 |
|
|
Story by
marymary
Published on July 27, 2009 in Spotlight |
Photo by |
Kristin, the jewelry designer and emerging business woman behind KristinFriesen, was able to quit her jobs working in cafes and nannying due to the growing success of her jewelry shop. She now juggles motherhood, jewelry making, and being her own boss — something Etsy has allowed her to do for almost two years. Keep reading to find out why Kristin has never paid for advertising and how she is learning more about being a business woman with each day that goes by — without ever setting foot in a business class.
How did you originally get into the business of making things?
I've been making things for fun since, well, forever… but I didn’t start making jewelry to sell until about three years ago. When I was almost 20, I got pregnant with my son. My husband Justin had a friend whose girlfriend was also pregnant and due around the same time as me. The guys got us together, and we became fast friends. She had dabbled in jewelry prior to that and convinced me that we should start making jewelry together since we would have nothing better to do after the babies were born (yeah, right). So we formed a little business together and did some markets and home parties. Over time our job situations changed, and we could no longer find the time to do jewelry together (though we are still great friends), so I turned to Etsy.
When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
Absolutely! I’ve always hated following directions and doing as I’m told. I much prefer making up my own rules and dancing to my own beat. (Some call it stubborn, I call it independent) Since I never went to college, I honestly never thought I would ever be able to “be my own boss.” When I joined Etsy, my initial goal was to sell the jewelry I had left over from my previous endeavor, but it was definitely in the back of my mind to take it to the top. I joined right before the holidays and ended up doing better than I expected, so my dreams and aspirations quickly grew. At the time I was nannying and doing Etsy on the side, but after the holidays I somehow managed to convince my husband that I was making enough money to do Etsy full time (still not really sure how I managed that). Reluctantly, he agreed, and I quit my nanny job. 
Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?
Not really; I’m more of a “do now, think later” kind of person. Not always the smartest approach, that’s just how I am. I did really wish I had a big chunk of money as start-up capital, but we just didn’t have that, so I did what I could. For the first several months, I wasn't able to keep any of my profit because everything I made had to be reinvested. Looking back, it would have been wise to prepare in other ways: take a business class, learn more about selling online, or at least read a book about starting my own business. It has been a lot of trial and error, but I'm slowly getting the hang of it.
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
I've tried just about everything. When I first started, I didn't know ANYTHING about promoting or marketing myself on the Internet, so I tried everything I came across. I scoured The Storque, reading every success and tips article, spent hours in the Forums soaking up knowledge, and bookmarked about a million links. I’ve tried online social networking, Flickr, blogging, other handmade marketplaces, submitting myself for features and much more.
Ultimately, the things that have stuck are Twitter, blogging, Flickr, and now Facebook. I sponsor giveaways now and regularly submit myself to blogs. Another thing I’ve done recently is become friends with other Etsy sellers. Since using Twitter I have made so many friends (whom I love!) and they are very supportive of me and my shop and always help to spread the word, as I do with their shops. Never underestimate the power of word of mouth!
What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
With all the things I’ve tried, there are too many unsuccessful methods to list. The biggest thing I learned was not to spread myself too thin. Originally, I figured the best thing I could do was to have presence in as many different places as I could find. I discovered very quickly that it takes a lot of work to maintain all those sites, and if I can't maintain them, they're useless and a complete waste of time. That was when I narrowed it down to the ones that seemed to be working (listed above) and ditched the rest. I’ve also never paid for ad space anywhere. I feel like there are so many free ways to promote yourself if you just look hard enough, why spend money on it?
Walk us through your typical workday.
Every day is a little different. I’m not much of a “routine” person, so I really don’t stick to a schedule (with the exception of Jack’s naptime).
- We usually wake up sometime between 7 and 9. I’ll get Jack changed and fed, get my husband out the door for work, then sit down with my coffee.
- Between breakfast and naptime anything can happen. Some days I’m really busy, and I’ll let Jack watch a show or play with his trains while I answer emails. Other days we run errands or go on little excursions to the beach, library, zoo, or park.
