I have created and marketed my craft for more than 15 years, mostly to local customers and today, internationally. As I worked my way thorough college, I used this means to supplement my income as a single parent to 4 and a guardian to my nephew.

It took some time to gain exposure and more time for some to notice my work. It started when one day, I was asked to set up a booth at a conference and this is where I realized that I loved to meet my customers in person and sharing with them the meaning behind each creation. I realized that this type of marketing strategy was exciting.

I discovered Etsy via a friend of my youngest sister, she sold hair clips on her site. I read and compared notes and finally tossed in my hat and set up shop. My biggest fear was the payment aspect of the business, taxes and filing my reports: I am still learning today. My second fear was shipping to my customers and costs associated, as I live in a rural area. Shipping is an iffy business, as we don't have FedEx or UPS in our town, just the local Post Office and in this economy, those hours and services are limited.

So far I enjoy Etsy, and I continue to market at various shows, not as much because of the exposure on my site as well as Facebook. I hope to increase my sales internationally and its wonderful to provide my customers with a little bit about my culture and significance of my creations.