Etsy's Handmade Blog
Quit Your Day Job: monkeysalwayslook
Story by marymary, monkeysalwayslook
Published on November 16, 2009 in Spotlight 		Photo by

monkeysalwayslook

Allison of monkeysalwayslook and papervictory was able to leave her previous position in television production after devising a year-long plan to sell her products on Etsy. While her seemingly flawless scheme didn't work out as well as she had hoped, she found ways to make it work and is now supporting her workload full time through her Etsy shops. Allison stands by the notion that well-styled photos that tell a story are always great marketing and promotional tools. Keep reading (or, ahem, laughing) along with Allison to learn more about her personal journey.

How did you originally get into the business of making things?
I have always been artistic and come from a very supportive family who fly their freak flags high and proud. I've had jobs that were artistic in nature, but not to the extent I have now, where I have complete creative control. Creating my own products was just a natural progression, especially when I found it very difficult to work for others.

Tell us about your previous working situation.
Right out of college I worked in television production: following celebrities around, telling them how good they looked and how much I loved their new movie/album/television show/crossover act/perfume/tiny rat dog. After a number of years of premieres/award shows/press junkets and late nights, I was more than a little over it. I found myself in a “you can’t fire me, I quit” situation, so I used this newly acquired “free time” and went to art school to study graphic design. I worked as a designer for a number of years, which eventually led me to where I am now.

When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
That was absolutely the goal. I was planning on quitting my job in about a year and was working toward that every day. It happened a little sooner than I planned (about 10 months sooner) when I found myself in another “you can’t fire me, I quit" situation with my last job. It was absolutely the best thing that ever happened to me.

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?
The boring stuff: I got a business license and a Monkeys Always Look bank account and credit card. I put as much money in that bank account as I possibly could and I spent every penny of it. I also did some fun stuff: I trapped my husband into marrying me so I could be covered under his health insurance.

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
I think the number one thing is to have a great product and be passionate about it since the product can promote itself. I was very fortunate that my husband’s dowry included an amazing camera. I think that a good picture is always a great marketing and promotional tool, and there isn’t a replacement for well-styled photos that tell a story and create a mood.

I have been featured on a few blogs and in magazines, which has been an amazing boost to my little shop. I really enjoy running giveaways on my blog and asking for people to comment with suggestions for new candle scents or garden marker inscriptions. I find this to be both a great marketing tool and just a lot of fun. I mean, really, who doesn’t love free stuff?!


What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
Well, there was that time I got out of the car at a famous club with no underwear on...

Walk us through your typical workday.

  • I roll out of bed around 1 p.m. (Not really, but I wish.) In the mornings, the three giant dogs and I walk my husband to work. It takes about an hour and it gives me time to think about world domination and what needs to get done for the day.
  • If I have orders to pack up I do that when I get home.
  • Then the rest of the day is filled with chatting with customers (hi everyone!!!), huffing paint, playing with mud, squishing silverware, digging in the dirt, melting wax, and treasure hunting.
  • I usually stop when my husband gets home from work around 6 p.m. and we talk about the day while I prepare a five course gourmet meal...or heat up a can of soup.
  • Then after dinner I usually try to get a little more work done, since there is always something to do. I also use the quiet evening time for new product ideas, or "research and development," as my husband calls it. For every item you see in my shop, there are probably a dozen that didn’t work, that I didn't like or are just plain U-G-L-Y. Sadly, not every genius idea is really sellable or appealing.
  • Oh, and somewhere in the day there is hopefully a trip to the yoga studio or a run.

What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
Even though there is the illusion that you have the days free to play bingo and go to the water park, that is usually not the case. However, there are days when I get to take the dogs to the beach or meet my unpaid intern (a.k.a. husband) for lunch. Those are great, and I will always catch myself thinking about how great it is to be self-employed. I never take it for granted, as it really does allow the freedom you would never get working for THE MAN. (Well, that is if you consider "freedom" to be synthetic leather and fake fur-lined handcuffs that keep you tethered to the computer and packing tape.)

