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Story by
marymary
Published on August 3, 2009 in Spotlight |
Photo by |
Rhonda runs two successful shops on Etsy: her jewelry shop, ProlifiqueJewelry, and her supply shop, Prolifique. Through ups and downs in both her home and work life, Rhonda has successfully created businesses on Etsy that allow her to support herself and two children entirely. This accounting major turned financial coordinator turned artist and business woman isn't slowing down anytime soon. Keep reading to find out some of her best Etsy marketing tips and why she stresses investing in a good cordless phone with a headset in order to make it through the day.
How did you originally get into the business of making things?
I have always needed something to do with my hands. When I was younger, I did cross stitch, painting, or some other kind of craft, because I'm not good at sitting still doing nothing. I have always had some type of project going on. Doing something more than just as a hobby started when I dropped out of college. I was a theater major, and that was HARD work. I wasn't very good at "kissing up" to the right people, so it was very difficult for me and I quit. Not a good solution, but I was young and what did I know? So, I needed something to do and I chose floral design school as my alternative to traditional schooling. I loved it! And I was relatively good at it, too. Only problem was… couldn't really make much money at it! I worked in several shops over the next few years, and then went back to college to get my bachelor's degree in accounting. Can you say BORING? Nothing creative about it!
When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
I started on Etsy about 2 years ago. It was originally just to sell some older designs that weren't selling on my website. I was running under a different name at the time (Stunning Details), and I was doing okay with my own site. Then everything started going wrong. My personal life wasn't going well. I was very unhappy, and my business was suffering in the process. I almost lost it completely… well, I actually did give up on Stunning Details. It just wasn't working for me anymore, and I had exhausted all of my money and energy trying to save it. I finally realized it just wasn't worth it anymore. I had met another designer online (Heather Gill a.k.a cherrycreek), and she was doing PMC. I was really interested to learn, so she flew from Arizona to Florida to teach me in March of 2007. We had a BLAST, and I learned everything that I could from her. I knew I had found something to get excited about again. I also knew I would need money to fund this new obsession.
Prolifique was started after a brainstorming session with my dear friend Heather, while she was in Florida getting me addicted to PMC. It started out slowly, but the business started growing very well. We had a ton of jewelry ideas that we were collaborating on as well, and that necessitated the start of ProlifiqueJewelry a few months later. It was difficult at times since she lives in Arizona and I am in Florida, but we made it work. (Well, until her other Etsy shop became so popular!) Then she was feeling torn between her first love (cherrycreek) and what we had created together.
About that same time another friend of mine, Jennifer a.k.a. jennifercasadygems, was getting very tired of the handcrafted jewelry components she was making since it was taking too much of her time away from designing jewelry. I jokingly told her I would take that business off her hands, and she took me seriously! She stopped making them, sent me all of her pics and info, and I added them to the inventory I already had on Prolifique. Then business was REALLY moving! Heather was just too busy to keep doing the Prolifique site with me, and something had to give. Instead of just splitting it up between the two of us, she GAVE it all to me! What great friends I have! The timing was great too, because I was recently divorced and desperately trying to support my children without having to work outside the home. I had become accustomed to being here with them, and it was hard enough for them to adjust after the divorce. I didn't want to have to work long hours for someone else, either.
Since the fall of 2008, when all of this took place, I have been happily running Prolifique and Prolifique Jewelry on my own, raising my two wonderful children, and supporting the three of us with the income I make from those two shops. I don't think I could ask for anything more than that!
Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?
I really didn't have any time to prepare in advance. I originally "quit" my day job back in 2000, ten days after my son was born. I was working for a major company in the area as a financial coordinator. It wasn't a job I loved, but it was a steady paycheck, and I was making use of my very expensive college degree. But I had to take my new baby boy back to the hospital with a very scary case of jaundice when he was just a few days old. In the middle of all this, I was told by my boss to immediately return to work or forfeit my job. I'm sure you can just imagine what I told her to do with that job!
Then I was lost… new mother, NO JOB! So, I had to do something and I fell back on what I knew: floral design. I started researching online venues to sell silk wedding flowers. I invested the few hundred dollars I had into some flowers and supplies and got busy. I got to be very popular quickly and began working a lot. Only problem was, I was almost GIVING them away to sell them. I wasn’t making much money and I was working a ton.
