Etsy's Handmade Blog
Quit Your Day Job: littlesaplingtoys
Story by littlesaplingtoys, marymary
Published on September 8, 2009 in Spotlight 		Photo by

ashleythalmanphotography

Nick and Kimber, the mother and father team behind littlesaplingtoys, have managed to quit both their regular day jobs and support themselves, along with their two children, due to their business success on Etsy. They've been selling their wooden toys on Etsy for just under two years. With previous careers in historical preservation and insurance companies, both Nick and Kimber took their time planning and saving for their transition into a full-time small business. Read on to hear their answers to our Quit Your Day Job questions — they talk about the steps they took to plan out their venture and which marketing tips have worked best for their business along the way.

How did you originally get into the business of making things?
Nick: It began as an innocent obsession with Lego bricks. I loved building anything my imagination came up with. As I got older, things evolved with me. It wasn’t until I worked at a woodworking store that I really came to see the beauty of wood. I love every piece of wood: the way the grain flows, the color, the way that it transforms when it’s finished. My first woodworking project was a 2’ x 2’ butcher block for our second anniversary. I never get sick of looking at and refinishing it.

Kimber: For me, true creative delight is in my mind. I love ideas, brainstorming, scribbling, discussing and sketching with a batch of stove-top popcorn. As a child, I collaborated with my lil’ brother to design a computer game that my dad agreed to program. I wrote a song with a friend consisting of the lyrics “Oh Baby” and dreamed about the day it would hit the radio. I started a business from my Trapper Keeper observing my peers on the playground and then selling the information I collected. I made Clarissa Explains It All inspired jewelry and sold it at my mom’s craft show tables. I collected flowers and berries to crush on a cement barrier to make perfume. I wrote for my high school and junior college paper, selling my personal humiliation for laughs. I’ve taken on baking, sewing, gardening, woodworking, and countless other endeavors because I love a good idea.

When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
We were living above a chocolate shop in Old Town Eureka, CA while Nick worked for Crestmark Architectural Millwork and studied Historical Preservation and Restoration. I decided to go to school after Rex was born instead of returning to the insurance office where I previously worked. Everything changed when we received an invitation to caretake a house with a shop for two years. During that time we each attended school, started Little Sapling Toys, had a second baby and finally moved to a different state. Everything happened so fast that it’s hard to remember just what we expected. Our goal was for Little Sapling Toys to be successful, but we didn’t expect Etsy to be the sole reason for making it so.

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?
The most important things we did:

  • Economize — We projected our income and started to live on that amount. This helped us to save a bit of money for the initial jump. Our budget is limited and we assess wants and needs thoroughly.
  • Trial — On days off from school and the office, we worked full-time schedules to test our capabilities. It’s important to know your production potential. This helped us to see if our plans would be sustainable and to streamline processes. 
  • Education — We took all of the free classes at the local Small Business Development Center and were then eligible to use their free one-on-one counseling services. We traded with other Etsy sellers to form relationships and gain mentors. Most of our schooling has been through trial, error and success.
  • Legalize — We got all of the licenses, permits, identifications and insurance that we needed, and then again when we relocated. It can all be a big pain, but necessary and helpful.

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
Nick: My goal is to get Little Sapling Toys to as many people as possible because they really speak for themselves.

Kimber: Sales usually increase when we list new designs. I relist often, try different photos and let Etsy do most of the dirty work. I keep multiple quantities in the listings so that when we are featured on Etsy it is visible longer. We occasionally offer free shipping on our lighter items and had great fortune when we were featured in Etsy’s Weekend Deals. We’ve just started a new blog, which is still in its experimental phase. On Twitter (@sparetimeflies) and our Facebook fan page, I share daily tips for play, parenting, and child development.

What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
Nick: Christmas ornaments. They took a lot of time and we only sold one of each (to Kimber’s mom — thanks, Lori!). It seemed like such a good idea, miniature Little Sapling Toys for baby’s first Christmas, who wouldn’t want that?

