I've been watching from afar my oft referred to friends, the techno-savvy-guru-geeky-in the know-digitized very smart ones talking about Google +. I mean that with all the reverence my little heart can muster. If I call you a techno/savvy/guru/geek, please know that this is a term of Highest Designation and Affectionate Awe!
Apparently...it's WHO you know, folks!
So I go on Google + and am informed that I am not eligible but will be informed when it's open to the public. #rejection. So I consider Who I can Grovel To to ask for an invite just to be cool. Finally! Last night my wonderful new friend Mary sent me an invite! Wiping the sweat of rejection off my diminished ego, I shout "Yes!" to no one in particular and go on there. First off, "Mary" is nowhere to be found and my inbox is indeed full of people who quite awhile ago had already invited me into their inner sanctums.
Alas, I am still working my way through SEO on my Shop and am nowhere near being finished with that!
So I go on there and discover that it is quite like facebook, which took me awhile to master but now my friends think I'm quite the guru myself. Ha! It's all relative, folks!
So now we're dealing with "circles" and I can see how they might indeed be effective especially for privacy settings. But I am not especially happy about my old Picasa photo account with all my ancient blog posts with dirty kitchens being aired. So, we might have to hold off airing ourselves to all cyberspace and business networks until we can get tidied up just a tad.
Have you heard about Google Plus? Will you use it? If you aleady are, what do you think? Should you switch over and work less on Facebook? How is it helping you to grow your business or blogging?
I would love to hear!
In other news, I had a new wholesale account inquiry buy a bunch of fall and Christmas samples from me, so I am hoping and praying it all pans out. The lady has 3 stores that must be doing quite well, so that's good to hear! And my Etsy Sales have picked up and I am recovering from my dismal feelings of obscurity, rejection and disheartenment. It's just so hard to plan sometimes when you just. don't. know.
In other news, Don is trying to bust his blustery way into the Gulf with landfall tomorrow night. We've been praying about that one. No thank you, we will take the Rain Only but Hold the Hurricane Force Winds!
Next month will be very busy for me so it's time to get the kitchen all cleaned up and organized, and get our new fall schedule buttoned down!
We still want to get out of town for a few days and are looking for a deal of some kind for us as a family. We feel we need to get away for just a few days before school starts. If you know of any deals, please be sure to holler!
Well, just a quickie post friends! Wanted to get your take on the new Google Plus!
XO!
Showing posts with label networking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label networking. Show all posts
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Don't Knock it Till You've Tried It!
Rock your next Barbeque with these GREAT BEANS! I first had these at a ladies Bible Study Fellowship and I have to tell you, I won't eat regular beans any more. They are just that good! Definitely not kosher, but hey, barbeques are for fun, not diets! Why don't you try this awesome recipe! Let's just call 'em
Kelly's Beans
Time from start to finish: 1 hour. Super Easy, Super Crowd Pleasing
What you'll need!
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
Yes, canned pineapple is also OK, but I'm all into fresh pineapple these days,
and for some reason, the price on
this juicy ripe pineapple is great as well.
You'll want to dice several slices of bacon along with 1/2 large white onion.
Saute on medium heat for approx. 10 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent,
and the bacon is well done and beginning to brown,
Drain the grease (I use low sodium) or (less fat) bacon.
Add the following:
1 large can of baked beans (I use Bush beans)
Drain the beans by pouring the sauce that comes up when you open the can.
Don't drain all the juice unless you want dry beans
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
3 - 4 tablespoon ketchup
2 - 3 tablespoons of molasses (can sub brown sugar)
1/4 finely diced pineapple, squeezing some juice into mixture (yum)
rub the spent pineapple rind all over your face (ooops that is another post, you'll have to wait)
Place into preheated oven covered with aluminum foil, and bake for
30 - 45 minutes.
During the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the
foil and stir beans,
For a nice glazed dish, continue baking uncovered and
serve immediately.
This dish has a high carb content of a million or more carbs so beware.
But it is really really delish!
Enjoy!
Happy Memorial Day
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Re-Printed with Permission from Mimi Kirchner
With this new community that I belong to on Etsy, I meet so many creative and wonderful people. I have learned so much from them! I came across this lady's blog post on tomato making containers tutorial, and I thought it was so fantastic! Talk about eco friendly! Even if you live on a garbage dump, you can have fantastic tomatoes!
So, let's get to it, shall we?
Thank you, Mimi Kirchner! If you want to find out about Mimi, just click on any picture in this blog post. It will take you right to her blog!
I want to grow tomatoes this year. I want to have a LOT of tomatoes instead of a few very precious and expensive ones from the farmers market. Unfortunately I live in an old house with toxic soil around it- not unusual in New England urban and suburban areas. The soil has years of lead paint scrapings, car fumes (more lead) and who knows what. It is not soil anyone would want to grow edibles in. The solution is raised beds or containers. I am going to try to write a tutorial about how I planted my tomatoes based on the excellent suggestions of Bella Dia.
I think I’ve mentioned before that I have a house full of stuff. That makes me reluctant to go out and buy more stuff- like containers to grow tomatoes in. Here is how I made my own, hopefully biodegradable, containers and got my tomatoes started.
material list-
an old cotton T-shirt, size X-Large
some garden fencing that was stuck up in the rafters of the garage, already starting on the biodegrading part- ie rusty.
compost from my compost pile
commercial potting soil
tomato plant
Step 1: Cut the label out of the shirt since it is probably not cotton and wouldn’t decompose.
Step 2: Make a circle shape out of the wire fencing. Mine is about 16 inches across.
Step 3: Place in the garden and push the wire prongs into the soil.
Step 4: Put the t-shirt into the circle, collar edge down. Stretch the bottom edge of the shirt around the top of the fencing. I didn’t worry about weeds underneath- whatever was there will be dead soon.
Now there is a “pot”!
Step 5: Fill it half way with compost or other clean filler dirt, like all last years window boxes that you are replanting. I used compost from my compost pile. Push and stretch out the sides of the t-shirt as you add dirt.
Step 6: Center the tomato plant on top of the compost. Loosen up the root ball.
Step 7: Use the commercial potting soil to fill in around the plant and up to an inch or so from the top. Yes, you are burying 6 inches of stem and leaves. Trust me, that is a good thing. Water thoroughly.
Step 8: Wait 2 months. Hopefully, tomatoes!
I’ve got 4 done. One more to go.
