Business Opportunities Weblog

May 7, 2008 by Angela Shupe | 12 Comments

Etsy has become well known for their collection of estores that offer handmade products. It’s been a good starting ground for many people because they cater to those that want these handmade items.

A work-at-home mom, Lotta sells her vintage styled jewelry and other items through her Mom O Matic’s Automat Etsy shop. All her items are very unique and easy to love. Such as the necklace shown here.

Lotta has been kind enough to donate thie stylish necklace to be given away to one of our readers. If you’d like a chance to win this necklace just leave a comment on this post. The giveaway starts now and ends May 14th at 11:59pm. The winner will be chosen on May 15th by me and contacted through email.

What is ‘Mom O Matic’s Automat’?

Automats were coin operated vending machines that served up treats like hot coffee, sandwiches and cake back in the 1900s. What was so great about the Automat was that even though it was a vending machine there were actual people sitting behind the glass; making the goodies and handing them through the slots. Mom O Matic’s Automat is based on this cool concept. I’m sitting behind the machine that is Etsy, making goodies that use vintage materials for anyone willing to toss in a few nickels. I hope people feel that they have received a treat when they get my packages.

How long have you been selling your jewelry at Etsy?

I had my first sale on January 9, 2008 – the same day I opened the shop! So the shop is just about 5 months old. I can’t imagine not having it now so it’s hard to believe it’s only been 5 months!

What made you decide on Etsy as your store front?

I was initially drawn in by the Etsy aesthetic. By using Etsy I knew that my products would be framed within an attractive website. Etsy has also cultivated a customer base of buyers who appreciate handmade, one of a kind goods. So they had done the hard work of gathering the market, my job was then to make the market want to step into my store. I also liked that other than my listing fees there was not very much startup cost. I had to use the materials I had on hand for my first few items, then purchase more as I made sales. Had I needed to make a large up front investment I could not have done it.

How long have you been making your jewelry?

I got this idea that I wanted to have a handmade Christmas this past year. So I made jewelry, hair slides and purses for my family. Just a month later, I had opened up Mom O Matic’s Automat with these same kinds of items.

What was your inspiration?

I’ve always loved vintage goods, and especially vintage buttons. Once Christmas was over, and the gifts were passed out I found that I didn’t want to stop working with these materials. But honestly, it was the wonderful people that read my blog that ultimately inspired me to open the store. Their positive and caring comments over the past 2 years have made me feel like I could really do anything I set my mind to.

What steps did you need to take to get your online store set up?

I was already signed up with Etsy as a buyer so creating a seller account was really a matter of clicks. I think that I had inadvertently done a lot of setup by blogging. Writing a blog created a recognition of both the Mom O Matic name and the personality behind the merchandise. So when readers purchased an item it became another way to have a connection. To have something tangible in their hands made by this nutty woman they had been reading and cheering on. Starting a business with customers waiting in the wings is a huge boost.

Did you receive any advice that has been invaluable in business?

The best advice I got was to keep surrounding yourself with people that believe in and support what your doing. If that means your family is skeptical, then keep those conversations to a minimum. Save your planning and dreaming for an online community, your best friend, or that mom you meet at the park that thinks your products are genius. Drink that in and let it inspire you.

What have you learned since you owned your store that you wish you’d known before?

Track your expenses! Supplies, advertising, Etsy fees…everything. It’s very easy to be working at a loss, or under pricing without even realizing it.

How do you manage your time around working on your business and time with your family?

I’m still trying to work that one out. At first I was so energized by the idea that people were actually willing to pay money for something I had made that it was easy to have late night crafting and posting sessions. I have two small children so I do a lot of my work after they have gone to bed. And it does wear on you after a time. I’m lucky in that my husband is very supportive and willing to take over when I need him to so I can work on my business. But I know even that’s not going to be enough at some point. I’m starting to rethink how I need to plan my time so I can keep the momentum going without depleting my family.

Do you have any advice for other moms that would like to start their own online store?

It’s much easier if you have a passion for what you are selling. I had a hard time rallying around selling Avon or Tupperware. It wasn’t until I found something that I loved to make and do that I was able to start a profitable business. So follow what tugs at your heart. Keep your expenses down. And do at least three things a day to promote your store. Even if one of those things is as simple as slipping your business card to the Pediatrician.

In Giveaways, Interviews | 12 Comments
Tags: Jewelry, Women, Work at Home