Introducing Apple n Amos

Today We Introduce You To Amos from Apple n Amos

Q: what motivated you to start your shop?
Back in July of 2010, I lost my job and found myself needing a position that would still allowed me to be home with my son, Henry. After months of endless searching, I decided to try my hand at opening a Etsy shop.

Q: what is the story behind your shop name?
I have always wanted to own my own business..many of them in fact. I remember wanting to open a tattoo parlor / hair salon, where you could get dreadlocks or crazy big blue mohawks, it was to be called "Dye n Pain". When I was in my twenties I had a idea to open a restaurant that was called Apple n Amos, with a friend of mine who's nickname was "apple". Everything on the menu was to have a apple theme mixed in. So, naturally, when it came time to open my own shop I was totally stumped on a good name until I remembered this one. "Apple n Amos" has a few new meaning for me now though. Being that it has a educational feel to it and the "apple" is associated with education, it naturally fits. Also, my son Henry is my inspiration and he of course is the apple of my eye.

Q: do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
I love Machel Spence Photo, she has amazing nature photos. Visualingual is a terrific shop that makes seed bombs. Such a great idea! Vital Temptation make wearable felted art...the things she makes just blow my mind. If you are looking for fun, funky winter fashion look no further than Odette, she creates incredible crochet and knitted cowls. I totally dig her photos and the overall style of her shop and blog. Lastly, I love Halloween and everything creepy I have to give a shout out to Pumpkinhollow and Frighten..perfect treats for the spooky holiday.

Q: what surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I am a little stunned by how much work it is. From creating, to photographing to emails...it is a ton of work. But all the great feedback and returning customers make it all worth it.

Q: what do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
I have a really hard time balancing my personal life while running a business from home. The house is always messy, wood is piled everywhere, there is a never ending to-do list. I always feel pulled in so many directions. I have a very good work ethic and I don't like to leave things unfinished. I think working in a 9-5 is way easier than working from home. When its 5 o'clock, you punch out and go home. But, not around here, whenever I open the computer, no matter what time of day or night, I can't help but jump onto Etsy to see if there are anymore sales, or emails that need to be addressed. I have to learn to "punch out" until tomorrow.

Q: what's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I just want to make good long lasting Earth friendly toys that you and your children will love. I want my toys to be a part of your memories. There is nothing better than hearing how a one of our simple toys entertained a child for hours all the while teaching them valuable skills. Warms my heart it does.

Q: how would someone (other then you) describe you?

Haha..it depends on who you ask. If you were to ask my hubby Joe, he would say control freak. If you were to ask my friends they would probably say loud and funny. I have a big personality and it is really hard for me to contain it, funky

Q: what music do you have on while you are creating?
Well this list could go on and on...I am really into early Little Richard right now..I love me some funky James Brown too. But then again Bob Marley is always not too far away from the radio. ZZ Ward is my new go to girl- she is bluesy, funky and groovy with a wonderful raspy voice. Some others off the top of my head are Regina Specktor, P.J Harvey, Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Q: what do you do when you aren't working?

When I am not working on shop stuff and assuming the motherly, maid and mama duties are all done, then I find myself either reading or with a camera in hand. My new favorite outing with Henry is letterboxing. Letterboxes are everywhere in the world. You go on a hike, follow the clues and at the end of your journey you find a hidden box usually with a hand carved stamp inside as well as a sign in sheet. It is cool to see how many names have found the box before you. We really enjoy camping and whenever we go to a different place I always look up a letterbox near by.

Q: anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
As far as some news goes..My little man Henry is off to Kindergarten. I am really excited for him but sad for myself because I just don't know what I will do with my cuddlebug gone all day- but not to worry because I will have my hands full again in January when my second one comes along.

Shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/applenamos

Blog http://applenamos.blogspot.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/applenamos

'Introducing Apple n Amos' by Lilikin14

an etsykids team treasury

applenamos $23.00	applenamos $16.00	applenamos $7.00	applenamos $40.00
applenamos $22.00	applenamos $15.00	applenamos $12.00	applenamos $50.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

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Introducing KriksisLV

Today We Introduce You To Kristine of KriksisLV

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?
I’ve liked to knit for as long as I can I remember. When my oldest child was born 6 years ago I started to knit for kids. The motivation for me to open an etsy shop was my third child and time at home. For me it is easier to work/sell from online then from local shops. I started to actively sell from my etsy shop in February of this year. It is easy for me to go to the post office when I go walking with the baby in her stroller, when she sleeps I can knit and work online.