This entry was posted on Monday, May 26th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
So, let's get to it, shall we?
Thank you, Mimi Kirchner! If you want to find out about Mimi, just click on any picture in this blog post. It will take you right to her blog!
I want to grow tomatoes this year. I want to have a LOT of tomatoes instead of a few very precious and expensive ones from the farmers market. Unfortunately I live in an old house with toxic soil around it- not unusual in New England urban and suburban areas. The soil has years of lead paint scrapings, car fumes (more lead) and who knows what. It is not soil anyone would want to grow edibles in. The solution is raised beds or containers. I am going to try to write a tutorial about how I planted my tomatoes based on the excellent suggestions of Bella Dia.
I think I’ve mentioned before that I have a house full of stuff. That makes me reluctant to go out and buy more stuff- like containers to grow tomatoes in. Here is how I made my own, hopefully biodegradable, containers and got my tomatoes started.
material list-
an old cotton T-shirt, size X-Large
some garden fencing that was stuck up in the rafters of the garage, already starting on the biodegrading part- ie rusty.
compost from my compost pile
commercial potting soil
tomato plant
Step 1: Cut the label out of the shirt since it is probably not cotton and wouldn’t decompose.
Step 2: Make a circle shape out of the wire fencing. Mine is about 16 inches across.
Step 3: Place in the garden and push the wire prongs into the soil.
Step 4: Put the t-shirt into the circle, collar edge down. Stretch the bottom edge of the shirt around the top of the fencing. I didn’t worry about weeds underneath- whatever was there will be dead soon.
Now there is a “pot”!
Step 5: Fill it half way with compost or other clean filler dirt, like all last years window boxes that you are replanting. I used compost from my compost pile. Push and stretch out the sides of the t-shirt as you add dirt.
Step 6: Center the tomato plant on top of the compost. Loosen up the root ball.
Step 7: Use the commercial potting soil to fill in around the plant and up to an inch or so from the top. Yes, you are burying 6 inches of stem and leaves. Trust me, that is a good thing. Water thoroughly.
Step 8: Wait 2 months. Hopefully, tomatoes!
I’ve got 4 done. One more to go.
This entry was posted on Monday, May 26th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Friday, April 2, 2010
Across the Pond and Over the Mountains....Meet Tracy Schaal!
Hi Ladies! We all know how hard each other works, and I am here to tell you: Let's take a wee break; it's time for our Friday Feature! Un-fasten your seat belts: we've reached a cruising altitude of 40,000 ft. Out your left window you can see the Alps......... and nestled down amongst the snow-capped grandeur you can see the city of Zurich. To a tune of Eidelweiss, we will land in about 10 minutes. Grab that cup of cha and enjoy the scenery for just a moment!
I was intrigued by Tracy and so I asked her a few extra questions. Knowing she is a fairly new team member, and one living "across the pond" as they say in Etsy, I wanted you to know just a little about her story. And so, to celebrate Euro Week just a tad post-date, I bring you Tracy Schaal.
Yes, I did ask her if anyone else has ever told her that she looks like the fabulous Catherine Zeta-Jones.......oh yes! This girl was born for glam it seems. Let's read on...
Kelly: Hello, Tracy, and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how young are you?
Tracy: I will be turning the big 4-0 this August. I’m SCARED!!
Kelly: What is the name of your business?
Tracy: I had no idea what to call it so I go by my name. TracySchaal and TracySchaal.etsy.com
Kelly: When did you begin?
Tracy: The Etsy shop was opened in June 2008 but I didn’t start putting anything in it until a year and a half later as I just gave birth and needed some time for things to calm down in the house.
Kelly: Do you have any background in business and/or design?
Tracy: I have a degree in Fashion and worked in the industry as a designer, merchandiser and illustrator on and off for about 10 years.
Kelly: What motivated you to start your shop, Tracy Schaal
Tracy: Although I absolutely LOVE being a mama, I really missed creating and a friend of mine told me about Etsy and after looking at the site I got so inspired, I had to do something!
Kelly: What inspires you to create?
Chanel Inspired Cocktail Bracelet
Tracy: I have been constantly making things my whole life, even as a child I was sketching clothing designs and trying to emulate my favorite fashion illustrators at the time. My current motivator though, has been reading about the atrocities happening to women and children in the world. I really felt the urge to do something and came to terms that the key to peace and poverty is by empowering women and girls, by educating and training them and giving them a future.
Kelly: Tracy, I love your heart for this! I just went onto the WomenforWomen Website, and that is so gratifying and wonderful to see this outreach into the 10/40 Window! I know you will be rewarded for your heart of compassion!
Kelly: What is your favorite product?
Tracy: This is a hard one, because I don’t make anything I wouldn’t wear myself. My top two, however are my Monaco Bangle and my Black Tigress bangle which have both sold out but I managed to make one for myself, he he!
The other faves I have are my Skinny Sista Bangles in both copper and gold
Kelly: What are the special Features?
All my items comes with complimentary giftwrap as featured in most of my pictures of each item.
I also try to make things easy with shipping, therefore ALL my items are shipped complimentary worldwide. Yes, you read right!
Kelly: OMG, Tracy, that packaging is class act! I have sought to have this extra special touch in my products too, and sometimes it is not easy to do! Your packaging and your products positively ROCK.
What are your business goals this year?
Tracy: This year, I really want to get the word out about the shop and making more items to fill it out a little more--oh, and yes, SALES!!
Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?
Tracy: I lurk around the Etsy forums every once in a while and make the odd, posting. In February I joined the fabulous Busy Moms of Etsy team and that has made a big difference not only getting my name out but just the support alone is great—what a friendly and well organized group!
Kelly: How do you juggle work/life balance? For instance, you have a small child.
Tracy: I have a son, who will be 2 in April and who IS my day job! He is an only child but I tend to doubt myself as a mother everyday because it can be so exasperating! I don’t know how moms with more than one kid do it!! :o)
My husband gets a good laugh out of me because I am an incessant list maker. It also helps that my social life here in Switzerland is pretty bleak (being new here and all and not speaking the language!) so I have a lot of free time in the eves! :o)
Kelly: Can you share some of your frustrations?
Tracy: Not sure if frustrated is the word to describe it, perhaps just a little saddened that I’ve only got one measly (yet PRECIOUS!) sale. I kind of feel like the nerdy kid at the prom compared to so many other shiny sellers out there with billions of sales!