I just heard a quote the other day that if you "do something you love, you will never work a day in your life." That is so true. I love every minute of it and am so grateful to be able to do what I do, so thank you, everyone! I miss NOTHING! (Well, I miss the water cooler; I do love cold water.)

What's the hardest part about running your own business?
The days can be long. There are times when I'd rather be sipping cocktails at the end of the dock on my private island, but instead I am ordering shipping labels or filling out silly Q&As about myself. On these days I try to keep it interesting by punctuating the day with a Flickr or blog post of my dogs sleeping or my cat hiding in ANOTHER box. Since there is no way to predict my month-to-month income, there are some lean months, and that can be hard, especially when a new T-shirt/pound of candy/water toy for the dogs insists that I buy it.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?
I wouldn’t have spent so much money buying stuff I really didn’t need. The plan was to go full time after a year of developing products (which we know didn’t happen that way). However, the first number of months being full time was spent on research and development and making up for the lost income of leaving my job. I had very little money coming in and LOTS going out. If you plan to go full time, make sure you have a product that is something that people want/need. “Make it and they will come” doesn’t necessary work in all cases, and if you were able to look though all my expired listings there is proof enough of that! (What? I can’t interest you in an infant ferret shopping cart liner? Seemed like a good idea at the time.)

 

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

  • Expand my line of goods offered and increase my wholesale accounts.
  • Make more Etsy friends and learn more about business. 
  • Make my payments on-time to the mafia (ah, I mean the sanitation department).

Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If working for yourself is your dream, GO FOR IT. What are you waiting for? It's worth every minute and I have never been happier. While I can’t justify buying a two hundred dollar pair of jeans anymore (since I rarely leave the house), I think I pull off a pair of pajama pants with class and style. I’m a member of the Etsy Full-Time Crafters Team. It is made up of some amazing people who all have one thing in common: we love to gossip and we all make our living from our sales on Etsy. They are such a great system of support and I really do suggest that you get yourself on an active Etsy Street Team.

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

Tags full-time, monkeysalwayslook, Paper Goods, papervictory, plants, Plants and Edibles, Quit Your Day Job, sellers, selling, Spotlight, succulents, workflow, working
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179 comments     Login to add your own!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 3:41 p.m. rosebudshome

that's my goal to quit your day job!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 3:44 p.m. gloilocksandbody

Omg! Look at those big puppy dog eyes! Awww :)

Great read ... Big congrats on quitting the day job, its awesome!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 3:45 p.m. ClareBears

*sigh* I wish I could do that too.

congratulations to you! x

Nov. 16, 2009 at 3:49 p.m. thepolkadotpixie

Fantastic funny interview! Love this series.

Nov. 16, 2009 at 3:49 p.m. thepolkadotpixie

Awesome, funny interview. I love this series! Thanks

Nov. 16, 2009 at 3:52 p.m. BluLima

Always so inspiring...I love these segments!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 3:56 p.m. rulatwal

Great interview. I really love your stuff. My goal is to have my Etsy store supporting me enough to not have to go out and find a full time job.

Nov. 16, 2009 at 3:57 p.m. rulatwal

Congratulations to you, I hope my store takes off as much as yours and I can stay at home with my kids and fully rely on Etsy.

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:02 p.m. shavingkitsuppplies

Keep flying that freak flag, Allison! Congratulations!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. Tumus

MAD PROPS MONKEY! SO GLAD YOU MADE TO THE OTHER SIDE! SEND FLOWERS and MOAR CANDY ^_^

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. JustJaynes

Great article!! I love her humor!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. KOALACaddie

I love it when successful and practical Etsy sellers help me to avoid taking a course at the "school of hard knocks." This was a wonderful article. Many thanks.

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. Tumus

MAD PROPS MONKEY!
Glad you made it to the other side be sure to send moar candy!!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:07 p.m. FluteTeacher

Congrats! This was fun to read! :)

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:09 p.m. gailavira

Great interview. And nice sense of humor too. *s*

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:10 p.m. madmadwonderland

This has to be one of my favorite Quit Your Day Job installments. Plus, what a gorgeous doggie!!!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:11 p.m. bayousalvage

okay allison you've now reminded me to send you all those fabulous new orleans coffee cans we have junkin up the place. you have wonderful ideas here. thanks for reminding us not everything you make is a workable idea.