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?
KriksisLV – my name is Kristine and Kriksis is my “nickname” from childhood. Children in my country are also kids named “Kriksis”. the initials LV are my country’s initials – Latvia – my mother land. A small country near the Baltic sea.

Q: Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
There are a lot of shops I really like on Etsy. I like all of the Latvia team shops (http://www.etsy.com/teams/5058/latvia), I’m proud of them. I like XauXau crochets, OzolinsPottery, Amizanti linen works, fineDollyLolly, and ZIBTextiles

Q: What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The amount of clients. It’s amazing to work with clients from all around the world. I have my world’s map and I mark places where KrisisLV’s work is sent.

Q: What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Getting noticed.

Q: What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
My knit works is inspired by my kids. The materials I choose are comfortable for kids and easy to care for by for moms. Colours are joyful. A lot of my work is one of a kind. I strive to do work with love and of a high quality.

Q: How would someone (other then you) describe you?
Full of ideas, enthusiastic in her work and family life. A good mom and wife.

Q: What music do you have on while you are creating?
I do no have any specific inspirational music. Sometimes I listen to the radio, if I am knitting with the kids it can be some kids music.

Q: What do you do when you aren't working?
I’m a full time mom. My little baby daughter’s daily regime is intensive – she has started to walk. The older children’s activities outside of school are are singing and theatre for my daughter and football and judo for my son. I take my knitting with me and knit in during my free minutes. Because I like to do it it is like meditation for me.

Q: Please tell us a little about the children's items market / handmade movement in your Country?
Increasingly, buyers in Latvia are valuing handmade items for their children. More and more are choosing to order unique party dresses and coats for their little sweeties. I’m glad to work on special orders for my clients.

Q: Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
feel free to visit my shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/KriksisLV

And my FB page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kriksis/259136680804373

Wishing you amazing etsy sales!

Children clothing - kni... KriksisLV $45.00	Hand made children'... KriksisLV $40.00	Knitted yellow hoodie ... KriksisLV $70.00	Childrens clothing - ra... KriksisLV $50.00
Baby owlet Diaper cov... KriksisLV $24.50	Knitted boy's sweat... KriksisLV $50.00	Cotton summer dress... KriksisLV $53.50	Child clothing - Knitte... KriksisLV $80.00

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Introducing Sweet Pea and Mama Bees

Today We Introduce You To Georgia of
Sweet Pea and Mama Bees

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?
I had my daughter 18 months ago. My career in Finance had me working long hours and I had a 1 hour commute each way. I felt like I never got to see her, so I decided to leave my job and stay home with her. I knew I needed something to keep me from getting cabin fever and to hopefully bring in some extra money from home.

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?
I love creating things not just for my daughter but also for things for myself and other friends. I wanted the shop name to reflect that my items are for girls of all ages. My husband and I have always called our daughter "Sweet Pea" and I knew that I had to include that in the name.

Q: Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
Currently crushing on HelloBerry right now. I love accessories and I want every item in her shop!

Q: What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I think I was most surprised by how easy Etsy makes the setup. I put it off for a while not realizing how easy it is. It can be time consuming, but it really isn't difficult.

Q: What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
I think my biggest challenge is getting my shop noticed when there are so many other similar shops.

Q: What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I started out making a lot of "popular" products, but then I realized that I really wanted the shop to reflect my talents and style. I still love doing custom orders for people but they are based on other styles or similar to items listed. I guess I feel that the quality and style should be true to me, even if I am not selling as many items.

Q: How would someone (other then you) describe you?
Definitely that I am "Old Soul" I love vintage items and things that look old. You can really see it through every aspect of my life, from personal style, decor......even my knowledge of older music and movies.

Q: What music do you have on while you are creating?
I usually am creating during my daughter's naptime....so I keep it super quiet in hopes to get as many extra minutes as possible :)

Q: What do you do when you aren't working?
When I'm not working, I am being a mom, housewife and spending time with my family.

