A love for art translated into jewelry

 

Today we meet the owner behind Zentranced on Etsy! We are super excited to be featuring another up and coming shop that has just hit the scene this past February! Entrepreneurship rocks!

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

My name is Hailey and I am the creative mind behind Zentranced.  I have a mom and dad who both run their own small businesses, and two younger siblings.  I am happily engaged, and my fiancé and I have recently moved into our first apartment together.  When I’m not crafting or wedding planning, I simply enjoy spending time with the people I love. 

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

I decided to open Zentranced as a way to do what I love while making a profit at the same time.  It’s a small shop right now, but I’m working hard to make it grow.  Eventually, I want to be able to quit my day job and have Zentranced be my full time career. 

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

Don’t sell anything you dread making.  If you love what you sell, so will buyers.

Building Bridges: Why make handmade products?

Handmade products are wonderful because they give you endless room for creativity.  It’s incredibly satisfying to start with an idea, and turn it into reality.  Making handmade products also allows you to be fully immersed in the process of creating it- you can see to it that no detail, no matter how small, is overlooked.

Building Bridges: What is a typical day like when you are crafting?

I pick a show to marathon on Netflix (I get way too wrapped up in my crafting to be bothered to switch shows) pour myself a hot cup of tea, and just craft.  I like to give myself more time than I actually need to finish a project, so that I don’t end up rushing and making silly mistakes. 

Building Bridges: Do you take custom orders?

I love custom orders.  It’s always intriguing to hear others share their ideas, and I enjoy taking those ideas and making them reality.  My favorite custom orders to accept are my Steal your Face Necklaces.  Deadheads come up with some pretty cool ideas!

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

My favorite item is my Cartoon Rain Cloud Necklace.  I wanted to create something very whimsical and unique, and I think the final product is adorable.  When I show people some of the stuff I make, the cloud necklace tends to get the biggest response. 

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

I love making the products in my shop, but I hate trying to market them. It can be frustrating to get my items seen.  I’ve been told over and over again that social media is a great way to advertise, but I’m terrible with social media.  Logging into Facebook rarely crosses my mind more than once a week; it’s just hard for me to be interested in it.  I just want to craft instead.    

I hope you enjoy my work as much as I have enjoyed creating it!

Hailey resides in Collinsville, Connecticut with her fiancé, Josh. 

Please be sure to visit Hailey at her Etsy Shop, Facebook, Tumblr, & Instagram! Follow, Fave, & love on this talented lady! Customers can best through her  Etsy Shop, or by emailing Zentranced@comcast.net. Hailey - Thanks so much for hanging with us and sharing your story! Have a wonderful fall season up there in Connecticut! Bet the weather is just beautiful this time of year. :)