Kimber: We don’t get many direct sales from sponsoring blog reviews, giveaways and fundraisers, but I still agree to do them once in a while. At first, we peddled our toys directly to shops in person and left a lot of samples. We wasted a lot of time and money. With Etsy, we can just wait for them to contact us.


Walk us through your typical workday.

  • Nick: Our days are hardly typical, but they usually have some similar elements: Snuggle and playtime with family, shop time, audiobooks, putting the kids down for naps, eating, USPS (by bike when we’re on schedule), and lots and lots of sawdust.
  • Kimber: We wake and immediately begin to juggle eating oatmeal, answering convos, emails, children’s bodily functions, the shop list, Facebook, Twitter, personal hygiene and the like. If we’re not too swamped and the weather is agreeable, we’ll take a family bike ride along the greenbelt. Rex and Daphne time until lunch. Eat together and naps for the little ‘uns. Convos, shipping labels, packaging, photos, emails, phone calls, bookkeeping and designing toys until Rex, the ball of energy, zooms back into action. Juggle work, Rex, Daphne, dinner, the inevitable phone call and household tasks. Dinner together, play together, kids in bed, Nick back to the shop and work until exhaustion takes me. Sunday we rest.

What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
Nick: Even though I work 10+ hours a day, I love that it’s flexible. I love that my commute is 34 steps from the front door to the garage/shop. Mostly, I love all the time I spend with my family. The last few day jobs I had were great though, a woodworking store and then as a cabinetmaker. I miss those co-workers and am grateful for what I learned there.

Kimber: I love to design new toys! I wish they could be manufactured right out of my brain. I’m addicted to the pride of a job well done. We love books but have little time for reading, so we’re nearly always listening to audiobooks. There is absolutely nothing I miss about an office, but I would prefer to spend every moment completely focused on Rex and Daphne.

What's the hardest part about running your own business?
Nick: I have a hard time always being innovative, keeping myself out of a rut, and from falling back on the same old things. All the menial everyday tasks also wear me down.

Kimber: A dissatisfied customer! With all the energy that we put into everything we do, it is just miserable to find out someone was disappointed.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?
Start bookkeeping with your first dollar. Listen to input. Always get delivery confirmation. Accept help from friends and family. Hire help when needed. Carefully price products, especially if you plan to wholesale. Step back from day-to-day tasks to look at the big picture. Organize while things are manageable. Go to your local Small Business Development Center.

What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
Our goals include our own website, new developmental toys, a more efficient shipping system and to have a small inventory. We’re also opening an interesting little shop at cabbageandpopcorn!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Nick: Thank you to my parents for your support and frequent purchases. Thank you to all our customers, I love to hear about your children playing with our toys and see pictures of your babies drooling on our teethers.

Kimber: A big hug to our past and future customers! A high five to every friend and family member who has helped this year. Thumbs up to bloggers for spreading the word. I’ll give a few more thanks by way of links:
Our logo and subsequent branding: 622press, Elle was there at the very beginning: latestendeavor, our first Etsy mentor: thosegreathousewomen, and most of all my dad, who does beautiful woodwork with our block scraps: dapperscrapper.

Thanks to Nick and Kimber for sharing their story. Have your own questions to ask? Come on by and chat with them Wednesday, September 9 at 5 p.m. ET in Etsy's Virtual Labs. 

You can see some of Nick and Kimber's beautiful work in the Related Items. Check out previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.