Q: Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I feel so lucky and blessed to be able to stay at home with my daughter and have a job that I love at the same time. I can see now that creating things is what I was meant to do.

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Introducing The Wonderland Studio

Today We Introduce You To Rachel from

The Wonderland Studio

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?
Quite simply, I was tired of my day job! I went to art school and was always working for myself on the side. After my son was born, I realized I needed to have a steady income and so got caught up in non art related work. Well, one day, enough was enough and I felt Etsy would be the perfect venue to start out full time on my own.

Q:  What is the story behind your shop name?
When I first started to think about going out on my own, I didn't even know what I would sell. I was trained as a painter and illustrator so I naturally thought about selling original artwork and prints. I majored in Illustration in college and was always drawn to childrens's book illustration. I figured I should have a shop name that would appeal to a kid's market but wouldn't be too specific on what I was making. The Wonderland Studio just seemed to be a good fit. Good thing it was a little vague because kinetic mobiles is actually what I ended up selling!

Q:  Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
Well, I am absolutely coveting everything in the shop called joepapendick. He makes scultpural bird feeders and I really can't wait to own one! I also buy lots of soap products from showertreatsoap. The owner, Laura, is fantastic to buy from and her products are wonderful.

Q:  What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
How much work there would be! I knew it would be a lot but at times, it can really be all consuming...

Q:  What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Balancing home life with work. When you sell all over the world, there is a tendency for customers to think you are available all the time at any time. I try to be, but because I am a busy shop, I do have to check out from the studio and get back to my family at the end of the day. Plus, with smart phones, I sometimes find myself waking up and answering emails at 2 in the morning, just because I can.

Q:  What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I want to provide original artwork that is accesible to anyone and was created with kids and babies in mind. That's it! I do believe that all kids should be surrounded by art. Mobiles fit the bill nicely because you can hang them anywhere and kids are absolutely mesmerized by them.

Q:  How would someone (other then you) describe you?
Nice? Hardworking? Funny? Generous? Honest? I don't know really, but I hope all of those things are true.

Q:  What music do you have on while you are creating?
I usually listen to a very wide range of music..Some of my favorites are The Pixies, Johnny Cash, Fiona Apple, Niel Young, Tori Amos, Bob Dylan, Amy Winehouse, Joni Mitchell, Mumford and Sons, The Grateful Dead.....this list could go on and on.

Q:  What do you do when you aren't working?
Just living my life with my family. My son is 9 and my husband and I try to spend as much quality time with him as we can. Of course, you have to fit in time for your friends too! I am blessed to rich in both family and friends.

Q:  Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I think that covers it! Thanks so much for the interview!

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Introducing Peace Baby! Batiks

Today We Introduce You To Cori from Peace Baby! Batiks

Q: what motivated you to start your shop?

It's pretty selfish, really: I want to be able to continue staying home after my son starts school so I am flexible for school vacations, sick days, volunteer needs, etc. I started Peace, Baby! just before he turned two with the hope that it would keep growing throughout the years. I was originally going to make and sell batik wrap-around skirts, but I can't really sew, so that idea fizzled pretty quickly. Then I made a few batik bodysuits for my son, and the idea of opening a shop on Etsy resurfaced.

Q: what is the story behind your shop name?

I wish I had a good story! It just kind of came to me, probably in the shower, which is where all my good ideas originate. I had bounced around several ideas that just didn't do it for me. Once I thought of Peace, Baby! Batiks, I was sold.

Q: do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?

I am a sucker for jewelry, so I love http://www.etsy.com/shop/RockefellerCrystal. She's also kind of local to me, so it's cool to buy from an Etsy seller in my area.

Q: what surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?

I never knew I would meet so many great people, both online and offline. We've become great resources for each other and built a support system. I've especially enjoyed meeting other Etsy mothers and networking with artists and crafters here in the Washington, DC, area.

Q: what do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?

Finding the time to market my shop and do general shop upkeep. It takes more time than you'd think, and I don't always have the time to devote to the computer. I get up early to try and do most of my batik and computer work before my son gets up.

Q: what's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?

To create fun clothing. I love hearing that one of my T-shirts or dresses has become a child's favorite item of clothing.

