Jill of jill2day spent many years in corporate design departments until the economy’s downturn left her unemployed. She took her career change as a motivating opportunity to start her Etsy shop, learn more about the ins-and-outs of e-commerce and begin supporting herself through her artistic voice. She’s now successfully making her living through her Etsy business, loves making her own schedule, and if she could go back in time, she would have advised herself to do it sooner. Keep reading to find out how Jill uses customer service as one of her best marketing tools.
How did you originally get into the business of making things?
I can’t remember not making things. One of my prize possessions is a clay dog that I made in 2nd grade and I can remember making things even before that. I can honestly say I would not have graduated from high school if it weren’t for my art classes — and the fabulous teachers I had. They taught me that making things was of value.
Tell us about your previous working situation.
Ironically I left art school and entered the corporate world. I remember working as a bank teller and seeing an ad agency come in to pitch an idea. It was then that I realized that there were people who were actually making a living coming up with ideas and creating things. I went back to school for graphic design and spent the next many years in corporate and agency design departments. I also taught graphic design for a while. I liked the problem solving and customer service parts of these jobs almost as much as the creative part. However, the longer I was in the corporate environment the more I started to get the “been there done that” feeling during meetings.
When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
My day job quit me before I started selling on Etsy! I am one of the “recently unemployed” from this economic craziness. I spent a while looking for another position, but really wanted to see if the fiber art that I had been doing for myself could be a full-time endeavor — or at least keep me occupied until the economy picked up again. I also really wanted to increase my knowledge of the world of online commerce and advertising.
Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?
Yes. I bought a serger! I found one that I could buy on a no-interest one-year loan. My goal was to just make enough to pay this off before the one year ended and interest kicked in. I had my own B+M graphic design firm years ago, so I already knew about record-keeping, etc.
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What’s your best marketing tip?
- First and foremost: Join Etsy and use all the tools available to you. It was a great sort of “start-up franchise.” I read all the info on starting up, joined in the Forums, and generally just decided to focus, focus, focus.
- Secondly: Customer service. My background included a lot of both vendor and customer relationships, so I have just applied lessons learned previously to my Etsy shop. I always keep in mind that repeat customers are gold — and fun. So I really am trying to build relationships and listen to my customers’ ideas — not just sell them stuff! Consequently I am doing many custom items. I love to do these, because they are often for people who have had a hard time finding their size in “fun” clothes before, so they are so excited to have these items made, and we have so much fun planning the garment. They come up with some great ideas to challenge me!
What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
So far so good. I have had success with the Showcases, Weekend Deals and renewing (a reasonable amount!). I will be in my first show in a couple weeks, and also am participating in the Etsy Pavilion at the Chicago One of a Kind Show — so ask me that question again in a month! I don’t tweet, and my Facebook is purely for family and connecting with friends: no business.
Walk us through your typical workday.
- I stumble downstairs and take the dog out — but first I turn on the computer so that when I come in it is all set to check in with my “positive thread” buddies in the Forums. (Hey, look guys: I’m in an article!)
- After my husband goes to work, I spend some more time on Etsy: check Convos, Forums, renew, etc.
- At 9 I turn off the computer (usually) and I head off to the studio (getting dressed first is optional).
- Then it is sewing until lunch.
- During lunch it is another check on my shop, Convos, Forums, etc.
- The afternoon is either photo time, post office time (I love going to my small town post office with a load of boxes), or back to the studio to plan, cut apart my found sweaters and adding the parts to my stash, or make “sweater bundles” — bundling together all the various parts for each sweater, or sew.
- Once a week I go material shopping and once a week I do some bookkeeping.
- I usually emerge from the studio when my husband gets home, and run another Convo and blog check while he is checking his computer.
- I resume hand sewing while watching the TV, but usually don‘t go back to the studio in the evening, as I am spoiled by the daytime daylight!