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:12 p.m. MeowBarkArt

Cheers to everyone who "flies their freak flag high"!! I love that. Congrats on your great shop!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:13 p.m. MeowBarkArt

Cheers to all who 'fly their freak flags high'... that cracked me up. I love the inclusion of your pets in your article too. Congrats on your success!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. everyeskimo

allison is awesome, as always.

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. CricketsCreations

Way to GOOOOoooo, A! *high five* You rock and are so awesome for helping others!
Hugs,
C

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. XOHandworks

Great job, Allison! What's the next step for world domination?

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. CricketsCreations

Way to GOOOOoooo, A! *high five* You rock and are so awesome for helping others!
Hugs,
C

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:16 p.m. warpedLaurie

Congrats! Getting paid to do what you created.Fantastic job.

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:17 p.m. juicychristians

Congrats!!!!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:18 p.m. WinchellClayWorks

Aren't there doggy labor laws? That poor pup looks exhausted!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:21 p.m. nicholasandfelice

Yay Allison! You are rockin' it soooo hard girlfriend!
High five! You deserve the best- even some fancy schmancy 4200 jeans.

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:27 p.m. pocketcarnival

That interview was really funny, and super interesting to read! Hooray, and congrats :)

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:28 p.m. edor

you are too funny!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:31 p.m. mpaperarts

You go girl!! Love your arts, your humor and your dogs!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. UnkamenSupplies

Congratulations Allison for a spotlight that is well deserved!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:33 p.m. UnkamenSupplies

Congratulations Allison for a well deserved spotlight!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:34 p.m. salibelts

Thanks for such a great read! I've just been toiling away on my new etsy store and blog.. its great to hear that you have made it a full time success, because I'm really enjoying it so far!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. nevita

Nice, I want to be like you in business :)

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:37 p.m. VixVintage

I like your style Allison, thanks for sharing!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:37 p.m. nevita

Nice, I want to be like you in business :)

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:48 p.m. WytcheHazel

I too, quit my day job and now sell my crafts full time & I can safely say it's the most intense job I've ever had....but the rewards are well worth all the hard work to learn how to run your own hand made business & besides, I have a great boss! Thanks for sharing your story, Allison!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. SimpleJoysPaperie

I've had Allison's shop hearted for quite some time and it's nice to read more about her and her business. Thanks for the article! :)

Nov. 16, 2009 at 4:59 p.m. JPATPURSES

Hey teamie! Great interview! You rock :)
JPAT

Nov. 16, 2009 at 5:04 p.m. Colliebox

Fun article to read.

Nov. 16, 2009 at 5:04 p.m. sweetgorgeousthings

sounds like a plan!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. realisationcreations

Yay Allison! So nice to find out more about you without me having to resort to actual stalking... ;) Go FTEC!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 5:11 p.m. southpawstudios

So awesome Allison! Go FTEC!
I love it, what a great article.
:)

-katy

Nov. 16, 2009 at 5:26 p.m. FlanneryCrane

Keep flyin' that flag! A good read- Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

Nov. 16, 2009 at 5:35 p.m. muyinmolly

Oh dear...Allison,I need to give you "the funniest QYDJ interview"!
Go FTEC! :D

mollie xo

Nov. 16, 2009 at 5:38 p.m. AnnieHowes

Awesome, Allison! That must have been you at the posh nightclub that night!!!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 5:59 p.m. RedorGrayArt

thank you for a really wonderful interveiw..inspiring & funni

Nov. 16, 2009 at 6:12 p.m. candythomasgourdart

very inspiring,hopefully one day it will come true for all of us!!!!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 6:19 p.m. designedbyDiana

i love reading the quit your day job stories!

one question, are there any single folk doing this? seems like there is always a partner to help with the bills and/or insurance

Nov. 16, 2009 at 6:21 p.m. tiemee

Fun read!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 6:24 p.m. rebeccasanchez

I love these interviews.

