Etsy's Handmade Blog
Quit Your Day Job: Neawear
Story by marymary, neawear
Published on August 25, 2008 in Spotlight 		Photo by

Neawear

After introducing a new line of embroidery into her current line of jewelry at Neawear, Janick found new selling success! She saw enough of an increase in sales and blog features for the new line, so she decided this was the much needed push she needed to take the plunge and try her hand at selling on Etsy full time. Working from home is no stranger to Janick, but she's now getting by solely on her own line of crafts. Keep reading to find out what her best marketing secrets are and the morning routine that she can't seem to kick.

 
When you first started selling on Etsy did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
At first, two years ago, it was basically to see if something would sell, since I had been making some jewelry for myself for already six months. Having an extra income with it was indeed in the back of my mind, but since I was working as a freelance graphic designer from home, my "day job" was already having my own business! I looked at my Etsy sales as some shopping money, to be truthful! I've wanted to sell what I made for as long as I can remember, but never did.

How long were you selling on Etsy before taking the plunge into selling full time?
Weirdly enough, now that I think about it, it was AS I started two years ago, but I didn't know then! When Etsy came into my life, my dad had passed away six months before. I then started having trouble staying motivated in graphic design once in a while, and with time it got worse. Now I realize that my Pops was my motivation in all of this. He was a business owner – I have that fiber in my blood – and I wanted to prove that I could do it too! Not that I didn't like graphic design – I still love it – but more in a personal way than for clients. So as I was taking less and less design jobs, the crafting part of my life became much more important and inspiring for me!


What was the deciding factor resulting in your pursuing Etsy as your full time job?
When I launched my Wall Wear embroidery pieces in June '08, it was a huge success right away (thanks to many many big and small blog features!). I thought it was "the sign" I was waiting for (something) to have the guts to do what I wanted to do in the back of my head for a while now. I just decided to stop fighting it, to start listening to the little voice inside of me and take the plunge!

Money and consistency wise, it was perhaps not a great idea to do it now. But I had done this once already (start a business in the "heat of the moment" while not being really prepared). I know what I am getting into: lower salary, sacrifices, hard long hours of work, and I'm convinced that I can do it again!

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time before taking the plunge?
My graphic design company has its license already, and I am doing Nea on that same license. So in that way, I am prepared, I know all about it and I'm all set! I am fortunate enough that graphic design will be very useful with Nea, in the actual graphic designs I may need, as well as all the skills I have learned in the past five years as a business owner, as far as marketing and promoting myself is concerned. I don't have a mortgage or kids or anything, so of course that helps the process. I am not a budget kinda gal, but I am trying to work on a semi-budget right now, if that is even possible. Ha ha!


What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
Features on blogs have worked wonderfully for me! But for that, you need great pictures and great unique products! I am always trying to improve on my photography skills. (I’m even thinking of taking some manual photography courses soon!) If you look at pictures of my first sold items vs. my pictures now, whoa, what a difference!

I keep very active on the blog scene, I have found that it helps me get much more traffic! I have a blog that is getting quite a lot of views (between 200 and 300 visits a day on week days). I follow around 450 blogs on RSS feed, I comment on many blogs daily and trade banners with others sometimes. Of course, you have to love it to do it as much, and I do! I also relist items often on Etsy, and try to list new items often too!

What have you found to be unsuccessful promotion or something that's just not working for your shop?
Weirdly enough, contests on my blog have proven to have a very low participation rate! But I know many sellers have had success with this. The last one was a while ago, so maybe I should try again soon. I have purchased some ads on blogs as well, but I sincerely have no clue if there are actual direct sales from them. I know it does bring my views higher, so I chose up to now to keep that Web presence, even if faced with uncertainty.

Would you walk us through what a typical workday might entail being your own boss?
I am so NOT a morning person! Ha ha!