Q: how would someone (other than you) describe you?

I hope they would describe me as loving, hard-working, loyal, and fun. :)

Q: what music do you have on while you are creating?

I usually have NPR or the local morning news on when I work early in the morning. If I listen to music while I work, it's a strange combination of modern folk music, oldies, stuff from the 90s, and current pop music.

Q: what do you do when you aren't working?

My favorite things to do are play with my son (he's 4), scrapbook, read, watch baseball, and cook.

Q: anything else you'd like to tell us or share?

I love custom orders and enjoy a unique challenge from a customer. I’m up for trying just about anything! I also do clothing for adults and youth, too, and I just started using American-made T-shirts when I batik and dye. I’m enjoying learning and interacting with the other members of the EtsyKids Team – there is so much talent here!

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Introducing Wood Pond Design

Today We Introduce You to Jennifer from Wood Pond Designs

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?
I started my shop while I was a stay-at-home mom. My friend Joanna turned me on to Etsy. I was so inspired by all the wonderful things people were making. I was motivated by wanting to contribute financially to the family and by having something to call my own.

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?
My shop is named for the street I lived on when I started my shop. I wanted a shop name that was neutral enough to allow me to create a variety of items.

Q: Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
Oh my, I have so many favorite shops. I purchase lots of fabric on Etsy and one of my favorite shops is SewFreshFabrics. I also love block printing and two of my favorites are Oh Little Rabbit, and Madderroot. I have also been coveting the lovely pottery made by Whitney Smith Pottery.

Q: What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The amount of time you can spend on non-productive things like research, forums, shop stats, google analytics, views, likes, posting photos, etc. I had to learn to focus my time and energy into creating instead. I have a sketch book where I draw ideas of what to make next, or how to expand upon ideas and items I’m already making. I put more time into making fewer things better. I also found the need for really good photos to be a challenge. I have used some techniques I learned early on, but there is always room for improvement.

Q: What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?Finding the right balance between my day job, my family life and carving out time to create and run my shop.

Q: What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
My personal philosophy is to provide my customers with a unique high quality handmade item that is made with love and delivered promptly and with personality. The reason Etsy is so wonderful it that I have the opportunity to provide a little bit of me into everything I make and I love sharing that!

Q: How would someone (other then you) describe you?
Energetic, silly, fun, talkative.

Q: What music do you have on while you are creating?
Mostly it’s quiet when I’m working, mostly because I don’t have a set-up in my work space to hook up my iPod. Often times my children come in to help create with me or just to hang out.

Q: What do you do when you aren't working?
When I’m not working in my ‘shop’, I am the registrar for a public school district. I also enjoy cooking, redecorating my new old house, and being outdoors.

Q: Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I have enjoyed being part of the EtsyKids Team and am grateful for the volunteers we have as well as for the network connection and friendships I’ve made.

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Introducing Babbidge Patch

Today We Introduce You to Cathy from Babbidge Patch

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?
I began marketing my knits through the traditional craft fair route. My kids were young and my lifestyle was flexible which aided pursuing sales via local events. Fast forward a few years (after a stint with wholesale and other opportunities) - slogging my wares to local craft fairs became somewhat of a burden, so I was thrilled to discover the wonderful world of Etsy in 2008; a global venue for crafters, vintage and suppliers! Craft fairs can be great venues however are particularly weather dependent and subject to the local economy. While I maintain my membership with two juried organizations, I much prefer the convenience of selling online. In fact, my first Etsy sale was a delightful international sale, my little mouse hat shipped from Maine to Spain.

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?
Babbidge Patch. We moved into a house on 13 acres on Babbidge Road in Falmouth, Maine. With our 3 children, we built a bountiful raised bed garden and converted a tractor shed into a cute bunny barn. I needed to come up with hang tags for my knit product, so I incorporated a bunny in the logo which represents the angora bunnies that we raised for a time, Babbidge from the road’s name and Patch from the garden plot --- Babbidge Patch, which became the name of my Etsy shop.

Q: What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Creating good quality photographs has been a challenge for me – if you look back at some of my initial sales, my first photos are not nearly as nice and bright as the newer pics. Also, over the past couple of years, I’ve traded product for photos in order to obtain professional pictures with the adorable models.