Nov. 16, 2009 at 6:40 p.m. breadandroses

Congratulations, Allison! Sounds like you work really hard and your shop is terrific. Best wishes!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 6:42 p.m. ScribbleShop

This was a nice fun read. Short and succinct! Thanks!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 6:46 p.m. thebestvintage

Hey nice story, nice items!!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 6:47 p.m. susansheehan

Allison, you are too fun. Here's to virtual water coolers!!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 6:49 p.m. PeculiarForest

Great interview!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 6:49 p.m. BabbidgePatch

fun and lots of hard work ~ great combo, thanks for sharing Allison!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 7:01 p.m. PomLove

awesome. inspiration. i love the succulents, what a great shop:)

Nov. 16, 2009 at 7:03 p.m. JemmDeeCreations

I loved reading your interview! It's funny and inspiring.
Congratulations!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 7:16 p.m. EvenAndy

Thank you so much for telling your story:)

Nov. 16, 2009 at 7:35 p.m. craftpile

Congrats Allison! Funny and inspiring! High five on all your hard work!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 7:41 p.m. tomatored

Great story, congrats to you Allison, your danes must love having you home too!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 7:42 p.m. enhabiten

I've always loved allison's shops! And she's got her spoons in Anthropologie now! Big high fives. Great etsy shop and interview.

Nov. 16, 2009 at 8:09 p.m. aBreathofFrenchair

Thanks for sharing!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 8:14 p.m. pinkquartzminerals


Congrats! You ROCK!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 8:32 p.m. ShimmeringSky

Aaaah, it's so nice read about successful sellers and their 'speedbumps' on the road to that success (I personally would have liked to see the infant ferret shopping cart liner, but that's me).

Btw, my dog gets that exact same look, the 'O god, she's getting out the supplies again, so much for my afternoon walkies'.

Best of luck with world domination Allison (oh, and with your shops!) :-D

Bobbie

Nov. 16, 2009 at 8:45 p.m. Daisymetalcreations

OMG did you all see the dogs face lol.. how freaking cute! The article was nice too!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 9:02 p.m. littlealouette

congrats congrats!!!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 9:06 p.m. girltuesdayjewelry

Awesome story! Thank you!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 9:35 p.m. VintageTwenty

Enjoyed the story - Allison has quite a sense of humor - love the hens and chicks.

Nov. 16, 2009 at 9:46 p.m. VintageTwenty

Enjoyed Allison's story and her humor - love the Hens and Chicks Succulent Plants.

Nov. 16, 2009 at 10:30 p.m. kirstenfrancis

Delightfully irreverent and oh so true (especially the sweatpants part). Thanks for a great interview.

Nov. 16, 2009 at 10:31 p.m. ChloesRuffleButt

Very entertaining read. Thanks for not being so serious. I love it!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 12:22 a.m. MiniatureRhino

funny and smart! i love allison's work. crazy great shops and a lovely lady. great to hear these encouraging words!!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 12:27 a.m. MyHappyHome

Funny lady--great story!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 12:34 a.m. handbagcave

you are hillarious!!! Love your story. Praying for myself to be in your shoes one day and quit the day jobs that never satisfy me enough :D

Nov. 17, 2009 at 2:21 a.m. bylynnkrestel

i love monkeysalwayslook!
great article!!
thanks for sharing!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 6:29 a.m. GallusTreeCreations

Well done Allison, what a great read, made me smile and aspire that bit more to be in the same situation in the future, soooo love the dog, I soooo want one, but my cats would hate me,, btw DesignedByDiana, yes there are single people doing this, me for one, though I haven't managed to quit my day job YET!!! Etsy Rocks!!!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 7:45 a.m. ericawalker

yur funny.
i've always enjoyed your design aesthetic, congratulations.

Nov. 17, 2009 at 8:02 a.m. BROOKLYNrehab

thanks for making it all seem possible. here i come !

Nov. 17, 2009 at 8:41 a.m. Morado

I absolutely love this store! It's been one of my favs and im so glad to see you here!!

http://twitter.com/MoradoShop
http://www.facebook.com/MoradoShop

Nov. 17, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. cassidycay

I love your terrarium and the dog face in the middle of your work. That is how I feel. My precious schnauzer is always right there, he doesn't mess with my stuff he is just there...always.