Kelly: Your products stands out in a world of ordinary, Tracy! I am sure sales will come when you reach your target market! What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
Tracy: To restrain myself when it comes to sourcing craft supplies. I think I have a hoarding problem. There are far, far too many trimmings and not enough things to make them into—its just embarrassing, really! I suppose when the time comes when I pass away my husband can decorate my coffin with all my sequins, rhinestones, furry trims and countless over-the-top embellishments...
Kelly: I do believe you are not alone in that regard! I have stockpiles of cigar boxes, ribbon, sequins, mosaic tiles, sea glass too! What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?
Tracy: Read everything you can about what business you are going into and talk to other designers who make what you want to make. Separate business from pleasure and spend ONLY what you can afford. If you are a shy person, reinvent yourself, especially when talking to buyers. Oh and sometimes its OK to say 'no' to a buyer--especially if they are a large chain or a department store--many of which take advantage of independent designers by demanding massive discounts, late payments and the reshaping of your own product--I'm speaking from experience there!
Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?
Tracy:Yes, I've got some new hand-painted patterned pieces that I'm the process of completing--really excited about how they turned out! Going to list them this week!
Also, if you're wondering who that gorgeous blonde woman is modelling my jewelry it's Miss Switzerland, Linda Fäh--who ended up buying some of my collection then and there at the photo shoot! So happy about that!
Lastly ---followers wanted!
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tracyschaal
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tracy-Schaal-Design-Activism-LOVE/212592264970
--yes, the nerdy girl needs fans!!
Blog: http://www.tracyschaal.blogspot.com/
My own website: http://www.tracyschaal.com/
Kelly: Tracy, thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to let me interview you this week! I am so blessed to meet with you and I love your heart for underprivileged women. Your product and your packaging is elegant and "class-act". One day I do believe you will be famous and I would love to meet you! Don't be homesick too much and enjoy this time with your little boy and your husband! And I hope that soon you will be able to "speak en de Deutsche" as it were! I am amazed at your creativity! One thing I have heard on Etsy that is crucial is to list and list often. So that keep you visible in the stream of thousands of listings.
We will catch up with you and I personally will look for you in high fashion magazines as well!
Ladies, why don't we go on over to Tracy's Facebook Fan Page, her Twitter, and her Blog and show our support and cheer her on? Maybe if any of us are lucky enough to have our products in shops where we think her things might be a fit Stateside, we could recommend Tracy Schaal as well? Why Not? Right now I can think of two boutiques in my own town who might be a fit for Tracy's fantastic high end accessories!
Hi Ladies! We all know how hard each other works, and I am here to tell you: Let's take a wee break; it's time for our Friday Feature! Un-fasten your seat belts: we've reached a cruising altitude of 40,000 ft. Out your left window you can see the Alps......... and nestled down amongst the snow-capped grandeur you can see the city of Zurich. To a tune of Eidelweiss, we will land in about 10 minutes. Grab that cup of cha and enjoy the scenery for just a moment!
Where she lives...
I was intrigued by Tracy and so I asked her a few extra questions. Knowing she is a fairly new team member, and one living "across the pond" as they say in Etsy, I wanted you to know just a little about her story. And so, to celebrate Euro Week just a tad post-date, I bring you Tracy Schaal.
Yes, I did ask her if anyone else has ever told her that she looks like the fabulous Catherine Zeta-Jones.......oh yes! This girl was born for glam it seems. Let's read on...
"My husband and I moved to Zurich, Switzerland about 6 months ago from London, UK. I am Canadian-my mother is from the Philippines and my father is from Ireland. My husband is American. We move around quite a bit as my husband, Aaron works in International Tax. Communicating here is a challenge, as the locals speak in a non-written language called Schweizer-Deutch and read in High Deutsch (German). In many ways I wish we were living in the French side of Switzerland as I understand French much better (as French being one of the official languages of Canada). I think the only thing I am homesick for are really the conveniences: late night shopping, multi-cultural foods and Sunday shopping--oh, and Mexican food! I also miss the ability to walk into a shop and speaking freely without sounding like a dip-stick in my raw-German! :o) In the cute little village we live almost no one speaks English!However, for the time being we are set to stay here indefinitely. Switzerland is a very safe country with good schools and a low crime rate and is an ideal place to raise children--and that is what it all boils down to for us!"That was free, but this is the interview. Shall we?
Kelly: Hello, Tracy, and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how young are you?
Tracy: I will be turning the big 4-0 this August. I’m SCARED!!
Kelly: What is the name of your business?
Tracy: I had no idea what to call it so I go by my name. TracySchaal and TracySchaal.etsy.com
Kelly: When did you begin?
Tracy: The Etsy shop was opened in June 2008 but I didn’t start putting anything in it until a year and a half later as I just gave birth and needed some time for things to calm down in the house.
Kelly: Do you have any background in business and/or design?
Tracy: I have a degree in Fashion and worked in the industry as a designer, merchandiser and illustrator on and off for about 10 years.
Kelly: What motivated you to start your shop, Tracy Schaal
Tracy: Although I absolutely LOVE being a mama, I really missed creating and a friend of mine told me about Etsy and after looking at the site I got so inspired, I had to do something!
Kelly: What inspires you to create?
Tracy: I have been constantly making things my whole life, even as a child I was sketching clothing designs and trying to emulate my favorite fashion illustrators at the time. My current motivator though, has been reading about the atrocities happening to women and children in the world. I really felt the urge to do something and came to terms that the key to peace and poverty is by empowering women and girls, by educating and training them and giving them a future.
That is why I support Women for Women International-helping women victims of war rebuild their lives. www.womenforwomen.org. I support them on a monthly basis and have set up my Etsy shop to help them by donating half my profits to their cause.
Kelly: What is your favorite product?
Tracy: This is a hard one, because I don’t make anything I wouldn’t wear myself. My top two, however are my Monaco Bangle and my Black Tigress bangle which have both sold out but I managed to make one for myself, he he!
The other faves I have are my Skinny Sista Bangles in both copper and gold
and my La Tigress bracelet in nude color
Kelly: What are the special Features?
All my items comes with complimentary giftwrap as featured in most of my pictures of each item.
I also try to make things easy with shipping, therefore ALL my items are shipped complimentary worldwide. Yes, you read right!
Kelly: OMG, Tracy, that packaging is class act! I have sought to have this extra special touch in my products too, and sometimes it is not easy to do! Your packaging and your products positively ROCK.
What are your business goals this year?
