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All responses Most smiled responses
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I use a mac and adobe illustrator for all my designs.
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Congratulations on starting your own business! When I started out I used my own savings. I purchased a printer and a paper cutter about 2 months after I opened my Etsy shop. I was working part time as a consultant while selling on Etsy. You might want to check out my Quit Your Day Job Interview where I describe the process of starting out and how I got where I am today
http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/quit-your-day-job-lepapierstudio-7167/
Let me know if you have any additional questions. Good luck! -
thank you:) I now do all my printing in the house. I have 4 printers that I have purchased over time since I started my business. I used to outsource my work a lot in the beginning but as the business grew, I could afford to do my own printing. Now I'm at a point where I outsource some of the bigger orders, like wedding invitations, Save the Dates, Announcements.
Looking at your local businesses directory would be a good start. Also, ask around. I found out about the printing company I work with now through my church. They have used them for 10 years and are super happy with the service. That was a good enough indicator for me. -
I know the economy is doing at its greatest now. But it hasn't effected my business as much as i thought i would have. We actually did better than the previous year. So it's hard to tell. I do believe a lot of sellers (and I am referring to Etsy community) undercharge for their services. I have tried to reevaluate my prices once or twice a year. There is nothing wrong with raising your prices. It is normal to do so when you see the demand for a certain product is increasing. I usually raise the price by $1 or $2.
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Hi there! Good for you for starting your own business!!! I funded my business with my own savings. I invested very little in the beginning. It grew slowly...and once I was in a position to invest a bit more, I purchased my own printer and paper cutter. I did have another part-time job while doing Etsy. You might want to check out my Quit Your Day Job Interview here: http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/quit-your-day-job-lepapierstudio-7167/ It explains the process I went through to get me where I am now. Hope this helps. Let me know if i can answer any additional questions.
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I don't know if I would consider it crucial since with a small business (at least with mine) you always learn as you go - from you past experiences. But the one mistake I have seen repeat itself in the past is not charging enough for the services I provide. Starting out small, you won't grow as you're hoping to do if you don't charge what you should be charging about your services. It's shocking to see what some people charge. How can they justify their time/energy that went into making their goods?
The other "mistake" i would point out is not being aware - or if you are aware, being afraid to hire help. Running a small business can be very demanding because no matter of the size of the business, all aspects of running a business are the same whether small or big. -
Definitely by the ocean. I grew up in a seaside town and I miss it terribly. I am lucky to visit every summer but still that's only 3 weeks in a year.
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asked by BushelPeckPaper
yogurt and honey:) All time favorites. Never grow old of it...not a single time:)
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There isn't much I miss from my day job. I think it's wonderful to be able to set your rules and create your own rhythm each day. The most important thing in working for yourself is to set aside some time for yourself, either by breaking for a cup of coffee, having a quick workout or catching up with a friend over the phone. Doing something you love can be very rewarding but also hard work. You have to be able to turn the switch off at times without feeling guilty. I always strive to achieve a balance between family and work.
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I attended a few art fairs and quickly discovered they weren't for me. I don't regret anything. I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason.
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Communication!!! It is the one thing that brought us closer and the one that keeps us going strong - day in and day out. There will be days where we feel we don't "have the time" to talk. Those days a simple hug, a warm look will do the job.
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* Blog: I keep a blog where I share my journey and the journey of other artists in balancing motherhood and creative work.
* Read Others' Blogs: I also have a list of blogs I follow regularly and run a few ads and giveaways through them.
* Social Media: I keep active on Twitter and Facebook.
* Press: Being featured in a few local, national, and even one international magazine has boosted our sales tremendously. There is nothing better than free exposure!
* Renew Listings: Something I have done since the beginning is renewing my items several times a day. This keeps them on top of each category. I find renewing in the morning and two to three times in the afternoon works best.
* Promote New Products: I send out a newsletter every time we launch a product and offer some sort of promotion for early bird shoppers. The response has been great so far.
* Connect With Customers: I try to keep in touch with my most loyal customers by following up on a recent order or by offering them the first “peek” on what's boiling at Le Papier Studio. This might not work for everyone, but it has worked for me. -
The moment I pick up my 4 1/2 year old from preschool. The look on his face when he sees me it's worth everything.
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I have always been passionate about handmade things. My parents nurtured my creativity from a young age and allowed me to freely express myself. I graduated with a Masters in Architecture and shortly after that I realized how much I loved the design aspect of the profession. I love to draw and every time a friend would look at my latest art she/he would say, “Have you ever thought of selling this?” I used to think one couldn't support a family from selling artsy things. I was wrong...
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asked by luckylife2010
this is hard one...as I had many. Let's see - in high school is was gaga over Beverly Hills 90210 and of course Jason was the man! Big crash I tell you :) Now, I like a few. On top of my list is Meryl Streep (i wish i am her when I am her age) and Josh Lucas - always - and Hugh Grant (of course!!)
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Don't be discouraged! It used to happen a lot to me, especially in the beginning. Being a stay at home mom actually helped me a lot - with my self esteem. Having a small child who was dependent on me 24/7 made me feel needed. It might sound a bit strange but I kind of applied the same theory in business. Start slowly - ask for advice if you have questions (you are doing it right now- so give yourself a break:) - don't compare yourself to others. It's ok to be inspired by looking around but comparing your success to theirs won't help you in further developing your business. I am now reading a bunch of business related books -i wish i had the time to do that in the beginning. Educate yourself constantly - things change around us faster that we know it. Make a list of goals you have and do something small every day to achieve them.
Does this help? I'd love to chat with you more. Email me if you have additional questions. I'd be happy to help out. -
asked by luckylife2010
My mother trying to use Skype to chat with me. She is computer challenged but only the thought of trying makes me smile big. One of my quirks...I can twitch my right eye, in a strange kind of way. Hard to explain though :)
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You are so sweet! I love LOVE her Youvarlakia Avgolemono -- translation : meatballs in egg and lemon broth...
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ha ha ha! You're the cutest! any time lady, any time!
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Le Papier Studio’s Bio
Le Papier Studio specializes in illustrating unique custom silhouettes. Vana Chupp, designer and founder of Le Papier Studio, launched a small women-owned business that expresses creativity and inspiration, all the while being a mom.
