1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and your life up to this point in time.
I was born "Michelle", named after my father, Michael (in french). My brother gave me the nickname "Mia" as a kid, and it stuck. I've always been a dreamer... but an ambitious one! I love art, music (especially classic rock), and all of the "Law & Order" shows. I wanted to be a lawyer when I was younger- or a teacher. I always did well in school, but was never into sports- I hated gym class with a passion! I danced for 18 years, and would love to start taking some classes for fun again this summer.
2. Besides your fantasy creative life, what else are doing currently?
Right now, my creative life is my life- although I wish it allowed more time for creating new things- I've been so inspired lately! My etsy shop keeps me very busy; making, packing, shipping, and of course the customer service and recordkeeping. I also run one location in a small chain of local bead stores and am working on my business administration degree.
3. What do you offer in your Etsy Shop?
My etsy shop, MiaBeads, sells jewelry in a variety of styles- focusing on quality pieces that are both trendy and timeless. I love delicate, feminine jewelry- and also bright, vibrant colors. Pearls, lockets, brass, oxidized silver and vintage glass are some of my favorite materials to work with at the moment.
4. Where do you create?
In a mess! My creative spirit refuses to allow time for cleaning!
Currently, I'm using one spare room in my house for the creating, and my office for paperwork and packaging. This summer, I'm going to be doing a bit of streamlining... setting up a larger studio space where I can do everything at once! I'm sure that will eventually end up just as cluttered though! :0)
5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Mostly nature, and also the vintage components I find. Color is also a huge inspiration for me.
6. How did you learn how to do your craft?
I was always busy with some sort of project as a kid. I began making beaded jewelry at a young age and did my first craft show at the age of 12. I got a job at a local bead store a few years later. Working there, and interacting with so many talented people, taught me so much and helped me find my own style.
7. How do you promote your wares?
Word of mouth has been my best advertising! Keeping my shop updated and the lovely etsians that have featured me on their blogs also helps to bring in new customers.
8. What has been the most important lesson you've learned since you started selling your own creations?
If you want to run a successful business, you need to price your items correctly! This is especially important if you plan on wholesaling to shops and boutiques. The amount of time that goes into designing, creating, marketing, selling, and distributing must be taken into account.
9. Is there any advice you can give others who are just starting out?
Do what you love and be original; People can tell when you are passionate about your work! Don't get discouraged by a slow start... just keep improving your photos and descriptions, stop by the etsy forums for some great info/critiques, and find new ways to promote your wares. The Storque has some great articles on "Etsy Success Stories" that are inspiring to read!
10.Do you have any favorite Etsy artists you'd like to promote here?
Elmstudiosonline
PicturesofLily
IraGrant
BizzieLizzie
Jenarter
MadebyMama
Check back tomorrow when we start Mia's Giveaway!
No comments:
Post a Comment