Tracy: This year, I really want to get the word out about the shop and making more items to fill it out a little more--oh, and yes, SALES!!
Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?
Tracy: I lurk around the Etsy forums every once in a while and make the odd, posting. In February I joined the fabulous Busy Moms of Etsy team and that has made a big difference not only getting my name out but just the support alone is great—what a friendly and well organized group!
Kelly: How do you juggle work/life balance? For instance, you have a small child.
Tracy: I have a son, who will be 2 in April and who IS my day job! He is an only child but I tend to doubt myself as a mother everyday because it can be so exasperating! I don’t know how moms with more than one kid do it!! :o)
My husband gets a good laugh out of me because I am an incessant list maker. It also helps that my social life here in Switzerland is pretty bleak (being new here and all and not speaking the language!) so I have a lot of free time in the eves! :o)
Kelly: Can you share some of your frustrations?
Tracy: Not sure if frustrated is the word to describe it, perhaps just a little saddened that I’ve only got one measly (yet PRECIOUS!) sale. I kind of feel like the nerdy kid at the prom compared to so many other shiny sellers out there with billions of sales!
Kelly: Your products stands out in a world of ordinary, Tracy! I am sure sales will come when you reach your target market! What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
Tracy: To restrain myself when it comes to sourcing craft supplies. I think I have a hoarding problem. There are far, far too many trimmings and not enough things to make them into—its just embarrassing, really! I suppose when the time comes when I pass away my husband can decorate my coffin with all my sequins, rhinestones, furry trims and countless over-the-top embellishments...
Kelly: I do believe you are not alone in that regard! I have stockpiles of cigar boxes, ribbon, sequins, mosaic tiles, sea glass too! What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?
Tracy: Read everything you can about what business you are going into and talk to other designers who make what you want to make. Separate business from pleasure and spend ONLY what you can afford. If you are a shy person, reinvent yourself, especially when talking to buyers. Oh and sometimes its OK to say 'no' to a buyer--especially if they are a large chain or a department store--many of which take advantage of independent designers by demanding massive discounts, late payments and the reshaping of your own product--I'm speaking from experience there!
Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?
Tracy:Yes, I've got some new hand-painted patterned pieces that I'm the process of completing--really excited about how they turned out! Going to list them this week!
Also, if you're wondering who that gorgeous blonde woman is modelling my jewelry it's Miss Switzerland, Linda Fäh--who ended up buying some of my collection then and there at the photo shoot! So happy about that!
Lastly ---followers wanted!
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tracyschaal
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tracy-Schaal-Design-Activism-LOVE/212592264970
--yes, the nerdy girl needs fans!!
Blog: http://www.tracyschaal.blogspot.com/
My own website: http://www.tracyschaal.com/
Kelly: Tracy, thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to let me interview you this week! I am so blessed to meet with you and I love your heart for underprivileged women. Your product and your packaging is elegant and "class-act". One day I do believe you will be famous and I would love to meet you! Don't be homesick too much and enjoy this time with your little boy and your husband! And I hope that soon you will be able to "speak en de Deutsche" as it were! I am amazed at your creativity! One thing I have heard on Etsy that is crucial is to list and list often. So that keep you visible in the stream of thousands of listings.
We will catch up with you and I personally will look for you in high fashion magazines as well!
Ladies, why don't we go on over to Tracy's Facebook Fan Page, her Twitter, and her Blog and show our support and cheer her on? Maybe if any of us are lucky enough to have our products in shops where we think her things might be a fit Stateside, we could recommend Tracy Schaal as well? Why Not? Right now I can think of two boutiques in my own town who might be a fit for Tracy's fantastic high end accessories!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Meet Amy Cox - Couture Diva from Rosella Claire
Y'all! Ya-eas ma'am, thazz the way we talk down 'roun these parts! Our rambling reporter from CassiasGarden and our lovely guest today, Miss Amy Cox of Rosella Claire; we live near the bayous and our idea of fun is eatin' dem crawdads, yes! Now, I wished I knew Miss Amy a little better, but I'm willing to wager that she has boiled a few in her lifetime, right, Amy?
So, with no more introduction, it's time for our Friday Spotlight Feature on one fine Southern Lady; a truly Busy Mom of three lovely children, a Doctor of Pharmacy in her previous life, and now a designer and creator of the lovliest children's pieces! This shop is going somewhere!
Let's get to the interview.....
Kelly: Hello, Amy, and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how young are you?
Amy: I am 36.
Kelly: What is the name of your business?
Amy: Rosella Claire
Kelly: When did you begin?
Amy: Rosella Claire began September 2009
Kelly: Do you have any background in business and/or sewing?
Amy: I am a Doctor of Pharmacy, so I have experience working in a business setting. My sewing had always been something I played at until recently.
Kelly: What motivated you to start Rosella Claire? (rosellaclaire.etsy.com)
Amy: I got an embroidery machine a few years ago when I quit working. At first I embroidered ready-made items, but I decided to branch out into making my own items, specifically clothing for my kids.
Kelly: What inspires you to create?
Amy: Obviously, I love to put boutique-style clothing on my children, and the seasons often inspire me to create things for them to wear.
Kelly: What is your favorite product?
Kelly: What are the special Features?
Amy: Fancy Feathers is bright and free! Bird print by Alexander Henry paired with bold stripes is fun fun fun, and super swingy, too! Perfect for Easter and for springtime. Custom-made to your measurements, from infant to approximately girls' size 8. Elastic waist.
Kelly: So cute! What are your business goals this year?
Amy: I would love to sell 100 items this year!
Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?
Amy: I have a Facebook Fan Page, I am a member of several Etsy teams, and I like to make Treasuries.
Kelly: How do you juggle work/life balance? How do you “do” all that you “do”?!?
Amy: I have a toddler son and 2 daughters, whom I homeschool. We spend our mornings focusing on schoolwork, and I usually get some sewing done in the afternoons. I’ve also been accused of being “nocturnal”, because sometimes I pull all-nighters, especially when I get inspired. I can’t sleep if I start thinking about a project that I just “have” to do!
Kelly: I can relate, I homeschool our 12 year old daughter and run my husband's construction office; all from home! Whew! It can be "interesting"! Can you share some of your frustrations?
Amy: Obviously, time management. I live in a rural area, and I don’t have access to a lot of supplies, either. It also gets frustrating when I list an item that I think is fabulous and the views and sales come very slow!