  • I usually get up between 8:00 and 9:30 am. I don’t use an alarm clock, I just get up when I do. (I love that little business owner treat!)
  • I open my Mac right away as I make myself some TeaNoir tea (literally addicted!).
  • I check my emails, see if I got orders, read email newsletters, visit my stats everywhere on the Web and chat a little online with tomatedepingles (I met her thru Etsy).
  • All that for at least 30-45 minutes, it’s my morning ritual, can’t get out of it!
  • Then I start my day usually by taking pictures of new items, selecting and editing them all in Photoshop.
  • I create new listings and get them ready to be posted later.
  • If there are no new items to list that day, I package my orders.
  • By then, you’ve guessed it’s lunch time, so I do just that!
  • After that, it’s all about making stuff, with a little trip to the post office too.
  • I usually craft and blog – write on mine and also read other blogs – until about 5:30 pm, taking a break from one with the other, and then start again around 8:00 pm if nothing else is planned for the evening.
  • I work very well at night, so I usually get three or four hours of very productive time then, before going to bed at around midnight.

So yes, I basically work all the time, even on most weekends, but it doesn’t really feel like work!

 
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
The last “day job not from home” I had was before 2003, but I still miss some stuff from then. Mostly being around people and meeting new people easily are the things that I miss — the social life, basically. It can be lonely sometimes – often, in fact – when you’re your own boss. I know I need to work on that “keeping a balance” thing, for sure!

How's it going so far? Are you supporting yourself?
Barely! Still, in these first three months, I have achieved the consistency and the amount I had set as a goal, which is triple what I was selling before. That’s already an achievement! Perhaps that “barely” response gives me that extra push to reach bigger goals! Right now, I love it all, with its good and bad sides. It is almost like starting a new life!

If you could go back in time before you took the plunge, what advice would you give yourself knowing what you know now?
I would tell myself to simply listen to instinct. I should have took the plunge way earlier! I feel so much better now!


What advice would you give someone else thinking about taking the plunge to sell full time on Etsy?
Have passion for what you do! With passion, you can build your confidence and then achieve what you set your mind on! And also to be realistic and set your goals right (one little achievable miracle at a time!). I’m not going to make 50K in the next year, far from it, and I know that! I am totally OK with it and I am ready to make some sacrifices to live this wonderful adventure.

What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
In the coming year? I’m not even there yet in my head! For now, my goal is for the holiday season. I want to hopefully triple my newly tripled sales in that upcoming shopping season! I say that because the last two holidays on Etsy seemed to triple my usual monthly sales, therefore I am hoping to do the same with my new sales status as well.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?
That I love Etsy, of course! But mostly, its community! I’m meeting so many wonderful great people, from here in Quebec and from everywhere else in the world! Everyone amazes me with their friendliness, openness, skills, and creativity. I want to thank everyone I met and will meet in the future from here on Etsy that inspire me and keep me going with their nice words for my work, as well as my boyfriend Dan, who is still behind my choices after seven years, even if I now need to count pennies again for a while! :)

 

Thanks to Janick for sharing her story and business with us!  Check out the related items below to see some of her items. You can find some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.

Tags Canada, embroidery, Etsy International, neawear, needlecraft, quit your day job, sellers, selling, SPOTLIGHT
All articles in Spotlight
Related Items
This article was reported by:
Etsy Admin
marymary
shop . profile . contact

neawear
shop . profile . contact

121 comments     Login to add your own!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. lpdesigns

NEA! w00t!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. yaelfran

I love her shop!!!!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. saralagace

Congrats Janick! You rock!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4 p.m. JMNPOTTERY

Yay!!! Congrats Janick!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4 p.m. Diffraction

very inspirational!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. melaniefavreau

That's great Janick! Long live Neawear!!! :D P.S. J'adore ton chat! Il ressemble a mon Félix, mais en plus foncé :)

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. rikrak

woohoo janick! you're such a superstar! it's an inspiration to read your story and see your beautiful work, nicey!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. IndieMoon

WhooHoo Nea!!
Great Article - inspiring story!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. BargainHeadbands

Congratulations Janick, I loved this article. Wish you success on your goals ;)
P.S.: J'adore la photo avec ton chat, il est si beau!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. beverlyhillsjewelry

Since I just started this was a great article for me! Everyone says I talk too much so blogging may be next!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. daniellexo

Yay! Such great tips - you are smart! So glad to have you as an active member of Etsy. XO (P.S. See you at Puces Pop!)

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. wittyworkshop

Bravo Janick!!! I'm so happy you took the pludge and that your are sharing your dailies with us. And also: you have a cutie kitty!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. fernfiddlehead

Yay Nea, my virtual labs buddy! Congrats.

