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Story by
littlealouette,
marymary
Published on October 19, 2009 in Spotlight |
Photo by |
Joe and Amy of littlealouette are successfully supporting their family selling their simple natural wooden toys on Etsy. With backgrounds in carpentry, furniture making, education, and politics, this duo melded their collective skills into a business they never dreamed would take them this far. They both admit being their own boss is the toughest work they have known, but find balance in taking time out from work each day to spend quality time together with their children. Keep reading to find out why Joe misses his daily lunch outings at bistros and pubs and why they both claim a British accent and wicked grin have been one of their best marketing tools to date.
How did you originally get into the business of making things?
Joe is a master craftsman who apprenticed in the North of England where he grew up. He became a self-employed bespoke furniture maker. When he moved to the states he worked in carpentry. I worked in education and politics after university, but always found myself spending time on artistic projects and volunteering in local art charities or working with local arts councils. Joe made me furniture and I would create gifts for family and friends. I would write poetry about Joe’s hands and what they could make. I still do. Joe began making simple toys for our first child and the rest is history.
When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
Not really. We thought it would be extra money for our family; we were in the middle of a very hard financial time as we juggled two mortgages while trying to sell an investment property in a very still market here in Ohio. We knew that our family and friends loved what we were making for our kids and for others so we thought we would make some money, but never did we realize that we would make a whole new life.
Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?
Always adapting and growing, it has been an organic process and a juggling act with two small boys and a passionate marriage. While it's been quite fluid, we have learned that sometimes you just have to roll with it. It requires loads of paperwork and time, so planning ahead is important. We stepped down our spending and live with frugality and perseverance. Lastly, asking for advice and help was and is so important!
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business?
I am a blogger and this has helped me a lot with meeting others and spreading the word. We have a Twitter account (@littlealouette) and a cool Tumblr blog for Little Alouette with daily parenting tips and inspiration (we are always looking for guest parents)! We have a Facebook page and I have a big mouth! Joe is not a big Internet individual. He has a smart phone and sometimes uses Facebook, but he relies on me to work the magic on the Internet. He carries a stack of business cards, his British accent, and a wicked grin. We get a lot of sales from him. I like to work with other bloggers for giveaways from time to time and there are a lot of really great blogs and sites you can advertise on to find your audience. Etsy has been incredibly helpful with the light it has shined on us. The whole world is in love with Etsy and it is amazing to be a part of this family of artists.
What have you found to be unsuccessful promotion?
We came up with an idea of keys and key sets that we named after a great customer's daughter. The keys were a big hit! You know how babies and kids love to play with and chew on your keys? Well, we also thought that kids love other everyday items like remote controls — so we made a remote control rattle and no one bought one. We may try again in the future for some everyday life items. You have to try things!
What's your best marketing tip?
- Believe in yourself.
- Know that you are amazing and groovy and smashing!
- Be able to talk about your business freely and with anyone.
- Changing up photos and keeping the shop full works well for us!
- We like to offer our customers free shipping and codes and deals.
- I think Twitter is excellent for this type of promotion, but just try and remember that Twitter is a give and take and it is a great place to interact and get to know your customers — not just a place to hawk your wares.
Walk us through your typical workday.
Most days are different — some days in the indie life are diamonds and some are not. Yesterday was like this:
- 6:30 a.m.: Blaise, our two-year-old screamed, "Mama! Mama!" for about ten minutes until we brought him into our bed. We woke up Finn, our five-year-old, and had breakfast and the first of several pots of coffee together. We walked Finn to half-day kindergarten and then we all went off to the gym for an hour. We played with Blaise after a good stress-relieving workout until time to collect Finn from school.
- We had lunch as a family and then Daddy went to the workshop. The kiddos had naps and I worked on Little Alouette.
- I talked to people all over the world, mailed samples, answered emails and Convos, and worked on new packaging.
- I made a cake while doing this all. I love working from home!
- The kids got up and I took off the Wood Queen crown and became Mom again. I rolled to the playground and then to the post office and then hosted a play date at our house. I used my BlackBerry to relist some items and chat with customers. I taught my children about Jackson Pollock. I sketched a new toy while the kids went down the slide.