- Around noon we have lunch. Afterward we’ll read stories and have some quiet playtime before his nap.
- Around 1:30 is when Jack takes his nap. This is when the real work begins. While he sleeps I will pack up orders, take photos, make jewelry, etc. The time always flies by, and I never seem to finish everything I had hoped to.
- Jack usually takes fairly late naps so by the time he wakes up it's time to start getting ready for dinner. He plays while I cook or clean up the house before Justin gets home from work. As soon as Justin gets home we sit down and eat dinner together.
- After dinner the three of us will spend time together before Jack goes to bed. We play trains, read books, and watch movies. Sometimes I sneak away to my office and work some more while Justin and Jack have some “father-son time."
- Jack goes to bed between 7:30 and 8:30. As soon as he goes to bed Justin and I will clean up the dinner mess and sit down to watch our shows. We are really into Rescue Me, The Daily Show, The Big Bang Theory, and recently we've gotten into Cake Boss. We watch some TV together for a few hours, and I will sneak off every so often to blog, order materials, or make jewelry.
Every Tuesday Jack spends the day with my wonderful father-in-law so I can have a day off. Without my Tuesdays I couldn't ever maintain sanity and do all that I do. Having this day free allows me to catch up on work, clean the house, and have some time to myself.
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
There’s no way I could pick just one thing I enjoy most. I get to make my own schedule, spend time with my family, put my creativity to good use, not to mention I don’t have to work for anybody but myself! I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the social aspect of working a day job, but the pros outweigh the cons a million to one. Before I got pregnant I worked in a café, and my job was nothing special. Now I’m doing something I am truly proud of, and I love every day that I do it.
What's the hardest part about running your own business?
Trying to manage my business with a two-year-old is hectic at best. It definitely has its ups and downs, and it’s the ups that keep me going when I’m down. I’ve seen my hard work pay off, so when the going gets tough, I’m that much more driven to succeed.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?
Advice for myself? THINK BEFORE YOU ACT. One of my biggest regrets is opening up shop under a generic username instead of taking the time to think of my business name before I started selling. I came up with my business name later and now they don’t match. Not the end of the world, but it bugs me… I wish my username were “sweeterthanme” since that’s the name of my business. [Click here for a post on this topic.]
Advice for someone else? Never give up! I know it’s a little cliché, but it must be said. I hear people complaining that they have no idea why their shop isn’t doing well. The list of things you can do to improve is endless, and until you’ve tried them all you can’t say that you have no idea why you’re not selling. Do everything you possibly can and never give up. Quitters never win and winners never quit.
What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
At the moment, my goal is to reach 2,000 sales by my second Etsy-versary on October 27. I just reached my goal of 1,000 by my birthday (May 15). It seems a little out of reach at the moment, but so did my last goal, and I achieved that one and then some. All I want right now is to continue to grow my business and be more and more successful than the year before. I'm very proud of everything I've accomplished so far and am trying not to be too hard on myself if I don't reach exact goals.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
To anyone who's ever purchased my jewelry, complimented my work, left a comment on my blog, chatted with me on Twitter, or sent me a friendly conversation: THANK YOU! You are the reason I get out of bed every morning, and you keep me going. I absolutely adore my customers and followers and appreciate every one of you! I truly love what I do, but without someone to share it with it wouldn't be nearly as fun. I have the most amazing friends and family. They have encouraged me and been proud of me since day one (not to mention they LOVED all the jewelry I've created over the years). Thank you for the honest and helpful feedback and for always pushing me to achieve my goals.
Also, I am so grateful to have discovered Etsy, it has opened so many doors for me and completely changed my life. There's no way I could have quit my day job to pursue my artistic ventures this quickly without Etsy. Thank you everyone for all that you do, it means the world to me!