Kelly: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
Amy: I have learned that you really have to stay at it, your business, that is. You have to pay attention to it everyday, tweaking it and keeping it fresh.
Kelly: What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?
Amy: Well, in addition to the above, do something that you love and are truly passionate about. Burnout still happens, but you always want to go back to it.
Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?
Amy: I don’t try to sell anything that I haven’t already tried out on my family or friends. The items in my shop are things that I would put on my own children!
I can still get your orders to you by Easter if you order by FRIDAY MARCH 26th.
TWO NEW ITEMS ARE BEING OFFERED
AT SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY RATES FOR
A LIMITED TIME ONLY: Tiny Tulip Jumper
and Rosy Roo Sundress
Right now my featured items are Spring Sweetie,
Tweedy Pie, and
Buy 2 Get 1 Free Skirts
I also have a Buy 1 Get 1 Skirt ½ Off sale
Kelly: Well, can I vote right now? I have looked all through your shop and I simply ADORE this dress! The GREAT thing about it is.......Amy is offering this dress at a special introductory rate right now! Just look at this adorable dress.........and it is custom embroidered as well!
Kelly: Amy, thanks so much for taking time out of your busy day and this busy Easter Season to chat with us today! We all wish you more than 100 sales this year and the expansion of your business! You have a wonderful product and obviously a love for children! To me, that is a Win/Win situation! Blessings upon your business!
That concludes our interview and Ladies, there are still lots of Fridays to Spotlight Your business too! We always post them to this blog, other ladies blogs, our Facebook Fan Page, and Grace tweets about 'em too! So don't be shy! Convo me so I can send you your interview today!
A pretty Busy Mom and what beautiful children!
Did I see some of these children modeling their Mommy's creations?
So, with no more introduction, it's time for our Friday Spotlight Feature on one fine Southern Lady; a truly Busy Mom of three lovely children, a Doctor of Pharmacy in her previous life, and now a designer and creator of the lovliest children's pieces! This shop is going somewhere!
Let's get to the interview.....
Kelly: Hello, Amy, and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how young are you?
Amy: I am 36.
Kelly: What is the name of your business?
Amy: Rosella Claire
Kelly: When did you begin?
Amy: Rosella Claire began September 2009
Kelly: Do you have any background in business and/or sewing?
Amy: I am a Doctor of Pharmacy, so I have experience working in a business setting. My sewing had always been something I played at until recently.
Kelly: What motivated you to start Rosella Claire? (rosellaclaire.etsy.com)
Amy: I got an embroidery machine a few years ago when I quit working. At first I embroidered ready-made items, but I decided to branch out into making my own items, specifically clothing for my kids.
Kelly: What inspires you to create?
Amy: Obviously, I love to put boutique-style clothing on my children, and the seasons often inspire me to create things for them to wear.
Kelly: What is your favorite product?
Kelly: What are the special Features?
Amy: Fancy Feathers is bright and free! Bird print by Alexander Henry paired with bold stripes is fun fun fun, and super swingy, too! Perfect for Easter and for springtime. Custom-made to your measurements, from infant to approximately girls' size 8. Elastic waist.
Kelly: So cute! What are your business goals this year?
Amy: I would love to sell 100 items this year!
Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?
Amy: I have a Facebook Fan Page, I am a member of several Etsy teams, and I like to make Treasuries.
Kelly: How do you juggle work/life balance? How do you “do” all that you “do”?!?
Amy: I have a toddler son and 2 daughters, whom I homeschool. We spend our mornings focusing on schoolwork, and I usually get some sewing done in the afternoons. I’ve also been accused of being “nocturnal”, because sometimes I pull all-nighters, especially when I get inspired. I can’t sleep if I start thinking about a project that I just “have” to do!
Kelly: I can relate, I homeschool our 12 year old daughter and run my husband's construction office; all from home! Whew! It can be "interesting"! Can you share some of your frustrations?
Amy: Obviously, time management. I live in a rural area, and I don’t have access to a lot of supplies, either. It also gets frustrating when I list an item that I think is fabulous and the views and sales come very slow!
Kelly: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
Amy: I have learned that you really have to stay at it, your business, that is. You have to pay attention to it everyday, tweaking it and keeping it fresh.
Kelly: What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?
Amy: Well, in addition to the above, do something that you love and are truly passionate about. Burnout still happens, but you always want to go back to it.
Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?
Amy: I don’t try to sell anything that I haven’t already tried out on my family or friends. The items in my shop are things that I would put on my own children!
I can still get your orders to you by Easter if you order by FRIDAY MARCH 26th.
TWO NEW ITEMS ARE BEING OFFERED
AT SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY RATES FOR
A LIMITED TIME ONLY: Tiny Tulip Jumper
and Rosy Roo Sundress
Right now my featured items are Spring Sweetie,
Tweedy Pie, and
Buy 2 Get 1 Free Skirts
I also have a Buy 1 Get 1 Skirt ½ Off sale
Kelly: Well, can I vote right now? I have looked all through your shop and I simply ADORE this dress! The GREAT thing about it is.......Amy is offering this dress at a special introductory rate right now! Just look at this adorable dress.........and it is custom embroidered as well!
Kelly: Amy, thanks so much for taking time out of your busy day and this busy Easter Season to chat with us today! We all wish you more than 100 sales this year and the expansion of your business! You have a wonderful product and obviously a love for children! To me, that is a Win/Win situation! Blessings upon your business!
That concludes our interview and Ladies, there are still lots of Fridays to Spotlight Your business too! We always post them to this blog, other ladies blogs, our Facebook Fan Page, and Grace tweets about 'em too! So don't be shy! Convo me so I can send you your interview today!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Meet Shannon from Random Sacks of Kindness!
TGIF Ladies! It's Friiii-Day!!!! I don't quite know what I'm yippee-ing about; during tax time every day is a work day for me! But hey, who is complaining? Not I! The brown, dry bleak wintery ground here in Texas has turned Bright Bright Green just in time for St. Patrick's Day! It's so beautiful out there all I wanna do is go to Lowe's, by tons of plants and get to digging and planting and making everything beautiful in my yard!
Today, we have a lovely lady from California; by the beautiful Pacific Ocean! Oh, I love Central California! I would like you to meet Shannon, from Random Sacks of Kindness.
She is truly a Busy Mom and quite colorful too, as we will see in a bit. So, grab your Jelly Donut (@joycharde) or your tea, or your coffee and let's see what Shanon has been "whipping up" at her WAHM headquarters!
