Please welcome Crystal of SewNook as our second High Desert Street Team member interview! Please check out Crystal's Shop and Blog and leave a comment here to let her know you stopped by:)
1. What is your shop name and does it have special meaning? SewNook is my shop name. The name was developed at the time I was using a breakfast nook for my sewing area. I knew I wanted the word “sew” in my business name and from there it clicked.
The bird in my Etsy banner has meaning to me as well. When my Dad was passing away from cancer, the hospital had a beautiful enclosed bird cage full of finches that I would see upon entering his unit. The birds brought peace to me knowing that he could see and hear them.
2. What do you make, how and when did you start? I make greeting cards, totes, Christmas Stockings, Tissue Cozies, Totes, neck warmers, fingerless gloves, lightweight and washable curtains for the kitchen and children’s rooms and other items that come to me spontaneously depending on the fabric. I have been crocheting and sewing for about 10 years consistently. I learned from my Mom who is an awesome quilter, crafter, and self taught painter.
3. Do you have a special inspiration? Most of my inspiration comes from the fabric I use. I see a fabric and decide from there what I would like to make with it. If I am doing custom orders for curtains or tissue cozies for bridal or baby shower favors, then I will seek and seek until I find the perfect fabric for my clients. I love to collaborate with clients and to hear their input and ideas. It is very rewarding to work with people on their special projects.
4. Besides your Etsy shop do you sell anywhere else? Do you have a blog? Primarily, I sell my handmade items on Etsy right now, but I am looking forward to attending craft fairs very soon. Currently, I am working with our town to organize a craft show, which will take place on December 5th of this year.
My blog is HiyaCalifornia.Blogspot.com for keeping friends and family in the loop of our adventures here in California. We recently moved to the High Desert from Chicago in May. My next goal is to begin a blog for SewNook, to showcase my handmade creations both for sale and not for sale and to post tutorials.
5. How does your internet business fit into your life? Is it your job or do you have another job as well? I have three jobs. Taking care of our two year old son, SewNook, and I am a Virtual Assistant for TodaysAdmin.com.
6. What is the most challenging thing about having an online business? Time management is the most challenging, but I have been able to implement a lot of my skills as a Virtual Assistant for managing SewNook.
7. What is the most rewarding thing about having an online business? For me, the most rewarding part of having an online business is seeing how it has evolved and the excitement of the possibilities to come.
8. When you are not crafting, how do you spend your time? I enjoy every spare moment with my husband and son. We take road trips frequently and often times do not have a plan in mind. The day is spontaneous and lots of fun! I also like to frequent antique shops to look for vintage fabric, quilt tops, and other textiles.
9. Are there any links you’d like to share?
1. Meetup.com for face-to-face networking opportunities.
2. PrimoPdf.com for an affordable way to print the patterns you develop.
3. TodaysAdmin.com for administrative support, which for crafters, can be bookkeeping, website and newsletter updates, and anything else you may need to delegate so you can spend more time with customers and on your crafts.
10. What are your five favorite Etsy shops?
CicadaStudio: Great fabric! I have fabric and her stationery.
BKMHattitude: Trendy hats. I own two, they are fabulous!
IraGrant: Awesome handbags. On my wish list!
ButtonsbyRobin: Love this shop’s buttons. I own a couple sets and they are so beautiful.
TheCraftyDragonfly: I love everything in this shop; many items are on my wish list!
