The SPS Team is an international team of artists, artisans and creators working together to promote their finest work!
Every week we are happy and proud to introduce a member of our outstanding team! They come from different backgrounds, countries, cultures and artistic horizons, but they all have one thing in common : they are driven, creative, dynamic, and dedicated to their Etsy business and to their team, SPST!
Every week we are happy and proud to introduce a member of our outstanding team! They come from different backgrounds, countries, cultures and artistic horizons, but they all have one thing in common : they are driven, creative, dynamic, and dedicated to their Etsy business and to their team, SPST!
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Today we are pleased to introduce Amy, a crochet artist and active member of the SPS Leadership Team. Amy opened her Etsy shop, called "Amy Ds Crochet", in December 2009.
I was reading a magazine and came across an article about Etsy. I had been looking for a way to make some extra money and decided to give Etsy a try. I really liked that it only cost 20 cents to list and item, so I figured if it didn’t work out I wouldn’t be out of a lot of money. I worked on getting a few projects made and then decided to open my shop. It took me a few months before I got my first sale. The first item I sold was a pair of crocheted starfish earrings.
You are a Leader for the SPS Team. How do you see your role? What does it imply for you?
Being a team leader to me means if someone needs advice or help I’m there to help them. Opening a shop on Etsy is kind of like your first day of school: you’re new; you don’t know anyone, and you may get lost trying to find your way around. Team Leaders can help guide you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Even if I don’t know the answer I can point you in the right direction to get the help you need. That’s one thing I like about the SPS Team; the Leaders work together and help each other.
What is your greatest joy as an Etsy shop owner?
Etsy allows me to do my craft more often. Before Etsy I would only crochet when I had a specific reason; like needing a gift for someone. Things like baby items I’d only do if someone I knew was having a baby. Now I can do baby items all the time; or if there is a pattern I want to try I don’t have to wait for a special event to make it.
What is the biggest frustration since opening your Etsy Shop?
Marketing and how to get sales. When I opened my shop I didn’t realize I’d have to know about SEO, tagging, how to use social media to promote my shop, how to take pictures, and all the work it takes to get people into your shop. This is something I'm still working on.
Which is your favorite social media to use and recommend to other sellers for cross-promoting?
Pinterest I get a lot of traffic from Pinterest. I like pinning on group boards for extra exposure.
What is your personal favorite item from your shop?
One of my favorite items is my Pinkie Pie Pony. It was a new challenge for me to figure out how to make the eyes and cutie mark. This was the 1st time I combined working with felt with crocheting. I’m not good at drawing so it took me several attempts to draw a template on paper before transfering the eyes and cutie marks to felt.
Thank you so much Amy for your insight and your generosity !
In Amy's shop you will find a wonderful selection of beautifully crafted crochet items : blankets, hats and beanies, jewelry, bags, and more!
Let's meet Amy and learn about her Etsy journey, her challenges and the role she plays in our beloved SPS Team!
How did your Etsy adventure begin?
How did your Etsy adventure begin?
I was reading a magazine and came across an article about Etsy. I had been looking for a way to make some extra money and decided to give Etsy a try. I really liked that it only cost 20 cents to list and item, so I figured if it didn’t work out I wouldn’t be out of a lot of money. I worked on getting a few projects made and then decided to open my shop. It took me a few months before I got my first sale. The first item I sold was a pair of crocheted starfish earrings.
You are a Leader for the SPS Team. How do you see your role? What does it imply for you?
Being a team leader to me means if someone needs advice or help I’m there to help them. Opening a shop on Etsy is kind of like your first day of school: you’re new; you don’t know anyone, and you may get lost trying to find your way around. Team Leaders can help guide you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Even if I don’t know the answer I can point you in the right direction to get the help you need. That’s one thing I like about the SPS Team; the Leaders work together and help each other.
What is your greatest joy as an Etsy shop owner?
Etsy allows me to do my craft more often. Before Etsy I would only crochet when I had a specific reason; like needing a gift for someone. Things like baby items I’d only do if someone I knew was having a baby. Now I can do baby items all the time; or if there is a pattern I want to try I don’t have to wait for a special event to make it.
What is the biggest frustration since opening your Etsy Shop?
Marketing and how to get sales. When I opened my shop I didn’t realize I’d have to know about SEO, tagging, how to use social media to promote my shop, how to take pictures, and all the work it takes to get people into your shop. This is something I'm still working on.
Which is your favorite social media to use and recommend to other sellers for cross-promoting?
Pinterest I get a lot of traffic from Pinterest. I like pinning on group boards for extra exposure.
What is your personal favorite item from your shop?
One of my favorite items is my Pinkie Pie Pony. It was a new challenge for me to figure out how to make the eyes and cutie mark. This was the 1st time I combined working with felt with crocheting. I’m not good at drawing so it took me several attempts to draw a template on paper before transfering the eyes and cutie marks to felt.
Thank you so much Amy for your insight and your generosity !
Visit Amy's shop today at www.etsy.com/shop/AmyDsCrochet!
You can also follow Amy on the different social media platforms :
Google Plus G+: plus.google.com/108974287774164054919
Twitter : www.twitter.com/amydscrochet
Pinterest : www.pinterest.com/amydscrochet
If you are a member of the SPS Team and wish to be featured on our Team Blog in the series of articles 'Meet our Team Members' do not hesitate to contact our Leader, Natalie!
Read some other amazing stories from our Team Members :
Vintage Shops:
PRESENTED TO YOU BY OUR LEADER:
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My name is Natalie. I am a French-Canadian gal, but I live in South Korea. My passion is called "Hanji" : sumptuous Korean paper made of mulberry pulp. Hanji has been used for a thousand years in Korea to create decorative or ceremonial objects. For me, it is essential to offer useful and practical objects, that can enjoyed on a daily basis. Tissue cases, pen holders, jewelry, fridge magnets, hair accessories: let the beauty and unique character of Hanji paper make our everyday life objects irresistible!
 
www.etsy.com/shop/HanjiNaty
Follow Natalie's Blog For The Latest Updates To Her Shop: www.hanjinaty.com |
I'm always interested in how our journeys are the same, yet unique to each of us. Such a good interview, Amy. Your comments on marketing especially hit home. It's hard! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDiana
CBNB
P.S. I meant to say how much I like Pinkie Pie! She's a BIG favorite with my 2 youngest granddaughters, so I'm kinda an expert! ;-)
ReplyDeleteDiana
Amy, you are fantastic helper! I love the way you wrote about Etsy and open a shop here.
ReplyDeletePinkie Pony is so cute!!!!!
Great interview, Amy! And, now here is your chance to help a fellow teammate... What is SEO?
ReplyDeleteSEO is search engine optimization- it's how web sites like Google, Yahoo, etc find your shop. Things like tags, keywords, item titles can effect SEO. You can read about improving your seo here
Deletehttps://www.etsy.com/help/article/247?ref=help_search_result
P.S. Wish I had a little girl... I love the horse, too!
ReplyDeleteNatalie thanks for putting together a post on my shop. Thank you everyone for your kind comments! : )
ReplyDelete