Thanks to Kristin for sharing her story. Have your own questions to ask? Come on by and chat with her Tuesday, July 28 at 5 p.m. ET in Etsy's Virtual Labs.
You can see some of Kristin's beautiful work in the related items. Check out previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.
| Tags | full-time, Jewelry, KristinFriesen, Quit Your Day Job, sellers, selling, workflow, working |
|---|
215 comments Login to add your own!
zombuki
Hurray! I love reading these, and the earrings are really pretty, especially the bee ones. Congrats too!
PudgyBirdCo
Hello!
Im really inspired by your success, and Id really love it if you had any more pointers about marketing. I just started my shop about a month or so ago, and feel like I've still got a lot to learn. Thank you!
-livvy of PudgyBirdCo
PoleStar
amber84
emilygrayjewels
Huge Congratulations Kristin! What an amazing and inspiring interview - it's so lovely to read all about you and how you *did it*! Well done too on your huge success and business skills - here's to your 2000th sale! ~Emily~ xxx
jewelrybyjackie
Wow! Congrats on all the success! Great inspiration for me as I am trying to get over to the Etsy side full time!
CelloRaisen
I'm also a "leap before you look" type person and I think that that's a good thing. You have to take risks or what's the point?? Keep on keepin' on! Your creations are beautiful.
OwlandMouse
Oh my goodness...you have a successful business and a two-year old! I'm in awe of how you do it. Keep up the good work!
kidacollective
I'm quite familiar with the trials and joys of fitting business activities around the needs of a two-year old boy too. :) Congratulations on all your success so far! And good luck reaching your next goal.
JustAnotherDay
replicca
congrats, Kristin!! just got my ears pierced (at age 26, yes, for the first time) and I'm so excited to decorate my ears!! off to grab your Cherokee earrings....
ShySiren
jadewicks
Congrats! You had some very sound advice - and I can relate on so many levels. I couldn't agree more with your attitude of never quitting. Keep at it! :)
sherrytruitt
NinaReneeDesigns
Very impressive... especially with a 2 year old hanging out with you :-) Congrats!
onionbagel
Excellent article, realistically presented, glowing with kindness and optimism!
Etsy, please don't mess with the blueprint! :-)
VixVintage
paramountvintage
very inspiring! i love the packaging and attention to detail. very professional!
SongBirdArtStudio
congrats, kristin! i have hoped that one day i can too be my own boss. my schedule is so hectic all the time - it's never the same! very impressed you are also able to run a business with your son! :) good luck and i hope your business continues to grow!
Taylor
KristinFriesen
Thank you everyone!! Love reading your comments, it's a pleasure to be featured :D
aprilmist
These posts are always so inspiring! Way to go Kristin for reaching your goal of 1000 sales by your birthday! I'm now inspired to set a goal...
madebysam
Hi,Kristin
Love your packaging , they are so cute.Very professional!
Sam
LisaFerinDesigns
Beautiful work Kristin, and wow, your packaging is gorgeous. Congratulations and best wishes!
BeauAndStella
beachhouseblues
alisonkelleydesigns
Congratulations Kristin, may you reach your goal of 2000 sooner than you hope!
thebestvintage
SewSweetStitches
Very encouraging, thanks for taking the time to share with us!
HarrietsHaven
LittleWhiteDresser
TheBrassHussy
Congrats on your success! Always excited to see another jewelry shop able to support themselves full time!
I agree with your advice, to never give up!
blueberryshoes
coffeebreakdesigns
Parlene
Congrats! One day I hope to be there too! I was featured on the front page today, so it's a start.
bylynnkrestel
juneshin
Beadspiration
I saw a mention of this Storque interview @Twitter, and am so glad to have found it. I'm fairly new to Etsy and looking for ways to streamline and toss whatever doesn't work. This answered a lot of questions for me.
A big congratulations to Kristi! You've earned my respect.
littlepancakes
penelopepupsvintage
Gorgeous jewelry (especially love the bobby pin trios, so cute!) and wonderful advice!! Thanks so much for sharing. ^_^
BabbidgePatch
odiliafu
soradesigns
Thanks for the inspirations! I want to be at this stage someday.