Kelly: Hello, Shannon, and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how young are you?
Shannon: Hehe, young…. I’m 39 years young, a wife, and mom of 4 kids or 5 if you include my husband ;).
Kelly: What is the name of your business?
Shannon: The name of my business is called Random Sacks of Kindness.
Kelly: When did you begin?
Shannon: I started last May when I realized how many plastic zip bags I was putting into my kids lunches and how many were not coming home! There had to be another way. So I investigated a fabric that I could use as a liner and went from there.
Kelly: What motivated you to start http://www.randomsacks.com/ ? What inspires you to create?
Shannon: My kids, the idea of being green and reducing our carbon footprint. I really push recycling in our home and using products that are earth friendly. We have a garden each year and compost our yard clippings.
Kelly: Do you have any background in business and/or sewing?
Shannon: I worked in retail through college…then worked in the corporate environment before staying home with my kids. I have been sewing since I was 11. My mother taught me. My favorite thing to do is make awesome Halloween costumes.
Kelly: What is your favorite product?
Shannon: Kabuki Japanese Ladies Sandwich and Snack Bag Set of 2, Resusable
I love this set because is is so colorful!
Kelly: OH MY GOSH, that is So Cute! I have to have that! What are the special Features?
Shannon: The snack bags are reusable… can be washed and dried with your kitchen towels. They have a waterproof liner so I can put things like grapes in the bags.
Kelly: What are your business goals this year?
Shannon: My goals this year is to achieve a total of 300 sales in my Etsy shop and just to get out there more… Get people interested in reducing the amount of plastic waste.
Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?
Shannon: I have business cards, attend craft faires, hand out in the virtual lab on Etsy, and use social networking sites.
Kelly: Yes, here are Shannon's Blog and Facebook Links:
Kelly: So, how do you juggle work/life balance? For instance, 4 growing children and a husband. How do you “do” all that you “do”?!?
Shannon: I have to do a lot everyday… taxi kids to/from school, make lunches, volunteer in the classroom, all the mommy chores…and then work on my shop. I mainly sew in the afternoons when kids are at school and then at night after bedtime. It’s tough sometimes, but worth it.
Kelly: Can you share some of your frustrations?
Shannon: My frustrations are not being patient. I hate waiting. (lol) But I do take it one day at a time, because I have to .
Kelly: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
Shannon: You know, I’m not sure yet… my business is still very new. I’m just trying to keep at it and keep the house in control (ha!).
Kelly: What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?
Shannon: Patience.
Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?!
Shannon: My products are featured in the Local Collection store in the Glendale Galleria in California. It’s very exciting to have a retail store presence. I hope to just get out there more! I am also working on some Alice in Wonderland inspired snack bags.
Special Offer: Anyone who orders something from now through the rest of March (3/19-3/31) will be entered into a drawing for one of my reversible grocery/shopping sacks! For more details, check my Fecebook Fan Page.
Environmentally conscious bags!
Grocery/Shopping Sack
This is a beautiful grocery sack and is reversible!
Carry this to farmer’s market, grocery store, etc…
The sack has a pocket for holding your shopping list or coupons!
The sack carries 0.67 cubic feet of stuff. I have 2 large boxes of cereal,
3 boxes of rice, a box of something else, 2 cans of Chef. That just filled
the bottom of it... you could still add lighter stuff on top!
It measures 17in/43cm tall (including handles), 12in/30.5cm wide and 8in/20.5cm deep.
Pocket measures 7in/18cm X 5in/13cm.
Kelly: Here are some more Great Products that Shannon produces:
Kelly: Shannon, I can tell from these great pics that your work is very high quality, durable, and totally relevant to the eco friendly consumer products market! I love your use of color, the subtle sense of humor, and the workmanship! We all at the Busy Mom's Team wish you success above your wildest dreams! And, I absolutely Have to have the Kabuki; but now I see these ants I am torn!
Why don't some of us ladies go on over to RandomSacks's Blog, Facebook Fan Page and Shop and see what we can do to encourage, support, cheer on, refer and even buy? She has a great product!
Toodles!
Today, we have a lovely lady from California; by the beautiful Pacific Ocean! Oh, I love Central California! I would like you to meet Shannon, from Random Sacks of Kindness.
Kelly: Hello, Shannon, and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how young are you?
Shannon: Hehe, young…. I’m 39 years young, a wife, and mom of 4 kids or 5 if you include my husband ;).
Kelly: What is the name of your business?
Shannon: The name of my business is called Random Sacks of Kindness.
Kelly: When did you begin?
Shannon: I started last May when I realized how many plastic zip bags I was putting into my kids lunches and how many were not coming home! There had to be another way. So I investigated a fabric that I could use as a liner and went from there.
Kelly: What motivated you to start http://www.randomsacks.com/ ? What inspires you to create?
Shannon: My kids, the idea of being green and reducing our carbon footprint. I really push recycling in our home and using products that are earth friendly. We have a garden each year and compost our yard clippings.
Kelly: Do you have any background in business and/or sewing?
Shannon: I worked in retail through college…then worked in the corporate environment before staying home with my kids. I have been sewing since I was 11. My mother taught me. My favorite thing to do is make awesome Halloween costumes.
Kelly: What is your favorite product?
Shannon: Kabuki Japanese Ladies Sandwich and Snack Bag Set of 2, Resusable
I love this set because is is so colorful!
Kelly: OH MY GOSH, that is So Cute! I have to have that! What are the special Features?
Shannon: The snack bags are reusable… can be washed and dried with your kitchen towels. They have a waterproof liner so I can put things like grapes in the bags.
Kelly: What are your business goals this year?
Shannon: My goals this year is to achieve a total of 300 sales in my Etsy shop and just to get out there more… Get people interested in reducing the amount of plastic waste.
Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?
Shannon: I have business cards, attend craft faires, hand out in the virtual lab on Etsy, and use social networking sites.
Kelly: Yes, here are Shannon's Blog and Facebook Links:
Kelly: So, how do you juggle work/life balance? For instance, 4 growing children and a husband. How do you “do” all that you “do”?!?
Shannon: I have to do a lot everyday… taxi kids to/from school, make lunches, volunteer in the classroom, all the mommy chores…and then work on my shop. I mainly sew in the afternoons when kids are at school and then at night after bedtime. It’s tough sometimes, but worth it.
Kelly: Can you share some of your frustrations?