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. jenmerritt

Janick this is such a nice article. COngratulations on all your success!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. gingerlime

Thanks for your awesome perspective! your work is beautiful :-)

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. sandcookies

Gorgeous items! I love your work!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. Thinkoutsidethebox

I am sooo addicted to this series. I literally cannot wait until each article comes out. I truly hope that each of these participants realizes just how much inspiration they spread around to others just by being open and honest!
Nea seems like a wonderful girl who knows what she wants but if she didn't, I think she's the kind of girl who'd say so. She expresses an heir of complet honesty. I wish her much success in her goals. I am so inspired! Thanks for sharing.

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. Itybitybags

Congrats Janick! I love your work :)

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. PetitOiseau

congratulations, janick! you know i'm a big fan so this was amazing news to read.

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. themusesjewels

Bravo Janick!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. tangente

Congrats Janick!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. neawear

Awwwww you are all so sweet and supportive!! Thank you all sooooo much for your sweet comments! I really appreciate it!! :D

melaniefavreau &
BargainHeadbands: haha, je vais lui dire que vous le trouvez mignon! :)

Danielle: OMG you are coming this year too! YAY! We should go for supper with other Etsy fans! :)

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. softspoken

love these stories! great shop, too :)

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. ArtMind

Janick, what an inspiration to read your story here! Thanks so much for being such a wonderful personality and Etsian! You always make me smile - or even laugh out loud when we are in the virtual labs or in the forum! You have a great shop and will probably not be counting pennies for long... Best of luck to you! I'll keep an eye on you! :)

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. namolio

Congrats!!!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. annarubyking

congrats Janick! I love your work!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. UglyKitty

Congrats! I love that you just "took that plunge"!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. BebeToby

Congrats! Very informative article! I love the tips! :)

Aug. 25, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. saks2go

Congratulations, and thanks so much for the tips! Best to you!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 5:12 p.m. craftyjuicebroker

Congratulations... I eventually want to quit my day job too.

Aug. 25, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. iheartnorwegianwood

Way to go Yanick!! Great responses, we're proud of you down at HQ!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. baconsquarefarm

Congrats neawear~ great story~ I'm happy for you~ sky's the limit~ wish you continued success~!~! bacon

Aug. 25, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. tanisalexis

sniffle- i feel so proud of my quebec girls. HOOray!! janick. we love you!! ;)

Aug. 25, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. curlyfrysc

She does such beautiful work! I love this shop.

Aug. 25, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. margarette

such cute stuff! congrats!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. edithandlulu

Wishing you continued success Janick. I love your Wall Wear.

Aug. 25, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. LiSoCards

I love your items- especially the wall wear! Congrats to you for "making it"!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. Enthral

Hooray! Great article :)

Aug. 25, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. 3dots

Yay Janick! Je te souhaite le plus grand des succès! Hmmm... ton chat est beaucoup plus beau que le mien! ;)

Aug. 25, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. mieldesigns

Bravo Janick! Toutes mes félicitations!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 7:28 p.m. Studio618

Congrats Janick. Love your embroidered pieces. Thanks for a great story.

Aug. 25, 2008 at 7:31 p.m. noemiah

:) You are an inspiration to me miss!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. Lindze28

I'm also a graphic designer just starting on etsy! I love graphic design but like you it is so nice to get off the computer and create something that is completely you.

Aug. 25, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. PinkfireDesigns

Congrats! You do amazing work and it was a real inspiration to read your story!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. RaeGun

awesome, thanks so much for sharing

Aug. 25, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. Ottoman

Great article! Congrats Janick!!!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. OpulentOddities

Congrats! I've been an admirer for a while.
And you are so pretty, too!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 9:45 p.m. crossesbyclaudia

Thank you for the article. I am brand new to Etsy. I had never heard of it before a week ago. I soaked up everything you said in the article. It's exciting being a newby!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. recoup

Thanks for the inspiration. Sorry about your dad. Will be back soon.

Aug. 25, 2008 at 10:43 p.m. ModFarmgirl

Congrats Janick! Thank you for sharing your success story, it is very inspiring. Your works is beautiful!! Good Luck!!!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 10:55 p.m. zamzamdesign

Bravo Janick! Tes débuts ressemblent aux miens, ton parcours est une inspiration... Je suis vraiment fière de te voir à la une :)! Keep it up girl!