Aquanetta
bluerthanblue
Thanks for the much-needed encouragement. Congratulations on your success, and thanks so much for sharing it with us.
JohnMetBetty
istiferet
EJPcreations
kasiablue
Hooray for your Kristen! You are an inspiration to all of us trying to "quit our day jobs" as well.
baconsquarefarm
Congrats to you Kristin~ this is so wonderful you can stay home with your son and spend quality time with him and still create and design. You have time your hubby as well after jack goes to bed. Perfect. Again congrats and I'm very happy for all of you. This is really kewl.
colbyjune
I'm inspired. You have done a great job with your logo and packaging materials. Thanks for the wisdom.
ToujoursTu
FriendlyMade
What a great interview! Congratulations on all your success. Your branding and packaging is so beautiful. Great job.
BlackStar
RockPaperSilver
Way to go Kristin! Great article. Thank you for being so open in sharing your trials, errors, and SUCCESS! I love your pep talk: "Quitters never win and winners never quit."...so true!
It is truly an inspiration to learn how you can pursue what you love while juggling all of the other "loves" in your life.
AllThatGlittersbyKML
it's so nice to read about a jewelry maker that persevered through the flood of jewelry sellers on here. It's great to know you made a success of it congratulations!
MiaBeads
Yay! Kristin, I'm so happy for you! Your jewelry is gorgeous and your interview was great! xo
jenniferlynnstudio
Congrats to you, Kristin!!! I always love reading these stories..so motivating!
Serenity22
Way to GO!!! our work is beautiful, and wish you much more success in the future!
pascalepetit
LoveAtFirstBlush
Very inspirational. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I love your packaging!
sandraeileenjewelry
DalkullanJewelry
ManoCelebrates
beautifulbridget
Thompsondesigns
maybeads
tigersanddragons
Thank you for an inspirational story - always interested in reading about sellers who manage to balance motherhood and business. Your packaging is lovely, and of course is another good way to promote/advertise the business that I hadn't thought of.
It's disheartening when you're new and get barely any views, but we'll take your advice and keep trying.
MetroGypsy
rikrak
yay kristin!
so happy to see this wonderful etsy-an here!
kristin is a wonderful supporter of things handmade & is such a friendly, thoughtful, creative soul!
you're great!
so wonderful to read more about you here!
KreationsbyKathy
Wow, I loved the article. Thank you for all the encouraging words.
sandisparkles
EllaPhantePhashion
yay,kristen!!!!!!!!You are the best,girlie:) I loved learning more about YOU for a change,hehehe;)
kristinmalotte
Intres
It was a pleasure to read about you and your day job. Congrats! :)
SallyRags
cthings
Congratulations Kristen! I do like your packing too besides your jewelry! Many success to you in the future!
PawPawsWorkshop
TheLoudLion
thanks for sharring your story and for the inspiration! congratulations on quitting your day job!
:)
FashionTouch
AWEshop
Wow. Amazing story, thanks so much. I always love hearing people's story, it's kind of like a peek behind the scenes! Here's to your 2000th sale (and mine in a couple of years ;)
margaritaberry
I'm so glad I read this article. It was very inspirational. I have recently joined Etsy and I really hope to one day be as sucessful as KristinFriesen.
You're packaging is really beautiful. Where do you get those black boxes?
makepienotwar
IcingOnTheCupcake
ElementsbyJulie
thepinkdesigns
A really great article!! Your shop is already a favourite of mine!
Congrats Kristin on all your wonderful success, and I have my fingers crossed for you to reach your 2000 sales goal!
;)
Pisces0148
Kristen, You're an inspiration. I loved hearing about your typical day. Remember the saying, "Do something you love and you'll never work a day in your life!" Having your own beautiful baby and making your own jewelry...I can't think of any two more awesome things. Oh, and by the way, I work near the bakery where the Cake Boss (Buddy's) is located. It's just like you see it on tv. Best of luck to you.