Nov. 17, 2009 at 9:59 a.m. jbeaudet

Always inspiring! Great stuff! You found a great idea for the spoons! A long time ago (10 years) I was trying to come up with a crafty idea for old spoons. Didn't happen. Loved the article and your humor!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 10:21 a.m. oldworldprimitives

Fun - and funny! - read. Congrats!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 10:22 a.m. dlkdesigns

Fab Article! Congrats girl-

Nov. 17, 2009 at 11:03 a.m. Earmark

WOOHOO! Great Article!! Cannot wait to visit an anthropolgie and see your work! :)

Nov. 17, 2009 at 11:11 a.m. CaptiveStudio

Really sweet article, I only wish...

Nov. 17, 2009 at 11:18 a.m. girlscantell

A+ allison! you deserve some (vegan) chocolate chip cookies!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. lavenderrabbit

Great story! Congrats!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 11:45 a.m. SpiritedWoodland

Wow! I could not stop laughing! This was such a great interview - love your perspective ... and your sense of humor. Continued success to you!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 12:04 p.m. InspiredByShe

Love this article. Made me think i can really do this!

Very funny lady with a lovely positive attitude.

Thank you!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 12:31 p.m. galstudio

Thanks for sharing your inspiring story. I love your work!
and I love your dogs!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 12:39 p.m. DesignByMagriet

I absolutely love reading the Quit Your Day Job articles. So inspiring.

Nov. 17, 2009 at 1:34 p.m. GrayFlannelDesign

Great article - looking forward to the chat

I would have purchased the infant ferret shopping cart liner...my ferret would have loved it! :)

Nov. 17, 2009 at 1:44 p.m. slidesideways

Congrats on working for yourself, so rewarding! You have the most wonderful shops, keep up the good work!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 1:51 p.m. carolinaclover

Love your honesty in not being a millionaire, but awash in humor ;) I'm afraid I fly a creative freak flag too :)

Nov. 17, 2009 at 1:52 p.m. carolinaclover

I love the honesty of not being a millionaire, awash in humor :) I have a feeling I fly a freak family flag too :)

Nov. 17, 2009 at 1:53 p.m. carolinaclover

oops...the spam thing messed me up.

Nov. 17, 2009 at 2:36 p.m. ricerafferty

Very inspirational and funny! Thank you for sharing! I love these stories! :)

Nov. 17, 2009 at 2:58 p.m. monkeysalwayslook

I just wanted to chime in here and say thank you to all that have commented! It really means a lot to me and I hope that in maybe just a teeny tiny way I have helped someone... at least made them laugh!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. bythewayside

Wow, what a great story! Love your humor and your shops :)

Nov. 17, 2009 at 3:56 p.m. FerntreeStudio

QYDJ is in my plans!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. simpledream2

Allison, Your words are inspiring and funny. Your shops are awesome. I too am working towards a "quit your day job" future and will reread your interview many times.
Thanks,
Lisa

Nov. 17, 2009 at 5:18 p.m. beachhouseblues

These stories are always inspiring!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 5:19 p.m. emcee

what a great inspiration...

Nov. 17, 2009 at 6:40 p.m. PhatGrrl

I can still but dream of quitting my day job....

Nov. 17, 2009 at 6:59 p.m. AlliesAdornments

Way to go Allison! It's awesome to watch your business take off. Fly high & far!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 9:01 p.m. allbrokenup

Hey kiddo! You always make me laugh! You don't know how much you inspire me. I have to pinch myself - this is my kid here!!! Way to go.
Momoo

Nov. 17, 2009 at 9:53 p.m. DodgeStationPottery

You rock Allison, beautiful stuff!!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 10:15 p.m. theelegantwall

Thanks for your inspiring story! Being my own boss makes me feel so empowered! I quit my job 2 1/2 years ago when I had my first son, and I've missed having a job until I opened my Etsy shop. Thank you so much to all the people who made Etsy possible.