Finally someone asked me if I could make matching hair accessories for the flowers. That got me thinking in a whole new direction. I bought some books, hit the library, and started researching wedding hair accessories and jewelry. That is when the addiction to beads/wire/findings/etc. started.
The transition to making jewelry and hair accessories happened very quickly, and I was lucky enough to get some of my pieces into a few major bridal magazines. I did that for a few years, and then it morphed again into doing traditional everyday jewelry, and then into what I'm doing now. I wouldn't change the path I took for anything, because I feel I am the person/artist/mother I am today because of all of it. I try to learn from everything I do, and sometimes that lesson is to NEVER do that thing again.
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
Promoting my business on Etsy hasn't been difficult for me at all.
- I try to renew items regularly to keep myself near the top of the searches in my categories.
- I also try to keep updating my Facebook and Twitter accounts whenever I'm listing new items, having a sale, etc.
- My best promotional tool is definitely word of mouth from my current customers. When I get repeat business, or I get an order from someone new who was referred by someone else, that just makes my day. That means I am doing what I set out to do.
- I also highly recommend joining a street team. I recently was lucky enough to become a member of the Etsy Supply Street Team (Team ESST) and I am very happy about that and thankful that they asked me to join.
- I may be selling items that are similar to others out there, but I want to make sure I do it with style. I want my customers to see that I pay attention to the details, that I am very meticulous about my work, and that I love what I do. When that happens, it shows… and that is the best advertising you can have!
What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
Oh, I am the QUEEN of unsuccessful promotions! When I first started my own website, I was contacted by a celebrity gifting company, and I was SO excited. Someone wanted to promote my jewelry by giving it to celebrities? WOW! OF COURSE!
Now, I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that I didn’t have the time of my life during the two years that I pursued that avenue. I did have FUN! I met so many wonderful celebrities — I got to watch Hugh Jackman rehearse on stage at Radio City Music Hall while I was sitting in the front row! I shook hands with Darth Vader, Doogie Howser, Niles Crane… but I was GIVING THINGS AWAY! Yes, I did get a few very nice pics in magazines with celebs wearing my jewelry (Marcia Cross, Lacey Chabert), but those things don't bring you business. So, don't give your things away. I still do some celebrity promotional work, but I am very selective about what I do, and it always has a great cause behind it as well.
Walk us through your typical workday.
I don't think I really have a typical workday; it is always different and that is one of the things I love. There are some constants though.
- I MUST chat with my mother, my BF, and my BFF every day, usually multiple times a day. I work while I chat, so that's good.
- It's summer now, but the beginning of a normal day is usually getting the kids out of bed, dressed, fed, and off to school. Then my day starts when I get back home.
- I normally start out my day talking to my mother. She is my rock, the person who will always tell me how it is, even when I don't want to hear it. She is awesome! While I'm chatting with her, I'm going through a pile of orders and condensing them into one list of things to do. It makes it easier that way, so if I have four orders for the same things, I do them all at once.
- Then I coil and cut the rings, roll out PMC jewelry to dry, and then hit the bench in the garage to get HOT! And at this time of the year, it is HOT! Turning on a 1,650 degree kiln in one corner of the room, and having a flaming torch in my hand at the same time — yes, it's HOT. And I live in Florida! But I love it, so I'm not complaining.
- Once I get everything fused and soldered, I normally take a break from the heat and work on the computer: answering convos, renewing items, sometimes a game or two on Facebook, and updating Twitter. Then it is off to sand the PMC, put it in the kiln, and begin my long afternoon of hammering, shaping, and oxidizing.
- I normally ship items out about 2-3 times per week, so if I have packages ready to ship, after I pick the kids up from school we hit the post office.
- Then it's dinnertime, bath time, and game time with the kids. After they go to bed, I normally work for another few hours before falling into bed out of sheer exhaustion.
- Oh yeah, and a couple of days a week, I try to make time for my very understanding boyfriend and other friends, too. Thankfully, I have a great support system and people who love me. I couldn't do what I do without them.