Tags Baby, boise, ca, Children, family, full-time, id via eureka, littlesaplingtoys, Little Sapling Toys, Quit Your Day Job, sellers, selling, Spotlight, SPOTLIGHT, Toys, Woodworking, workflow, working
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176 comments     Login to add your own!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 4:55 p.m. nobletownvintage

This is such a great article on such a sweet couple. I love these.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 4:55 p.m. JellyfishJunk

This is an inspiring interview!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 4:59 p.m. ColorfulTherapy

Absolutely AWESOME article !! You have an amazingly beautiful shop & lovely family -- it truly seems like happy days ;)

Sept. 8, 2009 at 4:59 p.m. blackbirdtees

I love it! These stories are always so heartening. They remind me that it's a process for everyone, filled with ups and downs. Keep on keepin' on, little saplings!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:01 p.m. sandali

Wonderful shop with such fun & trigger happy items -- I LOVE it !!!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:01 p.m. shopgeorgiamiss

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story!!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:02 p.m. yeahhello

The bookkeeping advice is golden...

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:04 p.m. thebestvintage

Great story... Thanks!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. RussianDollDesigns

I love these wooden toys!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:07 p.m. IcingOnTheCupcake

Great store, story and helpful tips! Thanks so much for sharing!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:09 p.m. mafemaria

The interviews on this series usually make me jealous, but you guys are beautiful. And your products look wonderful. Well deserved if you've made it work to make a living! Gotta go check you out, buy a couple of beautiful toys for my tiny terror...

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. laurabrownart

you guys and your toys are adorable! thanks for the reminder to ask for help from other etsy sellers when needed--i mostly just pretend i don't need help, but i really could use some, but it's hard to ask!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. VixVintage

Thanks so much for sharing, your story is inspiring.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:14 p.m. SewnNatural

yay! for a fantastic shop run by a fantastic family. and their handmade goodies are so natural, so beautiful. thanks for the insight.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:15 p.m. georgiedesigns

Great story. Off to go buy my 5-month-old something wonderful to drool on. :)

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:18 p.m. inkblok

Thank you for your great story and advice. Such gorgeous wooden products that look so smooth and shiny and wonderful to hold!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. KCathy

Your comments about giveaways not being the biggest business boosters makes me especially grateful that you agreed to do mine--thank you! And facebookers, search for The Great Baby Bottom Raffle to see how kind the owners were in trading a gift certificate for advertising. :-) You guys rock!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:24 p.m. SudsNSuch

Such great toys! Congrats on your success!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:24 p.m. janicej

Thanks for sharing! A really interesting read.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:26 p.m. TheCottageCheese

What a sweet family! Kimber's childhood business built on watching her peers on the playground is hilarious. Good luck to you two, your shop is just full of beautiful, natural items!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. workingforpeanuts

Nice job! Happy for your success.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. angeldogdesigns

what an inspirational family...i love reading posts like this = true happiness ♥

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:32 p.m. BeadinBabe

Such an inspiration!! Thank you for sharing your story! :)

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:34 p.m. LoveandDream

I love your works and story!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:37 p.m. delightdesignbiz

LOVE this one - I'm so inspired (and a tiny bit jealous - I want my husband home working with me!) :-)

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:38 p.m. paramountvintage

such a great article! and the toys are AMAZING!!!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:42 p.m. ChloesRuffleButt

Thank you for sharing. Great shop, I love wooden toys.
Kimber, I love that you sold Clarissa Explains It All jewelry. I used to love that show.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:45 p.m. SurrenderDorothy

What a dear lovely family! Great feature!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:46 p.m. Tias

I love woodwork and their inspiring story. Well done guys!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:52 p.m. revelry

I absolutely love these articles. And this one was particularly interesting. Thanks for sharing so much! It's so inspiring to hear about the success of others. Good luck to you! You have awesome things in your shop!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:52 p.m. derinmavi

Lovely story with lovely photos!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 5:57 p.m. moonovermaize

What a beautiful story and family! Very inspiring!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 6 p.m. Fairyfolk

What an adorable, inspirational family!!!!!
Blessings and magic.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 6:04 p.m. imfromthewoods

this is amazing. I LOVE YOUR PRODUCTS. they make me wanna buy a teether toy to chew on! wonderfully organic and satisfying. hugs to you!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 6:05 p.m. ThePaperTray

Very inspiring! great prodcuts!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 6:05 p.m. danielabesso

I love this story, well done lovely family

Sept. 8, 2009 at 6:08 p.m. katsummers

An inspiring article....wonderful!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 6:09 p.m. UptownAvenue

What great toys they make

Sept. 8, 2009 at 6:22 p.m. thelittlecrocodile

So beautiful and inspiring!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 6:25 p.m. EJPcreations

Amazing Story!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. lovelygifts

Great article! Very inspiring and great toys!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 6:37 p.m. PeacefulElements

Thanks for being real and truly inspiring!