- One thing that is constant is that when Joe comes home from work in the evening, we are diligent about putting the work away. The kids get us all. They get the attention and energy and everything. When they go to bed we must work more and it takes a lot of effort, but we must if we want to keep this balance. We do not have TV. This is a big help!
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
My family has eaten most meals together in the last two years. This is amazing. When we both worked outside the home it was rare that I got home before 7 p.m. We ate in shifts and smashed quality time into 1.5 hours. I missed some milestones of my oldest son. I rushed. My husband drove far too fast in his truck. We raced through life. Now we are slower. More deliberate. This is important. The way it feels to just go to the park on a Wednesday at 2 p.m. with my whole family. The freedom to schedule out a day that works for you is exhilarating. The way it feels to know that we are instilling hard work values and an entrepreneurial spirit into our children. We are showing them that even in the middle of your life, you can change gears and do something that makes you feel good. You can follow dreams big or small. Telling strangers about Little Alouette feels stellar!
I miss tons of people and the energy all around me. I worked with so many people in my old career. I miss adult interaction. I often find myself discussing new ideas and wholesale accounts with my five-year-old. He looks at me funny. Joe says he misses lunching out at bistros and pubs. I make him eat healthy lunches at home now. We miss our old insurance. But nothing can take away the reality of being with each other so much. It is gorgeous.
What's the hardest part about running your own business?
Heavy shoulders. The paperwork and responsibility that come with this lifestyle are quite hefty. Organization is a sick and dirty word for me. We are learning to keep receipts and may even graduate to a file system this winter! We never stop working. The fatigue is tough at times. No one tells you to stop. You may not sleep properly.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?
Listen to advice and take it! My pal took me out for drinks last fall and told me my business was going to take off and I should get myself in order. I remember laughing about it then, but it has taken off. Be ready for what you want because you may well get it! Find good business folks like cool insurance agents, lawyers, and smart fellow artist mentors. Surround yourself with goodness. Stay in the light. Be kind and open. When times get tricky, keep focused and believe. Be happy and optimistic and acknowledge that you are lucky to be making art and living off of it in these bleak times.
What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
- Work on loads of new ideas and toys.
- Grow the business.
- Perhaps gain an employee.
- Keep babies happy throughout the world.
- Meet more cool Etsy folk in real life.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Thank you so much to Etsy and our customers. We are so blessed and we thank you! We love you! Smooches. Each product is made by hand and usually all the wood is surrounded by cups of tea, laughing children, and disco music so each product will come to you infused with love and bliss!
Thanks to Amy and Joe for sharing their story. Have your own questions to ask? Come on by and chat with them Wednesday, October 21 at 5 p.m. ET in Etsy's Virtual Labs. You can see some of their beautiful work in the Related Items. Check out previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.
| Tags | advice, Baby, Children, Colombus, full-time, littlealouette, natural, naturalkidsteam, Ohio, organic, Quit Your Day Job, sellers, selling, Spotlight, SPOTLIGHT, tips, Toys, waldorf, wood, Woodworking, workflow, working |
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268 comments Login to add your own!
Vanessa
StudioCherie
juicychristians
I really really loved your article!!!!! It is very inspiring! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
MyMoms
daileedose
pinkytoeclothing
quillynilly
invitesbyjen
Congratulations on your wonderful success. You all look very happy!!!
lovelygifts
timesandchimes
thirtyonedesigns
hypothesis
great products and wonderful story. Congratulations to your whole family!
Lunatiger
ArtFromTheHeartBySue
That was a very inspiring story! .... A great family and a great work ethic!
seababejewelry
EarthenTreasures
Congrats to you! I enjoyed your story, good to see parents taking time with their kids, too. Much continued success to you!
ToadLillie
You ARE "amazing, groovy, and smashing"! Love reading about families that balance work and creative passions. Congratulations on your success!
ThrillyKnickers
Really nice to see another Brit on Etsy, especially one doing so well! Maybe this is where I'm going wrong?! One way ticket to America please, I'll let my accent sort me out! Though at least you, Joe, are from the North, with a good accent - I'm from Essex!! Where's that going to get me?! (Best not to answer that....)
Ha, seriously though, love your toys, congrats to all of you! xx
EJPcreations
ooblakazoo
FerragamoStudio
DucksInARowBoutique
bellatinacreations
I love your story and your products. I will be back to get some for my neice!
feliciafairy
We have some of these toys and my munchkin adores them! Dealing with these guys was a complete joy as well. Congratulations on your success!