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
I love making my own schedule. In the corporate world I had to react to all the deadlines imposed on me. But on Etsy I can prioritize and pace myself to my life much better. I am also loving the solitude and the community! (And my local NPR station.) I have this quiet, productive life that is intermittently enhanced by my fellow Etsians and customers through their Convos and emails. It is so lovely to have these interactions, but because they are electronic they are so much easier to manage than the people popping into your cube or office all the time…and I do not miss meetings!
What’s the hardest part about running your own business?
No back-up and, because I am new to this production mode, and am generally a complete optimist, judging how long things will take. I have occasionally bitten off a bit more than I should chew.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?
Myself: I would have done this earlier!
Others: Decide why you are here. If you want to make a living, then you have opened up a business and you must approach it as such — 100% x 24/7. If you are here to subsidize your hobby, great, but don’t expect to have the same results as those who are full-time businesses.
What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
Well, I have the money to pay off my serger, but have already decided I might need a commercial serger next year! Beyond that, I want to keep coming up with new designs and products that my customers will love to wear, and that will enable me to keep enjoying what I am doing. I will probably do more shows. Technically, I would love to get better at SEO and maybe open my own site as a hub for my blog, Etsy, shows, etc. Who knows, maybe I will even learn to tweet!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A big thank you to Etsy and my fellow Etsy sellers and buyers, and to my husband and friends. I am sure that this year of unemployment would have been very tough without all of you. In losing my job I have found out that Richie Havens was right when he said, “Backwards is not necessarily a negative direction!”
Thanks to Jill for sharing her story. You can see some of Jill‘s beautiful work in the Related Items. Check out previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.
162 comments
Sign in to add your ownMorado says:
COngratulations! Very inspiring :o)
3 years ago
ZaZaZuJewels says:
I also quit my day job since my jewelry business was over taking my off work hours. I am much happier and relaxed these days. Visit me at zazazujewels. :)
3 years ago
mythunderstood says:
Love your stuff! Thanks for sharing and best wishes to you!
3 years ago
breadandroses2 says:
Congrats, Jill, for turning lemons into lemonade! Always to inspiring to read this feature. Best wishes for continued success!
3 years ago
craftscafe says:
Jill, I Love repurposing too! Majority of my jewelry is repurposed! Deconstructed old pieces turn into fun new treasures!
3 years ago
rebeccasanchez says:
Beautiful work!
3 years ago
rosebudshome says:
Quite a beautiful product jill2day!
3 years ago
HarrietsHaven says:
Lovely shop! I was a bank teller too. Seven years too long!!! :)
3 years ago
VixVintage says:
Jill, you are a spirit after my our heart! Very nice, thanks for sharing.
3 years ago
emmarts says:
Congrats on being featured - I love your items and the way you let them look. Ingenious!
3 years ago
NoMoreTwistHandmade says:
Thanks for your practical and clear-cut advice advice. As a newbie who wants to approach my Etsy shop as a business, researching others' strategies while trying to find time to actually create can be daunting. I appreciate advice like this that is distilled and do-able.
3 years ago
YayaOrchid says:
What an inspiring interview!
3 years ago
SusanFaye says:
I agree--focus, focus, focus and taking advantage of all that Etsy has to offer are the keys to success! Great article--thanks!
3 years ago
BlackStar says:
great interview! love your shop too.
3 years ago
urbanknitfits says:
VERY awesome! and congratulations! thanks for being an inspiration!!!
3 years ago
christinamarieart says:
So inspiring!! and yes this can totally be done. Though you may have to have your hand in several cookie jars, artists can making a living off of their work. You just have to work VERY hard. I love being an artist and I love reading about success stories like this! Yay!
3 years ago
herbolution says:
Wonderful items and congratulation with you success jill2day! I also did quit my job but not because I had such a sucess as you but because I didn't like it and wanted to do what I really enjoy. Hope some day to succeed as you did! :) Thank you for the great article!
3 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Congrats! Nice shop.
3 years ago
dogdazzle says:
What a wonderful story! Thank you Jill for the advice and inspiration!