Shannon: My frustrations are not being patient. I hate waiting. (lol) But I do take it one day at a time, because I have to .
Kelly: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
Shannon: You know, I’m not sure yet… my business is still very new. I’m just trying to keep at it and keep the house in control (ha!).
Kelly: What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?
Shannon: Patience.
Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?!
Shannon: My products are featured in the Local Collection store in the Glendale Galleria in California. It’s very exciting to have a retail store presence. I hope to just get out there more! I am also working on some Alice in Wonderland inspired snack bags.
Special Offer: Anyone who orders something from now through the rest of March (3/19-3/31) will be entered into a drawing for one of my reversible grocery/shopping sacks! For more details, check my Fecebook Fan Page.
Environmentally conscious bags!
Grocery/Shopping Sack
This is a beautiful grocery sack and is reversible!
Carry this to farmer’s market, grocery store, etc…
The sack has a pocket for holding your shopping list or coupons!
The sack carries 0.67 cubic feet of stuff. I have 2 large boxes of cereal,
3 boxes of rice, a box of something else, 2 cans of Chef. That just filled
the bottom of it... you could still add lighter stuff on top!
It measures 17in/43cm tall (including handles), 12in/30.5cm wide and 8in/20.5cm deep.
Pocket measures 7in/18cm X 5in/13cm.
Kelly: Here are some more Great Products that Shannon produces:
Kelly: Shannon, I can tell from these great pics that your work is very high quality, durable, and totally relevant to the eco friendly consumer products market! I love your use of color, the subtle sense of humor, and the workmanship! We all at the Busy Mom's Team wish you success above your wildest dreams! And, I absolutely Have to have the Kabuki; but now I see these ants I am torn!
Why don't some of us ladies go on over to RandomSacks's Blog, Facebook Fan Page and Shop and see what we can do to encourage, support, cheer on, refer and even buy? She has a great product!
Toodles!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Reporting for duty, the rogue reporter from CassiasGarden! Ladies, I'm having SO much fun interviewing my Busy Moms of Etsy Team and other personal friends and fellow women artsists and business owners! Each of you is a treasure; kind of like a gift just waiting to be opened, or like a flower, just like the ones budding in our yards this time of year! I absolutely can't wait to follow you and your businesses and to see where we all go one year from now! Isn't it exciting?
Today we have a new team member; Kathy Cherry from Kathy Cherry Designs! So that means, time to grab a coffee break if just for a few to get to know this lovely Busy Mom of Etsy. Enjoy!
Kelly: Hello, Kathy, and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how young are you?
Kathy: Thank you for interviewing me! I really appreciate it. I’m 37 years old.
Kelly: What is the name of your business?
Kathy: It’s called Kathy Cherry Designs and I make handmade greeting cards.
Kelly: When did you begin?
Kathy: I officially launched the business in October 2009, but have been making cards for several years for friends, family and my own use. In 2004, I even made my own wedding invitations, programs, and placecards.
Kelly: Do you have any background in business and/or art?
Kathy: I have over 15 years of business experience and have a Masters of Science in Public Services Management and been working for nonprofit organizations in leadership roles.
Kelly: What motivated you to start Kathy Cherry Designs What inspires you to create?
Kathy: I was motivated to launch Kathy Cherry Designs after selling some of handmade cards as a fundraiser for my organization. They sold really well and received great feedback and thought why not?! Everything inspires me to create – colors, nature, objects, great pieces of paper and many other things. Also, my son inspires daily to create and just be an overall stronger, happier person.
Kelly: What is your favorite product?
Kathy: One of my favorite items for sale right now is this hug card:
Kelly: What are the special Features?
Kathy: I really love the two pieces of paper and also how the brad attaching the tag matched so perfectly. The different components just fell together in a beautiful mix of pink.
Kelly: What are your business goals this year?
Kathy: My business goal for the year is to improve my marketing efforts and increase sales.
Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?
Kathy: I’ve been trying different methods like my Facebook fan page and Twitter. I can definitely improve in this area and welcome any suggestions!
Kelly: How do you juggle work/life balance? For instance, you have a day job and a small infant boy. How do you “do” all that you “do”?!?
Kathy: I work 30 hours a week as director of human resources for a great nonprofit organization called Breast Cancer Network of Strength. I also have a great husband, adorable almost 2 year old boy, and very loving big dog. I usually do my creations in the evenings after bedtime or on my off days during naptimes. My husband works odd hours, so I have time when it’s just me and the pup to focus on creating new cards.
Kelly: Can you share some of your frustrations?
Kathy: My greatest frustration has been with my camera and taking decent photos of my products. It’s a learning process, but I have days when I might toss the camera in the backyard. I have definitely received some great feedback on how to improve the photos to really show my cards better.
Kelly: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
Kathy: I learned to stay organized with my finances which really helped me out with my 2009 taxes. It’s easy to focus only on the creating and neglect the business stuff, but that business stuff is very important.
Kelly: What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?
Kathy: Be willing to try new methods and be open to advice from others. I’m learning each day from my fellow Etsy creators and love the team networking.
Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?
Kathy: Yes! A promotion at my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KathyCherryDesigns! Buy 2 cards, get one card free promotion! Use the word Cassia during checkout to denote the promotion.
Etsy shop: http://www.kathycherrydesigns.etsy.com
Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/kathycherrydesigns
Twitter page: http://www.twitter.com/kcherrydesigns
Web site: http://www.kathycherrydesigns.com/
A few fun facts about Kathy:
~ loves hiking, biking and camping
~ loves traveling
~ enjoying microbrew beers
~ loves to read a good book
~ really enjoys her time with her family
~ really, really loves making cards especially for you
Today we have a new team member; Kathy Cherry from Kathy Cherry Designs! So that means, time to grab a coffee break if just for a few to get to know this lovely Busy Mom of Etsy. Enjoy!
What a radiant picture of Kathy and her darling little boy!
Kelly: Hello, Kathy, and thank you for joining me here today! Tell us, how young are you?
Kathy: Thank you for interviewing me! I really appreciate it. I’m 37 years old.
Kelly: What is the name of your business?
Kathy: It’s called Kathy Cherry Designs and I make handmade greeting cards.
Kelly: When did you begin?
Kathy: I officially launched the business in October 2009, but have been making cards for several years for friends, family and my own use. In 2004, I even made my own wedding invitations, programs, and placecards.
Kelly: Do you have any background in business and/or art?
Kathy: I have over 15 years of business experience and have a Masters of Science in Public Services Management and been working for nonprofit organizations in leadership roles.
