Etsy's Handmade Blog
Quit Your Day Job: KatrinaKaye

Trina and Andy are a husband and wife team working together to run their full time Etsy business, katrinakaye, as well as raise their daughter Sienna.  After relocating to Amsterdam, Trina just couldn't find it in herself to go back to a "proper" job, as she calls it, and just knew deep down she wanted to be at home making a living making things.  Her timing couldn't have been better, with the popularity of the online craft scene on the rise. After Andy noticed her climbing success, he too was able to Quit His Day Job to help Trina run the business full time. What they enjoy most in life is being able to be at home with their daughter. They're teaching her first hand that that being conventional and doing what you are told is not always necessary; that you can live your dream.

When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of making a living on Etsy?
Absolutely! For me it was a case of refusing to get a new job after quitting the last one to come to Amsterdam. I am a graphic designer by trade, but was really unhappy to sit behind a computer all day and always knew that I wanted to ‘make stuff’ for a living instead, but wasn’t sure how to do it.

Then Andy got offered a job in Amsterdam and we moved. When we got here, Andy told me every day to get a job, but I just couldn’t bring myself to go around with my portfolio. I just wanted to be at home making stuff. Someone suggested I try selling my things on the market here, and I got a market license and was making enough to not always ask Andy for money… I still considered it a hobby really, and Andy was still nagging me to get a ‘proper’ job. 

This was around the time Craftster started up, and that was a huge inspiration. It was also where I found Etsy. I joined in January 2006, and it went really well! Pretty soon I was on the good old ‘Top Seller’ list, people blogged about me, I got wholesale requests from all over the world… It was like I had opened the door to our future!


How long were you selling on Etsy before your husband quit his day job?
I had been half jokingly talking to Andy about joining my business for months, but he thought I was crazy and couldn’t get used to the idea of not having a stable and reliable income. I was convinced that with our doubled effort, my enthusiasm and his business skills, we could make it work and be able to live off it.  Before Etsy, I really had no proof of how this was going to happen, but when he saw how well I was doing on here he started taking me more seriously. All of a sudden it wasn’t just a hobby: I was making almost the same as him. Within three months he had left his job and we were in business together.

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?
It was all a bit crazy, really. We had a mortgage to pay, we had just found out I was pregnant, he had no idea how to work a sewing machine and we had no business plan in place. I wouldn’t say we were naive though, just optimistic! I was probably riding on the ‘what the bleep do we know’-wave too… Create your own reality and all that. There was a lot of manifesting going on! :D  We did have some savings, and that helped a lot. (Especially since I basically slept my way through the first three months of the pregnancy and Andy was thrown in at the deep end.)

He learned to sew, he took over the day to day stuff, he answered conversations and he put in place a lot of structure and efficiency that I had not bothered with and made everything more business-like. He took us to the next level, something I wouldn’t have managed to do without him.  I probably wouldn’t suggest that everyone do it the somewhat Utopian way we did, but it worked for us, luckily. I do truly believe that if you set your mind to something and follow your heart you can’t go wrong.

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
As we work on the market here in Amsterdam, we meet a huge amount of people every week. Most of them are tourists from all over the world. We tell almost every single one of them about Etsy. In the beginning, no one had heard about it, but now we meet loads of people who have their own shops, are addicted to buying on Etsy or just think it’s amazing. We don’t have to spell it to everyone anymore… (it’s like Betsy without the B!)  That’s it, really. We haven’t really done any proper advertising. It’s all been word of mouth, I suppose. We have had a few big blogs write about us and done an interview online. We’ve been featured in a few magazines and there are more coming up soon, which is cool. I’ve been thinking about advertising on blogs lately and might give that a try. Advertising is very much one of the things on our to-do list.  Being on the front page is definitely a good way of ‘advertising’… We were on there last night and I just sat there and refreshed the page over and over again and watched the views going through the roof! So exhilarating! 

