Handmade with Love, Chelsea & Marbles

Ever heard of amigurumi crochet? Well we have and we can't wait to share this 1000% adorable shop owner with you! Her name is Katie and she is the owner of "Chelsea & Marbles" on Etsy.com! Join us as we learn about this too cute crafter! 

 

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

Katie Davis: I am a freelance fashion designer in NYC, and working on my Etsy shop with every spare moment I have...Other than my crafting addiction, I like to go out for karaoke for fun!

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

Katie Davis: "Chelsea" is a neighborhood in Manhattan that I have lived in, or near, since I moved to NYC to attend school at FIT, and "Marbles" is the name of my cat! I adopted him around the same time I started my shop on Etsy, and he's sort of the unofficial mascot of Chelsea & Marbles.

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

Katie Davis: At first, I was crocheting amigurumi gifts for my niece and my friends' nieces and nephews, and posting pictures on my Instagram account...My posts starting gaining attention from other crafters and fans wanting unique, handmade baby gifts, and before I knew it, people were commenting on my photos asking if I sold my items anywhere, and I thought "why not?!" So that's why I decided to open up shop...and Etsy seemed like the most efficient and easy way to hit the ground running and start making some sales!

Building Bridges: When did your shop officially open?

Katie Davis: I officially opened my shop in February of this year. (2014)

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

Katie Davis: I believe my first "real" sale (one that didn't come from a family member or friend) was a crochet pattern for a Bunny Finger puppet. It only costs $4.00 to download, but it was very exciting!

Building Bridges: Any current shop promo discounts, if so when do they end?

Katie Davis: Right now, I'm giving a free gift of my "No Snag, No Dent Hair Elastics" with any purchase of $25 or more! It only ends when I run out of supplies ;)

Building Bridges: Do you take custom orders?

Katie Davis: Yes, I accept custom orders within reason...if it's something similar to what I already offer in my shop, absolutely! For instance, I've created an amigurumi mango for a customer before because it was her daughter's favorite fruit, and for me, it was not too far from what I already do, and I got to make a mother and daughter happy in the process with a special, handmade birthday gift!

Building Bridges: Why Make handmade products?

Katie Davis: Handmade products to me are as personal as it gets...A lot of love goes into each and every item I make, so when someone buys it, or gifts it, they know that they are receiving or giving something extremely thoughtful and one-of-a-kind.

Building Bridges: What do you love or hate about selling?

Katie Davis: I love the feeling of making a sale! Big or small, and no matter how frequent, it feels amazing to know that someone out there appreciates what I do...What do I hate about selling? Honestly, nothing! It's a ton of work to manage an Etsy shop, but it's all work that I enjoy, and want to be doing, so I can't complain!

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

Katie Davis: I love having control and creative license over everything I do...After designing apparel for various "big box" corporations, being able to make unique gifts that I design and produce from beginning to end gives me a huge sense of satisfaction because I know it really came from me, 100%.

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

Katie Davis: My advice for other crafters looking to sell their creations is to plan ahead and be super organized! It's a huge commitment to do it right and be successful, so you really have to sit down, think about what you want to achieve, and then make a calendar to help you get there. It's the only way to stay motivated and not feel overwhelmed.

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

Katie Davis: Take it one day at a time ;)

Building Bridges: Do you have your own shop blog and social media sites? We would LOVE to follow you back!

Katie Davis: Yes! I am going to launch a blog and new website this Fall, so stay posted for that, and in the meantime, you can find me on Instagram/Twitter @chelsea_marbles, and like my facebook page www.facebook.com/chelseaandmarbles

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

Katie Davis: So far, I have only participated in one craft fair, but I have big plans in the upcoming year to attend some very exciting markets in NYC and Chicago.

Building Bridges: What is your favorite part about the markets?

Katie Davis: I like having the opportunity to interact with real consumers, and to get to know them and hear their feedback in person. It's also nice for customers to be able to put a face and personality to my brand - it makes it an even more personal experience for them, and that's what I want Chelsea & Marbles to be about!

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

Katie Davis: I think in some ways, yes - I have always been very ambitious and independent, so I think becoming an entrepreneur was a natural progression for me, although I didn't necessarily grow up thinking "I want to be an entrepreneur one day!"

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

Katie Davis: My best seller is definitely the clementine - it's just a really cute, easy gift, and it's also a great value for the price! The tea cup and tea bag set though is a fan favorite for sure! People seem to love it because it's different, I had never seen it before I created it...

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

Katie Davis: Personally, I love the pillowcases..! Right now, I have a "hipster" set of a mustache and glasses pillowcase, and I just added a hand knit and embroidered pillowcase that says "You Are My Sunshine" They make great additions to one's home, and really set the tone for the decor.

My favorite amigurumi though is the sushi...I love eating it, and I love making it..it's just so cute!! ;)

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

Katie Davis: I'm working on a "green" collection of baby toys and nursery decor right now, to launch (hopefully!) by next month...I'm using all organic or all natural cotton yarns, and it's going to be beautiful, so I'm very excited to add those new listings to my shop. Be on the lookout if you're eco-conscious and want to support handmade, organic goods!

Building Bridges: Katie thank you so much for sharing your amazing life with us! Your amigurumi crochet is so adorable we just want to hug and squeeze each of them to death! Have a beautiful summer! Readers be sure to take advantage of her wonderful ongoing coupon code discount!