Nov. 17, 2009 at 11:13 p.m. MetroGypsy

Great story!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 11:34 p.m. Christellas

Awesome story, appreciated you sharing, as well as your humor. Someday, we are hoping for the kind of success you have experienced. Thanks for the encouragement!

Nov. 18, 2009 at 1:10 a.m. kennafoster

What a fantastic interview-- so much personality... and inspiration! I've been a fan since I read a previous interview of monkeysalwayslook, also funny and full of personality (balanced with practical tips). Really enjoyed reading this and BIG CONGRATULATIONS on switching to a nicer set of handcuffs! ;P

Nov. 18, 2009 at 2:42 a.m. LavenderField

Hey monkey! I like your style and your sense of humor!!

Nov. 18, 2009 at 2:43 a.m. LavenderField

and by the way CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ITEMS NOW BEING AVAILABLE AT ANTHROPOLOGIE!!!!!!!!!! NOW I'M REALLY JELOUS!!!

Nov. 18, 2009 at 5:31 a.m. patchlings

Hi there....I am new to Etsy and I loved reading your interview....as my goal is to give up my day job as well and now you have truly inspired me..thank you... I also love your dog and cat...and your shop is fantaastic....!!

Nov. 18, 2009 at 6:40 a.m. PurpleToedGypsy

you are inspiring! You have great style...thanks for sharing it with us! Your writing style is very fun, so i will have to stay tuned to your blog, too. I look forward to it!

Nov. 18, 2009 at 8:12 a.m. StarryHomeCrafts

Thanks for sharing the fantasy and the mundanity side of an artistic career!

Nov. 18, 2009 at 8:33 a.m. InspireUart

I'm new to the venue of Etsy but I absolutely KNOW that this is a place where I belong - thanks to informative & funny blogs/articles like this.

I've listed a few prints of artwork done by either my husband or myself and I'm thinking that I need to create a product line that is at a lower price point and support that product with quality photos and creative 'story telling' staging.

Thanks for sharing your journey because it fueled me up this morning almost as much as my second cup of coffee.

May your sales be many.
Renee

Nov. 18, 2009 at 10:43 a.m. TreeHuggerStudio

Congrats. You are my idol. Life's a garden dig it.

Nov. 18, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. StudioCherie

Fun article. Thanks for sharing Allison. Very well articulated.

Nov. 18, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. milkysupplies

I loved all your stuff..wish you could send plants to Turkey :(

Nov. 18, 2009 at 11:39 a.m. monkeyandsquirrel

from one monkey to another... CONGRATS!

Nov. 18, 2009 at 12:06 p.m. tinasway

Sudden loss of my job has turned me to my "Plan B"
I love making others happy, bringing a smile to their faces. I am very excited about finding Esty. A huge thank-you goes to the unknown woman who came to my booth and introduced me to this site!
Your things are awesome I wish you a prosperous future...;)

Nov. 18, 2009 at 1 p.m. michon

Congratulations - love your succulents!

Nov. 18, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. DoBatsEatCats

I really enjoyed this interview -- your personality really shines through, and it made me smile. :) good for you for making this happen!

Nov. 18, 2009 at 3:25 p.m. pollyannacowgirl

Hi-larious! Lovely studio picture as well. :)

Nov. 18, 2009 at 4:47 p.m. HouserWallis

BEST INTERVIEW ON ETSY. EVER!
what a fantastic sense of humor.
congrats on your success

Nov. 18, 2009 at 9:29 p.m. cowboybunny

This was such a funny interview! What a great writer! You can tell by our interview that you love what you do!

Nov. 18, 2009 at 10:01 p.m. nailee

my goal too is to quit my day job...
congrats !!

Nov. 19, 2009 at 9:52 a.m. GreenPost

Congrats on your liberation! Love your shop and your attitude!

Nov. 19, 2009 at 1:01 p.m. southpawstudios

just read this article from top to bottom, love it Allison!
I love this quote
"I have always been artistic and come from a very supportive family who fly their freak flags high and proud"

i can so relate, that is my family! we are a squirrely bunch, my dads hair is longer than mine! which is some of the many reasons i am the way i am today.

great read!
-katy

Nov. 19, 2009 at 2:09 p.m. DebsUpcycledArt

Enjoyed the article! Inspiring & funny-
good for you!