Namaste

Sept. 8, 2009 at 6:49 p.m. recycledwares

how darling. what great gift ideas for my next baby shower.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 6:50 p.m. beachhouseblues

What great products you make!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 6:58 p.m. HarrietsHaven

Fantastic shop...I'll have to check out some new toys for my little ones!

I love to see a combined effort between husband and wife. I so very wish the same could happen for my husband and me!

Congrats!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 7:06 p.m. simplygive

I love the gift I bought from this shop and will be going back for more. Not only is the product adorable and well made, the packaging is perfect. Love the wood shavings inside.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 7:11 p.m. LaveMeSoapCo

awwww so adorable

Sept. 8, 2009 at 7:12 p.m. rocknrags

Wow. Sweet stuff. My husband & I work together but in separate shops. It is great having someone there to bounce ideas off of.

Good luck.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. pinkytoeclothing

What a lovely shop and family :) Congrats! Thanks as always for these articles!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 7:33 p.m. lizroca

Beautiful family and beautiful items!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 7:36 p.m. LippincottSoapCo

I loved reading this article! What an inspiration! Thank you!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 7:38 p.m. lisaroy

An inspiring story!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 7:48 p.m. louiedog2100

Lots of good information! and cute stuff!!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 7:50 p.m. DeFine1Lady

Very inspiring article. Congratulations! You have a lovely shop and beautiful family.

My favorite quotes:

"For me, true creative delight is in my mind. I love ideas, brainstorming, scribbling, discussing and sketching with a batch of stove-top popcorn..." -Kimber

"I loved building anything my imagination came up with. As I got older, things evolved with me...I love every piece of wood: the way the grain flows, the color, the way that it transforms when it’s finished." -Nick

Sept. 8, 2009 at 7:53 p.m. jessgonacha

Wow, so inspiring! I love that they work together full time- that's so great! And I happened to notice that Ashley Thalman took the photograph at the top, and she was my wedding photographer last month! Small world. :) Thanks for another wonderful interview!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 7:55 p.m. yotldesigns

It's so good to see you both are doing so well and your business is doing well.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 7:56 p.m. NorthviewJewels

This story is one of my new favourites! I love this series and it is a pleasure to see such a wonderful family doing well and enjoying the experience of making other families happy :)
Congratulations!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 8:05 p.m. worksandfinds

Congratulation to both of you. So great to see hubby and wife working together. I wish you the best.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 8:11 p.m. DoBatsEatCats

This series never fails to inspire me. Thank you for sharing your story, Nick and Kimber -- it's clear you deserve every bit of your success!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 8:13 p.m. themefragrance

those are really beautiful toys!
and a lovely story about the entire family..
wish you a great holiday selling season :)

Sept. 8, 2009 at 8:25 p.m. girltuesdayjewelry

"Start bookkeeping with your first dollar."
Boy, is that true! Thanks so much for sharing some of your life and life experience with us! Best wishes for continued success with your business!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 8:32 p.m. SeaFindDesigns

Cute couple!! I would kill for that studio!!!!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 8:33 p.m. daisylouise

What an amazing, inspirational story!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 8:35 p.m. OwlandMouse

You guys are great!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 8:37 p.m. hobocampcrafts

OMG Cuteness x a million! Love their shop- the kids the couple xox great all around! Congrats!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 8:40 p.m. GeorgeGs

What a wonderful article..family and shop! Congratulations and wishing you all the best in the future.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 8:46 p.m. LemonGrove

