Well
this shop feature is a true riot to read! These answers had us giggling and
imagining a future cartoon in the making! Between chasing kids, hiding from
kids, being a Super Mom by caring for her family, opening an online shop, and
sending out products to their new homes before the world ends, is a true feat!
Enjoy reading Melody’s story of Homespun Accessories - from Etsy.com!
Tell us a
little bit about yourself.
I am a Georgia girl born and
raised and a stay at home mom of 5 kiddos. I haven’t always been a stay
at home mom… my last job was a sales rep for a wireless company. I have
to admit; while I miss working outside the home I wouldn’t trade my lifestyle
now for nothing. Being a mom of 5 is hectic and I often find myself
wanting to hide in the corner and cry several times a day. That is always
short lived since my hiding spaces aren’t that great and my kids typically find
me. My family and I enjoy spending time together, we love…well, I love to
go thrift shopping and I drag my kids along with me. The kids enjoy time
at the park and anything outdoorsy. I am fairly new to crochet which has
become a huge obsession of mine and an absolute passion, I was given a book
Christmas 2013 on “How to Crochet” and have been hooked (literally) ever
since. Crocheting is my main hobby/business, I enjoy sewing every now and
again but I tend to lose interest with large projects and they never get
finished. I also enjoy reading (while hiding from the kids) and
cooking. As far as cleaning and how I run my household, I once read
something that said “cleaning a house with kids, is like brushing your teeth
with Oreos” so after those words of wisdom, I decided not to freak out any more
over cleaning, I let my kids do their part and I do mine. We are one big
crazy family and I love it.
Why did you
choose the name of your business? Is there a special meaning behind it?
Well, this is pretty funny because
I have no clue why I chose my Etsy name. It’s quite ridiculous actually,
I couldn’t decide so I just typed something that was available. I know I
wanted something that said handmade. When choosing a name I was stuck on
“homespun” since it had more of a homey feel to me and I added “accessories”
since at the beginning of my Etsy shop I was selling hair accessories (which
were a total fail for me). But, my social media accounts and emails are
all scattered, just like me…it is truly a miracle that I don’t walk around with
my shirt on inside-out every day. 
I opened my Etsy shop because it
was recommended to me. It opened in September 2012 with hair accessories,
but I truly had no clue what I was doing. Etsy is easy and is an awesome
selling avenue for handmade, but you have to know your markets and do lots of
research when it comes to listings.
Why make
handmade products?
Why not? I love handmade products
and the talent in this world is absolutely amazing! Unique, original, one
of a kind and not only that you are supporting a mom, a dad, a student and
more. My shop now mainly focuses on baby goods and I believe that every
baby young and old deserves something handmade. I love to do custom
orders and making stuff at special requests, warms my heart to know that a
sweet baby is going to cuddle up with something I made or someone is going to
sit on a rag rug I made from repurposed curtains and fabrics.
What is a
typical day like when you are crafting?
I have crafters ADHD, I start one
project while working on 3 others and then finish another project and then
start another project. It’s a mess. But with the kids, I tend to craft
while the youngest is napping and I stay up late. When bedtime rolls
around for the baby, my older kids know that I am fixing to drag out my hooks
and yarn stash and to leave me be!! I work on something every night, even
if it’s for only 30 minutes.
What is your
most popular product on the market right now?
My loveys have been popular for
me, and I especially love making the unicorn loveys. A lovey is part
stuffed animal, part blanket. They make an awesome security item, cuddly
buddy and travel companion.
Do you have any
advice for other crafters who would like to start selling their creations?
Love what you do, don’t just say
“Hey I am gonna start selling this stuff”. Truly have a passion for it
because it will show. When you are passionate, customers will become
passionate for your products. Take your time, and do research. If you
are selling on Etsy make sure to join a team that explains search engines,
tagging, listings and more. And, if you can, don’t just limit yourself to
online selling. Make an effort to do at least one craft fair a year because it
will boost orders and Etsy traffic as well.
This is really good timing,
because I am actually running my first ever giveaway. “Like” my facebook
page and enter to win Spirit, a stuffed pony. I also occasionally run coupons
and other promos on my social media. I tend to keep my prices pretty low,
I am not looking to get rich just looking to fund my yarn addiction.
Any last words
before heading back to the kiddos?
I want to close by thanking all
who have taken the time to read about me, my passions and my kids. And
when you need me, you can find me at Joann’s, I am the crazy one with the kids
running around in the store and the buggy full of yarn.
And the award
goes to…Melody!! Thanks for crawling into your little corner and being able to
send us your wonderful story! For having such a crazy, yet fun filled life, it’s
a true wonder you have any time at all!! Have a blessed rest of the summer and
we wish you much success with your shop and blog!
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