Today we introduce you to Selma from Woolly Boo
Actually, it was my neighbor and a good friend, Rachel. She loves our bedding, and she thought it would be a great fit and a transition from the craft show circuit. This was back in 2009. I had two small kids, and having to travel for craft shows with them was taking it's toll on my sanity.
The name was actually my husband's idea. We were brainstorming what to name this new business and we wanted to make sure that it has branding capabilities. Unfortunately, all derivatives of wool and baby were already taken. Then he said to call it "boo", because that was my term of endearment for him and our son. I was pregnant with our daughter at that time.
A few, actually. I love jewelry by FiligranaGallery and Metalicious, accessories by MontclairMade, stained glass by peaceloveglass, wall decals by WilsonGraphics, home accessories by MaidenLove, and the list goes on and on...
The biggest surprise was how many different people liked our products. And their geographic location. Then it was how much work it takes to network and sell on Etsy. I didn't like that part. It ate up my nights and all my free time with very little effect. However, I have to congratulate Etsy on the new improvements to the search options. It has catapulted us exactly where we should be in search results, and our views/likes/hearts skyrocketed. According to Google Analytics, we get over 500 unique visitors each week, and that is amazing.
Well, selling. We fill a very distinct niche in the baby bedding market, toddler bedding to be exact. And since we offer eco-luxury product, that narrows the market even further. Also, our use of organic wool has some people on the fence, because they are not familiar with the material. All of these melt away once people see our product in person, so we had to take to the road again.
We set out to make the experience of healthy and peaceful sleep available to all children. Our products might require an initial investment, but that is an investment that will pay out long term dividends. Because, there is nothing more wonderful for a parent than knowing their children are sleeping safe and sound. And creating healthy sleep habits for the children will help the children as they get older. This is what our products provide. We have two ingredients: organic wool and cotton. Not too much explaining and definitely no excuses. If you don't like it as it is, than it is not for you.
Assertive, passionate, and hopefully empathetic and caring.
That depends on a day. The easiest to write to is classical music, but when sewing I love to listen to a whole range of styles, from hip-hop and R&B to heavy metal and alternative rock. Yesterday it was Mumford & Sons, and today it's Black Eyed Peas. I like good music, so I try not to limit myself to English-speaking artists. Buena Vista Social Club albums are on a regular rotation, as well as Tinariwen.
All my free time is dedicated to my family, my husband and my kids, just because there is so little of it. The kids are at that amazing age where everything is "why?", and I absolutely love it.
We would like to say thank you to all the wonderful EtsyKids members who have supported us over the years by making us their favorite and including us in their treasuries. We love the community feeling that has been created and we congratulate everyone, especially the team leadership, on the amazing accomplishments.
Today we introduce you to Sarah of Hazelrah - Plain Folk Crafts
When my first son was born back in 2005, I went back to work after six months, but after considering how much we spent on daycare versus my income we made a decision that I would stay at home and I've been ever since. However, I've never been one to sit still and I began looking for way to make a little something from home to keep myself busy. I had previously been considering a career in illustration, but unfortunately that took far too much time and then I started tinkering with cloth dolls. I remembered how much I loved my rag dolls as a child and I started working on creating soft dolls that incorporated that love combined with my interest in pioneer life and clothing. I also have much admired the Amish culture I grew up around in New York and, living in Oregon at the time, wanted to make their wonderful dolls available for those who may be many miles from an Amish settlement. My children motivated me to incorporate the children's clothing, as I became more confident in making clothes for them, I ventured into new territory and now really enjoy using vintage patterns and the challenge they bring.
When I started the shop I simply wanted something that alluded to the content of the shop. I have heard of the Amish people referred to as the "plain people" and this inspired the name "Plain Folk Crafts". Not wanting to limit myself to just dolls, I included the "crafts" part because at the time I was also creating gourd birdhouses as well as prints of various illustrations I had done prior to opening the shop.
Well, even though this one is arguable, I absolutely love the illustrations here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HidenSeek While they are based in fairy tales and folklore (a personal passion), there is certainly a dark twist that caters far more to adults than children.