Great article!! Congratulations on quitting your day job!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 8:58 p.m. postroadvintage

Way to go guys! You have a beautiful family also! Keep up the great work.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 9:11 p.m. Hapagirls

Very inspiring!!! Hope to be there one day!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 9:22 p.m. annashoub

That's a wonderful story. Wonderful to see other people juggling self employment and children. Looks like you're great at it.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 9:35 p.m. PaperPetalCreations

Great article, very well written. As a new aspiring Etsy seller it's great to hear marketing tips from others. Thanks!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 9:48 p.m. aprilfoss

Soo cute:)

Sept. 8, 2009 at 9:50 p.m. AmberNicoleDesigns

Beautiful toys. Great to hear that this family found success on Etsy and can stay at home with their children.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 9:58 p.m. remarkablebird

Not only are they the cutest family ever!! Love the products too. Way to go!!! You guys rock!!!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 9:58 p.m. ArtByCatC

Enjoyed very much! Inspiring story.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 10:13 p.m. MyMoms

Great article, love the picks!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 10:14 p.m. soulyluna

Aces!!! your life looks lovely, funny and all around fantabulous!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 10:16 p.m. chewiemonster

wonderful story! and good advice there too!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 10:19 p.m. dustDesignCo

adorable. thanks for the inspiration!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 10:20 p.m. SisterToSister

What a neat family! Congrats on the business and thanks for sharing with us!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 10:33 p.m. thewishpot

Beautiful people, beautiful toys

Sept. 8, 2009 at 10:58 p.m. Vintagefix

Wow! Very inspiring indeed! That is exactly where I want to be in a few years!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 11:15 p.m. accessoryalamode

Inspiring is the word! It is such a great story to read and you all look so happy. You are producing some awesome toys! Keep up the wonderful work!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 11:16 p.m. couturedesignsbym

love love love it!! so real...and congrats to you both:)

Sept. 8, 2009 at 11:21 p.m. trafalgarssquare

This is one of my most favorite interviews! I love how they balance babies and work. I just "met" my two new etsy heros!

Sept. 8, 2009 at 11:49 p.m. locallibrary

aw.
I just love them and their products.

here's to much success!
:)

Sept. 8, 2009 at 11:54 p.m. BillieBunnyVintage

Great stories like these make you appreciate how hard work really pays off. Such a cute family as well as a great article.

Sept. 8, 2009 at 11:57 p.m. japonicas

I am always touched by the featured sellers who have choosen to take the less travelled routes :) I hope that I will be as successful as they are one day!

Well, as the saying goes, if you choose a job you like, you don't have to work another day in your life! Cheers! :)

Sept. 9, 2009 at 12:09 a.m. sherrytruitt

great interview. continued success to you all.

Sept. 9, 2009 at 12:29 a.m. riorita

Wonderful toys. fine finishing. I wish them success!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 12:32 a.m. EmmaBeeTextileArts

Very inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 2:15 a.m. TenderLetters

How sweet and inspiring they are! Thanks for the wonderful interview!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 2:33 a.m. spacejam

i love reading these articles! Best of luck to you and your family!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 3:49 a.m. Jenifersfamilyjewels

Thanks for sharing Mary! I love to see the stories of the couples running the business together! So nice!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 4:05 a.m. SuppliesHandcrafted

Wonderful story!! Great creations & you have inspired many of us to keep on creating!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 4:20 a.m. Iammie

Nice works!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 4:58 a.m. ChocolateMintCrafts

Great story! And beautiful toys!!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 5:16 a.m. craftaria

Lovely things you do! Keep going and lots of success*

Sept. 9, 2009 at 6:12 a.m. Morphologica

Wow!! I don't have any little babies, but am off to heart now and try and think of some friends or relatives to buy for hehe :)

Sept. 9, 2009 at 6:20 a.m. crochetgal

Great work and great toys!!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 6:35 a.m. Leeya

What a sweet family! I wish you the best of luck!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 6:41 a.m. unemployeddesigner

