Lessons After One Year on Etsy and a Giveaway

This month marks a year anniversary of my Etsy shop. Yay! happy birthday to me. I never thought I would make the amazing friends and connections with people from around the globe. During my Christmas sale I met some amazing kindred spirits, a fabulous French lady who loves old jazz from and a very spirited spunky lady from New Zealand.
I took a long brake from blogging to focus on my shop and took time to also make local connections in my neighborhood. Even though I was away, my "bloggy" friends were never too far by asking to help with a fundraiser or helping out by sponsoring the items from my shop. They are a constant I am so grateful for.
After 50 plus sales and and having my items sold in two local shops, I have certainly learned a lot this past year about being a small business owner of handmade items.

I am not a "list person" but I will give this a go...

Lessons After a Big Year on Selling Small

1. Do what you love - no matter what your passion is. It is so easy to see so many things you would         like to do. Stay focused on what you love and put all you got into it. 

2. Find what you are good at and make it your own- There is a lot that has been done and redone. If you are good at it , do it, but put your own flavor to it. Also, never stop learning new techniques.

3. Presentation and Photography make the difference - I am still learning to use my big girl camera. Using myself as a model is hard when I don't feel comfortable in front of the camera. This year will be different .

4. Friends are the best at marketing- I love when my friends wear my knitty things or put up my husband's wood home decor in their homes and spread the word. 

5. Get to know your customers - just like striking up a conversation in a local hometown shop I do the same. Most of my business has been custom orders, either by design or color. 

6. A quick response is key- People appreciate a quick response on a question on an item. It establishes more of a connection right away.

7. Dont make promises you can't keep- Its hard when you want to please everyone. All my items are handmade and take time , its important to keep time-frames realistic.

8. My partner is the best- having a business partner (aka my husband the captain) had been the most rewarding. To be able to share our passions side by side has brought our relationship to another level and has made it all worth it.

9. Make the most of social networking - I am not the most tech savvy person, I am still learning on how to use it all. Be creative in how to get the word out and it does not hurt to have friends who help repost every now and then.

10. Sales and Giveaways are hellava fun! - Its like having a party at my house and everyone is invited.

Which brings me to mention , if you did not know ...

"YES!! I AM HAVING A GIVEAWAY!!" on one of my favorite pieces, the Plata Playa Cowl!

I am sponsoring it with help of a two lovely ladies.

Check out the amazing items up for grabs to kick off the new year , I am truly humbled to be paired with such great talented ladies. Hurry giveaway ends Jan 9th!

You can enter here on Alison's post or here on Kate's post.

Thank you ladies!

A special thank you to Greta, Kirsten, Laura, Alison, and Sarah for being my virtual besties online and for being my personal cheering section.

And for Patty, Astrid, Margo, Isa and Kim for your friendship and support.