Etsy Interview with My Bella

Etsy Interview with My Bella<br /><br />First off, tell me a little bit about yourself. Im the creator of MyBella. For years I was a nanny ,and dreamed of one day having babies of my own and getting to stay home to enjoy them. Im now a married mother of two littles, and that alone makes me feel like all my dreams came true. How simple is that? Might be simple standards to some, sure, but it makes me a very lucky girl!!<br /><br />How and when did you start making jewelry and your other items?<br /><br />Having always lived to one day be a Stay At Home Superhero, I was taken aback two summers ago when my Mother In Law wanted to take my then 2 3 yr olds on vacation with her for a week. I reluctantly agreed and when the day came to take them over to her, I was panicked. I didnt want to go through with it, but would have felt bad backing out of it. She KNEW what it meant to me and as I handed her their bag, she handed me a $7 jewelry makers starter kit and a few strands of beads. She said that it was a gift for me, to keep my hands busy, so that I wouldnt come pick up my kids early. By the end of the week when they came home, Id strung my first bracelets using the basic descriptions that came with the kit. I was hooked!!<br /><br />When and how did you originally find Etsy?<br /><br />I was actually turned onto Etsy by a supplier. A local bead shop owner saw my work and suggested that I open an Etsy shop. I remember thinking No way, thats too much for me to take on. but once I looked into it, it just flowed. When I created my Etsy shop, the name was taken but I elaborated a little based on my materials and named my shop MyBellasBeads.<br /><br />What is unique about Etsy and what about the website do you like the most in regards to your shop?<br /><br />I absolutely LOVE the diversity. I cannot even fathom how, with so many sellers on Etsy who feature jewelry, they find MyBellasBeads!? I simply cannot wrap my head around it. Its very humbling to me.<br /><br />What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?<br /><br />The short answer: Its personal.<br /><br />The long answer: If it feels personal, emotional, and moving to me, surely it must be to someone else too, right?? Im into things with meaning. Im into thinking outside the box, yet something just speaking to me and having meaning. I try to think of what I would want: personal, creative, interesting, inspirational, diverse, meaningful, and absolutely MOST importantly, it MUST be affordable. Times are tough and we all have budgets, sure. However, we also have those times when we want something that is special to us, that reminds us of our fortunes in our lives. . I want customers of MyBella to know that meaningful treasured doesnt mean expensive. My creations begin with a simple idea, and the experience does not end until my customer is thrilled with their purchase, AND the customer service that comes with it.<br /><br />What is your favorite piece youve created and why?<br /><br />Its very hard to pick only one, and Ill admit my favorites change from day to day. So I guess Id say today my favorite is the Something Blue MyBella Original. Its a two part creation that is a custom hand stamped tag with the new last name of the Bride, accented with a gorgeous faceted opaque blue drop. Its pinned onto the bouquet or slip on the wedding day, then slipped off the pin and added to a chain included in the purchase to be worn as a keepsake pendant. Proof positive that something can be incredibly meaningful for years to come, taking you back to that wonderful day when it all began.<br /><br />What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?<br /><br />Longevity! My favorites are the return customers who loved their piece and either want to add to their own collection, or MUST share my work with friends family as gifts. I mean, Im not looking to make millions and change our lifestyle to butlers, maids and gasp! a nanny. All I want is to continue to be an outlet for simple folks who want simple stuff. Who knows how I find the time to do it all, but there are amazing pieces on the way.<br /><br />Where can readers find out about more information regarding your jewelry and other creations and possible special offers including additional websites, blogs, facebook, etc?<br /><br />Ive created a MyBella Facebook page for all my faithfuls. I often post sneak peek pics of brand new not yet listed items, as well as Facebook Fan ONLY specials and offers for my the MyBella Etsy shop.<br /><br />I have THE MOST fun when I come up with a new idea, but need subjects; Ill post a search for the first person say, with a loved one in the Military. Well, I took that persons information and turned it into my HUGELY POPULAR Tours Of Service MyBella Original necklace. I then have a new piece to use images of for a new listing, and the winner gets the finished product for FREE!! Ive actually got a couple projects on the bench now, and will be hosting some great upcoming specials giveaways. All you have to do is Like the page, and the post will pop right up on your page!<br /><br />Published by Rachel B.<br /><br />Rachel B. is a college student from the Midwest with a passion for political and local issues. Her writing has been featured on the front page of Yahoo! View profile<br /><br />Artist Tip: How to Take Excellent Product Photos for an Etsy ShopCreating high quality, interesting photos is key to finding success with an Etsy shop.