4TheSparrowsNest
Congrats Kristin! Verrrrry pretty work! Inspiring story.
clothpaperstitches
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story! It's always motivating reading about others' success!
reemadesignstudio
Great story. Moms are amazing! We can do anything and everything!
PomLove
aimeesarmoire
Congratulations, Kristin!
Your shop is lovely, your jewelry is beautiful, and you deserve all the success in the world!!!
PipocaHandmade
Thank you for sharing! Congrats! You have a wonderful shop (and beautiful packaging!)!
whimsygal
I am so inspired! way to go! someday i hope to have my shop really full and busy!
junkyjunk
Congratulations Kristin! I love hearing inspiring stories about other moms out there who make it work! Best of luck to you and your shop!
Tina669
jelisedesigns
Very inspiring story! I feel encouraged to work harder. Congratulations!
Muntedkowhai
TheSecretGreenhouse
what a business woman you are. I love how you coordinated your packaging materials. Being an older retired business woman and mother I can't help but say that you are beautiful and if you ever go public you have such an honest look to you be sure and capitalize on it also. You go girl success is a wonderful thing so be proud and stay strong.
ourteaparty
susiebare
sandali
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story with us ~~ it's always inspirational to hear these stories !!
You have a beautiful shop -- congratulations on your growing success ;)
rafya
I love to read those 'Quit Your Day Job' story, so interesting and inspiring for me.and I must say I am so identify with the sentence "I am so grateful to have discovered Etsy, it has opened so many doors for me and completely changed my life".
good luck in the future Kristin !
fairytalesunlimited
You are so cute! I loved reading your interview! I can really relate to your juggling act:)
phydeaux
Yay, Kristin! Thank you for sharing your story - I love how you've made sure to balance family and business. Looking forward to your virtual labs talk!
abodesire
thanks kristin, for sharing your story, its so inspiring! i have just sign up for my etsy account, am preparing to open shop soon! hope to achieve same success as you. =)
i love reading all these stories from etsy sellers. It has motivated me to share my designs with etsy.
GeorginaKay
Great story, very inspirational and lovely products. Good luck with meeting your etsy-versary target!
steinschmuckdesign
Lovely interview,
good luck for the future and
thank you!
littlepinkpebble
lilworkerb
I think all crafters in some way hate following directions....I know I do too!
patchouli514
Wow! Jack is a great sleeper, you're very lucky to have so much time to yourself. Good luck to you, you're living the dream a lot of us share.
SimplyForgotten
Such an inspiring article! I am also a do now, think later person :)
QuiteContrary2
wow! i love your bobby pins. that was a great read - you're an inspiration, i can only hope one day that will be me!
evihan
doolallydesigns
Thank you for a lovely article, I have just started my journey with Etsy and whilst I am really excited, I am also apprehensive. Your article has reminded me of how important it is to not quit but keep trying. Well done Kristin :)
beccamari
Thanks so much for sharing! We all need a breath of fresh air for re-inspiration sometimes!
themagpiesdaughter
So inspirational and you sound lovely too! Good luck for future success. ;)
christinamdesigns
Congratulations...what a great story...it is just the inspiration I needed...I love to hear success stories from artistic moms...I am a mother of a 3 year old boy and trying to start a business so I can work from home...it’s a balancing act to be a wife, mother, jewelry artist, the cleaning lady and sometimes cook...not to mention all the other things in life we need to handle...you sound like you have got it all under control...Excellent Job!
Thank you for the inspiration...(also, I love your jewelry and your packaging)…
Sumikoshop
I read the whole interview, beautiful words and good work, congratulations for your success Kristin ..
I also when I discovered etsy, my life has changed...
