Friday Feature: Krystal from Random Wishes

For today's feature I got to interview Krystal. Her shop is called Random Wishes, here is a link: 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/kryslew1987  Krystal has many interests and talents, and her shop features an eclectic mix of beautiful candles, art and jewelry. 

Tell me about yourself.


I grew up in the country on a farm. I learned from both my mother and my grandmother how to do crafty things. As a child I always wanted to be an artist. I would draw pictures for my family members and they would proudly display them in their homes. During High School I took all the art classes I possibly could. I absolutely loved it. I wish I had gone to college for art, instead I went for Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry. I do have a degree in both. I currently work in Cooper's Seafood House in Scranton, Pennsylvania. 

Tell me about your store.

I started my store about a year ago. I was not sure on how I was going to do it, but asked around to different people and they showed me what to do and how to make things better. I have to say my store has improved in the last couple of months. I got a new camera which made my pictures better, and I have developed my skills a bit better and my items have sold more. I sell mostly jewelry, but I just started doing custom candles. I love doing candles, while making them they make my house smell so great and it lingers for hours. I also do paintings and knitted items. The knitted items will be in more as the weather gets cooler.

What inspires you?

The world inspires me. I grew up in the country and learned to appreciate the little things. I see a lot if not all things as art. I twist things to become my own and create something wonderful. My art teacher once told me the world is your canvas us it to your full advantage.  My family also inspires me. They tell me what they like and I tend to put my own twist into it and it becomes a great work of art.

Do you have a strong support system? Who is your biggest cheerleader?

My family has always been there for me no matter what. My mom is my biggest fan. She is always asking what I have that is new. My Aunt Ann is always wondering what I have in candle scents and my father is 100% behind finding me a physical place to sell my items. I have a wonderful boyfriend who encourages everything I do. He is always telling me how great I am doing and telling me to never give up no matter how much stress I am under. My support system is very large and I am very grateful to have them.

What is your favorite food?

 

Well I went to School to be a chef.  My pallet has developed a lot since I was 18. My favorite food used to be anything Italian. I loved Fettuccine Alfredo and Spaghetti. at least once a week I would eat one or the other. Now though I love sushi. I love to get a spicy kani salad or calamari salad with a rainbow roll and edema-me. I love trying new things.

How would you describe your style?

I would say that I am very random. I try to do different things all the time. Hence the name Random Wishes. I like to do a number of different things. I paint, I make candles, I make jewelry, and so much more. This way I never get bored and I always have someone to make smile.

Please visit Krystal's shop! You can get there by clicking on any of the photos in this post! 

Have a great weekend! 

♥Erica

Friday Feature: Kristin from Connielou's Designs on Etsy

This week I interviewed Kristin, from http://www.etsy.com/shop/kristencwatts and her answers were so much fun, that I found myself wanting to ask her more questions as I read! Kristins shop is beautiful,  lovely photos fill each page, enticing you to look at each of her pretty pieces!  

     Kristin and her husband

Tell me about yourself. Not necessarily about your shop, but about you.

I am a high school English teacher, who is a lead singer in a band, works part time making teeth for my dad (he's a dental tech) and jewelry for my shop Connielou's Designs. I love being busy. I have a wonderful husband, who is in his own band, and two sons; the oldest is 15 and the youngest is 10. I love teaching, writing, reading, singing, and of course...making jewelry! My business card slogan is "I never leave home without my earrings!" because I don't:)

                                                  Kristin's boys (her husband and her sons)



Tell me about your store. 

My store is named after my grandmother Louise, who died from cancer, and my great grandmother Constance "Connie," whom I was named after (my middle name is Constance). I owe my love for jewelry to my grandmom because she would never leave home without her earrings, either:)
How would you describe your style?

As an artist, my jewelry is very unique. Sometimes I use recycled jewels; sometimes I use parts of my grandmother's old costume jewelry. I buy a lot of my parts from artisans and sellers on Etsy, though. I buy from Esty sellers or small stores near me most often because it's all about the "little people," not corporate America:)

How long have you been selling on Etsy?

I have been a member for over a year as a seller, but I only recently started to sell my jewelry (about 2 months). I've been averaging 10 creations per day, since in June I started to sell my jewelry inside and outside of Etsy. I'm proud to say in the last two months I have made 200 pieces of jewelry (necklaces, earrings, and bracelets).

                                               http://www.etsy.com/listing/79670011/red-etched-wood-and-baby-blue-droplet


 What is your workspace like?

Right now it's the dining room table, and it drives my husband crazy! Me too, actually:)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80556100/autumn-teal-and-silver-leaf-earrings

What networking do you do that you feel helps your business?

In terms of "networking," I feel word-of-mouth has been the best for me. It also helps selling to people when they can see my product. My mom has been bringing in things to her work, and they are selling quickly. In terms of "social networking" online, I am having a hard time. I tweet, I've advertised, etc. My teams on Etsy have been great support; however, my sales have not increased yet from anything I am doing at present. I am hopeful, though, and I am not giving up. I feel like once people start to buy from me, it may spread. I really like my stuff, and it's so inexpensive. EVERYTHING is $25 and under!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77319843/black-red-gothic-lace-cross-necklace

Name some of the sellers whom you look up to and why? 

There are so many, and I aspire to be like them. Looking up to others helps me become a better artist:)

What are some of your favorite Etsy stores?


This is a tough one because there are tons. I really love Mermaid Treasures. I like her supplies, and she always gives free goodies with her purchases! I love the surprise:) I also like Rustic Goth; her paintings and prints are so awesome and different! All Earrings and Supplies is another great supply store. Perfect packaging, labeled and all.



Share one random fact about yourself… or more if you wish.

My motto for life: "To thine own self be true."

Do you have any advice for new sellers?

Don't give up, don't get discouraged. Try, try, try again, and I believe we can succeed!


http://www.etsy.com/shop/kristencwatts


Kristin has a promotion going on right now:
free shipping in US, and throughout the rest of August and Labor Day, 20% off EVERYTHING in my shop. Use coupon code 20OFF at check out.


So- go check out her shop! 


Have a great weekend!
♥Erica