CopperLeafStudios
Cool ~~ Ohio people! :) Congrats on all your success! A wonderful read!
bananabottoms
craftpile
julipbags
LuluMcCleary
MommaE
Congrats on the success. Your toys look awesome, and are reasonably priced. Continued good luck!
Eileen...
fernfiddlehead
walkthetalk
Wonder inspiration!! Beautiful toys, amazing ethics, incredible parents... thank God for littlealouette. Reading this article is my warm hug for my day!
LovelyPiecesDesign
very sweet and inspiring! despite the risks and long hours required to run a home-based business, it can be SO worth it!
SeaFindDesigns
HMHdesign
theenchantedcupboard
Yeah for our NaturalKids Teammate!!!!
Well done nattysister!!
Congrats Amy!!
moonovermaize
Awesome products! Congrats on your success and best wishes for the future! :)
TheSeed
bayatinge
Fabulous story! Congratulations on your success! It's great to hear about a local success story too - Go Ohio! :)
HoneysuckleLane
LustreBeads
HarrietsHaven
poppyfox
SewnNatural
Yay! Thrilled to see you guys here, Amy! Your work, artistry, photos and story are quite the inspiration. Nevermind how beautiful your natural wood toys are :)
LittleVale
polkadotsandblooms
Hi guys - you are truly inspirational. I really enjoyed hearing your story. Well Done!
thebestvintage
thelittlecrocodile
tlgentile
what a fabulous feature! amy, her shop, and her blog are beautiful and worth making a part of your daily 'net routine :)
FluteTeacher
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Thank you for sharing your story! Best wishes.
burntmill
WideSarcasmSea
I bought one of Little Alouette's teethers for a friend who absolutely loved it! I adore Amy's quirky sweetness and the quality handmade products she and Joe are making- Keep on rockin'!
underoakstudios
AngelEllie
OhSewFine
Congratulations! Thanks for the inspiration, I enjoyed your story. You have such a beautiful family.
RedorGrayArt
MetalLeaves
faro
PureInspiration
theclassicfarmhouse
littlejennywren
Great article, very honest and open plus great advice. Thank you.
postroadvintage
What a beautiful family! I wish you all the best with your continued success!!
somavenus
KnockKnocking
modernemotive
ChloesRuffleButt
lovealittle
Your work is adorable and you're such an inspiration to the Natty Kids Team xxx
posa75
I so so love reading about people like you that are making it work amidst all the craziness, day by day. I hope to get there myself someday. In the meantime, I'll keep spreading the word about your great toys!
starvingartistbazaar
greeblemonkey
So thrilled to see you guys here, LOVE your toys and LOVE you!
thecraftpantry
michon
Congrats, I love the photos in your interview & your toys are great!
sherrytruitt
wonderful, thanks for sharing your story. Continued success to you.
magpiefelts
aBreathofFrenchair
heatherk
I loved getting a peek at your day to day life. My little guy is getting some LA toys for his 2nd birthday next week! :)
thecluelesscrafter
you took a stressful time and turned it around for the good of your family. beautiful!
GatheringSplendor
DianeLDesigns
Great Story! So wonderful that you are able to be with your children....they grow fast! Congrats. :):)
paisleybaby
warpedLaurie
windylou
I love wooden toys for kids. Apparently some people think they can't be found anymore. I'm glad to see that they are wrong!
delightdesignbiz
Love this article... this is my favorite line: "Be happy and optimistic and acknowledge that you are lucky to be making art and living off of it in these bleak times." LOVE it.. Thanks so much for the inspiration!!
lemondropbay
It's always a joy to read etsy's success stories! You have infused the recipe for success with your family life-not an easy goal to obtain. Thank you for sharing!
Wishing you continued prosperity with your wonderful shop!
TheLoudLion
delightful story! thanks for sharing and for the inspiration!
Congratulations
msbelle
Fantastic article! I admire you guys, especially that you don't have a TV. I can certainly see how you can get a lot more done. Dinners with family are so special and rare these days. Very inspiring and wonderful work! Congrats!
2TrickPony
balancing kids and biz at home, i hear ya! I too, believe that half the battle is positive thinking. Thanks for letting us into your world a bit, I really enjoyed it.