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
This is an EASY question; I LOVE being able to be home with my kids. Period. End of discussion. That is by far the easiest question to answer. I don't know how these mothers do it… work full time for someone else, travel to and from work, worry about kids while they are gone. Wow, that just sounds so difficult to me, and I am impressed with women who do that so well. Thankfully, I have managed to find a way to do what I love and to do it at home where my children are.
As for missing anything — the most obvious thing is daily interaction with other adults in the same line of work. But I don’t have to worry about that… thanks to the good friends I have made over the years in the jewelry business. There are a few who I talk to on a regular basis, and I wouldn't be who or where I am without them. One major suggestion to anyone else doing this: invest in a good cordless phone with a headset or a Bluetooth, so you can work and talk at the same time. It is the main thing that keeps me sane!
What's the hardest part about running your own business?
The hardest part is probably working ALL the time. Even when I'm not working, I'm thinking about working, worrying about what needs to be done, thinking about new designs, etc. It can be all-consuming at times! And I have a very hard time turning everything "off" at night… stopping work, turning off the computer, turning off my brain (still haven't figured out how to do that one…). So, as a result, I don’t sleep much, but thankfully I don't need as much sleep as I used to.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?
The biggest advice I would give myself looking back would be to be true to myself and to believe in myself. I started out trying to please the "masses"… trying to be on the cutting edge, keeping up with trends, etc. Not that I don't do that now, but I don't let it change who I am. If I love something, I will make it. If not, I won't. I think it shows through in your work if you don't really love what you're doing.
My advice for others is keep a great support system around you of others in the business, and get rid of any negativity so it doesn't bring you down. When you become successful at anything in life, there are going to be people who are jealous, or are trying to do the same thing but it hasn't happened for them yet. All of that negative energy can sap the life right out of an artist. Just remember to stay true to who you are and keep your head up high. Do what you love, do it well, and the rest will fall into place. The true friends you have will see you through anything… good and bad.
What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
Oh my… I don't even want to answer this one, because this is a real problem for me.
- I need to get ORGANIZED! I am so organized in my head, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at my studio or my bench! I sometimes spend an hour looking for something that isn’t where it's supposed to be. Then I get frustrated, I get behind, and then I have to work longer. I am doing much better, but I have a long way to go!
- I also want to find a better way to keep my records. You would think with an MBA in accounting I would know how to do that. Technically, I do… but I guess I am like the plumber with the leaky faucet. I did it for others for such a long time, now I'm terrible about doing it for myself.
- I also have so many great new things I want to learn to expand my skills. Having a kiln enables me to do enamel work, and I really want to try that. And I really want to do lost wax casting, too. I thought I couldn't do it, because I'm not one that can look at a block of wax and carve something beautiful out of it. I'm more of the type that can take all the separate pieces and put them together to make a whole. Now I know I can do that with wax too… so I'm excited to give it a try!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I don't know where I would be without the Internet! I am in love with my computer, new technology, everything about it. And without my two Etsy shops, I couldn't do what I do. I am honored to be a part of this huge conglomerate of fantastic artists, and I'm just excited to see what tomorrow brings. I can definitely see my work evolving and going on different tangents, but I can NEVER see myself doing anything else but what I'm doing right now. I work 14 to 16 hours a day, six days a week — but it's not really WORK. It's what I love, it's my life, it's what I do, and it's what makes me the wonderfully happy person that I have become in the past year. In turn, I am now a much better mother, friend, artist, and just a better person in general. I know it sounds corny, but for me it's true!
Good luck to anyone who wants to try this for themselves. I always thought my work ethic wasn't good enough to do anything on my own. But I learned that I was never lacking in the ability to work… I was only lacking in the inspiration to do it. Once you find that inspiration, it's no longer work!
Thanks to Rhonda for sharing her story. Have your own questions to ask? Come on by and chat with her Wednesday, August 5 at 7 p.m. ET in Etsy's Virtual Labs.
