We would love to make every Monday an exciting one and we think that our weekly “Artist Spotlight” could brighten your day. This week’s featured Etsy artist is Aura from Adorablewares. Aura is an avid knitter and she makes home décor items, especially knit pillow covers.
Here is one of her beautiful pieces, a white pillow cushion:
Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business:
One of my sisters knit throughout her college and later I found out that was a great stress release technique. My mom loved to crochet instead. I knew how to knit, but did not think of turning my skill into a business until another sister, familiar with Etsy, said that I have talent and imagination, and I should open a shop. I have a very stressful job, as a nurse for mentally ill patients and now I get to relax after a tough day at work, while using my skill to build a business.
How did you get your start?
I started very timid last year, with fun crochet items for the house, including small stuffed animals called amigurumi. I wanted to do something different, pretty, and useful at the same time. Later, I added knitted items like scarves and accessories. I went from enthusiasm to disappointment and then enthusiasm again after I found my “niche” which is knitted pillows. I will always create some more home décor items, since handmade pieces can add a special touch to any room.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I am always looking at all my friend’s pullovers, hats and scarves. I found myself staring at people on the street now, and then going home and challenging myself to figure out how to get a special stitch done. My mom, as a crochet expert is also a great inspiration, and when I go visit her, we both share ideas and we knit like two grandmas hurrying to make something for a fast growing niece or nephew…
Internet is useful as well, but I am not able to understand knitting pattern instructions, so I just look at pictures for inspiration.
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
My first sale was a crochet pendant, but the successful moment was when I sold five knit pillow cases to one customer! I knew at that moment that I am making designs that customers like. I started to get compliments and pictures back from customers, showing me how the pillows looked in their house.
What challenges do you face selling online?
I don’t really like to take pictures and I found out how important they are for selling online. In time, I got better on using the day light and taking better close ups.
Another challenge is selling overseas. I am in Europe and sometimes I answer to a conversation later than I wish, since there are seven hours deference between me and US. When most customers are shopping, I am sleeping… The shipping is also inconsistent; sometimes items get to the customer in ten days, sometimes in three weeks.
What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?
I would say that you need to start by knowing what you are good at. Start building an identity and do not make everything that comes in your mind. It is also helpful to get used with the website fast, learn how it works, and how to effectively list an item.
This is it for this week’s Artist Spotlight. Remember if you would like to be featured, just drop me a note via Etsy Convo. We are always looking for talented artists.
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