Nov. 19, 2009 at 4:48 p.m. evgie

she is so passion, that is the key I guess...

Nov. 19, 2009 at 5:07 p.m. MilkwoodDesign

What a great read... nice to know you don't have to be too serious to have a great business!

Nov. 19, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. whimsyandcharm

this was one of the best "qydj" articles i've read. love her sense of humor and passion for her work! i found this so inspiring, since i'm hoping for my craft to one day be my full time job.

and the quote "do something you love, you will never work a day in your life," is one of my favorite quotes. so true!

Nov. 19, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. PoppyTogs

What a great article!! Totally agree with the others!! Hilariously inspiring!

LOVED it!!

Thanks:)

Lisa:)
PoppyTogs

Nov. 19, 2009 at 5:26 p.m. marypearlsvintage

i really appreciate your frankness! thanks for all the great advice!

Nov. 19, 2009 at 5:33 p.m. DecorNMore

Very inspiring story, thanks for sharing!!

Nov. 19, 2009 at 5:41 p.m. DeNovoStyle

Thanks for sharing your experience! LOVE the spotty nose doggie!

Nov. 19, 2009 at 6:26 p.m. TiarasandTurtles

Great interview! There is hope for the "rest" of us-
Allison if you ever need to get out of your pjs you could always go on Leno! Made me laugh out loud!

Nov. 19, 2009 at 6:46 p.m. RomanceCatsAndWhimsy

That was an inspiring story - very motivational. Loved the part about wearing pajama pants!! :) Thank you for sharing.

Nov. 19, 2009 at 6:53 p.m. ittybittybag

Great article. Making friends on Etsy and Twitter is essential to success. This is an artist community and very supportive! Thanks so much for sharing your story.

Nov. 19, 2009 at 7:18 p.m. bijougalerie

I read this "Quit your day job" articles, and I think "my art is my day job" I never worked for someone, or had a health plan, so I need to merry someone! It is all good and funny until you are the the sole provider in the family. So I hope to have your success on etzy and sale something soon(good I am not counting on it)
Thanks for shearing

Nov. 19, 2009 at 7:35 p.m. oldohiofarmfinds

A great fun interview! Allison, it was so nice to visit the tin types again also :0)

Nov. 19, 2009 at 7:43 p.m. wilmajeandesigns

I loved hearing your story. And your sense of humor. Thanks for reminding us all, that with a little planning ahead, we can quit our day jobs.

Nov. 19, 2009 at 7:55 p.m. blackscrapcat

What a great interview! Loved it, love your stuff!

Nov. 19, 2009 at 8:20 p.m. amarkofmyown

Ha! You are one bizarrely funny lady :) Made the article not only helpful and interesting but humorous, too! Thanks for sharing.

Nov. 19, 2009 at 8:23 p.m. lionfish53

Allison-

So glad to see an article about you and to put a face behind the name.

You were so inspiring to me when I 1st started my shop on Esty and gave me the nudge I needed to just do it!

You are one of the funniest people I have met on Etsy( and in life actually).

Your stuff is wonderful!

Nov. 19, 2009 at 8:43 p.m. lainedesign

Love it!!! Enjoyed all the humor sprinkled in too... Congrats Allison!

Nov. 19, 2009 at 10:08 p.m. cradletocradle

Hilarious and inspiring! You are one freaky success! Thank you for sharing :D

Nov. 19, 2009 at 11:28 p.m. paularice

How inspiring-You are great writer-I just had a week from hell at my day job and you have convinced me I can do it-I can leave it and love life again.
thanks Alison!!

Nov. 19, 2009 at 11:53 p.m. ElkeHutchens

Wonderful article, learned a lot, LOVED your sense of humor which is also very essential in any business

Nov. 20, 2009 at 1:02 a.m. kt40

this article made me laugh and say "right on!" at the same time.
kt

Nov. 20, 2009 at 1:08 a.m. MountainManCreations

interesting article
after 8 months my etsy income is 1/2 of my total income maybe next year it will be me
titled quit your day job LOL. Hard when your self employed to begin with I would much rather be playing with feathers than fixing mowers.:)

Nov. 20, 2009 at 1:41 a.m. synge

Thanks for the great article! Love that you snagged your man for insurance! awesome!