You can see some of Rhonda's beautiful work in the Related Items. Check out previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.
| Tags | full-time, prolifiquejewelry, Quit Your Day Job, sellers, selling, Spotlight, SPOTLIGHT, workflow, working |
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177 comments Login to add your own!
spacejam
LittleWrenPottery
Ruffled
happyfamily
miasophia
loveclay
sighandgroan
myzoetrope
theDearestBird
JunebugFelts
cherrycreek
I wouldn't still be in business today without this wonderful person! Congratulations!
novadesigns
JenniferCasady
Congrats on the article Rhonda!!! You are an incredible woman, friend, artist, mentor and Mom!! Love ya!
prolifiquejewelry
Awww shucks you guys!! Thank you so much for all the kind words. This is just awesome... and kind of surreal seeing my face on etsy. LOL! Thanks to everyone... you are all the best! :)
thankyouenjoy
Congrats! Looking forward to the Virtual Lab chat on Wednesday.
erikabumberika
You're so fortunate to have great friends -- that's worth its weight in coffee!
workingforpeanuts
Very inspiring. Congratulations and good wishes for the future! Thanks!
actionjackson
I know it's been said a few times already, but this is really inspiring to read for a new-ish business owner who's still trying to learn the ropes/having trouble getting a biz off the ground. Keep up the good work!
Emburr
Good for you Rhonda, it sounds like you deserve to be successful after all that hard work.
vitamini
beautifulbridget
TripleLDesigns
beautiful jewelry - hearted you for sure. I like knowing that out of all of us jewelry designers, you still can make it in this big community!
Morado
I always look to the 'Quit youd ay job' stories. Truely Inspirational!!
natalya1905
foamywader
Such a great series!
Does "Quit your day job" count if you were laid off? :)
WhiteFlagDesigns
HarrietsHaven
Congratulations to you, Rhonda. You have beautiful jewelry! Thanks for the advice too!
VivaceCrafts
loda
A great inspiring story. I admire what you have done.
Your jewelry is beautiful and so are your children, you have a lot to be proud of. I wish you continued success!
2BellesBeads
baconsquarefarm
Congrats rhonda on your success on etsy~ beautiful jewelry plus children as well, so wonderful to be at home with them. Wish you continued success~ Thanks for sharing your story with all of us.
voleurdebijoux
Aerisjewellerydesign
What a great article. It's so refreshing to read a QYDJ interview where the artist is really, totally supporting themselves financially.
Rhonda, you're an inspiration!
SeaFindDesigns
thebestvintage
lavalleygirly
LabyrinthLeather
yaelfran
girltuesdayjewelry
EJPcreations
bayousalvage
i love this down to earth approach to QYDJ. a successful business is hard, hard work + sacrifice + positive attitude. so glad that you didnt give up rhonda!
junkyjunk
Congratulations Rhonda! Best wishes to you and your store!
I love hearing how other Mommies out there are making it work!
CelloRaisen
theredstone
very inspiring story! great jewelry!
it shows that you love what you're doing and you put your heart in your work.
thank you for sharing and good luck!!
jewelrybyjackie
Congrats on all the success prolifiquejewelry! Just gorgeous!
TashinaFalene
Your story is so inspiring! Lovely jewelry. :) Best wishes to you, your family, and your stores!!
DancingWindDesigns
BrazanDesign
Thank you so much for sharing your story. This is my last week at my day job; I am leaving to be home with a little one, too! Reading stories like yours help build my confidence. We can do this!
sweetirie
BeadinBabe
Very inspiring! I love reading stories like yours, keep up the great work!
elisasherejewelry
Very inspiring, thanks for sharing your story! Many of the things you said really hit home.
alejandrasjewelry
nice article! very inspirational! right at a time in which I feel like giving up! Beautifull kids! Congrats!
sleepyking
Aww very very inspiring! Beautiful jewelry! Congrats on your success!
LillipilliDesigns
Thanks for sharing! You're an inspiration to us all Rhonda!
bluerthanblue
You're all so CUTE! Keep up the good work, and thank you for sharing your story and family with us!
AgShap
Beautiful family and beautiful work! Just started myself in February and finally got my first sale. Your story is very inspirational and will keep me going because I too love what I am doing.
janicej
bumblebeadsdesigns
You've got lovely kids. And thanks for sharing your story!
RockPaperSilver
Bravo! Great interview and your work is just stunning! Congrats on loving what you do...that is the BEST!!!
