy sales each week is impressive enough, especially after only a year in business! But I love that you didn't stop there, but pressed on to loftier dreams such as funding international travel through the sales of your beautiful jewelry. Your story is inspiring. Thanks for sharing the ways you've grown your business, and for encouraging me in how to move from starting point to achievement of goals. Until I reach them, enjoy a big gelato in Italy for me, OK? Blessings!
bungalowmarketplace
somsstudiosupplies
Lovely article! I can totally relate to the part:
"This is a typical day if I don't have any sales: Wake up, no convos, no sales. I sulk all day, complain to my husband at lunch that I haven't sold anything. His eyes slowly glaze over. Then, I come to the conclusion that my shop sucks." haha.
Morado
scrappysewsweet
Love the article. I can relate to the life. However, I'm just starting out on etsy. I have done a lot of prep work and anxious to share my love for crafting with the world.
mythunderstood
great story.
you may not be able to blog and twitter
but 'bounce backs' and page view stats,
you seem to have a head for biz!
best to you!
safarisister
Marcia you're an inspiration to me and obviously many others here on Etsy. Your work and word are unique and sublime!!
Felicidades and continued success in your jewelry business
Yo sista in Mexico City!
JAdamsDesigns
Beautiful Jewelry! And again a huge inspiration!
I just about burst into laughter at my desk from this part:
"I do not miss PowerPoint presentations, meetings, justifying my existence and pretending to work when I was really shopping online."
Because OMG can I understand where you are coming from!! (Banging head on desk.. LOL)
Good Job!!!
HopePhotoArt
I can relate to the blog and twitter! It's hard to find time to focus on business and family much less keeping up on a blog! Your creations are really beautiful. Thanks for sharing your story!
buttonfuzz
nightcloud
thanks for sharing this well written etsy-go-deeper article! your last sentence sums up what is quality life, gained with love and persistance in a creative job: you look forward to every day continuing this job at home!
monkeyandsquirrel
i love the part about waking up to no sales and coming to the conclusion that your shop sucks. we all have those moments. nice to see that even successful shops do too!
your work is quite lovely, makes me want to run off to hawaii right now!
TheFinickyFrog
I really needed to read this today! Thank you for the encouragement Marcia!
SimpleTraditions
I love to hear about mom's who are able to work from home!
FashionTouch
I love to hear these success stories! Great interview and beautiful pieces in the shop!
Kschulz
Your jewelry is so beautiful! I will definitely keep your shop in mind when i need something special!
younghairlove
Wow! you live in Hawaii, you are married and have a baby girl ( I believe), you are surrounded by gemstones and live from your art, your husband even drops your packages!!!??? Marcia you are like a godess to me! and what? you are truely funny too? just Wow.
Lots of kisses from London and of course congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
younghairlove
Oh, and yor pictures? the jewelery pops out of the pictures and tell me my room's messy!! well done again.
younghairlove
To lilworkerb: Be brave Girl, the time will come and you will get so much for helping your grand ma!! I wish you the best!! be brave, focus, and be positive. Everything will come, I'm sure we will read your success story here one day soon!!! chin up girl!!
Piggy
very inspiring! I wish I can get away with meetings and powerpoints one of these days :)
roadrashrubber
I am so happy to hear that I'm not the only one who has occasional moments of sulking and thinking my shop sucks! I'm always inspired to read about other artists and designers in whom I can find a reflection of my own experiences. Thank you so much for this interview!
michon
musthavemellicom
Beautiful work! Love your sense of humor!! Reading your article today has helped me get some ideas on promoting my shop, which totally perplexes me. I wish there was someone we could hire to do that part so I could just stay in the studio and create! Computer stuff ain't my strong point! But....if I must....I'll figure it out. You were so helpful! Thanks and kiss the babies for me!
urbanheirlooms
Thanks for sharing your funny, delightful journey! You laid it all on the line; it was a very inspiring read. Your products and photos are so captivating. Much continued success!