3 years ago
bylynnkrestel says:
many congrats to you, jill2day! i love your work! thanks for inspiring us as we look towards the new year!!
3 years ago
Heart0Felt says:
Your clothing is beautiful. Congrats!
3 years ago
pabrika says:
such an inspiring story! fabulous work, Jill!
3 years ago
FashionTouch says:
Love the items you make and happy quityourdayjob:)!
3 years ago
CindyEllison says:
Love your shop and the name of your shop. Very inspiring story, enjoyed reading it. May you have continued success in the new year.
3 years ago
maxandolivia says:
Very inspiring story!! Great shop too :)
3 years ago
DowntownGirlDesigns says:
Congratulations!!! Very, inspiring story :)
3 years ago
DowntownGirlVintage says:
Pretty shop :)
3 years ago
midnightjo1327 says:
Congrats to you! I LOVE your shop!
3 years ago
ImmanJwls says:
Inspiring story. Wish you the very best.
3 years ago
BagsOfaFeather says:
Congratulations Jill- great article! And I'm thrilled to see you mention your fellow "positive thread" buddies- it is so nice to see one of our own get to be a featured seller!
3 years ago
maryellenmckenzie says:
Great story ... thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
Krystyna81 says:
Wow. Not bad for a young shop :)
3 years ago
thebestvintage says:
Thanks for sharing your story Jill!
3 years ago
tomatored says:
CONGRATULATIONS! WELL DONE!
3 years ago
PixelWildChild says:
Very inspinring story... loved it!
3 years ago
jill2day says:
Thanks to all of you for the kind words... It is you guys - the Etsy community - that makes Etsy what it is and success for us all! (Oh - thanks Etsy admin too!!)
3 years ago
EJPcreations says:
So inspiring!!!
3 years ago
Ladymystery says:
Wow! That is wonderful! I love reading these. It gives me hope and inspiration! Even though I don't even know where to start!haha! Thank you!
3 years ago
FrucciDesign says:
I have the honor and pleasure to have Jill as neighbor at the OOAK show in Chicago last week, and I can unsure that she and her fantastic work were definitively the star of the show!
3 years ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
You go girl! Love getting a peek into other designers/artists environments and schedules. Best wishes for continued success!
3 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Beautiful shop, happy to have found her on etsy now, I'll be showing mr santa her shop tonight. Congrats to you for finding success and enjoying your work. Wish you continued success.
3 years ago
TCaponePhoto says:
Very inspirational! As someone who's been in the corporate world for 15 years now and who is looking to leave it over the next few months, it's so wonderful to hear a success story! So much of what you said rings familiar! Congratulations!
3 years ago
VintageJamie says:
Wow~ Great items! Great story!
3 years ago
JeweleryNut says:
Thanks for the advice. I wish I would have set up shop sooner too.
3 years ago
PapillionQuilts says:
You're doing what you were meant to do. Very creative and classy.
3 years ago
MyJunkyTrunk says:
Fabulous! Absolutely fabulous! I love Jill's eye for color and her funky style. Great work and terrific article.
3 years ago
artofjane says:
What a great article! I love stories like this one. Love the shop too! Thanks for the advice.
3 years ago
artofjane says:
Love the article and inspiration. Forgot to ad that I love the recycling!! (I do that too.)
3 years ago
LarissaSpafford says:
What an inspiring story! I only wish I would have known you were at the One of a Kind Show in Chicago, I was there too and would have loved to see your creations in real life! Your creations are fabulous :)
3 years ago
jiorji says:
these articles are always so inspiring :)
3 years ago
galstudio says:
I owe my perseverance to people like who inspire my! Thanks for sharing.
3 years ago
InfatuatedGirlShop says:
This was an excellent read. Thanks so much for sharing your story, Jill -- I'm informed and inspired!
3 years ago
SimpleTraditions says:
Very cool looking stuff! On to heart you!
3 years ago
thumbuddies says:
Thank you for sharing your story! We are part of the economic downturn also and I am thankful it has pushed us into our creativity once again! Congratulations on your new successful business!