SimpleJoysPaperie
Such a great story! Best wishes for Rhonda's continued success!
freelion
HumboldtSupplies
You go girl! Your work is beautiful, and your story is truly inspiring!
nestables
mbellishmentsjewelry
4TheSparrowsNest
Wow Rhonda; lovely work and super inspiring story!! I love this quote: "I may be selling items that are similar to others out there, but I want to make sure I do it with style. I want my customers to see that I pay attention to the details, that I am very meticulous about my work, and that I love what I do. When that happens, it shows… and that is the best advertising you can have!" Amen!
michon
Congratulations, you are definitely lucky to get to be home with your kids doing something you love.
jenniferlynnstudio
Love the story..and all the pics with the kids..Congrats to you, Rhonda!...such an inspiration!
PreciousMeshes
Great story! I am glad we now have the Family Leave Act so that there can be no more mean bosses like the one who made you choose between a job and your newborn. Looks like it was a blessing in disguise.
fyberknitics
Well done Rhonda, and thanks for sharing your story which is truly inspiring. and good on you for telling your unreasonable ex-employer where to go!
KalliopeJewelry
Lovely work, and adorable children! Congratulations, and best of luck for continued success!
odiliafu
Congrats!! Rhonda, I love reading your story. It's very inspiring. I especially like what you say about staying true to yourself.
SandboxGifts
You're so inspiring Rhonda! Congratulations for all that you have done with your business :)
JewelryTales
MinceCo
great article, just read 1st half, so much info! it's great that you can adjust to the situations your in.
moonofglass
istiferet
georgiedesigns
Yay, Rhonda! You have always been such a huge source of support and inspiration to me! Thank you for everything you have taught me over the phone and email over the last few years. Even though we have never met in person, I feel like we have! I am so happy for your huge success and know you will only continue to be even more successful! You deserve it!
rocknwow
ChloesRuffleButt
galimbj
Wonderfully inspiring story & great fingings too. Love & hugs from a happy customer :)
graceB
colbyjune
You have great work! Love to hear and read another success story. It keeps me motivated.
bogARTstudiogallery
me encantan las historias de exito. son una inspiracion para mi. Ojala algun dia yo cuente la mia aqui en etsy.
felicitaciones!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ARTIBILITY
This is inspiring me to work more - not physically but mentally (although my mind keeps racing but I can never get to the finish line LOL) Having 2 types of Lupus and 2 strokes really changes you but hearing wonderful stories such as this just put a fire under my BUTT!!
Thanks
love the kids pics - i know my kids are my inspirations!
VixVintage
You have a beautiful family and awesome work and courage. Thanks for sharing.
LoriCitsay
Tulajewelry
lovelygifts
TheCuriosityShoppe
nativevermont
LuttrellStudio
So great to see a mom who is supporting her children HER way!!
Beautiful work!
bluepacific
AchAchLiebling
Rhonda, thank you for sharing your story. Your hard work, positive energy and resiliance are deeply inspiring.
paramountvintage
RubberStampPress
Beautiful work and great article!! Continued success to you.
einatf
Rhonda, I've shopped in your store before and loved purchasing from you. Its a privilege to get to 'know you'.
You are a beautiful person, your children are happy and gorgeous. I wish you lots of continued luck.
I'm a working mom, and have my etsy shop on the side because I LOVE it. Your story is inspiring.
Regards,
Einat
www.imaEarth.com
vintageavacado
Loved reading your story!
All the best to you in the future!
pixestreasurechest
andtherainfell
patspottery
GatheringSplendor
distinque
Thanks for the inspiring story! I've been a full time jewelry designer and supplier myself for the last few years. Tough but rewarding!
childdeluxe
Love your story! I wish you much more success from now on. God bless you and your kids.
KAPARA
ilovehearts
evihan
woww great story...great lady...great kids:-)...thank you for sharing with us:-)
blueautumnmoon
It is wonderful to read such a motivating article as this one...Congratulations!