LyndasLoft
Great story and an inspiration to a beginner (at 60+). Recently heart surgery freed up my future and I have recently found Etsy and what a find! Stories like this one gives me motivation to know that I can be successful at this endeavor. Thanks for sharing.
christinadimeo
Love your shop! Thanks for sharing your story--I have renewed energy after reading it!
christinamdesigns
Congratulations…what a great story…it is just the inspiration I needed…I love to hear success stories from artistic moms….I am a mother of a 3year old boy and trying to start a business so I can work from home….it’s a balancing act to be a wife, mother, jewelry artist, the cleaning lady and sometimes cook….not to mention all the other things in life we need to handle……..you sound like you have got it all under control…Excellent Job!
Thank you for the inspiration….(also, I love your jewelry and your packaging)…
gifteddesigns
I so love reading these...they make me see the silver lining and inspire me to do more and to do better...:)
SkantiqueJewels
This is an absolutely wonderful article. Your positive outlook and sunny disposition will undoubtedly take you straight to the 2000th sale in no time. Thank you for sharing your story, and congratulations on your success!
postroadvintage
Couldn't agree with you more... how wonderfully supportive everyone is here! Congrats on your success! I too can relate to the busy home life.. balancing kids (I'm expecting my 4th) and business is hard-- but worth it!
WAY TO GO!!
jFrancesDesign
I think this is my favorite Quit Your Day Job article to date. Congratulations, Kristin!
jcharde
DoraArtDesignStudio
laspottery
lazygiraffe
Great interview! Beautiful jewellery and I love your packaging, I think it really adds an extra level to your work. :)
KristinFriesen
Thank you everyone for you lovely comments, I've read each and every one of them! You all are so supportive, it means so much to me! xo
SimplySusan
Finally! Yay Kristin! You deserve it. I LOVE your jewelry. Congrats and here's to 2000 in October! :)
OhFaro
ShandaFerguson
I loved reading this post! So encouraging. And I love all of the pieces you've made. I will get my pair of Vintage Gem earrings.
VivaceCrafts
I love your story! Thanks for sharing it with us! :)
Best of luck for your goals!
asianartjewels
amyhatch
nomadcraftsetc
Congratulations! I love your daily routine, it really relates to all of us working busy mamas out here!
jclange
What a wonderful success story-so encouraging for a single mom like me who dreams of being an artist full time. Thanks for sharing, Kristin. I wish you continued success!
jpstyle
recycledwares
I love how you package your items with the the matching labels and cards. Very cute.
prettybirds
Yay Kristin! You have always been an inspiration to me! I'm so happy that you got to share your story with everyone on etsy... not everyone is as lucky as me to know you in person!
Keep up the good work girl!
juicychristians
This is really inspiring! Thanks so much for sharing and much success to you!
UrsulasBeadedJewelry
Congratulations! It is so inspiring to see another jewelry artist's success! Best wishes to you!
voleurdebijoux
Wonderful article! Thank you for sharing your story and congrats on your success, Kristin!
CaseysCozys
This is definetly one of the most inspiring posts I've read. Coming from a 20 year old mom with a two year old and a fiance named Justin.
Thanks a lot :D
Cas
BeadDelirium
justanillusion
Thanks for this!!! Reading it has been really inspiring. I continually search for ways to promote my shop with this kind of success, but I have yet to find it. I am hoping that someday soon I will have my own success story. (: Here's to hope.
Best of luck!!! (:
Kayla.
CityChicCountryMouse
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story! Your photos are excellent!! Best wishes!
CrochetCandi
jessiemccann
maijutzeler
orchardfarmsoap
Selkiemoonlight
wonderful, inspiring article. thank you so much for sharing with all of us. It's so great to hear about busy, crafty moms who have it all under control and are successful. You are an inspiration.
EmmaHadley
Congrats Kristin!
So inspiring for newbies!
Beautiful colours in your jewellery :D
EachBeadCounts
Hi Kristin,
I was drawn to your comment about disliking being told what to do as well as not having taken a business course. I think you have great instinct in the business area. Also, your happiness shows through.