So stinking cute! All of you. And the toys, too. Oh, and inspiring, too!!!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 6:51 a.m. ooty

What a great interview!! You are such a lovely family!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 7:06 a.m. mrYen

those toys look such good quality! hope everything goes well for you!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 7:15 a.m. hazelandhunter

this is great!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 7:22 a.m. WickedDarling

Very inspiring! The best to them! :)

Sept. 9, 2009 at 7:34 a.m. missmarmaladeuk

Great story - thanks for sharing

Sept. 9, 2009 at 7:47 a.m. TreeHuggerStudio

Congrats on your success!!Good luck on your future journey.

Sept. 9, 2009 at 7:54 a.m. showertreatsoap

Congratulations! So excited for you and your wonderful family. :0)

Sept. 9, 2009 at 8:09 a.m. hellobrowneyes

Such a beautiful family! Your toys are adorable! Kind of makes me want to start having kids... haha.

Sept. 9, 2009 at 8:20 a.m. Navare

Such neat products! And what a dream it is to work as a team the way you do.

Sept. 9, 2009 at 8:26 a.m. StellasKnits

Awesome! What a fantastic story! Congratulations :-)

Sept. 9, 2009 at 8:40 a.m. handsoncreations

Wow, this is such a helpful article. I really appriciate that this family was highlighted and they had great advice. Beautiful craft! I hope to be able to be as successful and thank you Etsy for your help!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 8:52 a.m. darcyarts

Wonderful enterprise! Continued good luck and blassings to your family, littlesaplingtoys

Sept. 9, 2009 at 8:56 a.m. TwistedCrystals

this was great to read, so busy and still so focussed :)

Sept. 9, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. fantasybeader

Awe Great story! :-) Put a smile on my face.

Sept. 9, 2009 at 9:38 a.m. daisydoodle

What a wonderful story, congrats to you and I love your shop!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 9:43 a.m. klacustomcreations

great story and love their goodies! thanks for sharing.

Sept. 9, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. mythunderstood

Lived above a chocolate shop....

woodworking....

toys...

This is a true living fairytale : )

Best wishes to you

and your family!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 9:46 a.m. GalleryJuana

Informative and love the photos of you guys.

Sept. 9, 2009 at 9:57 a.m. CatherinetteRings

Awesome Etsian ,
Love you stuff !
Congratulations!!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 10:16 a.m. Oriol

lovely story and really nice post!!
<3

Sept. 9, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. ToadLillie

You are an inspiration to us all, but especially to your kids! What better way to grow up than seeing Mom and Dad balance creative passion and family joy. Best of luck to you! Will definitely be buying for any babies that come into our lives :)

Sept. 9, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. geministudio

congrats! from one day job quitter to another! continued success

Sept. 9, 2009 at 10:23 a.m. aphrodite888

What a cute store!!!
Fantastic story for my inspiration. Thanks Mary...

Sept. 9, 2009 at 10:27 a.m. CreationsbyCat

What a wonderful interview!! Congratulations on your success, and best of luck for future success! I love your toys

Sept. 9, 2009 at 10:27 a.m. McIsaacArt

Lovely success story and I wish you both and family all the best the future will and can bring to you.

Sept. 9, 2009 at 10:37 a.m. wristcandycreations

This is just the sweetest story ever! Such an adorable family.. inspirational too!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 10:54 a.m. littletank

they look like a very fun and happy family :)

Sept. 9, 2009 at 10:54 a.m. StarsandRobots

I just came from the forums where I posted a trhead on need ing help selling kid's crafts on etsy, and lo and behold, your article was right there! I feel like I can go ahead and take it as a persoanl favor to me! Thanks for your excellent advice and inspiration, you truly live the Dream!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 11:04 a.m. buddyschild

May I have the same luck as you! Congrats on your success story, may the force stay with you:-)

Sept. 9, 2009 at 11:21 a.m. NestaHome

Awesome Fam!!! Great advice :)

Sept. 9, 2009 at 12:01 p.m. samann1121

I just bought one of your teethers! Lucy Baby loves it. And I love that you guys rest on Sundays.