RiverbedDesigns
Oh my goodness..Your work is utterly beautiful, the work(wo)manship is great...most of all so proud that you are doing it, & doing it so well you can support yourself and your gorgeous children..Good on You!
madeofjacinta
rafya
I love this 'Quit Your Day Job' series, always so inspiring and interesting. Thanks for sharing !
emmieloustudios
Your jewellery is lovely, you must be a very determined person to make it all work. Well done! x
KnotCrazyHempDesigns
Very nice story. Thank you for sharing your tips. I came away from this article with some great ideas! Best of luck to you and your family.
Springwaterdesigns
Thanks for sharing your story and business tips. Good luck to you and your beautiful children!
capitalcitycrafts
Bunnys
Did a silver clay course the other month...afraid to say much more work is needed by myself to reach this level of creativity.
gemheaven
yay Rhonda so lovely to hear your story ~ well catching up from the part I did know ;0)
littlemoandfriends
PALEOLOCHICHomeDecor
dragonhouseofyuen
Congratulations Rhonda, an inspiring story with many truths, it was lovely and wonderfully detailed to read!
And I had a smile at your kiddies pics :)
thank you!
DAINTYCROCHETBYALY
Lovely work
beautiful family
a great hardworking mom
you aree a hero!!!!
Congrats and my best wishes to
you, your family and alll your projects
:)
PhineasandLou
What a beautiful story! Congratulations on your success and thanks for the inspiring words!
Feille
Congratulations on your artistry and belief in yourself! A wonderful legacy for your daughters!
DalkullanJewelry
Wonderful article MaryMary!
What beautiful children you have, Rhonda! I'm so happy you can work from home and be with them. Your jewelry is lovely, and thanks so much for all the good advice and insights.
amyblushing
Thank you for the inspiring story. It is encouraging to hear a great success stories that we (I) can relate to. August 17th is my last day of work. From then my income will come from my crafts- right now, purses, bags, and totes. It is wonderful to hear other mothers working from home so they can be wiht their kids. Thanks again!!
youniquebydesign
Your story is so inspiring. thank you for sharing. you have beautiful jewelry.
PetalPix
angeliquephotography
I loved readying your story. I have only been on Etsy a month and so far i haven't sold anything. Hopefully i will soon. I love your jewelry, you are an inspiration!
SusanKJewelry
Tuscaloosa
what a beautiful story and lovely family. Thank you for taking the time to share with us!
PlumeAdore
Lovely story, full of inspiration and helpful information. Much success in your future!
steinschmuckdesign
Thank you for that lovely interview and
good luck for your future!
cthings
Congratulations!! Great pics of the kids! Many more success to you!
AAngels
This is an awesome article!!
U really do have some very true friends!!
A long while back I went into a biz with a supposively true friend, but it did not work out!!
Nice to see there are really true and good friends out there!!
CassiMO
THIS STORY IS VERY INSPIRING. I REALLY APPRECIATE ALL ETSY HAS TO OFFER!
FickleFrog
I'm new to Etsy and am just learning everything. Your story is a great inspiration. Thanks for sharing
tinyspace
kellybellydesigns
Love your style...Im learning PMC right now and in jewelry school learning jewelry design and soldering. Hot!
dawnaurora
Great story. New to Etsy also and nice to see a positive story.
angelene
hookedonhats
Congratulations! I visited your shop-- I will definitely be doing some of my holiday shopping with you! Congratulations, again!
wearthou
Would love to be in your shoes one day, well the part about staying at home and doing what you love. I am inspired by your determination. Thanks for sharing and congrats on your success!!! Maybe it'll be me one day to write in about 'Quitting my day job!'
Karramandi
Wow, very inspirational article. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your success
Iammie
mpip
Thanks for sharing. It gives me hope that I can be successful with my own shop!
bodytowall
thanks so much for sharing your success--both through words and your beautiful designs. it's great to see that you are happy in life and loving what you do. very inspiration!
SaudadeStudio
Rhonda, thank you for sharing your story of life and success! Your designs are amazing and they really show your love for what you do!
Even with "bad" things happening you always found a way to turn it around and be a success! Congratulations!
You story inspired me to try PMC and new techniques in a very near future... until now i was afraid to try it, even if only by myself... and specially will hel me to turn around when things don't go the way that i dream.
PipocaHandmade
Wonderful interview...thank you for sharing...continued success in your lovely store!