Mimiandlola
Congratulations! It's nice that life has slowed down to enjoy your family! Great article.
SorciasLair
Very inspirational. Thanks so much for sharing this family's success on Etsy. Gives great hope to a newbie.
Thx again.
lizcoolmompicks
Yay to Joe and Amy! You're living the dream and we're so happy to support you any way we can. Great pick, Storque.
warmwhippets
what a sweet family, inspiring story. i really hope to get the courage to quit my day job too.
juneshin
littlegraypixel
I'm envious of your lifestyle. It's everything I want! Kudos on your booming business!
sweetsalty
baconsquarefarm
Congratulations~! happy for you two Joe and Amy, lovely family as well. Wish you continued success as you grow your business. Great shop.
ByMarieNicole
Inspiring... thank you... gives hope to someone like me who is looking forward to the rewards that will one day come from all the hard work... happy to just enjoy the process in the mean time.
Congratulations!
SpringtreeRoad
yay! you guys are fantastic! i love your little family - and your teethers. :)
Coral2CoveCave
How Fun! What a beautiful, energitic family y'all have. Makes me wish that my daughter (17) was a baby again so I could enjoy playing with your toys!
All the Very best!
gilstrapdesigns
It feels so good to be able to just carve out your day the way you want it and like they said what works for you. I was recently laid off so this is where I'm at and loving it.
terrabellaaccents
breadandroses
Congratulations and best wishes for continued success! I like the comment about having a deliberate life. So true. Great toys.
Jelart
Thanks for all the good hints!You seem to really enjoy your new lifestyle! I'm jealous.
VintageTwenty
There were so many words of wisdom in this article that they are worth repeating and remembering:
"We do not have TV-we are instilling hard work values and an entrepreneurial spirit into our children-We are showing them that even in the middle of your life, you can change gears and do something that makes you feel good-You can follow dreams big or small-nothing can take away the reality of being with each other so much-Surround yourself with goodness-Stay in the light-Be kind and open-When times get tricky, keep focused and believe-Be happy and optimistic and acknowledge that you are lucky . . ."
kunklebaby
jodieflowers
gracehesterdesigns
Yay Amy! Etsy Celebrity! I'm gonna be the girl at the party who points you out and say, "I know HER. I know HER." :o) Congrats.
peacehouse
What beautiful things you have! Thank you for the inspiration-with a situation that sounds so much like your "before" story, I'm looking forward to creating my own peacehouse. I appreciate the hope you offer!
sbdesignz
Congrats! It's such a large accomplishment to be able to only sell items on Etsy and be able to support yourself! This is something I hope to accomplish one day also!
BellyDancePrincess
michaelangela
EclecticNotions
It sounds like you really keep your family a first priority-which is how it should be. Keep up the good work.
EcoFelt
Fairyfolk
I love how you guys keep your wood a natural color.
Blessings and magic.
happymaxdesigns
clubviv
odiliafu
Congrats! I love the natural wood color and the organic shape of the toys.
japonicas
TrendyTrimmingsByTT
Congratulations on your shops success and thanks for the words of wisdom!
weegreenspot
my 13 month old baby loves your simple wooden blocks! lovely article!
wearthou
Love this article especially about the husband and wife team. We work in tandem here in our home studio - I still have a day job and hope to do what you're doing, sans the small kids...one day. Thanks for the great article.
eatsbeadsandcards
So inspiring! I love that you get to spend so much time together everyday - what a treat that must be!
DivineByDeidre
ithcreations
TrilliumTrue
vintagemaison
Great story - love the British accent bit. I'm a Brit living abroad too, although I'm in France. Love your products, love your philosophy on life...Well done!
wildcubs
Still working two jobs. And hoping for the day in the future when I can afford quitting my day job. Thanks guys for sharing your success story!
BeautifulSoaps
Loved reading your interview when you were the featured sellers and love this too. Amy you are adorable with the cute little gap in your teeth :-)
dandelionland
Wonderful article! What a beautiful family and such lovely products they create.
worksandfinds
Oh yes, I remember you guys - you were Featured seller in April of this year. Wow, my congratulations!!
