Business Opportunities Weblog

February 14, 2008 by Angela Shupe | 1 Comment

If you haven’t heard of Etsy, I’m a little surprised. The website has been growing in popularity recently, especially because all the items sold there are handmade. Those who haven’t had much luck selling handmade items on other websites or through other e-store websites generally find that it’s easier on Etsy. Erin Wallace is a work-at-home mom who has an Etsy store selling unique clothing, bags, and other fun accessories. I recently got the chance to get an interview with her and talk to her about her success.

What inspired you to create your e-store, Blue Bird Baby at Etsy

I first began making baby slings to sell which eventually led me to open an Etsy shop. I was frustrated that most baby carriers seemed to be so expensive, so I began making my own. For me, my sling was a life saver. It allowed me to do so many things while carrying around my colicky newborn. I sold most of my slings through word of mouth and a couple of months after opening my Etsy shop I realized I couldn’t deal with the monotony of making the same thing over and over again. I shifted away from slings and eventually dabbled in making bags and children’s accessories, and now I am focusing on unique clothing for little ones.

How do you manage the time to create your great items and being a mom?

Up until just a few weeks ago I worked only when my daughter was sleeping. I worked during her nap time and after she went to sleep at night. I quickly realized that I was becoming exhausted doing this and enlisted the help of some wonderful people in our town. I get about five hours a week to work now while my daughter is at home and being watched by someone else. I still work during her nap time and often at night, because for me creating is a break. I enjoy it.

What inspires you to make the items you sell?

I am inspired by a lot of things; nature, clothing throughout history, my daughter, simplicity, and the idea that kids should dress like kids. I often cut out a pair of pants to make my daughter with no idea how I will embellish them, only to be inspired during the actual process and come up with (what I hope is) a unique design. Now that my daughter is getting older, it is more difficult finding clothing that I feel comfortable with her wearing. On the rare occasion I go to a store to buy her clothes, I am often astounded by how the clothes seem to be more appropriate for a teenager than a toddler! I want her to wear clothes that are comfortable and practical for all kinds of play. I want them to be simple enough that they don’t take the attention away from who she truly is. Clothing is an accessory to ourselves; it doesn’t define who we are.

When did you create your e-store? How long has it been since you started?

I first created my Etsy shop in July 2007, although I didn’t start listing things right away. It took me awhile to find my “niche” and it wasn’t until last November that I really started to work hard at it. That’s when I began introducing my children’s clothing designs and realized that was what I wanted to focus on. A new website is in the works which will have more purchasing information, as well as wholesale information.

How long have you been sewing for? What inspired you to start sewing?

Oh goodness, this is always such a fun question to answer. My mother used to sew when I was younger. She made all of her children a quilt for Christmas and I remember being so thrilled about it. Even as a child I really cherished handmade gifts. Her best friend was also very creative and had a sewing room which I remember being so interested in. It never occurred to me that I could actually sew something myself. It wasn’t until I was stuck in the hospital my senior year in high school that I started sewing by hand out of boredom. I ended up sewing an entire quilt by hand because I didn’t have access to a machine, nor did I really care about owning one. When I got pregnant I decided to make cloth diapers and my mother lent me her machine. It was only a couple of more months until a serger joined the sewing table. The cloth diapers were a bust and I gave up for a few months. But I was soon back at it and made a few things for the baby while I was pregnant. I didn’t really start sewing regularly until after my daughter’s colic subsided at 8 months. Since then, I haven’t stopped.

Do you have any advice for other crafty moms out there interested in selling things they make as a business?

You have nothing to lose. If you are doing something you love, it will show in your work. Don’t be afraid of putting your things out there. Be confident and have lots of patience! Etsy has been an amazing resource for me. Without it, I would not have started any of this. I know it sounds silly, but the most important thing is to believe in yourself and your work.

In Interviews, Women, Work at Home | 1 Comment