Aug. 25, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. JetWhitePonytail

lovely

Aug. 26, 2008 at 12:09 a.m. Asymmetry

LOVE all your embroidery work!

Aug. 26, 2008 at 1:26 a.m. autumnsarrival

Very nice work! Kudos to you for crafting full time! It's always best to do what we love & are passionate for! Keep up the great work!

Aug. 26, 2008 at 2 a.m. akaisilks

very nice work!

Aug. 26, 2008 at 3:31 a.m. siiri

Inspiring story! Your works and your photographs are great. Thank you very much for sharing.

Aug. 26, 2008 at 3:38 a.m. gyjewelry

great

Aug. 26, 2008 at 5:38 a.m. Nishale

beautiful!

Aug. 26, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. Mwilson

Way to go~ Beautiful spirit and just as beautiful work!

Thanks for sharing your news!

Aug. 26, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. neawear

Awwww thank you so much eveyone!!! Y'all are all so nice with your kind words! I really appreciate it!!! :)

Aug. 26, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. DeborahVoizin

Good Luck to you!!!

Aug. 26, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. urbancheek

This is so inspiring! Thank you so much for the much for sharing your experience! :)

Aug. 26, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. ConstantGalore

Awesome! Glad to see your shop featured here and doing so well! I've been a quiet fan for a while now! Keep up the great work!

Aug. 26, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. kiwipunchdesigns

Fantastique Janick!
Thanks for sharing your experience! ...and your linking to your blog! It's great! I just added it to my rss reader!

Aug. 26, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. VernonAve

Great story! It inspires us all!

Aug. 26, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. dogties

Nea, you rock!
Keep up the great work

Aug. 26, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. BeadsInTheBelfry

yay Janick!

Aug. 26, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. ralphnuara

This is a very very very inspiring article! :)

Aug. 26, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. Elizaveta

Janick is amazing!!!! AMAZING! XOX

Aug. 26, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. minouette

Bravo Janick!

Way to go!

Aug. 26, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. MyKangaroo

I love the pictures of her work in progress. This makes me want to pick up my embroidery again.

Aug. 26, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. BlackStar

Yay Janick! Congrats!

Aug. 26, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. tomatedepingles

congrats, my friend!

Aug. 26, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. petalandpink

Congrats! it's very inspiring!

Aug. 26, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. ThisIsBexx

Great interview!

Aug. 27, 2008 at 12:22 a.m. Kiiss

Love your shop, very inspirational. <3

Aug. 27, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. Snowberrylime

I love this series and love the honesty in this post from Janick! I love the wall art and wish you all the best. :)

Aug. 27, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. tangerined

<3

go nea!!!

Aug. 27, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. FrucciDesign

Congrats Janick
I didn’t know you took the plunge…well done, my friend!
I’m so happy for you, because from your words I can read happiness and satisfaction for what you do, no matter if you need to work harder it is worth!!!
I really wish you to achieve all your goals and more...much more!!!
And let me add just a last little comment about feeling lonely working at home: Esty and the virtual labs help meet great people, right Janick?
;-)
Fru

Aug. 27, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. neawear

That you so much everyone, I'm overwhelmed with all you fabulous comment! I don't know what to say more, you're all fabulous!!

Frucci: you got that right! Maybe be why I'm there so much... hehe ;) Thank you :)

Aug. 28, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. sewbeadit

WOW!
I think i can, I think i can, I think i can.
Or CAN i...?
I'm working on the nerve to "step" on out and give it a go.
U have been very encouraging!
BEST of everything to u.

Aug. 28, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. lillyella

oh I love seeing the face and hearing the story behind this awesome shop!!

Aug. 29, 2008 at 2:21 a.m. 1920

love your story and your work.

Aug. 30, 2008 at 6:30 a.m. gretchenmist

these articles are great. thanks for sharing all your details and pics. nice work.

Sept. 1, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. starrydesigns

Congrats, Janick! :D

Sept. 5, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. alankarshilpa

Thanks Janick for sharing your inspiring article. I wish you continued success.Your work is beautiful and I know your dreams will come true. Dita- your new friend.

