Tell us about yourself
I am blessed with a wonderful husband and 3 beautiful children. Eleanor is my oldest and the inspiration for much of my crafting and love for books. Henry is in the middle, a rambunctious toddler with a zest for life who keeps me on my toes. George is my newest addition, just a few months old but already full of big grins and bubbly personality. When I'm not playing house you'll either find me working (I'm a dietitian) or at church growing in grace.
What makes you unique?
I have an eye for beautiful things. I used to think what I could do best was find and buy the best gifts for everyone. It took me a long time to realize I could make things myself. When I decided to design birth announcements and other art prints, I didn't want to use other people's artwork. Almost all of the images in my shop were created by me.
What do you love about kids?
I love that kids are like sponges, soaking up everything around them. I taught my daughter to use Adobe Illustrator and now she is teaching me how to do things on it I would have never learned on my own! My kids are very inventive.
Kids also seem to have an endless supply of faith. Oh that I could have the same in such abundance!
What are you currently doing besides your shop crafts?
I spend a lot of time on my blog hosting reviews and giveaways. These are a ton of fun to do! I like to write about the talented people of Etsy. In return they often give me exclusive coupon codes for my blog readers. The blog is constantly growing and changing. Today I'm working on a template for a small envelope to share with my readers. I'm making these envelopes myself for a baby shower favor. I'd like to be able to do this sort of thing for my readers more often.
What is the link to your etsy shop?
What do you offer in your etsy shop?
I create custom birth announcements, nursery art and family tree prints. Many of these are now available as print-your-own.
Where do you create?
My computer is situated on my kitchen table. In the wee small hours of the morning when George won't sleep I sit here and design, blog and search for inspiration.
Where do you find your inspiration?
So many random things inspire me: song lyrics, photographs, treasuries, books, antiques, conversations...life.
How did you get started in your current line of business?
Awhile back I was selling antiques on Etsy (I'm a huge collector). I never saw myself as a craftsman. When I was pregnant with George I searched the pages of Etsy for birth announcements. One day I thought, why not make my own! I did exactly that. My dream is that someday I'll be successful enough to be able to give up my day job.
How do you promote your business?
I promote my shop on my blog moderntypography.blogspot.com/, Facebook www.facebook.com/moderntypographyblog, and on the Etsymom team website. I'm also starting to send out my product to other bloggers for review. It didn't take me long to realize that I can't do this alone, Etsy is all about relationships.
What is one of the most important lessons you've learned since starting your business?
Patience and perseverance. I just keep running the race, trusting God along the way.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Get out there and get to know not only your customers but also other shop owners. People are kind, generous and full of great advice. For instance, Jessa from littlepearlquilts introduced me to the Etsymom team.
What are some of your favorite online shops, both Etsy and non-Etsy?
This list could get very long! Non Etsy I love Amazon. On Etsy, to name a few there's Flanders Field Photography, Loft Full of Goodies, shop Gingiber, Bridechilla, little pearl quilts, Sheila Likes to Knit, Canvas Cookie Co.
I really get to see a lot of great work up close because of my blog :)