Q: What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
My designs are nature inspired, with many woodland creatures captured in the designs. My favorite and inspirational artists include Jane Thornley, Regine Faust, Dahlov Ipcar. I offer a variety of fibers which include: natural - wool, cotton, silk, bamboo; organic, and vegan options. Abundant texture and colors are important elements, as well. And the most important philosophies – create and offer quality product, fast shipping and outstanding customer service, and to Keep it Fun- take time away if it becomes stressful; slow it down by closing shop for a period of time.

Q: What do you do when you aren't working?
I’m trained as a biologist and I’m a Registered Maine Guide – so my hobbies include many outdoor activities - I tend an organic veggie garden and a perennial flower garden. I like to fly-fish, canoe, kayak, road bicycle and camp. I make time to visit with family – my 3 grown children and their families – we all live within 10 miles of each other so visiting is frequent. My husband and I have card night once a week with my parents and sister; and a movie night with a sister-in-law and her husband. Then, there is the day job – I work as a Regulatory Affairs Specialist for a Maine based company that provides products and services to the companion animal industry, and to the dairy and water industries.

Q: Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I manage 3 additional Etsy shops – you may notice their names all start with bp (short for babbidgepatch) and they focus on vintage, yarn supplies and photo shoot props:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BPvintage
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BPyarns
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bpphotoprops
My blog - http://babbidgepatch.blogspot.com/
Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/BabbidgePatch

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Introducing LuLu et GiGi

Today We Introduce You to Eni from LuLu et GiGi

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?
My daughter was the sole motivation behind starting up my shop, all the store bought clothing made her feel itchy. So I decided to make her clothes myself. The funny part is, she won't wear the clothes I design, she would rather be in yoga pants and a tee shirt all the time!

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?
"LuLu et GiGi" is very special to me. They are the "nicknames" if you will, of my mother and mother in law. My mother in law's name is Lucette, and in France the nickname for that is Lulu. My mothers name is Gyongyi and there really is no nickname in Hungarian, thus I came up with Gigi. These women are strong and have lived through tremendous obstacles in their lives. They are an inspiration to me in so many ways. My mother a painter, and a cornucopia of everything artistic including being an incredible seamstress has encouraged me educated me and exposed me to so many incredible forms or art. My mother in law has shown me to see things in different ways, to open my heart and mind to new experiences and no matter what find the silver lining in even the darkest cloud.

Q: Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
There are so many amazing Etsy Artisans...it really is hard to choose. I was thrilled by the quality of some of my recent purchases, so for messenger bags I love: ScatterbrainTees. For organic Tee shirts I love: ZenThreads. For Vintage pieces I love: unionmadebrides.

Q: What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The amount of time you must dedicate to it. When I first started out, I thought that it would be a piece of cake. It is online, it is an internet shop, people will find it. But there really is a large commitment needed when working and promoting online. I spend 2-3 hours (if not more) daily. So it is a challenge to create new things, fill orders and manage my Etsy shop!

Q: What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
How to advertise and get noticed! There are so many wonderful shops, and particularly in the area that I specialize in, sometimes it can be overwhelming. But I find just plugging away, creating treasuries, liking other peoples work, belonging to circles, etc....really help to make you noticed.

Q: What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
Impeccable quality - in fabrics, trimmings, and work. My garments tend to be in the medium/high price range. But the amount of time and work that I put into the details are so worth it. I want to make sure that my clients not only get a garment, but an heirloom. I take great pride in my work, I strive to stay original in my designs, I source out vintage trimmings from France and Europe, I find hard to get fabrics and above all, I try to remain true to myself.

Q: How would someone (other then you) describe you?
Wow, that is a hard one. I guess it depends on who you ask! I think people see me as a determined person, headstrong. Once I get an idea into my head....watch out. A perfectionist, who adores the details, sometimes over the top. Always thinking bigger then big. Generous and kind but fierce, loyal and a fighter for what is right, well at least I think and hope that is what people think!