MamaKs
BossysFeltworks
Hey! We're fueled by tea and kids too! (oh, and chocolate!). Congratulations to you both and your boys too. A good thing is a GOOD thing!
trudiedavies
spacejam
emmasommerfeld
It's always great to hear about others - we're not alone in this world wide thing -
dementedsnowflake
Wow, you guys are such an inspiration!! Well done, keep up the amazing work!!
GgaBulShop
fashioncentsformom
I have just started a blog as well http://fashioncentsformom.com ; I also very recently started on etsy selling my handmade bows that made for my daughter at first. I enjoy hearing stories about success, especially in an economy like today!
lealerjcreates
StoneSchoolVintage
artsyfingers
Wonderful Family, Love wood, Thanks for sharing and God Bless.
chocolatecreative
As usual very inspiring and much needed advice on this field, dreaming everyday about being able to give up my day job and dedicate all my time and energy to my textiles business...I hope it hopes soon before I go insane!!
steinschmuckdesign
Congrats, gorgeous Work and
all the luck for the future!!!
fishstique
SunshineandRavioli
I ♥ this feature! We are looking to simplify life and possibly both work from home (not just me) in the near future...littlealouette is an inspiration! Thanks for sharing your experience...
BizzieLizzie
Congratulations! Best photos! Sweetest family pics! Thanks for sharing!! All the best!!
sunstoneboutique
wow a truly inspiration , wwhat a great article
keep up the good job
ericawalker
congratulations guys!
great story, quality, fun products, and lovely people.
well deserved.
vermontbranchcompany
This is so insiring. Thank you for sharing as our family has similar goals.
dottybaby
Beautifull pieces, great family, I hope to quit my day job too, not yet but soon ....
germandolls
Great items - Great folks! I think there is your recipe for success! Voila!
Congratulations!
hellokjames
your teether/rattles are my favorite gift to give babies! love you guys. :)
merrydaledolls
A wonderful story ! Your creations are just beautiful! You are an inspiration to your fellow members of the Naturalkids Team! Congratulations!
MyPatternedMind
What a sweet story! Just lovely! I love the last part about their products being infused with love and bliss- what a great personal touch! :)
VixVintage
What a lovely story, you two are an inspiration and so passionate to boot! Thanks
accessoryalamode
A very inspiring story with awesome items! A new favorite has been found!
virtuallori
caffeinequeenie
Very inspirational story! I remember when I first heard about you guys from Dooce!
FreshlySkweezed
Interesting. Inspiring. Incredible! Congrats and may you have continued success!
monkeyandsquirrel
love love love these articles! having just recently quit my day job, these stories let me know that it really is possible to keep it up, and that the paperwork is overwhelming for everyone :)
mamaslittlebabies
It's hard not to fall in love with Joe and Amy! The whole article is filled with excellent advice and really touches on what it's like to run your own business - thanks so much for letting us into your world. xoxo
laralewis
recycledwares
very happy to hear you are selling well. good luck in 2010 and beyond.
1AEON
kunstig
I don't know you, BUT know you will be a success, don't look back it might frighten you into reverse, don't look down, that will drop your chin, don't look up, you may stumble over a pebble just look forward without FEAR, I know how you feel, I have a daughter on the same venture as you, God bless
clarelupino
copperandglass
These are the kinds of toys our 5 boys were raised on, and they are the most creative and awesome men now. Congratulations on your success, and thanks for all the successes you will inspire.
CLineCreations
Congratulations, that was a wonderful read. I wish your family all the best!
bejeweledbynikki
Congratulations!! I feel like I spent the day with you guys! I love that you get so much together time..xo..and doing what you love for a living; It doesn't get much better! You are such an inspiration. I look forward to a similar story someday. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work!
momomatic
RomanceCatsAndWhimsy
Very inspiring article with lots of great tips. I admire artists/etsy sellers who juggle all of this with small ones at home. Whew! You're amazing!!!
DalkullanJewelry
Congratulations Joe and Amy on your successful business and your beautiful family! Your wooden toys are so cute -- I love the pirate ship!
Thanks for a great article.
Iammie
thecleverkitty
Such an inspiration! You have beautiful work, and a great story. Thanks so much for sharing! :)
lmgboutique
JoshuaByOak
Wonderful story. It's evident you love what you do. So lucky!
HouserWallis
what an encouraging article. thanks for the advice.
your toys are lovely!
