Make It or Break It- A Pretty Success Story

Hello friends! I know its Wednesday and I usually post my "Make It or Break It" series on Thursday but I am ahead of myself this week. Ever since receiving the questions back from this interview I have been giddy with anticipation to share the secret wisdom from one of my personal creative business heroines. So go refill your cup of tea (or coffee) and sit down with me to hear from Tamar Schechner of Nest Pretty Things!

1.I know you are a creative entrepreneur. How did you start your Etsy business?

Tamar: When we moved to the country side I knew I would have to seek alternative work, I thought I would start an Interior design business, which I did, only Vermont is so tiny I couldn't really make a living out of it so I started crafting, I could knit a little so I pursued that, learning as I went along, I opened my first Etsy shop in 2006 and sold hats, then I taught myself how to sew and started making totes and pouches. That was very time consuming because I am a crazy perfectionist...then I started designing jewelry and that really took off and I absolutely love it! This year I opened another shop with Jewelry for kids,you can see how my work evolved if you go back to my first sales..

2. What would you say has been the secret to your success?

I am not sure what the secret is, it took a few years to build the business and I just never gave up. I've worked for magazines my entire career as a photo stylist and creative director so I have a lot of photography experience in my background, but I had no knowledge of sales and marketing so I read a lot about it and tried lots of different things until I begun to actually feel I know what I'm doing. I am very driven and I've never been as creative as I am now (I am 52 by the way, so it's never to late to start something new!)

3. What are your some of your joys and challenges of having an online business?

For me it's mostly joy, I love working from home and being my own boss and I love being able to sell all over the world! 

4. What advice would you offer creative business novices?

be very clear about what your are selling,

try to be original,

take great photographs, If you don't know how Etsy guides has some wonderful advise 
www.etsy.com/storque/seller-handbook/etsys-guide-to-photography-10979/

Promote your business when ever and where ever you can, personally I love to blog, I also post photos on Flickr, and Pinterest.

Stick to it and don't give up!! it takes time!

 

Thanks Tamar for taking time out of your VERY busy schedule to chat with us here! And if you haven't checked out her lovely shops on Etsy please stop by (there is still time for ordering last minute gifts).

Nest Pretty Things: Women's Jewelry Shop

Nest Pretty Things Kids: Children's Jewelry Shop

Nest Pretty Things Blog : For all things beautiful and inspiring 

Comments

[Pattie]

I love hearing success stories :)

[Brigitte]

When I saw that you interviewed Tamar, I saved this post to visit later. I LOVE Tamar's work, and I really enjoyed this interview!

[Traveling Mama]

Such great insight into one of my favorite shops! I didn't know Tamar had a children's shop which is quite a dangerous discovery! I really appreciated the fact that she started later in life. Sometimes I feel like I should have already accomplished it all and that encourages me to keep dreaming and believing!

[Fabulous Finds Studio]

Thanks for featuring Tamar, I'm a fan of her work!
Just found your blog via Tamar...love it! I just subscribed :)

[Twiggs]

oh this was so good to read!! i love hearing from other business ladies on etsy, as there is always something to learn, and being a seller since june does not give me the secrets yet, so these interviews are really great!!! thank you heather for oputting these together! hugs, twiggs

[yvonne.stehle]

I am so in love with Tamar's creations. I got a necklace for my daughter and we love it. And I recently ordered earrings. The only problem is to make a choice in all this prettiness
Yvonne