What have you found to be unsuccessful promotion?
We joined the ‘street market’ a while back — Poppytalk Handmade — which I was really excited about, but I don’t think we got a single sale as a result of it. It seems to be good for other people though, and I personally love Poppytalk. (see our Etsy blog posts with Poppytalk)

Would you walk us through what a typical workday might entail?
They’re all very different, but these are the kind of things we do…

  • Around 7 am we get rudely awoken by the little one…
  • We check Etsy, the newspaper headlines and emails and then we have some coffee and breakfast.
  • Since Sienna was born, we’ve had to abandon our studio, which is a bit too far away to go to during naps… As a result we work from home. Hopefully we’ll be able to move back there soon or get a bigger house with an adjacent studio… 
  • We plan our day and talk about who should do what and one of us might take Sienna and go to the park if the other one needs some ‘office time’. It’s usually Andy taking her out and me working frantically whilst they’re out. He works on his laptop as much as he can whilst out. He also works on his laptop in between sales while at the market on the weekends.
  • We work conveyor belt style to keep things tidy more than anything else. One day we’ll be sewing, one day gluing, one day admin and once in a while one day lounging around not really getting much done but enjoying life…
  • Andy does most of the dealing with suppliers and buyers, the paperwork, the money bit and other serious stuff, whilst I do the designing and making and bossing around... We overlap a lot when we have to, but we found that it’s what suits us best.
  • The computer is on 24 hours a day and there’s always something to do on it. We’ve got a new 24 inch screen iMac, which is handy for having one window showing Teletubbies and one next to it with Etsy.
  • It’s sometimes difficult to stick to schedules with Turbo Baby around, so we try to have weekly aims instead. It makes for less disappointment on an ineffective day.

Hmm, I’m finding it really hard to describe the work we do for some reason. I think it might be because most of it doesn’t feel like work and it blurs into normal ‘home life’. I do know that it doesn’t really ever stop and even when Andy and I go out for a rare meal alone together we always end up talking about the business because we enjoy it so much!



What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
I enjoy:
-having no one telling me what time I have to be where every day and having to stay there until they say it’s ok for me to go home.
-not being told what to do with my life.
-not having to spend my day with people I haven’t chosen to be friends with, but having to sit next to for most of the waking hours of the day.
-the feeling of choice and control and the knowledge that I achieved what I always dreamed of.
-being able to go and see my family in Norway for two weeks at the time without worrying about how many holiday days I’m using.

Andy enjoys:

-the complete freedom to map out his day and to shape it depending on his mood and what feels right.
-having siestas in the afternoon when he wants (he sometimes used to have naps in the men’s room in his last job…)
-that business and pleasure rolls into one.
-the fact that daydreaming that used to be considered as time wasting is now more of a necessary creative process.
-that the drive and the focus is always there.
-that no day is ever the same.
-that he’s teaching himself new skills everyday.
-that making mistakes is a way of developing himself now and not seen as a failure.

The single-most amazing thing we both enjoy is that Sienna gets to grow up, with not just one stay at home parent but TWO! She doesn't need to be rushed to daycare in the morning by tired and stressed out parents that come and pick her up again 8-9 hours later to take her home, give her dinner and a bath and then to bed. Instead she gets to hang out with us every day.  Work is never more important than her. We can choose to go to the park and have a picnic and feed the ducks, have a play and a swim instead of working if the sun is shining! She also gets to see first hand that believing in yourself works. That being conventional and doing what you are told is not always necessary... That you can live your dream.  I feel so fortunate and so happy for Sienna and to think that all this is largely thanks to Etsy is totally mind blowing. It has changed my life, changed Andy's life and provided our daughter with two very present and happy parents that are always there for her.

Andy misses the lunch breaks and the occasional after work drink, as he doesn’t have much time for them now! :D



What advice would you give someone else thinking about taking the plunge to sell full time on Etsy?
Do it if your heart is truly in it! If you’re not 100% sure and if you’re really only doing it because you hate you day job, then change your day job instead. Don’t doubt yourself. You need to believe that it is going to work and that you are never going for another interview again! Burn you CV as a symbolic ritual.  Just do it… don’t wait for someone to tell you that it’s ok. Most people will tell you you’re insane, but that’s because they're: A. Not creative and thus have no understanding of the force that drives you. B. Not creative and can’t see beyond the corporate world. C. Not creative and secretly jealous of your skills. 

Take yourself seriously! When people ask you what you do, look them straight in the eye tell them you’re a designer and you’ve got your own successful online company. Then be vague and mysterious and make it sound absolutely fabulous… Pretty soon you start believing your own hype and that’s a good thing!  Be prepared to work hard… Having your own business is not like an office job where your workday is over when you leave the office. It’s all consuming at times.  Keep all your receipts.  Get an accountant. They’re worth the money.