GRACEnDIGNITYColl
woodcarvingpirate
,.i have been wanting to quit my day job for 15 years or more ,. i'm going to do it!! take off the emergency brake and go for it,. all i want to do is create,. it was great reading your story of self employment ,,. have a super terrific day,.,
+pirate+
latelierdesbijoux
How inspiring! I can't wait until I get the point where I can quit my day job.
erinsuniqueboutique
Thank you for sharing your story. I loving hearing a happy ending. I hope one day to be in your shoes and have my shop be my full time job. I wish you continued success.
ShellyFrancesMineral
CMonetGarden
Thanks for sharing your story....it is very inspiring. Unfortunately, I lost my job due to the economy, and am trying to get my Etsy business running as fast as I can. Thanks for the wonderful tips! Best wishes!
BigSkyDreamer
Congratulations Rhonda, you have earned your place in the spotlight. Great info. Beauiful designs. beej
SkantiqueJewels
Wonderful feature - congratulations!
It is great to hear those success stories!
UncommonMetals
Great story! Rhonda you are my hero! Keep up the great work.
cleobelle
lovinclaydolls
Lipeony
AWEshop
lemonadehandmade
well done Rhonda- couldn't happen to a nicer (and more deserving) person!
GgaBulShop
im so happy to hear that. visit me too if you have any chance we make lots of things too!!
patterncollection
LisaFerinDesigns
ChicBoutiqueJewelry
AzitasSurprises
shabbyandchic
Beautiful work and thanks for the inspiration! We all need that every so often.
sashasutton
Hi All,
It's LATE, SUN Nite again, and I've not even got enough money to fill my tank, let alone all the expenses to run an EBAY and .com store. For over 3 yrs. I spent every spare moment and cent toward getting my business up and running. Being an RN for 30 yrs, and in last 2 yrs, diagnosed terminal and now on 30 meds, I feel, hopeless. I've worked really hard all my life and REALLY tried to raise my 2 daughters and hand over all my checks to husband of 26 yrs. I was just starting to sell lots of 10 rings-handmade S/S, wire wrapped fpr $6 & Free Shipping, and it took. Even though I was ;oosing money on each sale--I thought--GOOD ADVERTISING, including a really nice pc. of jewelry for free. Personal life worse-Finances-poor to none. Daughter and Grandson given every penny possible, I have prayed and prayed. I just saw your story, and THANK YOU!! It gives HOPE!!! And now today I found my expensive www.uneekjewls.com store hasn't ever been working!! LOL-That would explain the no customer purchase from there yet in 2 yrs. But THEY ARE GOING TO FIX IT!!! I paid for it with blood!! LOL. Whew, now off my soap box, Again thank you for sharing your story of HOPE!! GOD does answer prayers!! GOD Bless you and your children!!!
With Love, Sue Wegloski, new ETSY store ASSOCIATE
chocolatecreative
This articles are so good and full of advice, I need to learn more about etsy and how to make my shop a succeful one. Thanks for so much inspiration.
Marga
pretty12001us
Wow! Someday I hope I get to that point where I* can work at home only :) !
Camelotjewels
TopsailWinds
i love hearing these stories too! they are all so inspiring! congratulations to you and all your hard work and dedication to what you love to do! i'm right there with you on following my passion! maybe one day you'll read my story of success too!!!! much love-lindsey
artigianajewellery
Lovely! You sound like your success is completely deserved - thank you for sharing all of that with us.
michellearnold
muzie5
This was an inspiring article for me to share with my daughter, Amber, who is making jewelry herself. She has no ideas on how to sell them. (She tried Ebay but got frustrated with it.) I will pass this information along to her and hopefully she will have the success you have had. Beautiful jewelry!!
http://www.wildernesslane.com - For All Your Baby Needs!
arcoirishandcrafted
Rhonda, thank you. I am a stay at home Mommy of 2 little ones and my life is in a similar situation of flux. Hearing other peoples stories helps me to be inspired and brave. :) Congratulations!
julieshealingbalm
Wow..you are such an inspiration! I know now that I really need to focus on just Etsy, it is a wonderful place to showcase passionate artists. I have been doing too many different venues locally trying to share my balm and soap, but this is the way to do it! Thanks for sharing your story...
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