Q: What music do you have on while you are creating?
I suppose it depends on my mood. I am an opera singer by trade, so when I listen to music I often have some sort of Puccini or Verdi opera playing in the background, I am very eclectic, so anything from Los Cincos Latinos, to Frank Sinatra to Madonna! But most often I prefer the music of my machine working away, my scissors cutting and the hiss of the iron being pressed onto a damp garment.

Q: What do you do when you aren't working?
Somehow, I am always working. If I am not sitting at my machine, I am sketching new designs. If I ever just am able to turn off (which is rare) I spend it with my gorgeous daughter and very supportive husband.

Q: Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I feel that I really started to evolve as a designer and I am finding my niche. My work is heading towards the more Exclusive and Haute Couture direction. I love creating one of a kind (or in this business it seems to be a few of a kind) Couture garments. I adore fine laces, satins, chiffons to name a few. I am rediscovering myself in creating art through fabric and design. I find my passion right now is taking the style of vintage pieces (from different eras) and putting a modern LuLu et GiGi touch to them. Classic case the Genevieve Couture Bubble shorts and the GiGi Bubble Blouse. I love when my clients drop me a line and say "create something fabulous" that is when I create my best work and when I am the happiest. I am not a huge fan of creating 12 of the exact same garment. I love being unique, and rare....I hope that one day I can just create those one of a kind gems on a regular basis!

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Introducing Hound Dog Designs

Today We Introduce You to Jennifer from Hound Dog Designs

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?
My oldest daughter is a huge animal lover and I couldn't find simple onesies and shirts for girls with animal designs. Plus as a stay at home mom, I needed a creative outlet!

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?
Hound Dog Designs is named after my hound/lab mix rescue dog, Flanagan. He is my first baby, and both my girls just adore him.

Q: Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
Willow Tree Minerals http://www.etsy.com/shop/WillowTreeMinerals Their makeup is all natural and fantastic!

Q: What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
How much I would learn about the business aspect of having an online shop, then selling my items in local children's boutiques. I come from a science background, and have had to teach myself some basic business and accounting skills.

Q: What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
There are a ton of shops selling similar applique onesies and t-shirts, it's hard to make sure my items stand out in the crowd. I hand embroider all my appliques, which sets me apart from the majority.

Q: What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I like simple designs for children's clothes, and I love creating unique custom items for customers. I hope to make any little girl or boy happy when they see their favorite animal on a shirt, or a custom birthday outfit.

Q: How would someone (other then you) describe you?
My husband would say I am a perfectionist, I will rip out a whole row of stitches if they are not straight! I hope my daughters and friends think I am fun.

Q: What music do you have on while you are creating?
I usually listen to 102.5 FM in Columbus, OH, a nice mix of old and new alternative rock or the Weezer station on Pandora.

Q: What do you do when you aren't working?
I have two girls, 5 years and 1 year old, a dog, and a husband, they keep me very busy! I love lazy family weekends, watching the Cleveland Indians, The Ohio State Buckeyes, and visiting the Columbus Zoo.

Q: Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
Before I had children I was a Geologist, working in construction and mining Geology. I love the natural world, and am having fun teaching my girls about science and nature.

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Introducing Busy Little Hands

Today We Introduce You To Janice from Busy Little Hands

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?
Busy Little Hands started with a busy Mama trying to find little things to keep her baby’s little hands busy. The busy Mama worked as a Management Consultant for years until the travel was too much and the yearning for creativity was desperate. Walking out on a great career, several flower shops were bought and loved into success. But then a sweet little baby girl was on the way and Mama wanted to sell the shops to care for the sweetest baby around. Because this Mama can’t sit still for too long, Busy Little Hands has come into existence!
My name is Janice Kalin and I grew up with a creative Mom who taught me the ins and outs of a sewing machine and the rewards and satisfaction of creating works of art very early. Through all the twist and turns that my life has taken, I was always making and creating with my sewing machine.
My little bitty girlie has inspired everything I make. I wanted to create thoughtful toys to challenge her mind, motor skills, imagination and creativity. We do a lot of traveling so finding compact, interesting toys and accessories for travel was essential. It was difficult to find well made and thought provoking toys and gifts. So learning what would interest my daughter (and me), I designed some toys and accessories to make our lives more fun. With all the lead poisoning and toy recall scares, it is nice to know how and where things are made.