ArtisticIntentions
What a wonderful family! Good for you - and much success in the future! Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story!
stylmagazine
californiablue
This is a great article - so inspiring! I wish them continued success and happiness!
Blog: http://californiablue.tumblr.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/californiablue
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cabluejewelry
musettemade
Very inspiring words! Thanks for sharing your success!
Shannon
Maykela
cthings
SILKSBYKAYLAORIGINAL
naturevine
I have just been introduce to Etsy and I am so happy to have joined and to become a part of ALLL the wonderfully talented artists! I know I have a long way to go....but, I believe I will become wiser and business will pick up!
Your story was great and I hope to be able to share a similar story one day!
cassidycay
Thanks for the insight into your Etsy life! Your kids are adorable!
Squier
outspokenjewelry
Beautiful simplistic designs. Wonderful! I'm sure they bring joy to many children.
contempojewels
ShimmeringSky
Amy, I talk about new ideas with my dogs... & they look at me funny too, lol!
Well done and all the best to your familybusiness (no space between the words because they are so interwoven for you)!
Bobbie
MalloryMaeDesigns
Love the creative photos. Congrats and continued success!
sproutonline
WhimsicalMom
tinyspace
akkricket
OwlandMouse
SimpleEarth
Wow! I just started on Etsy and I am more excited and inspired everyday! What a great story and beautiful family!
thedaydreamer
PrettyLittleShop
So much fun- i love your toys- i'll have to take a peek now...:)
ChenilleTreasures
Wow...so very inspiring. I love that you fight to keep your family a priority in the middle of all the hard work. Your toys are adorable. Thanks for sharing your story.
kingfishercrafts
Great Story. Great items.
An inspiration for us as another couple
making magic happen daily on Etsy.
amysfunkyfibers
Wow, so great to hear that you are enjoying your family so much!Keep up the good work. You have found what is important in life!
katejwilkinson
if you were on qvc, would you make wooden teeth for elders? oh, i kidd. love you guys. here is a shout out to you and yours. xoxoxox, k and the w's
threefishshop
violetsandgrace
You are my heros! What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing with the Etsy community. I strive to create balance between working on Etsy and homeschooling my two young children, it is certainly a challenge! You seem to have found that perfect balance and move through your day with an easy grace that I am in awe of!
bobbinalong
Hi, fellow Central Ohioans! Loved your story. Nice job. It would be fun if you could create an "OSU Bucks" item. You have to be careful with a conflict with the university. But babies could love OSU as much as their parents! Perhaps some wooden "buckeyes".
I could also see a while line of wooden insects and bugs and birds and butterflies and . . . . . Maybe you already make these.
Keep going, continue to create, and be happy! I wish you the best.
lisaroy
artquilt560
PaperPetalCreations
Thanks for sharing insight into your business and family life. It is wonderful to hear tips from a successful Etsy seller.
quiltitems4u
FABULOUS article! Thank You So Much for taking the time out to share with all of us. God Speed!
MamaRobot
BHBKidstyle
masonke
Tobias03
Hi Guys,
Its stallions wife Katie here - just wanted to say how fantastic little alouette looks!
You two are amazing, to read about your life makes us all wake up every morning and aim to be like you!!
Love to all, Katie T xxxx
HollybyGollie
writeonthewall
wow, great article. u 2 look like your having a blast with each other.
MoonpathDesigns
Beautiful work! Thanks for the helpful tips and inspirational pics. :)
GirlettesMV
slumptown
What a lovely family and wonderful shop. Thanks for sharing.
Congratulations on your success.
SnowJaneVintage
Love what your doing, but I love your story even more. I decided to take my passion for all things vintage to the next level. I am working hard at understanding all the technical stuff, so that's taking some adjustment, but I am fianlly doing what I love too!!
philosophi
LizzyBdesigns
lsulhan
Thanks for the great article. I have had my etsy shop for a few months and I haven't sold a thing. I am getting a little frustrated but the article gave me some insight into other areas to advertise. I now offer free shipping and I hope if I add another photo to give an idea of scale I will finally sell something. The only time I sell things is by word of mouth.
It's a great shop and idea. I think all parents want toys that are organic and safe.
sewaddicting
JurgitaKiltPins
lovely family! Great story! Wishing so much just the best!!!!!
theHandmaiden
one of my go-to gifts for baby showers - LOVE little alouette!
mykky
Thank you for this - I love your quote. Very uplifting! : "Surround yourself with goodness. Stay in the light. Be kind and open. When times get tricky, keep focused and believe."