What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year?
We want to broaden our range of products, step it up a notch, surprise people and have fun!



Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Don’t be afraid to make adjustments along the way. My design tutor once said to me: ‘kill your darlings!’ It’s a writer’s term, really, but I think it applies to all creative work. It reminds me that although I might love something, other people might not, and that keeps me focused on what I’m trying to achieve.  I know I said earlier that if you follow your heart you’ll be fine, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the signs. If your products aren’t selling, don’t think of it as a failure: think of it as a possibility to develop. Take a look around at what is selling and why. Perhaps you’ll find ways of improving your own products. It is not ‘selling out’ to make changes — it is good business sense.

Crafting full time might sound pink and fluffy, but if you’re going to survive as a business you have to be willing to compromise and be commercial, too. After all, it’s the money you make that will buy your new materials to keep making things that will sell and make you more money so you can pay your mortgage!

 

Thanks to Trina for sharing her story and business with us! Check out the related items below to see some of her items.

You can find some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.

Tags Amsterdam, decor, Dutch, European, katrinakaye, Norway, Norwegian, pillows, quit your day job, sellers, selling, The Netherlands, WAHMs, work at home
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134 comments     Login to add your own!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. HomemadeZen

awesome story!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. Peggers

What a great article. One of my dreams...quit your day job!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. thefunkyfelter

wonderful work! great story too :)

Oct. 27, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. dogties

Amazing! What wonderful work.

Oct. 27, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. yaelfran

I just ADORE her work, a few weeks ago, I bought from her 2 bags!!!!!!!!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. billysuetextiles

You two are an inspiration!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. BargainHeadbands

This is so inspiring and moving! My eyes were teary just by reading what Trina said. This is one of my favorites articles of the series, ever. I wish you the best in the upcoming year. Thanks for the inspiration to keep on with what I love to do, no matter what.

Oct. 27, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. DuryDesigns

Its awesome working side-by-side with your husband.
I wish I would do that someday :)

Oct. 27, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. wendyconradart

great story... very inspiring. this will be me one day!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. ModFarmgirl

VERY inspiring!! Thank you so much for sharing your story! I love the advice you give to other etsian wanting to take the plunge. That made my day!
Wishing you continued success!!!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. pouch

katrinakaye was one of the first sellers who stood out for me when I first joined etsy and I'm so glad to see their business has gone from strength to strength!
I also love the vintage fabric they use and I want it all :)

Oct. 27, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. beyonddesign

Great inspiration! I loved this article and I admire them so much.

Oct. 27, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. amysfunkyfibers

wow, what a neat story, I love the bold patterns in the fabrics, very unique and beautiful!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. mykonos

Oh lovely fabric!!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. dlkdesigns

Congrats to you both! Your first photo looks like a lil mini sweat shop :)

Oct. 27, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. babeta

Great article but what do you do for insurance? Your items are lovely.
Pam

Oct. 27, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. jenaardell

inspiring!!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. PoleStar

What and ideal day, lovely story.

Oct. 27, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. emilyaugust

wonderful story! this was really inspiring and I love the images.

Oct. 27, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. annarubyking

great story! thanks for sharing and inspiring!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. ohkayk

I love the very first picture with your little darling in the back background, standing on the chair, watching the computer monitor. . lovely story and best wishes.

Oct. 27, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. Isabeau

Wow, so inspiring! Really amazing.

Oct. 27, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. RedBridge

I got to meet and speak to Andy briefly while in Amsterdam in May. I recognized their wares and realized I'd seen in on Etsy.

Oct. 27, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. baddinsdesign

I am so proud of your family and what you have accomplished!!!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. EJPcreations

Truely inspiring!!!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. minouxjewelry

Great advice about taking yourself seriously. I spent too many years downplaying what I do, and in retrospect, it definitely hindered my creative development.
Thanks for sharing your story, and best wishes to you and your family!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. dragonhouseofyuen

What a wonderful interview Trina - and such good business sense!
I love what I make - and after years of making what I thought 'other people would love and would buy' I now only make what I absolutely love - and what I would buy myself.
I think that every designer has a set of customers waiting to find them! Some designers appeal to loads of people, others to only a few... some items are useful, some only decorative... but you have it spot on! Congratulations! I hope you go from strength to strength.
thanks for the great interview! oh! and I love Norway - my sister-in-law is Norwegian and the vidders are Amazing!!!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. dreamspiralart

Thank you so much for your inspiration!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. rustydusty

Really insightful article, gets one thinking!!! What If??

