Laughing My Daisies Away

I don't remember how I came across Laughing Daisy's shop on Etsy. I think I saw the ring on the left somewhere, thought it was so cute and decided to explore the shop some more. WOW! The colors, the items, they are absolutely adorable and eye catching. Everything in the shop is so bright, vivid, and happy looking. It's hard not to want something from Laughing Daisy. Shop owner and artist, Mindy's sense of playfulness really intrigued me. I wanted to know more about what inspired her to create such wonderful things, so I asked Mindy a few questions.

1. How would you describe your shop?

I would describe it as fun, plain and simple, a collage of colorful personality, creativity and happiness.

2. How long have you been crafting for?

I have been crafting my whole life in some way. My mother and aunt had huge craft shows in my aunt's basement the whole time I was growing up. At that time crafting was an agonizing punishment I had to endure if they needed some help. I have only been doing my own thing for about seven years.

3. How did get into this line of work/hobby?

I ordered books on jewelry making. I originally started out doing wire jewelry. I loved it but no one really wants to pay you for the time you spend on it. I decided I wanted to do something that fit my personality a little more, did not take as much time, was cheaper on my customers and that I can always get paid back for.

4. Where does your inspiration come from? What sorts of things inspire your work?

Color is a big part of my business. Whether it is with the supplies I use or the pictures I take. Fun is the most important inspiration to me. I want to have fun with my business and really enjoy work. Sometimes I make a creation just because I want to see it on a business card or because it would look great as a photo in the shop. Keeping this in mind makes the whole process enjoyable. From the creation, to posting and then promoting, if the item I am working with is fun so is all that comes with it.

5. Which is your favorite piece? Why?

My favorite piece? I tend to have a new one every time I list. LOL My latest is the sweet motherhood half dollar ring. I think that is because I am currently nine months pregnant and this is really the only piece I have created that evolved out of that.

My all time favorite is the salt and pepper shakers that I currently have listed. They are fun and funky. Every time I look at them they make me daydream about a HUGE mod kitchen space that is home to a lot of windows and a maid to wash the dishes. (Mine has neither. LOL)

6. What are some of your favorite Etsy shops or items?

This is the hardest question. I have a bunch of favorites but I would have to say for supplies I ALWAYS check The Evol Pixies Supply Co first. I love her variety of vintage supplies and she shares the same flare for color as me.
The Oleander Black is another favorite. It is the only art shop that I have bought from. She has also become a really good friend of mine.

Now as far as originality....the award goes to spiderbite. Her shop speaks for itself...

My favorite for jewelry is tangocatgems. I ran into her in the forums one night and I fell in love with her things. I still consider what she does as true art because it is so striking to me.

7. Since joining Etsy in February 2008, you have sold 48 items. How do you attract people to your shop?

I promote in the forums and on myspace. I am on We Love Etsy and a new one called Nifty. I blog though I have not gotten the hang of it yet. I just hung up my business cards at the local post office using my new promotional Laughing Daisy push pins. I make sure that my packaging is cute and with my sold merchandise I send out a somewhat personalized promo item. With push pins, I send a Push pin. With my picture frames, I send out Laughing Daisy window clings and with everything else I send out a laughing daisy magnet. I always include business cards.

8. Is there any advice you would like to offer on becoming a successful seller?

Do not pimp yourself out in the forums too much. I get caught up in it too but I have one post I really like to stick to. This is most important. You make real friends that way and when you post new listings you are guaranteed at least 5-10 views. You can post in 100 different threads all night long and end up with only 1 view. That only makes you disheartened and frustrated.
List your things several times a day. Keep a log if you have to. Write down the date/time you listed and how many views your item received. This will give you a pretty good idea of when the best times to list are. This is not sure fire but it is still pretty reliable.

READ! READ! READ! The storque is an awesome encyclopedia of Etsy info. Read the advise articles they have out there for shops. Read articles about Etsy top sellers. Go check out their shops and follow their lead.

Also, please take good pictures. you do not need to be an awesome photographer but your pics absolutely must be eye catching. Think about the pics that attract you when you are looking through the time machine. Is it clarity, color, lighting? It does not always matter if you can tell what the item is from the first photo. I have a eye catching photo and state what the item is in the title. A good example of this is this candle holder.

If you are not selling, these are areas where you may want to strive and follow another's lead.

9. Are your items available anywhere other than Etsy?

No, I only sell on Etsy.


Business Information:

Name: Mindy Sneed

Business/Shop Name: Laughing Daisy

Location: Tennesse

Etsy URL: LaughingDaisy.etsy.com