I can identify with the casual way you got into this- wanting to sell pieces you had made previously. That is my story too. I am paying a lot of attention to marketing via social networking and learning more on this topic.
I wish you the 2,000 and thank you for inspiring me.
Anne
worldofwhimm
Ya Kristin! Congratulations on your success - very nice article!
mksupplies
Congrats Kristin! Your jewelry is just lovely! Also, I can appreciate the ever hectic life of taking care of young children while maintaining a job at home! Thanks for sharing about your success!
mysticpieces
Congrats on making it a success! I'm currently working really hard to figure out how to quit my day job before they quit me! Sign of the times. Thanks so much for the inspiration.!
ScottieinaCanoe
Jularee
Kristen, nice article and great advice. As a newbie, I am always looking for ideas to help get my shop out there and make some sales!
Thanks.
ModFarmgirl
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing your story, Kristin!!! It is very encouraging knowing there is someone who "does now, thinks later" like I do, and is still a success!! Your story really encourages one to be themself, and that you don't have to go to college, be single or a millionare to live your dreams. Thank you, Kristin! Best wishes!!!
riorita
lscollections
Wow! I read your blog this morning and you are such an inspiration. Your blog motivated me in so many ways and I thank you,
ovgilliesdesigns
ChefTaiDesigns
Thank you, Kristin! You're an incredible inspiration! I love your jewelry, and wish you blessed success!
janicej
bijouxdellostregatto
Congrats! Great interview! Thanks for sharing your experience!
maddiepattie
Congratulations with all your success in your jewelry line!! It was a great article to read and very helpful as well.. Keep up the great job and hears wishing you 2000 sales!!
chocolatecreative
Well done for getting there, your story has inspired me a lot, I am trying to make my business happen, so i always appreciate stories like yours.
Good luck with everything.
laughtillyoucry
Hi, I read your success story, and could relate to it in so many ways. Jewlery onward!
adorejules
Thanks for the inspiration and congratulations on your success. I know you will reach your sales goal and look forward to following you and your shop!
thingsthataremade
lizjewelry
JoviesJewels
Congratulations, great story and an inspiration.
Thank you, and best wishes.
BeadsInTheBelfry
Kristen! I remember you from Flickr and when you were just starting out. Look at you now! Congratulations and continued success!
birdsandthebeads
megalunostudio
Oh, Kristin, congratulations! What an amazing achievement!
I've joined Etsy as a full-timer right from the beginning (with my wonderful hubby supporting my dream), and it's so inspiring to read about how you've made your business your day job!
Here's to those 2000 sales!
rockzeecouture
pbunfill
IT IS REFRESHING TO HEAR STORIES LIKE YOUR IN THESE TIMES! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
SkyDreams
thank you for sharing!
wonderful article and beautiful jewelry!
theweddingcontessa
Your story is inspiring and love the support of ,"Never give up!" Lots of helpful ideas in your article and may you have continued success!
tldgrainwear
Truly inspiring story...congratulations to Kristin, it's good to know everybody's experiences. Luv!
Frekkeldesigns
Congrats!!! There is such a wonderful, supportive group here!
tinycharm
seamingly
I know everyone keeps saying this but your story is inspiring. I also have a two year old son and manage my shop, and though there are times I feel like giving up, I look to successful shops like yours and am instantly lifted to work harder. Congratulations on making it to the spotlight, and continue to make your gorgeous pieces!
kellybellydesigns
erinsuniqueboutique
Thank you for sharing your story. Every time I read these types of stories it puts a big smile on my face. Being able to do what you love and love what you do is the most amazing feeling.
BizzieLizzie
Woot for quitting your day job and being featured to tell about it! Great shop! Awesome story!! I agree - nothing better than doing what your heart calls you to do!