musthavemellicom
...also, last night I babysat for 4 hours with my neighbor's darling kids, 3 yrs and 10 months. I don't have kids, but love them, and those two WORE ME OUT! I don't know HOW you get anything done with a tiny baby at home! I therefore worship the ground you walk on, as I barely get anything done with no kids! Phew! XXOO
atomicrose
I've been working full-time for the last 10 years and raising two girls. I'm a little freaked out about being switched to part-time at the end of this month, but I've wished over and again for more time for Etsy...and it looks like I'll have it. These "Quit Your Day Job" articles are very inspiring!
abstractvision
evelynnsalcove
Love the story, I make most of my living selling on the internet. I have been self employed now for several years. I would have it no other way. The freedom it gives me is like no other. I just found Etsy and I love this site.
soulyyours
Jujie
empapers
I love this part:
'Then I made jewelry like a mofo.'
I could sooooooooooo relate to this 'Quit Your Day Job' what an honest, frank and wonderful profile.
Congrats to you!
sadiesez
Ha! Love the sense of humor!! You need to be in my happy hour crowd :) Continued success to you!!
PoleStar
Nushkie
Loved this article! Thanks for sharing and for the hilarious asides!
SweetPeaFabrications
lafillefacetieuse
ConchitaCreates
Thanks for sharing this story, I think we could all use a little inspiration!
babook
i like all of your package they are wonderful and very very well ... Thanks for share OF your nice experience : )
wristcandycreations
I LOVE your sense of humor!!! And your jewelry! Congrats on your feature and best wishes for many more successes! I find so much inspiration in the Quit Your Day Job series. I hope one day I'll become self-sustaining and have the opportunity to leave my crazy commute behind!
MelanieMathieu
So inspiring...your work is beautiful. Congratulations and wishing you continued success!
missmosh
Lovely, beautiful works of art, awesome interview...
no crickets chirping here!
xo
MissMosh
modernfrills
alankarshilpa
Thank you for your inspiration. Your work is beautiful.Keep up the good work. Wish you all the best _
Dita
katerosejohnson
Thanks for sharing your marketing strategies! I love hearing it from the source.
SweetwaterGifts
I had to look 2-3 times at the "mofo" line. Wasn't sure I read it right with all the new abrev out there! Great story and great jewelry.
Know what you mean about thinking your store sucks, still trying to get over the sales hump myself. It helps to have people you know reassure you of your abilities...but sales would be better!
Thanks for the inspiration...I really don't want to work for someone else again!
bellasparty
KalliopeJewelry
Thanks for sharing your inspiring and LOL story! Best of luck to you for continued success!
hearthsidetreasures
Whoa! Fantastic! Glad to hear from such a devoted etsian who shares her wonderful, invaluable information! Thanks so much!
iloveprisims
Your jewelery is beautiful and unique. I have dreamed about being able to spend more time creating and less time working. You have offered some good advice. Thank-you and keep up the good work.
CliqueDaCour
digiacomo
Loved the article. Sometimes it takes good stories like this to get inspired!! Thank you.
bkungerman1
couturedesignsbym
I love mommies who design...I mean, a 4 month old and a six year old- and still not losing her identity! I have a 2 year old and I nine year old, and I love designing to keep my little piece of "me" alive and fresh! You go girl, congrats on your success!
DutchTouchBeads
Wonderful article, lovely, lovely shop...something to aspire too!
lovepetals
Congratulations on your etsy success. I am currently trying to catch my stride on my site. You have truly inspired me!
simplylovlee
bittybambu
DeslynnWDesigns
Awesome write up. Yay Hawaii sistah (sister). I'm here in Japan inspired by your success in the mix of a young one.
adamiart
This was a great article.Both good answers and good questions. Very helpful Thank You
RubyStudios
Thank you, Marcia. Lovely article. Nice to get to know you a bit.
jenniferpriest
Awesome and inspiring. Now I wanna go work on my shop more!
artsyfingers
Thank you Marcia for sharing, very helpful article. You are an inspiration. Congratulation on your success.
