I have been passionate about sewing since I was twelve years old during junior high school. My sewing teacher was Mrs. Cushion, and I still have my apron from that class! I sewed throughout my school years being selected in high school to participate in a fashion show at Frederick and Nelson in downtown Seattle with the garment I created. That was a big honor for me to be recognized among all the other students in the home economics classes for my sewing skills.

After graduating from the UW, I wanted to learn more about design, fabric, fit, and pattern making, and decided to go back to school at Seattle Central Community College where I received an Associated Arts Degree in Apparel Design and Services. I became the alterations department manager at Nordstrom downtown Seattle after graduating, where I continued to work while going through the SCCC program. I later worked in the product development division of Nordstrom as an assistant technical designer and colorist for three years starting in 2000. I continued to take evening courses in women's tailoring at Seattle Central for many years after graduating from the program.

I made a career change seven years ago, which allowed me time to pursue my life-long passion for sewing and designing by starting a business, where I created many types of accessories, particularly, purses and tote bags. It was my "side hustle".

I began by participating in local craft fairs and farmers markets, which was a good way to learn about the business and what customers liked. But, it was a lot of hard work and long days for moderate sales with high vendor fees. I found out about Etsy a short time later, that it was a perfect marketplace for handmade items.

Etsy has given me the best opportunity to reach and exceed my business goals. Since I have opened my shop in 2013, my business has increased many times over. I now make and sell a wide variety of items, not just tote bags and purses. My most popular items are my Mahjong accessories, such as table mats, rack bags, and tote bags. These three Mahjong items are tagged as best sellers on the Etsy.

With Etsy's marketing tools, daily and monthly sales reporting, order tracking, stats, mailing services, and customer messaging and feedback,' my selling time is no longer dominated by "retail" spaces, such as craft fairs and farmers markets, which are limited to local shoppers. This was my #1 business goal- to grow my business online.
My shop on Etsy has helped me to achieve this goal. My business is no longer my "side hustle". Etsy has been the key to my success.