A Gift Made From the Heart

We have the pleasure of introducing Sarah, a wonderful dedicated shop owner that has been plans for not only her shop, but also for her community! Read on for inspiration and to learn all about her shop!

My name is Sarah. I have been married to the love of my life for 3 years now. We live in Phoenix, Arizona with our two dogs, our German Shepherd, Ace and Golden Labrador, Teddy Bear. They are both rescue dogs and we love them to pieces. They are the little loves of my life besides my sweet nieces and nephew who I enjoy spending my weekends spoiling. I love to take pictures and capture life’s moments. Besides owning this beautiful small business, I also work full time in education and am a Social Worker by degree. I have a passion for life and treasure every person and every moment.

 

Mother Earth Beadwork and Boutique, LLC is a story of ashes to beauty. I, Sarah Korte, started my small business making unique charm gifts when my husband was in the hospital. I had just lost a dear friend to cancer and within a month my husband became ill from a very sudden and unexpected illness, which landed him in a coma on life support for several weeks. I knew in my heart that if he were to get better and come out on top that only light and love were allowed in that hospital room. In order to keep my mind busy by his side I created gifts for the nurses in the ICU who cared for him. I got to know them all very well so I created unique pieces just for them. This is how my business motto came to be: “Gifts Made With Love Just For You”.

I opened my online Etsy shop in March 2014, and today, have products in four local stores as well. The products I sell range from yoga bracelets (to encourage meditation) to butterfly hair pins (to celebrate new life) and charm necklaces, earrings and more which are all unique. I hope to touch a special part of your heart when you wear these gifts made with you, uniquely, in mind. If you don’t see exactly what you want I would love to make you a custom order.

 

The favorite thing about owning my own business is touching someone’s heart and celebrating with them in their moments in life just as they are just where they are. Or, being with them in their brokenheartedness with a prayer and a wish through my wish bracelets. As much as I love to sell online I also love to go to events and markets to meet beautiful souls.

It is my hope that one day this small business will grow with the love put into it. I would really like to hire a stay-at-home mother who needs to care for her children. I have a heart to give back to the community and get others involved. This Christmas season the plan is to donate about 100 gifts to a local charity for children who would love to get a unique charm gift. And, in May 2015, I plan to go into local group homes with hairdressers and get their high school seniors ready for prom with my butterfly hairpins.

 

For other entrepreneurs and crafters, I would say love what you do. It shows. And, don’t be afraid to ask. Ask for help. Ask for what you want. I was able to get into four shops in a few months by asking the storeowners. Even if you hear a few “no”s you will eventually hear a yes. Stick with it.

I would LOVE to meet you so find me today…. Via my WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER, or YOUTUBE.

XO,

Sarah

Building Bridges: Sarah - what an emotional story on overcoming your fears & sadness through your friend’s death & your husband’s sickness. You stand for so many things that we believe in and we encourage you to have faith and push forward! Thank you for being a blessing in the lives around you, starting with the hospital in Phoenix and spreading to where ever your creations are mailed too! Have a blessed summer! Sarah has been generous enough to share a 10% discount code with us that can be used in her shop! Use code “JUSTFORYOU” at checkout!

 

Bow-U-Tiful Accessories for You and Your Little One

We have a treat for your today – the owner of Tiny Elephant Bowtique is here to share her lovely little business with us. We adore businesses just starting out and this here shop is quite the newby to the Etsy.com scene!

Ashely: Hi! My name is Ashley and I do most of the creating for Tiny Elephant Bowtique.  My sister also helps occasionally.  I have lived in Jacksonville, Florida for my entire life, and attended the University of Florida.  I currently teach 2nd grade, which is a new experience every day.  I am married and have a beautiful daughter, Addison, who turns one this month.  She was the inspiration for starting Tiny Elephant Bowtique, as I was always buying new accessories for her, but could never find exactly what I needed.  I decided to begin making headbands and hair clips, so that I could always have something to match what she was wearing.

My shop officially opened in March of 2014, and it has been a ton of fun. I'll never forget hearing the sound of the first order, and how excited I was to make everything perfect. I still take the same time perfecting every single order, and I do not like to send anything out unless it is perfect. The first headband I sold was a simple ivory flower on a gold elastic, which has also been one of my best sellers!

GET YOUR DISCOUNT - I always offer a 10% discount for Facebook fans, and I am currently running a free shipping on any order over $20.00. (Codes are Facebook2014 and fresship14 ).