3 years ago
amandabelarmino says:
That was inspiring and will help keep my spirits!
3 years ago
rakshniyavintage says:
Jill that is so amazing!!!! congrads! It's so much fun to read about you outside of the forums :)
3 years ago
empapers says:
As always, another inspiring QYDJ! I can certainly relate to that 'been there, done that' feeling as well as the idea of quietly working, while listening to NPR!
3 years ago
MessyJesse says:
i love your typical daily routine, it sounds so nice! :)
3 years ago
Bluebrooch says:
Great story - tx so much for sharing!!
3 years ago
PookieandPierre says:
Congratulations Jill! Great article. You are an inspiration!
3 years ago
VintageMarquise says:
very very inspiring !! than you so much fro sharing :)
3 years ago
thewonderlandstudio says:
great article Jill! an amazing way to turn around a bad situation...inspiring! Love the positive thread shout-out...woohoo!!! :o)
3 years ago
Gwendolynsdesign says:
Lovely! glad to see a studio that looks like mine LOL Organized chaos
3 years ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Wonderful work Jill! Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. :)
3 years ago
mycotton says:
Congrates to you, lovely shop @-->
3 years ago
SewCupcake says:
inspiring!
3 years ago
LisaFerinDesigns says:
So glad to see Jill featured!! Great work from a great person!
3 years ago
MidwestNeedles says:
yay! congrats!
3 years ago
somelikeitvintage says:
Congratulations! Love the work you do .. it's always a big step to take to open your own shop, but luckily the shop found you!
3 years ago
TrendyTrimmingsByTT says:
Jill, you truly are an inspiration! Love your work! Hope one day I can quit my day job too!
3 years ago
tashascreations says:
Great ideas of how to reuse old but favorite sweater!
3 years ago
odiliafu says:
Congrats!! Very creative designs. Inspiring article.
3 years ago
MuseSilkPaintings says:
Amazing lady and amazing story! SO inspiring!
3 years ago
amysfunkyfibers says:
You look like you are having way too much fun!I just love your work!
3 years ago
vintagebella says:
Wonderful studio! Thanks for sharing your story!!
3 years ago
Yayahandicraft says:
Beautiful job. Inspire me to keep going.
3 years ago
JiSTdesigns says:
Jill - from one Jill to another... love your creations! love your story! thank you for sharing!
3 years ago
FerntreeStudio says:
Wonderful work. :) angie
3 years ago
KnottyLoop says:
Congrats Jill....it was so nice meeting you at the One of a Kind show. Thanks for the inspiration. I love your work. Wishing you continued success.
3 years ago
bojosmom says:
I love these quit your day job stories and your's is a wonderful one. Thanks for sharing Jill! I hope to run my shop full time in the near future. I will keep this story and read it often:)
3 years ago
savagefrocks says:
Thanks Jill! You give me hope. I repurpose clothing too and am having a slow start. Great ideas and great work!
3 years ago
simplyworn says:
Jill... thank you for your generous and honest information I'm learning everyday how great and lucky I am to be apart of the Etsy community.
3 years ago
paigespastime says:
Love your article and I especially like your outlook on your business! Can't wait to slip over to your ship and see some of your creations!
3 years ago
hopefullworld says:
I'm so glad things turned out well for you--congratulations on making that happen. And I loved looking at your work space and hearing about your schedule. And thanks for reminding me that if you don't have the time to make this a priority, you can't expect the same results. I have trouble with that sometimes.
3 years ago
starwickcandles says:
Thank you so much for your post! I love your energy and enthusiasm---I, too, am thankful to be outside the corporate world now!
3 years ago
BabyEtte says:
I love seeing this article as she has been one of my favorite shops for awhile now. Yay Jill! Beth/BabyEtte
3 years ago
miccicohan says:
This is a great inspiring story! It helps so much to hear these stories and I always look forward to them. Good luck Jill! Your designs are beautiful! Happy Holidays!
