Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Member Feature: Julie (JulieGarland)


Featured: JulieGarland
Interviewed by: MySelvagedLife

How did you get started creating your line of jewelry?
About eight years ago I escaped winter and worked at a jewelry store in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for a few months and I loved being surrounded by all the shiny gems! When I left and moved to Dallas I took some basic jewelry lessons and started creating simple designs.

What was your background in prior to creating these items?
In my life before Etsy I worked in public relations and worked at agencies in both Toronto and Dallas. I mostly worked with travel clients which had the bonus of the occasional work trip to exotic locales!

How did you first get started on Etsy?
I actually started selling jewelry on my own Web site but while reading some popular blogs I discovered Etsy. I loved the site and the incredible array of handmade goodies you could find there. I joined three years ago and now I sell on Etsy exclusively. It was probably about a month after I joined that I discovered a nifty little feature called “the treasury” which would forever change the way I spend my free time lol!

What is your favorite part of being a shop owner on Etsy?
Being a part of the Etsy community and meeting all the other wonderful shop owners.

What is your least favorite part of being a shop owner on Etsy?
Probably dealing with non-paying buyers – it’s time-consuming to keep sending convos and following up with them.

What challenges have you faced during the process?
Hmm I would say coming up with the right price points for my jewelry and photographing my designs. The way you present your products is so important and I have probably re-taken all of my pictures at least five times. I’ve also watched my husband’s eyes glaze over again and again as I’ve discussed the merits of a light gray or lighter gray background!

What inspires you?
I could be inspired by something as simple as the color or shape of a gemstone. Or it could be an overall look I admire and I’m motivated to create pieces that work with it.

Describe your average day in one word
Happy! I get to spend it with my son.

Describe your style in one word
Classic. I like clean lines and nothing too busy or complicated.

What is your favorite season?
Definitely summer. Ahhh sweet summer I will miss you! Flip-flops, patios, cottages - really what’s not to love? I grew up in Ottawa, Canada so I’ve had my fill of snow and cold.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I hang out and play with my son. We go to the park a lot and this summer we went swimming as much as we could. I also enjoy Yoga and love to read so I always have a book on the go.

What advice would you give to sellers new to Etsy?
Really take the time to work on your pictures. I think interesting and engaging pictures are a big key to success on Etsy. And get involved in the community in some way!


Visit JulieGarland's Etsy Shop!

14 comments:

Atelier Pompadour said...

your shop is adorable!! your son too!!beautiful to know you better!!

Lisa said...

What a cutie....(your son, that is!!!). So glad to get to know you better! I'm an ex-Dallasite myself, great town!

Waterrose said...

I love your jewelry and so glad you discovered all those shiny pieces!

margotbianca said...

thank you so much for sharing with us. it's always a pleasure to learn a little more about team mates. and yes, your son is over-the-top adorable. his face is so expressive.

Unknown said...

great to see you and your little guy--love interviews-- always nice to put a face and story along with the work that i'm familiar with--really completes the picture!

Patty said...

Julie, it's no surprise that you look as sweet as you come across in email. :-) It was wonderful reading about you and your journey to the magical land called Etsy! Oh yeah, your son is adorable!

Heather Kent said...

It was so nice to get to know you better, Julie! I agree your son is too cute & so are you! Thank you for the interview! Heather

Robin @ Red Line Vintage said...

I love these interviews. Nice to officially meet you, Julie. :)

Pegg said...

Nice to get to know you a little better Julie! Fabulous to see you too!! Your little guy is so cute!!

Cyndie Smith Designs said...

Your son is so cute! It's nice to get to know a little something more about teamt members, and this was a great interview!

Unknown said...

aw...your little guy is a sweetie... nice to learn a little more about you

Silly Buddy said...

Juli, your son is adorable :) So nice to meet you!

JenSan said...

I love reading these interviews and discovering how people got into the handmade and Etsy business especially fellow team members. You have some amazing creations and your son is a serious cutie.

Sandra

Anonymous said...

How fun to read and learn a bit more about you, Julie, and "meet" your adorable son!! Your sense of beautiful style comes through in your words here, so like your gorgeous jewelry!! xoKandice :-)