Please comment on the post above this one. Comments aren't working for some reason.
Thanks,
Linda
Each week I post LindaB’s Top Etsy Finds and ask for your votes. Last week, you voted for Robynsnestboutique. Here’s what Robyn had to say:
1. Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff). My name is Robyn and I am the mommy of twins, wife to an incredibly supportive husband, and oh yeah, I make bath and body products. I’m a NJ state licensed esthetician and self-proclaimed beauty product addict. I have lived in NJ my whole life.
2. What inspires you? Lots of things inspire me and I honestly can’t look at anything anymore without thinking, “Wow, that would make a really great soap mold.” When I gave birth to my children, I started REALLY noticing all the chemicals in perfume and skincare (particularly what I was using on my twins) and I knew that just wasn't for me or my family. It was then that I started dabbling in soapmaking and making my own scrubs and perfumes. Everything I make is as natural as possible, with all vegetable bases and oils. Many, if not most of my products are vegan. My family inspires me most.
3. What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity? My passion obviously lies in skincare and perfumery, so I really love to experiment with new fragrance blends and new scrubs. For as long as I can remember, I have been a bath and body junkie, with a special penchant for perfume. I don’t think I’ve ever worn the same perfume two days in a row. In fact, I may never have what I would call a product “line,” because I just love creating so many new things that I don’t think I’ll ever be able to narrow it down! LOL Aside from my bath and body projects, I also really love to dabble in paper and cardmaking, both physical and digital.
4. In ten years I'd like to be... I can never answer this question. LOL I think I’ll be really happy if my store has blossomed and my family is happy and healthy. Can’t ask for better than that.
5. What is your favorite color combination? I ADORE the robin’s egg blue and chocolate brown combo, as can be seen on my website. I would say that’s probably my all time favorite, but I also really love yellow and charcoal grey together. Of course, these colors may have nothing to do with my business or soap designs, but I just really love the color combos.
6. What are your favorite materials? I love shea butter and olive oil. Those are probably my 2 favorite ingredients to work with. Luxurious and natural, and so, so versatile.
7. What are the web addresses where people can find you?
Website http://www.robynsnestboutique.com/ Etsy http://www.robynsnestboutique.etsy.com/ Facebook http://www.facebook.com/robynsnestboutique Twitter http://twitter.com/RobynsNestSoaps
8. Why should people buy handmade? Since I started creating my own products, I have made a giant effort to buy handmade at every possible opportunity. I love supporting other artists and crafters like myself, knowing that they are putting their heart and soul into their work. The item didn’t come off an assembly-line and is often one-of-a-kind and even customized to your specifications. You communicate directly with the artist, one on one. I also love giving (and receiving) gifts that I would never find in a chain store. So much creativity and talent goes into handmade items. I feel so connected with sellers when I see that little thank you note in my package and when I do the same for my customers. It really builds a sense of community. Buying handmade is also better for the environment, since many sellers recycle their packaging materials. Buying handmade and supporting other artists is the best, and most rewarding gift we can give each other.
10. Any tips or bits of wisdom on selling handmade creations? I would say just be persistent and try not to get discouraged when starting out. Definitely easier said than done, but if you believe in your products, and put all your love and hard work into them, you have to believe that it will pay off. I’m still fairly new at selling my products, but I do believe that someday, my business will bloom into something bigger. And if it doesn’t, that’s okay, because I know I make high quality products and the people who already use them LOVE them, and that’s good enough for me. My customers’ lovely compliments and feedback speak volumes.
11. Apart from creating things, what do you do? When I’m not busy chasing my almost 4 year old twins or creating new items for my store, I am usually heading to bed around 1:00 a.m. But seriously, since I became a mom, I have become so crafty, that I always find myself creating
something. I also love to sing and dance, but I try not to embarrass myself by doing those things in front of anyone else. LOL I also work part-time on the weekends in one of the nation’s best rehab hospitals. And when I
still manage to find a little extra time, I catch up on some of my favorite TV shows with my hubby.
12. What have been the most valuable lessons you’ve learned from other artists? Try to keep it fresh and interesting and have great (or at least interesting) product photography. I am, by no means, a photographer, but I am working on getting better at taking photos of my products. I keep changing my angles, working on better composition, better lighting, and just getting better than I was…but it’s a constant work in progress. And keep persevering. It might not be easy, but it’s definitely worth it.
Please be sure to visit Robyn’s shop and check out her items. And, tell her I sent you.
Thanks, Dear Blog Readers, for stopping by!
Thanks, Dear Blog Readers. Please visit Kelly's shop again and show her some love.