Sept. 9, 2009 at 12:09 p.m. zeropumpkin

aww so cool! what a cool cute family :D congrats!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 12:09 p.m. breadandroses

Congratulations! What a lovely family and great product line! Your fine craftsmanship shows and certainly these toys will last generations. Great tips, too.

Sept. 9, 2009 at 1:23 p.m. PipocaHandmade

What a wonderful story and store! Thank you for sharing.

Sept. 9, 2009 at 2:43 p.m. babook

Thanks a lot to share this very very nice story !! Love it the work : )

Sept. 9, 2009 at 4:41 p.m. MeowBarkArt

I identify with that obsession with legos! Beautiful family & great toys. Congratulations on your success!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 6:28 p.m. 96Desighns

Please check out my store lots of cute things!!!!!!!!! thank you God Bless!!!!!!!!

Sept. 9, 2009 at 9:23 p.m. odiliafuart

Congrats!! Love the very organic shape of the toys. Keep up the wonderful work.

Sept. 10, 2009 at 7:19 a.m. VignetteStudio

You both look so happy! Enjoy your success!

Sept. 10, 2009 at 9:35 a.m. FluteTeacher

My spirit is uplifted from reading this! Thank you for sharing. And I'm jealous that you got to live above a chocolate shop!

Sept. 10, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. twokidsstudio

I like this story! and what a wonderful family! All the best in your sales and keep up the good work! =)

Sept. 10, 2009 at 9:53 p.m. AngelasAntics

You're story gives me hope for my own dreams....thank you for sharing part of your lives with us.

Sept. 10, 2009 at 11:31 p.m. delightfullyvintage

Loved the fact you were both able to quit your day jobs and do something you both enjoy at home....and still make a good living! Keep up the success and keep whittling! It gives me hope.

Sept. 10, 2009 at 11:54 p.m. stonesofhealing

How inspiring! Wonderful family, wonderful shop! :)

Sept. 11, 2009 at 4:15 a.m. bittybambu

Very inspiring couple. I agree about the bookkeeping, good reminder for me to keep up on that. And I LOVE that organic car!

Sept. 11, 2009 at 2:04 p.m. MalindasBeadDesigns

Thank you

Sept. 11, 2009 at 3:55 p.m. 51art

Continued success. You are an inspiration.

Sept. 11, 2009 at 4:52 p.m. DowntownGirlDesigns

This is great!!! Love the story.

Sept. 11, 2009 at 6:39 p.m. cassidycay

I love all of their stuff, even more so now that I know the people behind it!

Sept. 12, 2009 at 7:49 p.m. bhangtiez

Great advice & a great story of success. Congrats & keep up the amazing work!

Sept. 13, 2009 at 4:24 a.m. feltmeupdesigns

lovely inspiring article

Sept. 13, 2009 at 9:55 p.m. bigbp88

Thank you for the tips!! im just getting started and it is really upsetting to disapoint someone. thanx!!

Sept. 14, 2009 at 10:54 a.m. muzie5

This was such an inspiring article for me. I recently opened an online baby boutique - Wilderness Lane - and am now starting the process of manufacturing a few items that I really love. I'm in the beginning stages and hope for enough success that my husband can quit his day job (a job that's driving him crazy!) and stay home with me. Congrats on your success. I'm forwarding this site to my daughter who's pregnant with her first child. I know she'll want to buy one.

Lynette

Sept. 15, 2009 at 6:12 p.m. Knottywoodart

Thank You both... My wife and I are also would like to quite our day jobs our as well!
Our 1st love is creating and painting our heirloom wagons.
We love your products and will share little sapling toys with our clients, friends and Family.

