Showing posts with label shopannavirginia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopannavirginia. Show all posts

Monday, August 16, 2010

Marvelous Mom Monday - Anna - AnnaVirginia Fashioneering

It takes a woman dedicated to making her dreams and goals come true to work full-time (inside or outside the home) and also get an independently-owned business up and running! Let's find out how this week's Marvelous Mom, Anna, of AnnaVirginia Fashioneering (http://shopannavirginia.etsy.com/) puts her amazing creativity to use!

Tell us about yourself?

I’m Anna; a mom, wife, and designer. I love to create, whether it’s by making a clothing item, by helping flowers to grow in my garden, or even by making my home feel more comfortable. I’ve even expanded my creating-abilities to making my own websites! I also love to take photos, dress my baby in cute clothes, and go for walks.

What makes you unique as a woman?

I like to be different, but not in a way that other people are different. I try to find clothing that is flattering but not revealing. I make it a point to know trends and yet I don’t follow what I don’t like.

What do you love about Kids?

Kids are so much fun! I loved babysitting when I was younger because children are so eye-opening. We can learn many great principles from the learning experiences and attitudes of children. When you step back and see life with more understanding because of those children, you really love them!



What are you currently doing besides your creative craft?

I’m a stay-at-home-mom who takes care of my family. My husband has one year left of school and so I’m cheering him on. My baby is almost nine months old and has begun crawling – she really keeps me on the move!

Anna's Family

What is the address for your Etsy shop?

http://www.shopannavirginia.etsy.com/

What do you offer in your Etsy shop?

I want to offer items for the entire family. I still need to add some men’s/dad’s items, but so far I’ve got:
Women: skirts, sweaters, hair accessories, and hats
Baby Girl: sweaters, shoes, hats, and hair accessories
Baby Boy: vests, shoes and hats
and Crochet Patterns!Where do you create?
In my home! It’s smoke-free and pet-free!

Where do you find your inspiration?

Depends on what I’m making – for women’s clothing, I usually find features that I like from several high-end items and then I take those elements and add my own style.
For my baby items, I’m inspired by my own sweet daughter and my nephew.

How did you get started in your line of business?

It’s all because I see things at the store that I like, but I don’t want to pay their price, or, I see something and think: I can make this! I don’t often buy things that I can make on my own! I’ve got a bachelor degree in clothing design, so I’ve got training and experience that opens so many possibilities.

How do you promote your business?

I’m in several Etsy groups, I’ve got a page on Facebook and I’ve been trying to master SEO for my items so that people can find them! I’ve also done a few giveaways, but I’m not sure those have helped much.

What is one of your most important lessons you've learned since starting your business?

Networking through social groups, family and other sellers is a huge and inexpensive help for business. There are a lot of free or affordable resources to help spread the word about your great items!




What advice would you give someone just starting out?

Buy something from someone on Etsy before you set up your shop. This helps you know what you like about their service, packaging, photographing, etc. If you’re a buyer, you’ll be a better seller because you’ll know what it’s like to be on the other side. Plus, if it all goes well you can start off a shop with positive ratings! (I think it’s better than having no ratings. Being a good buyer hints at being a good seller!)

What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy?

Time Captured
Lil Princess Bow
Pink Elephant Shop
Stones of Healing
KSL Classifieds
Ravelry
Walker's Bride's Emporium
Amazon

What are your other sites?

http://www.annavirginia.moonfruit.com/
http://www.facebook.com/annavirginia
http://www.ravelry.com/people/anniemontanie
http://www.flickr.com/photos/annavirginia/

Be sure to visit Anna's Etsy shop and leave a comment letting her know how much you enjoy her work!

Monday, August 2, 2010

Behind the Scenes - Meet Your EtsyMom Admin

Happy Monday all!!! We would like to welcome all of our new members! As most of you know, the EtsyMom Street Team is dedicated to promoting women artists and crafters who also share the joy of being mothers. Some of our members work from home, some work from other places, but we all share a love of creating beautiful, useful, artful things.

Jodi Doody, of HappyHouseQuilts and creator of the team, always said she wanted the team to be a "soft place to land for moms!" She understood that "life" happens and that members may need time away. At the same time, the team grows daily! With such a large membership, who provides continuity and keeps everything running smoothly? Let's go behind the scenes of the EtsyMom team to meet some of our administrators, the awesome women who support us all!



Name: Alice
Shopname: Lilprincessbow (http://lilprincessbow.etsy.com)
Responsibilities: Welcome Committee Co-Head

Why I joined Etsymom: I wanted to join a team with a common goal and background. I have met many great Etsy shop owners on EtsyMom who share similar challenges and needed similar support as me. It is a great team to be in.

What I like about selling on Etsy: It is a fun community with many creative people. I love selling and shopping on Etsy.






Name: Stacey
Shopname: Daisy Designs Shop (http://beadedsocks.etsy.com)
Responsibilities: My responsibilities have been setting up the new forum, editing or changing preferences on all forums, fixing background issues on the blog, graphics editor for EtsyMom and membership.

Why I joined EtsyMom I joined EtsyMoms to be a part of a group that would give me support and help on improving my shop. A group that would understand being a Mom with kids and a business at home. Moms who celebrate the same achievements and learn to deal with the same struggles.






Name: Missie
Shopname: Sykin's One Stop Twilight Shop (http://sykin.etsy.com) & Sykin's NW Wonders (http://nwwonders.etsy.com)
Responsibilities: Co-Leader, Newsletter Committee Co-Head, Social Networking Committee Co-Head

Why I joined EtsyMom I wanted to find a team where I'd fit in the best. I don't consider myself hugely talented in crafts, so I wanted to find people I could share something with - and being a mom is just one of those things :)

What I like about selling on Etsy: Everyone is so nice on etsy! They're willing to share selling tips, techniques, suppliers, and gossip. It's like the red hat club almost!