Furiousdreams
I loved this Spotlight and take great inspiration from a family who works and creates together....even if the little ones can't hold their own yet in a business conversation.
Thanks for also offering that link to independent insurers. I'd like to hear more about them and possibly find someone in my neck of the woods. (outside Philly)
Great shop, I'm off to explore!
snollygosters
Your pictures are so great! Congrats! Wishing ongoing success, and lots of sales! It's so nice to see a family making it happen on there own. Thank you for sharing.
LadyLuLus
TheNightjar
KarKarStyle
mengseldesign
Thank you for a very inspiring article. It really motivated me to just keep pushing!
sleepymoondesign
EpicallyEpicSoap
Well, I have a passion for soap, so I'm inspired. Thanks for the article!
fireflymoon
NICE! Thanks for the inspiration and perspective! Congrats on your success!
RomanceinSilverAH
morningbicycle
BirdhouseBlessings
Thank you, it is great to hear other people's passion about the craft.
sebenjewelry
thanks so much - what great inspiration - true living a "wealthy" life full of love and time and creativity. I hope to follow in your footsteps!
sebenjewelry
thanks for the inspiring story of a life of true wealth - creativity, TIME, and love. I hope to follow in your footsteps with my own funky jewelry
SarahLamont
knowingphotography
Thank you so much for your advice...it's great to hear that passion is the fuel behind the fire...*
CuriousSparrow
MapleShadeKids
It so wonderful to hear your story...your balance of life,...time....work...hugs.....play and a bit more work. Thanks for sharing :)
blackscrapcat
humandrattle
Oh the way you spoke about your family is simply beautiful. A much more organic lifestyle. I love how you said you put the work away and give the children all of you. Sometimes i find myself not completely present in the moment with my own trying to get an order finished. Thank you for the kick in the bottom... Peace
suzannedesigns
********I love your back to basics products*********I hope I can find success with my necktie creations as you have with yours. Love your kids names too! +++++++++++++++
suzannedesigns
************I love your back to basics products ++++++++++ I hope I can find similar success with my necktie creations ******** thanks for the personal story!
AnnaKayCreations
NBloom789
Jewelryfashions
I haven't read too many articles about my fellow etsy's but I am glad I read yours. I too work from home and love the flexibility of my schedule. I recently quit my other job and was a little concerned if I had done the right thing. Two months after I quit, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and now need to have a flexible schedule so I can take care of dr's appointments and treatment. I am happy to report that I caught it very early but it will still take another 6 months to complete treatment. So I am very glad I made the decision to quit not just for the flexiblity but I really love making jewelry. Do what you love and it doesn't feel like work!!!
Pearlk2
TrinityBly
inspiring! thank you! Every time I read a story like yours, I can add more life and colour to my dreams and vision of being at home full-time as a Mama and entrepreneur... ahhh.
TrinityBly
inspiring... reading stories like yours helps me infuse my vision with life and colour, and encourages me in my dream of doing this full-time and being home with my little one. I, like humandrattle, often find myself not being "present" - not "practicing what I print" in my products! So it feels great on days like today, to not even turn on the computer until my little one is gone with his Daddy. We just hung out all day - now I work when he's gone! Thx for your inspiration.
RossanaShoshana
Great article and toys! Congrats!
beautiful happy family.Great success.
DazzledBeader
MeAndBoo
I love the "work/life balance" that you have here, it is how I would ideally like things to be. Nice to know it can be done!
TwistedThings
OpusMuse
lovely toys littlealouette! we can't get enough of wooden toys! your story is inspirational. it let people know that dreams do come true and you havta work hard to get it! ;)
oliverhenry
beautiful wooden toys and teethers! Thank you for the great advice.
laura1953
A main stumbling block for me is health/dental insurance. If I quit my day job, it will become a significant monthly expense. (As is the case for many others in my position!)
Do you know of any insurance companies that cater to small business owners or craftspeople/artists? Your input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, and best of success and happiness in your work!
Laura
Laura4ca
chatelainejewellery
What a truely lovely story, I enjoyed reading and I wish you great success.
toolisjewelry
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