TwistedDesigns
Congratulations on being featured! We have a lot in common. My birthday is May 15th too. I also make jewelry and stay home with my 2 year old. And I have blonde hair and blue eyes!
hyvamax6
hyvamax6
Wonderful selections! I love abstract art,too. I am glad you wrote an article about it!
http://www.antlala.com/
sincerely good oil painting art!
great artist!
hyvamax6
Wonderful selections! I love abstract art,too. I am glad you wrote an article about it!
http://www.antlala.com/
sincerely good oil painting art!
great artist!
AzitasSurprises
kitschcafe
i enjoy reading these quit your day job articles. very inspiring. thanks for sharing them with us!
i quit my day job too, for other reasons though. but i am trying to beef up my etsy shop to maybe make it my sole income.
Pearlk2
sweetcharitydawn
Great tips. Thanks so much for sharing your story! I too am a stay at home mom and I hope to have my own jewelry business. Your schedule looks a lot like mine!
VainityDesigns
Congrates and great advice!!
Best of luck with everything! :D
Thank you!
PFullerArtWorks
Thanks for all, especially the marketing advice and inspiration.
Congratulations!!
HappyDays!!HappyHearts!!
Pamlea Fuller
WaywardCreations
thegoldenthimble713
Congratulations on your success. Good luck in the future.
tallulahmoon
Very inspiring and encouraging. Managing kids and a small business can be very challenging. Your doing really well!!
Your designs are great.
dewizy
ChouChouandBloom
What an inspiring article! Thanks for sharing your experience...and I love those bobby pins! =)
BejeweledBoutique
lonivintage
igottknits
Kristin,
Thanks for your advice. Very inspiring! I have a one-year old and sometimes juggling my business and running after him can be a challenge to say the least. Yes, there are ups and downs, but you're right- it's mostly "ups" that keep things going!
TrinasTrinkets
Krisitn, You inspire me!!! I truly hope that one day my jewelry business will take off like yours has! This story is great! Plus you are able to be an at-home mom and supportive wife... another occupation I hope to have one day. :) God Bless, and I hope you acheive all your goals!
~trina~
www.trinastrinkets.blogspot.com
www.trinastrinkets.etsy.com
jamieruth45
Just bought two pairs of earrings. I'm getting married in November and the wedding is very nature inspired. I'm stocking up on a lot of your items for all of the different activities. You are so creative and I love absolutely everything. Good luck with everything:)
caoimhamarie
i'm so inspired by you juggling your family life and job i'm trying to get a shop up and going and currently making jewellery and listing as my boy sleeps too!! keep up the great work good luck
Peapodtreasures
as an assemblage jewelery artist and a mother of a 14 month old, this article is truly inspiring to me... she gives me hope that it is possible to make a career out of what I do, its just baby steps forward. Cheers to you, Kristin! keep up the great work!
SilverNutmegStudio
Thanks so much! So encouraging, I needed that.
Lovely stuff!
SilverNutmegStudio
By the way, it's so nice to hear about other mother's of young children making it. As a single mother of a three year old, it gets pretty challenging.
:)
thanks again!
thenucreative
Congratulations! Success inspires success...
I'm currently looking for savvy creatives who've successfully quit their day job to profile in my new book. More details @ http://bit.ly/gxgbB
xxx
Monique Van Dijk
Previous Page
Wow, fantastic holiday picks! Love everything!
by TheCottageCheese
on Etsy Finds: Deck the...
I am now ready for the Holidays:) Beautiful items
by bloomingcouture
on Etsy Finds: Deck the...
A true spirit of the season collection! desTroy reindeer card ...
by breadandroses2
on Etsy Finds: Deck the...
The 'I Want More' Sale!! Free Worldwide shipping on everything ...
by HookedOnEwe
on Paint it Black: Shop...
Fantastic items!
by CarryTheWord
on Etsy Finds: Deck the...
Yay! Olive makes the best pillows ever :) Excellent collection ...
by theLostEarring
on Etsy Finds: Deck the...
I'm in the Christmas spirit!
by JemmDeeCreations
on Etsy Finds: Deck the...