Name: Jennifer
Shopname: lavenderave (http://lavenderave.etsy.com)
Responsibilities: Co-Leader, Etsy Mom Curator Award (EMCA) and Gift Guide Committee

Why I joined Etsymom: I wanted to meet other Moms who were working to build a business, balancing home and family with work - looking for support. It is a fantastic group of women.

What I like about selling on Etsy: Etsy is a great place to find unique and amazing things, so fun to shop. I like selling on Etsy because it's very flexible, great for a busy mom. Also, the customers tend to appreciate the value of handmade items.






Name: Kimberly
Shopname: CinnamonSpice Papercrafts (http://cinnamonspice.etsy.com)
Responsibilities: Special Events Committee Co-Head

Why I joined Etsymom:
I wanted to be a part of this team because I love that we are all artisan mommies...I instantly felt a bond with the other members. I just knew that being on this team represented a commitment to our work because we're willing to sacrifice time with our families to make our dreams come true!

What I like about selling on Etsy:
I was first attracted to Etsy because of the artisan look and feel of the site. Once I joined, I was amazed at the support available from Etsy staff and sellers. I truly feel like I'm in business for myself but not by myself and no matter what type of issues arise, I know there is an outlet for me to get answers. I also love being able to give back and share my experiences and what I've learned from being a shopowner.






Name: Meg
Shopname: Beachside Treasures (http://beachsidetreasures.etsy.com)
Responsibilities: EMCA Committee

Why I joined Etsymom: I joined EtsyMom because I thought it would be a great way to meet other moms all over the world who have a passion for crafting just like me. It's wonderful to have a network like this to help give each other support and encouragement, especially while trying to juggle a household, family, jobs, and our shops. Nowhere else have I found a group full of such amazing women who know exactly what I'm going thru all the time!

What I like about selling on Etsy: I love that I'm surrounded by other artists and draftees, and that people buying from Etsy appreciate handmade from the heart items rather than just some trinkets bought at some big box store. Plus, how else are you going to meet so many other artisans in one place, all full of unique and creative ideas to help you succeed and willing to share?






Name: Anastasia
Shopname: L'Accent Nou ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/LAccentNou )
Responsibilities: Etsy Mom Curator Award (EMCA) and Gift Guide Committee

Why I joined Etsymom: It is a great opportunity to meet crafty moms all over the world and share our experience.

What I like about selling on Etsy: Etsy is a great place to expose your work, to meet people, to discover anything new everyday. But the best thing Etsy has is the community. This is not only a market place, here you make connections, make friends, have a lot of fun.






Name: Heather
Shopname: All You Need Designs (http://allyouneeddesigns.etsy.com)
Responsibilities: Newsletter Committee Co-Head and Welcome Committee Co-Head

Why I joined Etsymom: I wanted to be part of a group that could understand the challenges we face not only as creators and business owners, but also as mothers. This has been a great group to be a part of - supportive, friendly and fun! I love being part of the team and getting to know everyone. I've found some great shops this way - and I am so happy that we can support each other with advice and sales! I'd rather buy from another Etsymom than just any shop.

What I like about selling on Etsy: It's such a great forum for getting your creativity out there - the people who come to Etsy are looking for unique, handmade items and that's what we all have to offer! It's such a thrill for me that I've been able to share my creativity through Etsy!






Name: Tammy
Shopname: HotLavaClothing (http://HotLavaClothing.etsy.com)
Responsibilities: Welcome Committee Co-Head

Why I joined Etsymom: As a mom of 5 (yes five), joining the Etsymom Team was a “no brainer”. I deeply admire our team & how we help each other learn, navigate Etsy, & the personal camaraderie and support within the team is amazing. The team not only offers support to each other but inspiration :)

What I like about selling on Etsy: I truly enjoy the interaction with customers and being able to add the personal touch. I love custom orders and creating something that the customer has envisioned. Aside from selling, I’ve met some truly wonderful sellers on Etsy.






Name: Shannon
Shopname: I Heart Quotes (http://iheartquotes.etsy.com)
Responsibilities: Welcome Committee Co-Head

Why I joined Etsymom: Being new to the Etsy world, I really wanted to find a team that would offer support, and advice, as well as provide a place to meet other moms who wear many hats throughout the day. Having a dynamic support team is so important for success and networking. I feel like I have already met so many great ladies!

What I like about selling on Etsy: I love selling on Etsy! Every person that I have either sold to or purchased from has been amazing! I love the thought that other people appreciate my handmade items. Being my own boss and having my own shop is truly a dream come true!






Name: Jessa
Shopname: Little Pearl Quilts (http://littlepearlquilts.etsy.com)
Responsibilities: Special Events & Social Networking Co-Head

Why I joined Etsymom: I love having the opportunity to connect with other creative mamas, trying to balance babies and husbands and art and life. It's great having a place to chat, ask a stupid question, rant a little bit, or celebrate - with other girls who really get it.

What I like about selling on Etsy: There's no way that selling in a bricks & mortar store could work with my current "real" life - Etsy is an amazing (and flexible!) marketplace for a busy mama. And I think the worldwide aspect of Etsy is awesome - I love knowing that little ones all over are snuggling with my toys and quilts - it's such a great feeling!






Name: Anna
Shopname: Shop Anna Virginia (http://shopAnnaVirginia.etsy.com)
Responsibilities: Special Events/Social Networking Committee

Why I joined Etsymom: I wanted to network, socialize and find friends across the world who are like me: a mom selling stuff on Etsy

What I like about selling on Etsy: Flexible hours! I love that I can put as much time in it as I can give, and it's really dependent on me. And, if I can only work a few hours a day, my shop is still open 24/7. So nice. :)