I love taking custom orders and trying to make something just right for someone. I think it is great to make handmade products, because I know that I am trying to make something perfect for someone else that they will appreciate. The worst part is waiting for orders to come, but the best part is seeing other people enjoy what I have made, I love positive feedback. If someone were thinking about opening a shop, I would tell them to definitely go for it!

You can find us on Instagram and Facebook, where we often post new products or even flash sales or any giveaways we are a part of. The best way to reach us is through Etsy, but e-mail, Facebook, and Instagram are also good ways.

Wow …wow…WOW! A new mom, new shop, new adventures! Ashley you are a an inspiration and a delight! We look forward to watching your business blossom, grow, & thrive! Best wishes. Readers be sure to head on over to the Tiny Elephant Bowtique and share your love with her! Blessings to your Saturday!

A look into Penny Jules

Building Bridges Marketing: Tell us a little bit about you, your family, and what you like to do for fun!

Heather:  I am Heather; owner, designer, creator of Penny Jules beaded accessories. 

 I am an artist, and long time enthusiast of all things arts and crafty. As a stay at home/work at home mother of two young girls I have found that my time for creating can be limited. I am fortunate that I am able to do what I love from my home and draw inspiration from my life, family and friends.  

Penny Jules was dream I never imagined I would actually get. I always knew I wanted to do something creative for a living, I just was not quite sure what that would be. When the opportunity for Penny Jules arose I jumped on it, as if I knew all along it was what I wanted from my life. Owning my own business means more than just being my own boss, it means I get to be with my family day in and day out. I can still devote massive amounts of time to them, and be a part of the all day, everyday craziness. I have the flexibility to work when I choose. Which, lets be honest when you're a small business owner you work way more than you would if you had any other job; But you also receive so much more satisfaction. In turn owning my own business means that I have the flexibility to take off from work just about whenever I'd like. This proves to be a beautiful thing when planning a family vacation. Then we only need to work around my husband's work schedule. We love to take our girls to Disney Land and in fact are planning a celebratory trip this summer. 

Building Bridges Marketing: Why did you choose the name of your business? Is there a special meaning behind it?

Heather:  Many people when first contacting me think my name is Penny, which is fine by me because one of my favorite people are named Penny. I am sure when I sign Heather they're left wondering "Why is her shop name Penny Jules if her name is Heather?" Well the answer is simple, I named my shop after my inspirations, two people that without  them I would not be the person I am today.  To me Penny Jules has a double meaning though, not only is it after two people I love with my entire being, but it also refers to inexpensive jewelry. I like to pride myself on creating affordable pieces. What's the good in making something beautiful if no one can afford to buy it. Yes we all hope our business will be financially successful, but I gauge my success in other ways as well. Such as is this customer happy? Did I give them what they were looking for? When they share their stories behind the custom piece they want. Those are my major successes. I will be honest, yes I like that I get paid to do what I love, but I started this business to have fun, and to get a chance to talk to other people aside from my children. I love making things for other people and the fact that people allow me to do that for them I am eternally grateful. 

Building Bridges Marketing:  Why did you decide to open your shop and why sell on Etsy.com ?

Heather:  I decided to open an Etsy shop for the simple reason of Etsy.com is well known. I know people that have Etsy shops, and they had nothing but good things to say. I had shopped Etsy in the past and always loved looking at other shop’s treasures. Having an Etsy shop has opened a whole new world of possibilities up to me. I've made some really great friends, whom I'm sure I would have never met had it not been for the common denominator of us each having an Etsy shop.  

Building Bridges Marketing: When did your shop officially open & do you remember your first sale?

Heather:  January of 2013 is when I decided to gather my nerve and open my own Etsy shop. With the encouragement of my friends, and family, especially that of my husband I hit the open button. I remember my first sales, I sell not only on Etsy, but do a fair amount of business through my Facebook page as well. My first official sale was via my Facebook page. My wonderful friend Amilie (who also has an Etsy shop, Fancy Pants Boutique) commissioned a nautical themed headband. Which to this day is one of my favorite custom pieces. (I may or may not say this about all of my custom pieces)  My first Etsy sale was from my ever supportive step-mom. Within an hour of opening Penny Jules on Etsy my phone chachinged with that beautiful sound every shop owner craves. Coincidentally a sound I had no idea even happened until it did. That sound that sends excitement coursing through your veins, someone wants something you made. Surprisingly I had made my first sale, a purple beaded hair comb.

People often ask me where something I am wearing came from, to which I get giddy, and love to respond "I made it, I have an Etsy shop!" I love any chance I am given to talk about my Etsy shop. Aside from my children it is the accomplishment I am most proud of. 

