1. How would you describe your jewelry?
Ethnic and southwestern, and one-of-a-kind, of course!
2. How long have you been making jewelry for?
It's been 3 years now.
3. How did you get into this line of work/hobby?
I began slowly, like a lot of other jewelers, making gifts and jewelry for myself. Then I began to sell a few pieces. When I started to make money, I felt justified in buying more materials and supplies.
4. What is your favorite item in your shop? Why?
I like my treasure necklaces the best, because they are so unique. But if I had to pick one single item, I would say my Pumpkin Magnesite and Blanket Bead Necklace. The orange and green colors are so beautiful and remind me of autumn leaves. I love the twist of golden (and not silver) blanket beads - makes you feel all warm and cozy, just looking at it!
5. What are some of your favorite Etsy shops or items?
I love looking at the beadweaving jewelry. There are two ladies from Israel, that have some absolutely beautiful pieces. It you're a seedbeader, you'll know their stores: Triz Designs and Smadar's Treasure. They are both bloggers - that's how I found them!. I'm also on the lookout for unusual pendants and beads. My latest buys on Etsy have been lampwork pendants, from Canyon Echoes and Graceful Creations
6. How do you attract people to your shop?
I have my blog, Stroll Through Storyland, that introduces people on the internet to Etsy. I just started a new series on my blog about my design process and think this might interest some people. I try to always comment on other people's blog, if I take the time to read them. I also try and drop about 50 cards a day on other Entrecard blogs. Hopefully people are curious enough to come by and visit with me.
I participate in the Etsy teams; in particular, the Etsybloggers. I don't have time during the day to socialize with everyone, so at night, I try to read the forums and comment. Many of my fellow Etsybloggers are regular window shoppers (thank you!)
I made some postcards, instead of business cards, to hand out when I get a chance. Hopefully, people will put them up on their refrigerators and bulletin boards. They are my new "Season's Greetings" cards! I also plan to send the postcards out to anyone who's bought something from me in the past if I have their addresses.
7. What advice can you offer other Etsy sellers?
If you're not on a team, join one. Plan to spend at least as much time on the computer as you do designing and producing your product. I've come to realize that you need to know your audience, remember to pay yourself for your work and don't forget the fees and extraneous costs involved in the selling process. Now this might not be relevant to everyone, but if you're selling, you're in business.
8. Are your items available anywhere other than etsy?
I don't want to spread myself too thin, but I liked the layout of Shop Handmade and have a few items there. I am a member of The Artisans Shoppe and my pieces are featured along with others throughout the month. I've also succeeded in putting a Buy It Now button on my blog, under one of my necklaces. I plan on making a tab, to sell more necklaces directly from my blog. And if you're ever in Lawton, Oklahoma, come by the Museum of the Great Plains and see me and my jewelry in the Museum shop.
Business Details
Name: Deborah Baroff
Business/Shop Name: storybeader
Location: Lawton, OK
Etsy URL: storybeader.etsy.com
Blog URL: storybeader.blogspot.com
4 comments:
great feature!
Fantastic interview and feature with Story!
Michelle - that worked out well, it's a great feature! Thanks you for the interview, it was fun. And I liked being able to plug my dear Etsy friends.
Thank you for an interesting interview! I love Storybeader's work very much!, her style is unique and I really like her use of colors. It is nice to know more about her through this article.
And thanks so much for the compliment, Storybeader :)
Smadar
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