3 years ago
polkadotsandblooms says:
Thank you so much for sharing Jill. I was made redundant also earlier this year so am in a similar situation. I am working hard for Etsy to fill the gap. It is such a great opportunity and I love every minute of it! Really crossing my fingers that it will work out for you!
3 years ago
Meg1862 says:
You're a wonderful inspiration to us all, Jill, and your typical work-day was funny. I, too, stumble out the door in the wee hours to take the dog out! Your crafting studio looks wonderful and you're right - nothing better than a cuddly sweater. Keep up the great work, dear. :)
3 years ago
cosmichippodesigns says:
Wonderful story, Jill, and highly inspiring. The corporation I worked for relocated to Virginia so I found myself unemployed as well. It forced me to re-focus my thinking about my etsy shop and I couldn't be happier. Happy Holidays to all! Come visit my shop for handmade leather handbags, etc. http://www.cosmichippodesigns.etsy.com
3 years ago
AngelPainterGrl says:
That was very helpful and motivating. Thank you!
3 years ago
Squier says:
Great article & awesome shop!
3 years ago
PawPawsWorkshop says:
That's great. Can't wait till mine takes off like that.
3 years ago
SmallJoysStudio says:
So inspiring! Thanks for your story. Stop by at my recently opened jewelry shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmallJoysStudio
3 years ago
smellyrhino says:
simply fabulous! Great job! I'm sending this my mom!
3 years ago
wildplummosaics says:
You have a great positive outlook on life! And you sure live in a beautiful spot - I live in Madison and love visiting Blue Mounds for skiing and hiking.
3 years ago
shellsherree says:
Blessings in disguise ~ wondrous things! Good for you, Jill. Your time is well structured; something I want to do better. Thank you for the inspiration!
3 years ago
mrowe says:
Wow! Thanks so much for being an inspiration!
3 years ago
lullabylily says:
Lovely story - well done Jill!
3 years ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
Wow this article is so inspiring and like me I'm in my 50's and recently laid off and now I'm really trying to get this going full-time. We just never how or when the blessings will come. Thank you for this great article!
3 years ago
rachelmaydesigns says:
I love how you upcycle these items into something fun!
3 years ago
FullCircleRetro says:
Wonderful story...! Good for you & good for us...Thanks for sharing a bite of optimism :)
3 years ago
wisdomacres says:
Thanks for opening your home and life for a day! We live only 1 1/2 hours from you. You have some beautiful things in your shop. Your article was very encouraging! Blessings~ Jackie
3 years ago
happycakejewels says:
Such an inspiring story! Thank you for sharing!
3 years ago
LavenderField says:
Jill you work is truly precious! Congratulations on you success!
3 years ago
BrazanDesign says:
Your work is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story with us.
3 years ago
EmeraldCityEmporium says:
Great interview :) I love how it features someone who had a time, and got laid off, and decided to follow her heart instead of doing something that may have been more 'logical'.
3 years ago
konkokto says:
I had already noticed her unique style before that article came out. she´s an awesome crafter !
3 years ago
Baadgirls says:
This little glimpse into Jill’s productive life was very insightful. Jill’s work stands on its own. With beautiful style and wonderful creations. As a crafts person new to the market place it is a little difficult to get started. Though it is a pleasure to do the work you love. The reward is selling your pieces to people who love to wear them, admire them or best of all give them for gifts to friends and family. As Jill says the golden buyer is one who returns. Thank you for the inspiration!
3 years ago
notionbyleandra says:
Wonderful!! So inspiring to see how you turned a possible crisis into a career opportunity! Your positive outlook and creative initiative proved to be so beneficial.Thank you for your advice.
3 years ago
jill2day says:
Wow... my heart is absolutely huge with thanks to all of you for your good wishes and kind words... but I would expect nothing less than positive support from this amazing Etsy community and crafters!
3 years ago
jill2day says:
Wow - This is just more proof of the openness and support of the Etsy Community and crafters...Thank you all for your warm words you all inspire me - nice to hope I have done a little in return!