I think the thing that surprised me the most initially was that anyone bought anything! Mostly though, the biggest surprise, and the most pleasant, has been the feedback and wonderful e-mails I have received from my buyers. I know that my sales are comparatively low to many other shops, but those people whom I have had the pleasure of working with have really become the primary reason I continue to do this.
The most challenging issue I think I've had is pricing. When I really take inventory on how much time I spend on an order or a ready-made item and then figure in fabric costs, gas, etc. I know I'm coming up behind. But at the same time, I want to be affordable, it's a tough call sometimes. The other challenge I've had is not being able to afford an adjustable mannequin, as I know it would be a nice touch and give a bit of continuity to the shop images, someday!
Simply, to make a product with the kind of craftsmanship I would want to receive, at a reasonable price.
I think they'd say I was pretty driven, perhaps trying to do too much, but definitely passionate about all the hats I wear.
When I work, the music needs to be soft and mellow, so I mostly listen to soundtracks or instrumentals. Discovering Pandora has been a Godsend the last year! I have always been an artist so the music I listen to now is pretty much the same music I worked to at 12!
My three children (6, 4, and 1) keep me busy 24/7! And I’ve recently added school to that, as I attempt to finally finish up my bachelor's degree. I also try to volunteer as much as possible at my sons' school, and this year I'll be helping with Cub Scouts as well...phew, is that enough?
I'm just really glad for the opportunity to answer these questions and share a little bit about me and my shop. I look forward to reading everyone else's responses as well, during nap time of course!
 |
When one of my best friends was married a few years ago, she hired gourmet taco trucks for her reception dinner. To support this amazing choice, I silkscreened an 'i love tacos' onesie for my baby to wear. It was a hit, and I began making them for friends, their friends and more friends' friends. My first listing was this silkscreened onesie (http://www.etsy.com/transaction/53264802), and my Etsy shop has evolved dramatically for me since.
'Kendrasred' was my first email/screen name from back in the 90s, so I went with it again for consistency. But once I began taking my business more seriously, I referred to my shop as 'Big Bridge Studios' (though it remains 'kendrasred' on Etsy) -- not only do I marvel at the Verrazano Bridge everyday, and feel inspired by it, but Big Bridge is also a metaphor for bridging a gap, and finding my way to the 'other side.'
I have several, but I've been a long-time fan of www.nervoussystem.etsy.com and www.ashhilton.etsy.com -- both have exceptional jewelry. I also send my misprints to the upcyclers at www.citymade.etsy.com, who turn my botched tees into super cool bags and scarves and other great stuff. As far as business advice and inspiration, I always look to my super-savvy and super-talented friend at www.metalissa.etsy.com.
That so many people would love what I love making.
Getting my name out there, finding ways to get more clicks, wanting like crazy to get on the front page and get featured and so on, but not sure/not confident about how to do so.
I've realized that if I'm not entirely confident about every single part of my product -- whether it's the fabric, the brand, the make up of the ink, the packaging, my business cards -- I feel uncomfortable, I lose gusto, and it stalls my success.
I think I come across fairly confident and creative. Hard-working. Reliable.
Much to my husband's chagrin, I really love putting on the Music for Aardvark's channel that I created on Pandora. It's upbeat, unintrusive, and, like the smell of gingerbread, reminds me of how much joy being a mom has brought to my life.
I'm a SAHM of a three year old boy, and we spend a great deal of our time at the numerous parks in Brooklyn and on walks along the Hudson River.
Even though I had worked several years in Manhattan in the graphic arts and in printmaking, it wasn't until I had my son that I started creatively 'winging it.' A gigantic high five to Etsy for providing me (and so many others) the opportunity to give my ideas a shot and put them out into the world.
This is a super easy project that anyone can do! With allergy season hanging on for dear life, and cold and flu season right on our heels, we thought we'd help you cut some money out of
your budget and some extra paper from the landfill, and share TheCrazyElephant's tutorial for making your own
fabric facial tissues.
