Interview wtih an Etsy Seller

Today I am featuring another Etsy seller! yay! Nikki from http://gabrielsaunt.etsy.com/. Her shop is full of "Natural Candles, Perfumes and lovely smelling things." I had seen her around in the Etsy forums, and after checking out her shop I instantly made her one of my favorite shops! I am a huge scent person! I probly own more perfumes and sprays then you can imagine! I haven't yet had the chance to try out her stuff, but the descriptions alone drew me in! Some of it sounds so sensual, some crisp and clean, and there are even some yummy type scents that I'm sure would tempt you to take a taste!

I gave her a little interview, so read on and don't forget to stop by her shop and see if there is something there to tempt you! ;)


1. How did you learn about etsy, and what made you decide to open up shop here?

I learned about Etsy through a website called WickedlyChic.com. I came across a record cover purse there and that was my first purchase. A few months later after seeing that I could have a website and also sell on Etsy; I opened my shop up. I didn't know how it would work out or if I would get any business, but after 2 months, my shop took off!

2. What would you say is one of the best parts to owning your own shop? Worst part?
The best part of running and owning my Etsy shop is the ability to quickly add new items and immediately promote them to hundreds of people. With a website, it takes so much longer to add new items, upload photos and there is not a guarantee getting that new item any attention. The worst part of owning my own shop is the fear of getting negative feedback. The upside to that is it keeps you at your best when you know that people can leave that feedback if they are not happy.I think it has made me a better business owner so, really, it isn't a bad thing.


3. What is your favorite item that you sell and why?
I love making and selling my botanical perfumes. I am so proud of them and I think they are unique and lovely. Etsy has really been a great venue in which to sell and get feedback on my perfumes. They have done really well here and I look forward to creating new blends.


4. What is your favorite thing about etsy, such as features... etc..?
There are so many features on Etsy that I just love, but the recent comeback of Alchemy is my favorite. I also love the Time Machine seeing what has just been added and sold. It is a blast to see the activity. I also have to say the Promo Forums has hands down made the biggest difference in my business. I was barely selling anything until I started heavily promoting my shop in there.

5. Finally, if you could give any peice of advice to other sellers, especially new seller, what would it be?
The 2 pieces of advice I would give to another seller would be these: (1) Promote, Promote, Promote in the Forums and (2) Buy from other shops to get your feedback numbers up. This will not only give you some credibility, but it will introduce you to other shops.

To Eat, or Not to Eat Continued

So, in my last post I mentioned a few common food items that you should have your dog avoid. These are items that may be harmless for humans (unless you have an allergy to them of course), but can be very toxic to our furry friends. I wanted to add three more items to this list.

Grapes (and raisins)

Grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin that can lead to acute kidney and liver failure in dogs. The condition is severe and comes on quickly. Some dogs are more susceptible to dangerous effects from grapes and raisins than others, and unfortunetly there is no other way to tell unless you encounter a problem.

Onions

Onions and other members of the allium family may cause abnormalities in red blood cells, resulting in anemia.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms can contain various toxins that can affect your dogs nervous system, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Watch out for those mushrooms that may grow wild in your back yard and at parks!

And just remember, when in doubt, be sure to check with your vet. Or just tell yourself, when in doubt, your dog can do without! ;)

My next post will be a little lighter! ;) I am featuring a seller! Be sure to check back so you can see this great shop and read the interview! Thanks for stopping by!

To Eat, or Not to Eat

I thought that since I sell dog biscuits in my etsy shop, http://kittenskornercafe.etsy.com/ I would provide some helpful information about dogs and thier health. Hopefully those readers who have dogs will find someting useful here! ;)


Dogs and humans have different metabolism's, and some foods that humans can eat are potentially toxic in dogs. Read labels carefully and become familiar with the foods dogs should avoid.





Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine. In dogs, chocolate causes increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination, andrestlesness. Toxic doses can lead to seizures, irregular heart rhythm, and in some cases even death.

Macadamia Nuts

These fatty nuts contain an unknown toxin that can affect your dogs muscles, as well as her digestive and nervous system.






Caffeine


Caffeine is found in coffe, tea, chocolate, cola, and human stimulants. Caffeinated products can be toxic and will affect your dogs heart and nervous system.


That is all I have time for today, but I will continue in my next post a few more common foods that dogs shouls avoid and why. Remember, if you are ever in doubt about what your dog can have, check with your vet. ;)

Photographers Of Etsy

So, apparently there was once a street team on Etsy called P.O.E. Photographers Of Etsy, and it died. However, it has now been miraculously revived and is going strong! It is now lead by Bill from House of Six Cats, http://www.houseofsixcats.etsy.com/, and Erika from ELBfoto, http://www.elbfoto.etsy.com/. There are many other members who also have a huge part in this street team, and there is even a shop just for the street team! www.PhotographersofEtsy.etsy.com

I just wanted to share a few of my personal favorites. They are my favorites because of thier work, as well as because of who they are. That is one of my favorite things about Etsy, you can get to know these people, it is a community. There aren't too many places you can go online to sell your wares where you can get to know others like you, and become part of a community where we all help each other, rather that compete with each other.

My first mention is Houseofsixcats. He has been helpful and friendly, and was one of the first photographers I really made contact with on Etsy. Even being as busy as he is with family, photography, and being a co-leader of P.O.E., he has always seemed to have time to answer others questions, offer advise, and encourage other photographers. He's definetly an inspiration!

I never knew what TTV photography was until I saw sixcats ttv photos. Now I know, Through The Viewfinder. Useally done by using your camera, and taking the picture through the viewfinder of an older, vintage camera. I love the results! It's a picture that has a lovely vintage look to it, lots of character!

This one is called "Seaside Memory"

This one is called "Aged Flowers" He also has many other types of photography and items in his shop. Be sure to visit! http://www.houseofsixcats.etsy.com/.

My second mention would be Melody from Aria Images, http://www.ariaimages.etsy.com/. I got to know her a little through a fundraising thread she was doing. She is very nice, and wonderfully talented! Although I am not big on architecture, her images are so lovely! It makes me want to visit those places so that I can see the beauty my self! She also has some great nature photos, as well as some vintage feel stuff. Be sure to check out her shop as well! http://www.ariaimages.etsy.com/.

This photo is called "Casa". I love the color of the building, and the shape of the windows!

This one is called "Old Thrills". This is one of the more vintage feel photos I was talking about. It seems to take you back to those old carnival days of corndogs and cotton candy! ;)