 

Building Bridges Marketing: Best advice you received when you went into business for yourself?

Heather:  The best thing anyone said to me when I was toying with the idea of opening a shop, wasn't so much a piece of advice, but more motivational. My husband told me "You should do this, you need to do this. I think it's a great idea" Without him, his encouragement, support, and tolerance of me making messes, I wouldn't have so many things I have today. Those simple words gave me such empowerment, a sense that yes this may be scary, but it's a good scary, and I have to try. So to you out there that may be toying with the idea of doing something scary I give you this; You should do it, you can do, you need to do it! After all how can we teach our children to brave their fears if we can't do the same? How can we tell someone go conquer that mountain if we don't lead by example? Let's be what we want to be, and not let the fear of the unknown, the unsafe hold us back, because as Sylvia Plath once said "The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt". 

Building Bridges Marketing: We love to attend craft and vendor markets - do you?

Heather:  I will also tell you, yes I have been doing this for sometime, but I am still quite new to it all too. I read as much as I can about how to be successful in marketing myself, but also try to find what I am comfortable with. I have only done two public selling events since starting Penny Jules and I didn't make a single sale at the first, but I did force myself to move past my nervousness. The second was much better and I made enough to cover the cost of both tables, plus a little extra. I am currently in the process of finding a fair that is at a time that will work for me, and put myself out there again. I was able to participate in an Etsy Craft Party, June 6^th, which was very exciting. I cannot wait to meet more Etsy crafters in my area.  I encourage you all to do the same! 

 

Building Bridges Marketing:  Thank you Heather for sharing your fantastic story! I believe deep down we all feel the need to create something special, whether it be jewelry, clothes, cooking, or even building houses! You are an inspiration to us all! If you would like to see more of Penny Jules creations or just drop in to chat please feel free to visit her Etsy shop - PennyJules.Etsy.com, or follow  her on her social media sites Facebook.com/PennyJules, Twitter @PennyJulesSF, Instagram @pennyjules You can also email with any questions at PennyJules@gmail.com. 

 

OH MY CUTENESS

  

We have a confession to make….when receiving a certain package from a certain shop owner…we nearly exploded with anticipation upon opening the “OH MY CUTENESS” that we knew was bound to be inside! Join us as we review a couple of products that we received this week !

Lindsey – the amazing owner of The Blue Piano on Etsy.com first came across our radar when she followed us on Instagram. Boy, are we glad she did! So after a few exchanges of how are yous I learned that not only does she have her own shop, but so does her hubby! Go check out The Creative Sumo (on Etsy), when you get a chance! Oh how we love power couples, crafting it up! Hehe. Soooo on to our reviews!

We received a floral pattern key fob, which is better than a lot that we have seen in the past that are flimsy and not very durable. This  key fob has what we like to call “wonder woman strength”! Can be used for any and every pretty occasion and great for gift giving.

Darn those adorable push pins! We know it’s not wise to choose favorites, but it possibly may have happened. These tiny, but cute additions to your cork board are a cutsie must. The fabric is delicate and firmly attached to make for long lasting additions to your wall décor.

Our runner up for first place were the fabric covered bobby pins & elatic hair tye (conveniently also a sweet little bracelet hehe) which have been seeing a lot of wear, just around the house!! Can’t wait to go out and actually show them off to…THE WORLD! A lot like the push pins, these little cuties are nothing by well made, durable, and will be long lasting in our accessory box for a long time to come!

Thank you so much for sharing all of these fun products and accessories with us! We couldn’t find fault with them, even if we wanted too! We were lucky enough to be able to get Lindsey to stop in for a quick interview as too!! Read on to learn more about the lady behind the shop!

Building Bridges: Tell us a little bit about you, your family, and what you like to do for fun! 

Lindsey: Well I married my best friend 10 yrs ago (this July) and we have 2 awesome boys who just turned 6 and 8. We're all pretty "artsy" or "craftsy" haha, so we do a lot of that around here. Movies, beach, hangin out with the family...we're always having fun. 

Building Bridges: What other hobbies do you have?

Lindsey: Other than raising my boys and occasionally keeping house (lol) making stuff is my only hobby. It's a pretty broad one though...I'll try anything once. 

Building Bridges: Why did you choose the name of your business? Is there a special meaning behind it?  

Lindsey: Yes! I wrote the story up on my blog (earth2bellas.wordpress.com) but basically we got this ugly hand me down piano that I painted blue and it was originally the background for all my item pics.

 

Building Bridges: Why did you decide to open your shop and why sell on Etsy.com?