Oct. 27, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. MsFabric

Great article! It's got to be wonderful having the two of you home to raise your daughter. I also liked your advise for others answer.

Oct. 27, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. sushipot

Thank you for sharing your story!! Wishing you much success as you continue to grow your business!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 4 p.m. belaluna

Wonderful article, unbelievably inspiring and helpful and you, Trina, are so straightforward and positive in your business sense. Definitely my favorite so far that I've read in the series. Thanks so much for sharing your insights and providing ideas and hope for those of us who haven't quit our day jobs just yet!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. MyNovember

This was fantastically inspirational and uplifting. Thanks for sharing!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. matouenpeluche

Wow! Now that's what I call a "Quit your day job" interview! What a fabulous couple of creative souls!! More power to you both!!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. lisaastrup

Its a very inspirating story, thank you and good luck !

Oct. 27, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. BetaBoutique

uh, trina and andy are making such a lovely stuff. and story is really inspiring too

Oct. 27, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. therainbowroom

what a fantastic Etsy story - really enjoyed reading all about you and your family/work life, its a tough balance to crack. You guys sound like you have it sussed - well done ; )

Oct. 27, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. edithandlulu

"Having your own business is not like an office job where your workday is over when you leave the office."

This isn't always true. You business doesn't have to be your entire day to be a success. It's a matter of choice and time management.

Oct. 27, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. bagladiesinpa

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this interview. Thank you for sharing your story and photos. And the 'things you enjoy most about not having a day job' match my sentiments almost exactly! (although I don't have a little one at home, I do get to spend time with my grandson when ever I choose.) :D

Oct. 27, 2008 at 6 p.m. terryann

very nice! I love the whole "this is the life" attitude! I think I got that attitude too!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 6:09 p.m. neverenoughhours

Great interview. I bought a bag from them ages ago and love it!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 6:31 p.m. karuski

Great work and good points of view!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. flyingzoo

Great Article!!!....thanks for sharing....

Oct. 27, 2008 at 7:04 p.m. SilverAndSeaglass

Really inspirational! Thank you for sharing your story! Just the small kick in the pants I needed right now.

Oct. 27, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. Ultravioletwind

Great article. I'm just starting my shop...so it helps to hear success stories like yours. :)

Oct. 27, 2008 at 7:48 p.m. laurabrownart

hurrah for another one! thank you for articulate, genuine words. reading these articles are always so inspiring, it is good to know there are people out there who GET IT! thank you, thank you! as silverandseaglass says, it is a good little kick in the arse!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 8:29 p.m. SwingLowStudio

"...the fact that daydreaming that used to be considered as time wasting is now more of a necessary creative process." - LOVE this :)

Oct. 27, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. dreamalittledream

I love reading these articles =] So inspiring!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. DeborahVoizin

So inspiring!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. CutieDynamite

I feel so warm and fuzzy now! Totally inspiring!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 9:51 p.m. BrazanDesign

I've been a fan of your work for quite a while already. Thanks you so much for sharing your story with us all, and congrats on your success! You are inspiring!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. OpusMuse

absolutely inspiring! it shows us all that dreams does come true if you believe in it & most of all yourself. the business bit is in your face but definitely necessary to learn. thank you so much for sharing your experience with us!

Oct. 27, 2008 at 10:53 p.m. MercysMark

I would love to be in this same scenario soon! I think what I need to work on is creating a schedule and this article helped me to start thinking of ways to do this. Thank you for posting this! :)

Oct. 27, 2008 at 11:11 p.m. GoldenFlowerCreation

I'm at a verge of quitting my day job too. I just need that right push to go ahead and do it. By seeing Trina and Andy as husband and wife partner, it gave me a new inspiration to bring my craft into a higher level! My hubby recently lost his job and now if I can make him learn how to sew too, I can finally launch my baby line and quit my day job!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 3:08 a.m. moddyboy80

Fantastic!
I love stories like these. They really help me keep my chin up when I start to question myself and my abilities. And I especially love the picture of your husband helping out, sitting at the table with scissors and bits of fabric. Made me smile.