Doug and Sandra Larson
Tucson, AZ

Sept. 15, 2009 at 6:27 p.m. JiSTdesigns

Inspirational! thank you for sharing!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 6:46 p.m. Genea

What an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story. I love to see artists' work spaces where there are usually projects in the works :) I also enjoyed all of the lovely family photos :)

Much love,

Genea

Sept. 15, 2009 at 6:57 p.m. softboiled

Thanks for such great tips! Love your work.

Sept. 15, 2009 at 7:21 p.m. ErinHolbrookStudio

What a great story! I'm happy to see that work and spending time with your family can be balanced like this. Congratulations. I've been looking for safe toys for a while, glad to finally find such a wonderful product!... I'll be getting some of these for upcoming baby shower gifts for sure and hopefully someday for my own child - maybe by then I'll be able to quit my day job too : )

Sept. 15, 2009 at 7:47 p.m. graphicspaces

What an inspiring story to see a husband and wife working together! That's what my hubby and I are working toward. I'm going to remember you're lovely toys when our little baby girl comes home. Many blessings to you and your adorable little sweeties!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 9:08 p.m. Jewelrybynala

Congratulations, and continued success to you. You both look soooo happy to be working together at home!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 9:24 p.m. Firedaisy

This is such a great article- *waves to the lovely couple* thanks for all the advice you guys! :) I am brand spanking new I haven't even posted anything, yet- I have been perusing the site learning from others success & failures.

I lived in Eureka, CA, too! I used to walk around old town all the time- good times. ;)

Good luck and much success for the future!

Sept. 15, 2009 at 11:01 p.m. SEOWebDesign

Hurray for you for taking a risk and striking out on your own. I love reading how you mix in time with the kids during your day.

Sept. 16, 2009 at 12:03 a.m. clothesmindedvintage

Awesome advice in regards to organizing while things are manageable and going to your local small business dev ctr. BTW love the Family Pic!!!

Sept. 16, 2009 at 2:19 a.m. DesignsByShyloh

Congrats. Love your stuff but being all the way in Australia it's not worth the freight charge. Good work though

Sept. 16, 2009 at 9:40 a.m. bethanylorelle

What a great feature!

Sept. 16, 2009 at 12:32 p.m. earthwindnfire

Beautiful kids, and everyone looks so happy. Isn't that what life's about??
Good luck

Peggy, EarthWindnFire

Sept. 16, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. almostnecessities

So glad everything is going well for you guys! It's a little scary and not easy quitting your day job. My husband and I did it 17 years ago and although we put in a lot of hours at both of our shops it is great to be on our own!
Peggy,

Sept. 17, 2009 at 9:01 a.m. banfflines

Congratulations! The two of you have come up with a winning strategy.
Sandra, Banff, Alberta Canada

Sept. 17, 2009 at 11:34 a.m. discomedusa

simply wonderful! (life, interview, products...congratulations)

Sept. 17, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. OctoberMansion

As so many have said, very inspiring. We are also a husband and wife team and find that we come up with the best ideas while we are doing the dishes together.

Oct. 13, 2009 at 10:23 a.m. tinaspaper

wow, great tips and having 2 kids myself (3 years and 3 months), I need to go check out your shop NOW and buy some goodies for them.:)) thanks for sharing your story and good luck in the future!! big hello from Malibu.

Oct. 19, 2009 at 7:35 p.m. PinkPerch

This is very motivational for all etsy sellers! Thank you for sharing this lovely story!

Nov. 10, 2009 at 11 p.m. laura1953

A main stumbling block for me is health/dental insurance. If I quit my day job, it will become a significant monthly expense. (As is the case for many others in my position!)
Do you know of any insurance companies that cater to small business owners or craftspeople/artists? Your input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, and best of success and happiness in your work!
Laura

Nov. 10, 2009 at 11:01 p.m. laura1953

A main stumbling block for me is health/dental insurance. If I quit my day job, it will become a significant monthly expense. (As is the case for many others in my position!)
Do you know of any insurance companies that cater to small business owners or craftspeople/artists? Your input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, and best of success and happiness in your work!
Laura

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