YesWeeKend
Your workshop has an amazing view, it should be very inspirating, thank you for sharing
Squier
jennkristen
TheSparklingCocktail
chetti
Gorgeous gorgeous designs and a wonderful, honest story. Thank you!
TripleLDesigns
InspirationByFlorna
Looking forward to seeing you in the Virtual Labs tonight. I will kick myself if I miss it. Thank you for sharing about your business etc.
VVsDesign
Your story is inspiring, and your designes are beautiful... glad your made it.. I'm already giving up.
jessicaschuler
This is a great story - which I'm sure will change after having it published in the Storque. I really appreciate how honest you were about your discouragement and struggles. Very inspiring!
VintageBookStore
Thank you for telling your story, and sharing so much :)
thechrysanthemum
Wow. I feel like we are almost the same person...Very inspiring!!!!
OriginalJennyann
One of the most useful articles I've read so far. Though all the info on Etsy is quite good. First time I'd heard of Craftcult and it is just what I've been looking for.
SimarubaDesigns
Thanks so much for sharing your story. It is truly inspirational. It lets a newbie like myself dream!
BeachGemming
Proud of you, sis! Glad you are able to share your inspiration and humor with everyone! Don't forget to save some of your gorgeous jewelry for my birthday!!!
littlemoandfriends
Robbo070
I love the comment about not missing anything about your old job! :)
lzubal01
Very inspiring, thanks! Do you have information on that blog banner?? I am just starting to try to do more and looking for good ideas.
Mokupepe
I look forward to the day I can quit my job and do what I love 24/7. All these stories only gives me the inspiration to NOT GIVE UP. Thanks!
Moku pe pe "Island Baby"
CandiedBeauty
elishalong
I love this series, and to see another lady with a family make it big is incredibly inspiring!!
HeartcoreStudio
katblk9
I'm so excited to see your business is doing so well!!!
A few months ago, I actual bought one of your necklaces for a bride-to-be and she simply loved it! You can be sure I'll keep an eye out for new finds on your Etsy. :)
And this interview was very inspiring!
Truepennie
I loved the article. Thanks so much for reporting/sharing the story!
steampunkjunk
I wish my workspace was a clean as yours. :)
Very nice article. Thanks!
safarisister
I love the work Marcia does with SafariSister Jewelry Findings :>
Well that was shameless plug...but seriously the way she combines her materials into very modern, very lovely and very wearable jewelry is sublime!!!
Once again Marcia, congratulations on a wonderful spotlight here on Etsy.
Jacky
omdesigns
mpries
I started selling on esty in April of this year. I think its a great place to sell hand made idems. I just wish that instead of looking at my quilts that some one would buy one. I think its great that your doing so well and hope you have continued sucess.
kristend12
I love hearing stories like yours! Very inspiring, I'm just started on Etsy, but you never know!
thingsbuilt
vink
LainieRoseDesigns
sandrajevans
Wonderful article, and beautiful jewelry. Wishing you the very best.
orchardfarmsoap
thanks for sharing! your success is an inspiration to me.
beadsofaquarius
i'm a mom too,and i really like your story , given me the courage to continue, even some times i want to stop beading, cause i live far away in africa, and i think" it's too hard for me to show and sell my designs, tank you for sharing your work and your experience, good luck, bonne journée.
annyschoo
cottuncande
I loved your story and find it wonderful and refreshing to find someone so positive and free spirited about their everyday life. It inspires me because work is getting worse and worse and I haven't been paid for several weeks at a time. This really motivated me to start etsy business =). thank you for sharing your story!
CardCandyBoutique
Thanks for sharing your story. I needed a little inspiration which you've provided. Your work is lovely!
ashjewels
LoriAnnEnchanted
koodelah
teaorjava
Thank you for your beautiful story... you truly inspired me! Much success to you;)
UdoUmami
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