Nov. 20, 2009 at 3 a.m. Littlestenographer

Love the hilarious and helpful advice. I want to hear more of the snag-a-man story...I could really use the insurance :)

Nov. 20, 2009 at 4:04 a.m. PinkSherbert

Brilliant Allison! Fantastic personality and great sense of humour, well done on your success :0)

Nov. 20, 2009 at 6:47 a.m. JanuaryJaniesJewelry

Great humor and I love it that you miss nothing about working for someone else. I'm with you!

Nov. 20, 2009 at 6:52 a.m. BrennaStoneJewelry

What a great way to start my morning off to my day job! Very inspiring & entertaining. Best wishes to you and congratulations on your success!

Nov. 20, 2009 at 7:54 a.m. VintageHand

Great profile. Always nice to read about someone enjoying their work, and especially appreciate a good sense of humor!

Nov. 20, 2009 at 9:48 a.m. violetsandgrace

Just the story to inspire me to get to work this morning! Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your life with us all here at Etsy :0)

Nov. 20, 2009 at 10:35 a.m. Freefred

fantastic article and, may I say, very good writing skills to!
I love you dog with the pink nose and sad eyes...!

Nov. 20, 2009 at 10:50 a.m. MonarchCreations

Information and hilarious! Keep up the great work. I love what you are doing!

Nov. 20, 2009 at 12:23 p.m. adorebynat

Thanks for sharing your experience in a humorous way. You made it fun reading it :-) Congrats on your success!

Nov. 20, 2009 at 1:32 p.m. wuglyees

You said, in this article, what I believe to be true: If you love what you do, it's because you do what you love! And I love your sense of humor too! Keep up the good work!

Nov. 20, 2009 at 3:46 p.m. gisforgrow

Very good!

Nov. 20, 2009 at 3:54 p.m. PoeticPaintings

Really fun article1 Thanks!

Nov. 20, 2009 at 5:42 p.m. LivaRutmane

very inspirational, hopefully I will get there too :)

Nov. 20, 2009 at 6:18 p.m. stvnsknnr

Great information. Very helpful and inspirational! Thnks.

Nov. 20, 2009 at 7:13 p.m. BirdTrouble

Thank you for sharing your answers! This was a very entertaining and helpful interview. :)

Nov. 20, 2009 at 9:29 p.m. Lori411

I really enjoyed reading this! I'd love to be able to make enough eventually to actually call this a job lol. Right now I'm more or less doing it for fun :)

This was a very inspiring read!!

Nov. 21, 2009 at 10:58 a.m. Daisytails

Love the article. Lots of great advice for someone whose looking to do the same thing. Congrats!

Nov. 21, 2009 at 1:14 p.m. inspiredthreads

Congratulations to you and thanks for such an inspiring article!

Nov. 21, 2009 at 5:25 p.m. TheSweetestBatch

I am truly inspired by your success story, you have a great sense of humor, as well as a dynamic business. This is why it works for you, we wish you the absolute best.

Nov. 21, 2009 at 11:06 p.m. thesmilingfoxstudio

These quit your day job threads are always inspiring (even tho' I don't have a day job and I don't want my art to become a full-time job: I have a life, too!)

But I always learn something from these threads. Way to go, Monkey! :)

Nov. 22, 2009 at 12:36 a.m. sandrassatchels

Funny, inspiring and wonderful photographs!! Thanks!!

Nov. 22, 2009 at 11:54 a.m. sharonclancydesigns

Very inspiring and fun to read. I agree, the photo is everything! Congrats!!

Nov. 22, 2009 at 2:08 p.m. Mokupepe

I just hope one day, I can follow in your footsteps and be the next "quit your day job" read. Big sigh, I believe in my product but just not selling like I had wished for but I am not giving up. Thanks for sharing!!!

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