3 years ago
PoppyTogs says:
I LOVE your sweaters!! What imagination!!! You GO girl!! And congrats on your business! This is my goal for the next year... What do I really LOVE to do, and let's make it work!! Thanks for this article! Lisa @ PoppyTogs
3 years ago
AllThingsQuilted says:
What an excellent article, I've only been on Etsy for 6 months, but I have learned alot for artists like you. Thank you!
3 years ago
GarrettMcCarthy says:
Very Informative - especially working for oneself - this is the key to economic survival in today's corporate cast-off mentality. Success is the best remedy to letting the stressful times behind.
3 years ago
rethinkink says:
Congrats Jill! Great article, I love getting to see others schedules and how you work.
3 years ago
schparkly says:
Jill- you have a great attitude! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and how you go about your process. I appreciate your honesty & the excellent tips! I am new to Etsy and am putting in a full work day and then going home and putting in just about a full Etsy work day in hopes to be doing only this full time within the next year.
3 years ago
gittasrubbings says:
Thank you for sharing your story, wishing you continued success.
3 years ago
michon says:
congrats on paying off that serger :)
3 years ago
JourneyDesigns says:
Very cool stuff, Jill!! Love your work!
3 years ago
PaisleyMagic says:
you are very inspiring... great article....
3 years ago
brianarose says:
Love this idea! Keep up the amazing work!!
3 years ago
tweeprints says:
that's great...very inspiring.
3 years ago
CinnamonCottage says:
thank you for sharing your story. it's inspiring especially for new beginners!!
3 years ago
ashleyeaston says:
I'm so with you on the NPR...what great company through the long days working at home. :) Thanks for the interview!
3 years ago
LouiseHD says:
HI, Jill The same situation with me -almost exactly. Very inspiring.
3 years ago
flashbackintime says:
Love to hear a success story, especially an etsy success yarn. Keep up the great work. Love your flair for design.
3 years ago
luvvinjewels says:
I found your shop a couple of months ago. You are an inspiration! I am fascinated that you can repurpose so beautifully and creatively. Bravo. I hope I can buy something from you soon.
3 years ago
ChristinaCarter says:
I love your scarves, Jill!
3 years ago
CreativeButterflyXOX says:
Congrats on your success. Your story is so inspiring to me as a newbie on Etsy.
3 years ago
AnytimeAccessory says:
You are blessed! Thank you for sharing your blessings with us.
3 years ago
colorstorydesigns says:
very inspiring! congrats on your success and we wish you the best :)
3 years ago
WishesAndSpells says:
Its so great that you share your success story! Thank you!
3 years ago
pibbles says:
Jill2day inspires us to buy american this holiday season and support small startups! Get shopping!
3 years ago
funkymonkeythreads says:
What a great read, thank you :) It is comforting to know that a fellow Etsian is enjoying herself and going at her own pace. I think if we try to "sell" too much it becomes hectic & feels more like work. Your pride in your designs, pictures, etc. shows through to me and I'm sure to all of your customers. Congratulations & Happy Holidays!!
3 years ago
jonijames says:
Great article! I always get a great sense of community when I take the time to visit the Storque. Congratulations on being able to live the life you love!
3 years ago
DesignersAvenue says:
Very inspiring history. Congrats...
3 years ago
InformalElegance says:
Love that there was a positive outcome to your job loss. What an inspiring story!
3 years ago
sassmama says:
Great advice! Congrats.... love your work.
3 years ago
sundarose says:
Your designs are gorgeous! Very inspiring article.
3 years ago
kirstenfrancis says:
Inspiring interview and great, no-nonsense advice. Funny how the word 'focus' keeps on popping up in these interviews...
3 years ago
Cloudsoverwater says:
really cool design!!! I also stay home for my bag business, i'm more relax and i have more time for my bag design. Please visit me at:http://www.etsy.com/shop/Cloudsoverwater
3 years ago
HouseOfCeramics says:
Congratulations! It is so inspiring to see someone dealing with their loss in such wonderfully creative and proactive way. Also, love your "green" approach.