Kelly: What motivated you to start Kathy Cherry Designs What inspires you to create?
Kathy: I was motivated to launch Kathy Cherry Designs after selling some of handmade cards as a fundraiser for my organization. They sold really well and received great feedback and thought why not?! Everything inspires me to create – colors, nature, objects, great pieces of paper and many other things. Also, my son inspires daily to create and just be an overall stronger, happier person.
Kelly: What is your favorite product?
Kathy: One of my favorite items for sale right now is this hug card:
Kelly: What are the special Features?
Kathy: I really love the two pieces of paper and also how the brad attaching the tag matched so perfectly. The different components just fell together in a beautiful mix of pink.
Kelly: What are your business goals this year?
Kathy: My business goal for the year is to improve my marketing efforts and increase sales.
Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?
Kathy: I’ve been trying different methods like my Facebook fan page and Twitter. I can definitely improve in this area and welcome any suggestions!
Kelly: How do you juggle work/life balance? For instance, you have a day job and a small infant boy. How do you “do” all that you “do”?!?
Kathy: I work 30 hours a week as director of human resources for a great nonprofit organization called Breast Cancer Network of Strength. I also have a great husband, adorable almost 2 year old boy, and very loving big dog. I usually do my creations in the evenings after bedtime or on my off days during naptimes. My husband works odd hours, so I have time when it’s just me and the pup to focus on creating new cards.
Kelly: Can you share some of your frustrations?
Kathy: My greatest frustration has been with my camera and taking decent photos of my products. It’s a learning process, but I have days when I might toss the camera in the backyard. I have definitely received some great feedback on how to improve the photos to really show my cards better.
Kelly: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
Kathy: I learned to stay organized with my finances which really helped me out with my 2009 taxes. It’s easy to focus only on the creating and neglect the business stuff, but that business stuff is very important.
Kelly: What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?
Kathy: Be willing to try new methods and be open to advice from others. I’m learning each day from my fellow Etsy creators and love the team networking.
Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?
Kathy: Yes! A promotion at my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KathyCherryDesigns! Buy 2 cards, get one card free promotion! Use the word Cassia during checkout to denote the promotion.
Etsy shop: http://www.kathycherrydesigns.etsy.com
Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/kathycherrydesigns
Twitter page: http://www.twitter.com/kcherrydesigns
Web site: http://www.kathycherrydesigns.com/
A few fun facts about Kathy:
~ loves hiking, biking and camping
~ loves traveling
~ enjoying microbrew beers
~ loves to read a good book
~ really enjoys her time with her family
~ really, really loves making cards especially for you
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Spotlight Interview: Joy Charde from The Art of Joy
Hi Ladies! Welcome to Friday Spotlight Interview.
I had so much fun doing this post, now I am really psychedabout getting to know each one of The Busy Moms of Etsy! These interview are dedicated especially to women, mothers, busy and yet industrious. That's the way we should be, right?
Is she a rock star?
Addicted to sweets just a tad, maybe?
She describes a perfect evening as....
a good book, mug of hot chocolate on one hand and a glazed donut on the other...
Clearly the love of her life and constant sidekick! aka "The Munchkin"...
Working with Mommy.....awwww!
She loves to spend time with the family camping
Her home studio in the kitchen!
Wow. She does commissioned art too!
Oh, Me, Oh My, I Love Pie!
Some of you might think that I'm being partial to our fearless leader,
but that is not the case! I had sent this interview to her 2 months ago, and
just decided to use it first.
Let's get down to it, shall we? Grab a cup of coffee, and maybe even a doughnut LOL.
Meet our Fearless Leader.....Joy Charde of TheArtofJoy
Kelly: Hello, Joy! Thank you for interviewing with us! Tell us, how young are you?
Joy: I am 33 years old.
Kelly: What is the name of your business?
Kelly: What is the name of your business?
Joy: The Art Of Joy on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheArtofJoy
Kelly: When did you begin?
Joy: I started the business on July 31, 2009
Kelly: Do you have any background in business and/or art?
Joy: I don't formally have a background in art, but I have always doodled, etc. ever since I can remember! I was also a teacher for 10 years and taught art then. Currently, I'm the business manager for our public library... so I guess, that counts as experience?
Joy: I really needed to find an alternative for using toxic paints since I just recently had a baby. I decided to go back to paper and doodling What inspires you to create? Things that I see around me.
Kelly: What is your favorite product?
Kelly: What are the Features?
Joy: Here are the specs:
Calendar with stickers
12 write in months - Approximately 5.25 x 8.5"
40 trim and stick stickers (10 of each: Fun Time, Day Off, Don't Forget, Special Day)
* Some of the US holidays are printed on the calendar (New Years, Valentines, St. Patrick's, Mom's Day, Dad Day, Easter, Independence, Veterans, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas)
Illustration: printed with my original design 110 lb. bright white cardstock and the sticker are printed on adhesive paper
For your personal use, gift giving, and more... I also love to make these stickers! Here is the link to the stickers section:
Kelly: What are your business goals this year?
Joy: To just have fun with the whole creating aspect. The business side is a bonus.
Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?
Kelly: How do you get traffic to your website?
Joy: I participate in teams and forums
Kelly: How do you juggle work/life balance? For instance, you have a day job and a small infant boy. How do you “do” all that you “do”?!?
Joy: It's a definite balancing act. My day job is really a night job :). I work from 1pm - 8pm. Fortunately, my baby loves to nap, so I can get some stuff done at home.
Kelly: Can you share some of your frustrations?
Joy: Finding time to do everything! I clearly need more than 24 hours.
Kelly: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
Joy: To try to be patient about the whole selling business. I really can't control what people like or want to buy from me... I just need to put relevant products out there.
Kelly: What word of encouragement can you give a person who wants to also start their own business?
Joy: Try to list things as often as you can, and be patient.
Kelly: Any other thing you would like to share with us?
Joy: I think that's all I have for now...
Kelly: That concludes our interview! I want to thank you Joy, for all you do to promote our Busy Moms of Etsy team and the hard work and effort you put forth. We all wish you much much success! I like to use your Thank You stickers on my package and in notes to customers to thank them for their purchase! Why don't some of us go on over to Joy shop and get some of her fabulous cards, sticker and art? You'll be glad you did!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28647334
Or, how about these: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34000800
Clearly delightful! And oh so joyful!
Au revoir, mes amis!
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