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?
When my daughter was under two, we traveled A LOT! She had been on 50 flights by her first birthday! I was in need of some things to keep her entertained, contained and she had to feel that she was 'in charge' of her activities. So when we were not on a plane, I was searching for things to take on planes. Each store I would go in, I would ask 'I need something for my daughter's busy little hands'. So I started to make things (had to keep myself busy too!). So I started making things to keep my little hands busy in order to keep her little hands busy. And when you meet my daughter there is no other word than 'busy' to describe her!

Q: Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
This shop borders on the child-related realm – but I just love everything in it! http://www.etsy.com/shop/plushism

Q: What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
All of the fabulous people that I have met through custom orders! I love doing custom orders and it often spawns a conversation with them. I have gotten to know people around the world and chatted about their families, tax issues, moving countries…… it is all so fascinating!

Q: What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
I love being a seller on etsy, however, I am struggling to find a mix of online selling, art shows, and etsy selling and this crazy social media. I need to find a balance that will work for me and realize that it is ok to post listings on facebook – I am not bothering people! I am also terrible at adding new listings and keeping my site current……. I just need to sit and do it!

Q: What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I want to make sure that people LOVE their creations so I put a lot of time and love into each one. I have so much fun making all the little embellishments and little details to make everything I make is sweet and unique. I read a book to my daughter – Unique Monique - and I want all kids to have their own special backpack or accessories so they feel special and so that they don’t match everyone else’s pottery barn backpack!

Q: How would someone (other then you) describe you?
CRAZY!

Q: What music do you have on while you are creating?
I live in North Carolina and LOVE it, but I grew up in Canada. So I listen to CBC radio all day long! I could not survive without it!

Q: What do you do when you aren't working?
Of course I am a mom and that takes just about all my energy, but I also run the PTA at her school, run the auction at her school and I love to read. My husband is a big runner and he has recently guilted me into running again! I certainly don’t consider myself a runner – but I run. And my favorite pleasure is the Duke Lemur Center. It is an education facility that has that has the largest number of lemurs outside of the island of Madagascar. I volunteer there one or two days a week. I am so grateful that I get to see all my little lemur friends and take people on educational tours through the center to teach them about these fascinating primates and the conservation efforts that need to happen in Madagascar and around the world.

Q: Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
THANK YOU!

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Introducing Yassi's Place

Today We Introduce You To Yassenafrom Yassi's Place

Q: What motivated you to start your shop?
For a while after I graduated I kept busy with work. My husband and I built our dream home. I barely had any free time. But for the last 3 years I've lightened my workload and finally had time for my hobbies.

I've been drawing, sewing and creating things for fun since I was 8 or 9. There isn't a craft that I read about or saw that I haven’t attempted to try. I love learning new things. However, my real passion is Graphic design. One day a friend of mine said: "You should open an Etsy shop. People would love to buy your creations." Since that day I have not looked back.

Q: What is the story behind your shop name?
There isn't much of a story. I wanted a name that would be versatile. That no matter what I offered in my shop it would work. So, I used my name and called it Yassi's Place. My closest friends and family call me Yassi and my art room is my place where I spend a lot of time designing, sewing and now printing my prints. That's how Yassi's Place came to be.

Q: Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?
I love browsing through jewelry, fine art photography and home decor shops, but do not have a favorite one. They are so many... To name a few:Raceytay, shannonpix, honeytree , 6 Miles Cottage

Q: What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
The biggest surprise was how many people love my art.

Q: What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
The time it takes to run a successful shop and to fit in deadlines while keeping a superior quality product.

Q: What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
Do what you love, have fun along the way and do your best each and every time. My customers are my biggest priority, they are my biggest fans and they deserve the best.

Q: How would someone (other then you) describe you?
Creative, organized, friendly, resourceful...

Q: What music do you have on while you are creating?
Most of the time I like to work in a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, but for the times that I listen to music I like to turn on the radio. I like the variety and the element of surprise.

Q: What do you do when you aren't working?
I like to lounge by the pool, garden, decorate, Skype with my family.

Q: Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I was born and raised in Bulgaria. I've been in the US for over 12 years now. I have a very loving and supportive husband who has turned all my dreams into a reality. And now I have Etsy. Life is wonderful!

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