Polka Dot Kreations - Bringing Warmth to every Season

Fall is coming, fall is coming!!! With this fun filled festive season we have to be prepared right?? Meet Katie, the owner of Polka Dot Kreations (on Etsy.com) – she has the perfect blankets and scarves to keep you warm straight through into next year! Not only are her fun fabric creations cozy for yourself, but they also make grand presents for anyone and everyone on your shopping list! Read on to learn a little bit about her and her shop!

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

A little bit about me...

I am a Northern California-native who currently lives and works near beautiful San Francisco. I am a young adult and a recent college graduate.

I am a devoted animal lover and spend a great deal of time and resources working towards animal rescue.

I have been crafty for most of my life. I learned how to knit and sew from my Mom, and she inspired me to open a shop on Etsy. I hope you enjoy my items as much as I enjoy creating them. 

 

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

I decided to open my own shop on Etsy after I was encouraged by my friends and family. I really enjoy what I do and it makes me even happier to see the joy my creations bring to my customers.

Building Bridges: Did someone encourage you to start a business & when did your shop officially open?

My friends and family encouraged me to start my business. My shop officially opened on October 28th, 2010

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

My first product that sold was a scarf, to Norway! 

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

YES! October is scarf month at Polka Dot Kreations! During the entire month of October, all scarves in my shop will be marked down 25% (from $20.00 to $15.00) and I always offer free shipping worldwide! 

Building Bridges: Do you take custom orders?

Yes, however I will stop accepting custom orders for the rest of this year on October 1st. I will resume taking custom orders in January after the holiday season. 

Building Bridges: Why make handmade products? If applicable

I think homemade products are the best. The quality of homemade products is second to none. More importantly, purchasing handmade products from small business owners allows them to gain satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment on a personal and professional level. 

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

I love every sale I receive on Etsy. Every sale is unique, and I think it is really fun to send my creations to different states and countries. I have a world map and I mark every sale on the map. 

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

My favorite part about owning my own business is the sense of pride and accomplishment I get when I get a sale. I feel very honored that a customer chose to purchase something from me. 

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

I love working on my creations equally. 

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

I would tell other crafters to open their own shop on Etsy and to see where it takes them. The possibilities are endless, and it is very rewarding and satisfying to be a small business owner. 

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

The best advice I ever received was to never give up and to always work hard. 

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

Yes! One of my goals is to participate in the Treasure Island Flea Market in San Francisco. I am hoping to achieve that goal early next year! 

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

My most popular products right now, are my fleece blankets. As far as fleece blankets go, my most popular ones right now are NHL teams. 

Katie - thanks so much for allowing us to interview you! You are so very talented with your GORGEOUS scarves and blankets! We hope you have a wonderful rest of the year and continue to bring new creative items to your shop! Viewers, you can best reach Katie via Etsy convo. Head on over to Etsy shop HERE! Also Check out her FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, TWITTER, & STUMBLEUPON!