Oct. 28, 2008 at 3:15 a.m. LucysPlace

Fantastic story! Sounds very much like my day to day life (especially being woken rudely at 6.30am)...

Oct. 28, 2008 at 4:08 a.m. sygnetcreations

I so love this story. I love staying home and my husbands often jokes about being a full time dad while I work fulltime. One day that may just come true!!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 5 a.m. pinkshowercurtain

I got a messenger bag from Katrina Kaye and absolutely love it!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 5:13 a.m. mike2855

What is burning CV? Extremely overwhelmed but feel like community here. Trying to find my own niche doing just what you are doing. Have wasted too much of my life, just not realizing/manifesting. BIG THANK YOU.

Oct. 28, 2008 at 6:18 a.m. katrinakaye

Hi everyone! Thank you all so much for the incredibly kind words. I was welling up reading through them all. I am so happy some of you found our story inspiring.

A couple of answers to questions:

Mike: I believe you call a CV a Resume... yes, burn it... ;)

Babeta: By insurance I assume you mean health insurance? Since we're not in the US I can't say anything about how that would work but over here you just pay a set amount every month and that's it. If you make very little money they help you out. If we ever move back to England or Norway (where we're from) there's free healthcare!

Moddyboy: lol, He does more than 'helping out'! :) He's fully competent at all aspects of our business now. In the photo he's attaching snaps onto the children's overalls!

dragonhouseofyuen: 'I think that every designer has a set of customers waiting to find them!' that is a brilliant sentence! I know, I want to take the kids (yes, there's one more on the way... ) walking across vidda with a tent when they get older. :)

edithandlulu: You have a point although it's sooo much easier said than done. ;D In most cases I think people find it harder to 'turn off' when it comes to their own business than a job they have no real personal interest in.

Thanks to everyone for your support and I wish you all the success in the world with whatever choices you make for your own business!

Trina and Andy

Oct. 28, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. RedThreadArt

Super article! Lots of good advice and info there. And their work is gorgeous!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. OhNoUDidntDesigns

Loved the article! May you be continually blessed to be able to work full-time from home and be with your family while you do it! And congrats on the newest bundle that will be debuting soon. Your story was awesome and the color palette of your designs is just scrumptious!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. Artistico

great post i love this:))

Oct. 28, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. prittyaht

i am always glad for the advise from 'quit you day job'-ers! it is spectacular and inspiring to see so many people doing what they love and enjoying their lives. and 'hooray' for the well-adjusted child! (jen of prittyaht)

Oct. 28, 2008 at 11 a.m. ZsBcreations

Great story!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. TheModShop

Great article. You have wonderful work.

Oct. 28, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. syko

Such a great and ecncouraging interview! Etsy helped me quit my day job too and I could really relate to a lot of things Trine said!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. chiarashandpainted

Very inspirational!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. vivatveritas7

great story! congrats!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. theStarcraft

love love love it!!!!!!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. nurturedthreads

Thank you for your brilliant story! I have been feeling "stuck" for so long.... wanting to take the plunge, but paralyzed. Paralyzed in all that I do because I'm so unhappy NOT doing what I want to do. You give me great inspiration to unleash all swirling around in my mind. THANKS and best of luck to you!!!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. mercurycreates

this is so inspiring. thanks for sharing your story!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. Tinyworld

I love the story and you are very lucky!!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. sycamorestreetpress

thanks you so much for this story! truly inspiring..esp. with the economy the way it is and the fear that has brought!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. ArtMind

Very inspiring - good luck! :)

Oct. 28, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. kittyd

What a great interview! An inspiring story, something we can all strive for-quitting our day jobs. :)

Oct. 28, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. CopperFrogStudio

This is such an inspiring article - I can't wait to show it to my husband!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. racheljasmine

Thank you for sharing. You have a wonderful story!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. Dreastore

I love reading the articles about etsyans who began as a hobby and were eventually able to quit their conventional day jobs. I've been mulling over the feasibility of this for years and currently trying decide which "fork in the road" to take with my craft. Thanks for the inspiring story.