Sept. 6, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. ivaart

Awesome Janick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sept. 7, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. neawear

Thank you everyone :) You are all so sweet and inspiring! ;)

Sept. 7, 2008 at 11:40 p.m. purposedesign

that is great news! I hope to see you soon at a holiday craft show! :-)

Sept. 9, 2008 at 6:16 p.m. clubviv

Those are great. Thanks Janick. Love your story

Sept. 12, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. Bergamot

What a great article and a great shop! Wow! You're so very talented. Congrats and best wishes for future success!

Sept. 15, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. MIZombie

/me hearts Janick!!

I will be there soon myself!~

Sept. 17, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. simplypadproject

success for you..
Gbu..

Sept. 22, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. LoellaMedina

I love your work Janick! I still remember how I found Etsy through you! I'm glad you are able to do what you love full time. I wish you lots of success!

Oct. 16, 2008 at 12:37 a.m. zuzubaby

your shop inspires me so much! I look at it all the time. You are so talented.

Nov. 9, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. barefootbeadz

So many talented Canadians! Way to go Janick!

Dec. 8, 2008 at 8:34 p.m. polarity

have loved this shop 4ever! go janick!

Dec. 21, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. lsad

Great stuff! Good Luck!

Jan. 4, 2009 at 10:25 a.m. shellieartist

so nice to read about those who have taken the plunge...I have 2 pairs of nea's earrings and I love them..they are unique and I always get compliments when I wear them out! congrats nea! :)

Jan. 7, 2009 at 9:12 a.m. bbittinger08

You've inspired me! Thank you and best of luck and success to you!

Jan. 16, 2009 at 7:21 a.m. cherbie

inspirational indeed! good luck!

Jan. 29, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. zelaya

Very inspirational!

Feb. 1, 2009 at 10:26 p.m. lacokine

I looooooove soooo much your work :) Good luck! Oh! And I love your beads too! I'm a big fan :)

Feb. 6, 2009 at 7:07 p.m. lisatoni

good on you! there are some very tasty embroideries in your shop, I am not at all surprised by tour continued success!

Feb. 6, 2009 at 7:17 p.m. barnfirestudio

thankyou for sharing your story - it helps to hear it! i just opened a shop one month ago...

congratulations on your success!

Feb. 15, 2009 at 2:06 p.m. hiptobeasquare

Thank you so much for sharing!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 1:28 a.m. amasattic

Thanks for sharing and the best to you!

Feb. 19, 2009 at 4:40 p.m. MyJunkyTrunk

I'm inspired! Thanks so much for a really great article.

Feb. 21, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. parltradet

Wonderful article. There seems to be a pattern here. I was a graphic designer too. Well done Janick!

March 21, 2009 at 7:55 a.m. yumstietree

Wow, what a great read. I am unemployed at the moment, but deciding if I should take the plunge to craft full time instead of looking for a "proper" job. Food for thought.

Thanks. x

April 1, 2009 at 5 p.m. BLambent

thanks for the inspiration. forced to take the plunge.
LOVE your shop.

April 30, 2009 at 1:42 p.m. PapayaTree

I love everything in your shop! When I get my own apt, I'll be sure to get some of that uber cute embroidery!

May 4, 2009 at 1:33 p.m. Intres

Great article, great shop!

May 4, 2009 at 3:31 p.m. uniquewares

nea, i love ur stuff! wonderful inspirational article...it makes me want to get crafting! thank you!

May 4, 2009 at 8:33 p.m. MissKArt

Awesome stuff! U r very talented and brave, a huge inspiration. Lots of luck 2 U!

May 5, 2009 at 9:16 a.m. alittlepieceofart

Great advice and information!

May 5, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. CottonPetal

Congratulations on being Featured Seller, and thank you for the wonderful article! ^u^

May 6, 2009 at 5:07 a.m. eclecticaa

Love this article and the beautiful and inspirational items you have in your store.

May 6, 2009 at 10:53 a.m. shareliving

wow!Awesome article !

Sept. 12, 2009 at 9:05 a.m. unemployeddesigner

Janick has such an awesome shop! I loved reading this article!

Oct. 19, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. FreedomHill

It is so encouraging to hear it can be done! Thanks for sharing your tips and experiences with us!

Previous Page | Next Page