Lindsey: My family was over loaded with my stuff and I was running out of space to store the rest. Haha...that's true but really I love the idea of my work going out into the world and being used and loved by someone else. The idea of making someone's day when they get something pretty in the mail and because I believe in small business. And that's why I chose Etsy too. Lots of small business’s on there. You deal with real people and it's personal, it’s a community. 

Building Bridges: Did someone encourage you to start a business?

Lindsey: Haha...not really. My Hub is of course always behind me and that's all that matters

Building Bridges: When did your shop officially open?

Lindsey:  You know...I'm not sure! Very recently like May or June of this year. 

Building Bridges: Do you remember your first product that sold, what was it?

Lindsey: Of course! It was “Dirk” the dragon and he went out to another shop owner for her lil boys birthday. 

Building Bridges: Do you have any shop promo discounts, if so when do they end?

Lindsey: There's a coupon for 15% off for repeat customers. Be sure to check out my shop for new coupon codes!! 

Building Bridges: Do you take custom orders?

Lindsey: Omg yes please! I'd love to make something by special request. 

Building Bridges: Why make handmade products?

Lindsey: I was an Etsy shopper long before I opened a shop and the Christmas when I handed out custom handmade gifts from Etsy, to my family and friends, is my favorite. I love giving gifts but that was just so special. I wanna do that for people too. 

Building Bridges: What do you hate about selling?

Lindsey: So far there's nothing to hate. It's a lot of work, especially just starting out. More than people realize I think. But I'm grateful for the experience. 

Building Bridges: What is your favorite part about owning your own business?

Lindsey: I have an excuse to make stuff now! It's fun and exciting and I think it's important right now, even though it's tough, for people to step out and try something new. 

Building Bridges: Do you have a product that you prefer to design/create over others?

Lindsey: I'm loving the button earrings right now (branching out to rings and stuff next!) I love the creative process there...hunting for a story in a piece of fabric. The toys are always very special to me too...bringing them to life and giving them character. It's a much longer process but so worth it. 

Building Bridges: Do you have any advice for other crafters who would like to start selling their creations?

Lindsey: People say to me all the time "I wish I was crafty" or "I know I could never do that" makes me sad. Do it! What have you got to lose? It's .20 cents to put up a listing on Etsy.  I'll spot ya if you're really worried about it, haha. You really have everything to gain...there's more people out there like you than you know. 

Building Bridges: Haha you better be carful you might just get a influx of future Etsians asking for 20 cents here and there! What’s the best advice you received when you went into business for yourself?

Lindsey: Hub tells me all the time to make sure I stay true to myself...don't go with the trends just to make sales. He's right...and he needn't worry. (: 

Building Bridges: We love to attend craft and vendor markets - do you?

Lindsey: I do! I have one coming up in August. Very excited about that. 

Building Bridges: Did you always see yourself becoming an entrepreneur?

Lindsey: Noo...I started the shop in one of those "why not" moods. Now that I'm in though I love it!!! 

Building Bridges: What is your most popular product on the market right now?

Lindsey: People seem to love the lalylala dolls and the button earrings based on shop faves and feedback on my Instagram account. 

Building Bridges: What is the favorite item you make and why?

Lindsey: That's tough...it's between the earrings and the toys for sure. 

Building Bridges: Your kids toys are our absolute favorite, of course we adore everything you sent, but seriously sometimes we just want to hug the wee animals we see in photos!! What is a typical day like when you are crafting?

Lindsey: It's pretty random...I have so much going on at the same time. I'm toy making as I wait for earrings to dry, taking pics while making lunch for the kids, making paper pinwheels as I'm waiting for the fabric ones to be ready for the next step and all the while trying not to make TOO much of a mess as I go. 

 

Building Bridges: Do you have any giveaways running right now?

Lindsey: Oh I'm just dying to do one! I don't think I have enough followers though. I'm waiting on 100 actually and it's really hard haha. 

Building Bridges: Tell us anything extra you would like to be added to your feature.

Lindsey: Hmm...I'd love to hear from people about things they'd like to see made. 

Building Bridges:  Lindsey lives in lower Delaware with her Husband and two lil boys. 

Customers can best reach her through Etsy convo: shop.thebluepiano.etsy.com. Be sure to check out The Blue Piano on Instagram: @doesydoates & her blog at: earth2bellas.wordpress.com.

It has been an absolute please working with you Lindesy and we cannot wait to see the amazing places you will go with your creative mind and enthusiasm for crafting! Have a “OH MY CUTENESS” Summer & once again thanks for sending us the wonderful package of goodies!