I especially loved how this became a family affair ... my husband helps me a ton too. He does all the photography, helps write descriptions, and he's awesome with helping me pick fabrics. And when I'm stressed and overwhelmed he's chasing after our toddler and helping with house chores so I can work on my stuff. He even designed a new pattern recently to improve upon one of my current designs! :-) So I can definitely relate to this couple and it makes me feel like "hey - if they can do it maybe I can too"! :-)

Oct. 28, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. Lilbabythangs

Very inspiring. Just what I am trying to accomplish. Thank you!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. strawberrykisses

I got to meet Andy in April in their stall in Amsterdam. Really nice guy and great stuff he had there!!!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. minniesheart

I'm just starting out and was trying not to "craft" fulltime. Not accomplishing anything btw. I don't know why I set that ridiculous rule. Thanks, this was extremly inspiring :)

Oct. 28, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. elanddesigns

Reading all these "Quit your day job" articles really makes me want make my etsy store my full time job....full speed ahead! Thanks for the inspiration!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. girlmeetscraft

Very motivating! I actually like hearing successful people say it takes work.

Oct. 28, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. akaisilks

congratulations on your success (and your baby:)

Oct. 28, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. FluteTeacher

Wonderful story! Thanks for the inspiration.

Oct. 28, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. momgoosiepie

Wonderful story to relate to. Thanks for sharing!:)

Oct. 28, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. kinchi

Wow, so sweet and inspiring! I've been lucky to meet these people, Trina 3 years ago and Andy again recently on the market and their spirit and talent is amazing! I whish you many more years of success here on Etsy, at home and around Amsterdam :)
x Mirjam

Oct. 28, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. MeghanT

What an inspiring article for a new seller to read! Thanks for sharing so many of your tips!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. MONKEYGRASSDESIGNS

Your story is very inspiring.I am very new to this .I just started selling at the end of Aug. and still learning the ends and outs of things. I haven't sold anything yet but someday I hope to be as sucessful as you. Again thanks for the great story.

Oct. 28, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. kraftykatcreations

Very inspiring! Thank you. I love my day job but when it comes for time to start a family I would like to pursue the 'etsy' life style!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. JillieBeanz

very inspiring! I am newer to etsy...since mid July and I love to read these...if I need motivation, I come to read the "Quit your day job" articles and it helps....I hope to some day be sucessful as well. Thank you for sharing!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. bonjourpierre

I want to craft and sew all day too!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. bloomingvintage

What an inspiring story! This definitely gives me hope of one day going full time. Taking the plunge can be a very scary thing
to do!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. Skyerocket

Great article...Thanks for sharing your story.
Mel.x

Oct. 28, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. TheHighPlainsKnitter

Thanks for your story. We all need and inspiring stroy at times. I hope to be so successful.

Oct. 28, 2008 at 9:02 p.m. baconsquarefarm

What a great story~ so enjoyed my read~ thanks for sharing this story with all of us, very inspiring. Wish you continued success

Oct. 28, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. NewMoonStudio

Great story.Congratulations to your success!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 9:36 p.m. NewMoonStudio

Great story.Congratulations to your success!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. otherlings

Very cool. I want to be like you when I grow up, and I already have a husband called Andy, so I figure I'm off to a decent start! :D Congrats on the totally inspiring success!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 10:51 p.m. 1920

I feel like I'm getting there. Love the story and your beautiful frabics.

Oct. 28, 2008 at 11:20 p.m. simpledream2

Awesome story, great inspiration, beautiful fabrics. I will be rereading your story. Wish you even more success.

Oct. 28, 2008 at 11:23 p.m. risabeads

Very inspiring! I want my husband to be able to quit his day job also!

Oct. 28, 2008 at 11:50 p.m. kiddyup

GREAT ARTICLE, I LOVED IT. WHAT A LUCKY LITTLE GIRL TO BE ABLE TO HAVE MOM AND DAD WITH HER DAILY!! CONGRATS ON THE BUSINESS AND SUCCESS.

Oct. 29, 2008 at 12:15 a.m. cre8tvekarma

very inspiring story....wonderful work. keep going, you'll get to your dreams!

Oct. 29, 2008 at 12:46 a.m. TheStrawberryGirl

Thank for sharing! It is so inspiring!

Oct. 29, 2008 at 1:17 a.m. mybeadcreations

Very uplifting and encouraging! Thanks for sharing your story. I wish you continued success!

Oct. 29, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. AMomentAMemory28

What an amazing story! It really reinforces that it is possible to be successful, achieve your dreams, and be a parent as well! Thanks for sharing this!

