The Making of SunshineParties - Party Printables to Personalize and Print at Home.
SunshineParties was started in May 2012 although the planning of it started earlier, in 2011 when my dear friend Louise and I needed to start planning her son's 1st birthday party. We were inspired by other shops on Etsy selling invitations and thought, well we could design a little invite and craft it the way I saw it in my mind. And that is where it all started! With a little monster party! :)
I opened the shop with a small collection of boys and girls party themes - with very amateurishly styled photos (eeeek!) - but it was a start and the products started to sell and our customer base grew. Customers started asking for specific themes and so, many of the designs were inspired or based on what customers asked for. We're always on the lookout for new / trending themes to add to our shop and we've improved the party set-ups and product photos considerably (yeeehaaa!).
It wasn't until we created editable versions of our invitations, that our shop really blossomed. Customers love being able to download the party file, edit it and print it from their home. The instant gratification element meant that customers didn't need to wait for us to add the info for them, they could do it themselves and manage to plan a party despite a busy schedule.
What is really important to me as a shop owner is that we focus hugely on our customer service - we have many repeat buyers and that is because we pride ourselves in going a little further in helping our customers.
I now have 2 little girls. So planning their parties is always a blast because I get to put all the printables to good use or even better use their imaginations and requests for new party themes. Some of the ideas are brilliant yet don't always make the cut! :) Try disco bunny mixed with llama's and unicorn party!!! Hah!
Enjoy party planning!
X Catherine