3 years ago
gullistCraft says:
Sometimes bad things will be better later in our life. Congratulations!
3 years ago
MADSBEAR says:
Jill...Congrats!!Loved reading about you and even more loved seeing you.Now I have a face to link with the name. :)I have been starting to feel "been there done that" for the last few weeks...So here is my resolution for the new year...Am going to dust off my hooks and get creating..and hopefully,get going in a good way...
3 years ago
gloriousglodesigns says:
Very inspiring!! I hope to one day work for myself too :).
3 years ago
ExpressiveNotions says:
I have found myself almost jealous that my 16 year old daughter has decided to major in Art and English at San Francisco State University (I majored in Chemistry, don't ask me why?). Your article has helped me focus on a Jewelry and Embroidery business that I dearly love and have held back on because I'm scared of having too much on my plate and not being able to deliver. I'm in the corporate world or Medical Devices and find the job to be overly demanding at the most inconvenient times. I'm looking forward to being just like you one day. Thank you for your article, Carrie A. James Expressive Notions www.expressivenotions.etsy.com Jewelry Notions www.jewelrynotions.net
3 years ago
ExpressiveNotions says:
I have found myself almost jealous that my 16 year old daughter has decided to major in Art and English at San Francisco State University (I majored in Chemistry, don't ask me why?). Your article has helped me focus on a Jewelry and Embroidery business that I dearly love and have held back on because I'm scared of having too much on my plate and not being able to deliver. I'm in the corporate world or Medical Devices and find the job to be overly demanding at the most inconvenient times. I'm looking forward to being just like you one day. Thank you for your article, Carrie A. James Expressive Notions www.expressivenotions.etsy.com Jewelry Notions www.jewelrynotions.net
3 years ago
PizzazzPaperDesigns says:
Thanks jill2day for sharing and inspiring those of us new and still trying to figure it all out on here. I love your designs! All the best to you in 2010!
3 years ago
karenfieldsgallery says:
Good for you for using your talents and going for it! Your designs are wonderful and so unique...modern and fun. It seems like you are having fun creating each piece and it really shows in the final piece.
3 years ago
ScarlettKnight says:
Wonderful work-your knits are beautiful!! Glad to see you get out of the corporate world and create from your heart-the way it should be! A prosperous 2010 and beyond!
3 years ago
TimmerysBebeBling says:
Congratulations on all your success. Thanks for the great article. I hope I too can grow my business.
3 years ago
YellowElm says:
thank you for sharing your story! your work is beautiful!
3 years ago
sunflowervalley says:
congratulations i love your items
3 years ago
OhBayBee says:
This was great to read - and I loved hearing how you set your day time schedule. Very inspiring - congratulations on your success!
3 years ago
ACurveRTwo says:
Jill thanks so much for letting us in to your business. I have just started with Etsy and am so very excited. The best to you in 2010!
3 years ago
maggiesraggedyinn says:
What an inspiring story. Your pieces are amazing... creative genious at work. But this is aso a dangerous story because I just want to walk away from my crazy stressful job and work on my creations and live a more balanced life. I have been trying to find a way to work at home for the lst 20 years and it is only the financial fear that is stopping me... your story just feeds my need to walk away!!! Yikes!!!
3 years ago
MysticalRaindrops says:
Thanks for sharing your story.
2 years ago
ShopHolst says:
thanks for sharing
2 years ago
ShopHolst says:
thanks for sharing
2 years ago
Linne from ARandomHarvest says:
I love your sweaters! So nice to see you still in business, since it's a while since the article came out. I'm in the same boat you were (laid off), so am working on getting a shop set up, too. It was encouraging to read about you. Thanks so much! ~ Linne
173 days ago
sillycatseats23 says:
Your story sort of inspires me to use etsy to see what i can sell
153 days ago