Oct. 29, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. jcjewelrydesign

What an inspiration! Thank you for great advises!

Oct. 29, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. TwinDreamCreations

Just like to say that I bought one of your bags and get compliments left and right from everyone! I love it!

Oct. 29, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. kingofmythrone

Wow! Inspirational manesfistation! What a wonderful reality you have created for yourselves! You have gotten my creative juices flowing. Thanks!!

Oct. 29, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. sweensie

This is such a great article, very inspiring and well worded. Thanks for sharing and I love all your bags!!!

Oct. 29, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. 88kitty

"When people ask you what you do, look them straight in the eye tell them you’re a designer and you’ve got your own successful online company."

My new words to live by!

Oct. 29, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. aprilfoss

Love your stuff! Pretty fabric.

Oct. 29, 2008 at 8:23 p.m. jkldesign

Love your shop!! Wonderful interview, thank you for all the great tips. :)

Oct. 29, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. gilstrapdesigns

This story was so good. I love reading these articles they keep me motivated. This story really got me excited all over again. They really have beautiful items I wanna be able to quit my day job and run my successful business here on etsy.

Oct. 29, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. DawntideStudio

Just put my shop on today!!! It's so good to get encouragement and see it can all really work!:)

Oct. 29, 2008 at 11:19 p.m. poppylane

Trina and Andy ~ firstly I would love to add my congratulations to you both on your successful business.
I have read and re-read you article at least a dozen times since coming across it yesterday.
Your shop is filled with great products and your story resonates in me.
I'm inspired and buoyed by you both!
xo, Kali in Australia

Oct. 29, 2008 at 11:20 p.m. BebeToby

Such a cute and lovely story! = )

Oct. 30, 2008 at 1:53 a.m. clockgirlkelly

Thank you for this! My desire is to be home with my son, who will be 2 in December! I am on my own with him and it breaks my heart that I cannot be with him more-BECAUSE-I have to work and stay in school. So, your story has inspired me to be "brave on the rocks" and do it regardless of my own insecurities or realities. More success to you!

Oct. 30, 2008 at 3:52 a.m. djstoreroom

Your story is wonderful!! I have just started my store.. On the way to listing my stuff on 1st Nov.. Its my secret dream to have my etsy store convert into a full time job!! And, congrats on baby number 2!

Oct. 30, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. TashaHussey

Oh what a great story. It totally gave me hope that i may finally sell something on etsy.

Oct. 30, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. tinyisland

so lovely to see you are having a fantastic time time katrina and andy! well done you two!

(they were the ones who introduced my husband and i to etsy) and i am sooo glad they did!

and congrats on the second one on the way! :D

Oct. 30, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. artsyfingers

Thank you so much for sharing your story,good luck to you all;lots and lots and lots of hapiness and love.

Nov. 1, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. FocusonColor

Your success story is what everyone wishes for. Best wishes to both of you for continued success. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your story.

Nov. 2, 2008 at 5:30 a.m. Femkita

Wow! Great to hear this story! I'm so excited and hope one day I will have the chance to do the same too. (I'm working on it!)
Greetings from Belgium, the land of chocolate! :-)

x
Femke

Nov. 3, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. StitchesandSketches

What a wonderful story! Best wishes for your continued success!
We sometimes get down when we have a slow sale day at a fair but your words ring true and inspire us. We hope to some day be as successful. Thanks!

Nov. 3, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. CharteChic

I am halfway into this lifestyle...thanks for sharing your story...I'd love to be as successful in the future!

Hugs to you & family!!

Nov. 3, 2008 at 10 p.m. DangleBerry

Thank you for this story, it is very inspiring to read.

I love reading the Quityourdayjob stories on my lunch breaks at my day job. They inspire me to dream wonderful dreams and make getting through the doldrums of my day job a lot more fun.

Nov. 6, 2008 at 6:34 a.m. LePetitArbre

Wow! HOW romantic, you lucky things...

Nov. 25, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. dolcebaci

Very inspiring! Thank you!!

Dec. 15, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. junebird

Very positive and inspiring! Thanks for sharing your story!

Jan. 6, 2009 at 11:10 a.m. yumalum

A great article and very inspiring, thanks for sharing!
Love your designs!!

Jan. 9, 2009 at 12:20 a.m. jaimebeattie

What a fabulous and honest story. Great advice too. Beautiful products!

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