Date joined etsy- 5/1/08
Sales to date - 802
-Give us some basic info about you: name, where you live, kids/pets, favorite ice cream flavor, etc.My name is Lauren Darby. I live in New Hartford , NY, which is right in the middle of the state, a short drive from the Adirondack Mountains. I have lived in this area most of my life.
I have been married to Tim for 31 years and have 2 children, Megan is 30 and works in politics, and Timmy is 28 and does IT work. Neither of them live in NY, they went where their jobs took them.
-Describe an average day in life of "you".
On weekdays I do all of my errands in the mornings. I try to be home by 12 or 1. If I have customers coming , I start scheduling at 2. I sew almost everyday, between my local customers and my etsy shops. Weekends we play it by ear, but sewing is usually in there somewhere.
-Were you creative growing up/what did you enjoy doing?
My mother was a musician, she had a degree from a music conservatory. She taught piano out of our home when I was growing up. We all had to take piano lessons, I also took guitar, and my husband bought me a mandolin for Christmas this year. Music and art were a part of my childhood.
I started sewing in 6th grade. My mother's mother came from a family of 5 girls, and they all sewed. Her eldest sister was a seamstress for a bridal shop for 50 years, so I think I came by my love of sewing naturally. When I was little my mother used to sew outfits for herself when they had somewhere special to go, and she made matching dresses for my sister and me when we were little. By the time I was in high school, I was making a lot of my clothing, and I made both of my prom gowns.
-What made you want to start selling on etsy? How long did it take for you to get your first sale on etsy?When my daughter was little I started doing craft shows, and did them for a long time. I have a dressmaking and alterations business out of my home, and I found etsy just over 2 years ago. Etsy gives me an outlet for my creativity without having to go back to doing shows. I had my first sale about 2 or 3 weeks after I started listing items.
-Top 5 favorite foods, tv shows, and bands?
My favorite foods are Italian, it is hard to narrow it down. I love spinach lasagna, homemade pasta, pizza. I am also a big fan of cookies, and love to bake.
My favorite tv show is a little embarassing, Days of Our Lives, and I also love Project Runway, The Closer, Survivor.
-Is there anything you'd like to try your hand at doing? Knitting, baking, soap making, wood working, an instrument, etc.
I took classes at an art college so I know how to make jewelry, although I currently don't have access to a torch. I can knit a little. I can't draw or paint, and I always wished that I could, but no talent there. I am starting to get very interested in photography, and hope to find the time to explore that more. I would also love to try my hand at pottery.
-What would you suggest to new etsy sellers to promote their shops?If I were to give advise to a new etsy seller I would say you need to use quality materials, do the best work you can, and treat your customer like they are the most important, because they are. I always contact a buyer as soon as I become aware of a sale. I try to ship within 24 hours, and I always leave them feedback. Whether you buy a quilt from me or a $6 snack bag, you get the exact same service.
-3 etsy shops you just LOVE?
My 3 favorite etsy shops is a tough one.
I would have to say WarmnFuzzies, Tiffany and I are great etsy friends and she does fantastic work.
Next I would have to choose DorothyDomingo because I love pottery and I have some of hers and it is very well done and original.
Last would be dottyral. When I was new, I found her on a list of mentors and dotty helped me out alot. On top of that, I have bought 3 of her emory pin cushions and they are great.
-One year from now, I hope...
A year from now I hope that I am doing more business on etsy. I just released my first 2 PDF patterns, one in my main shop for my vendor apron and one in my "Too" shop for a girl's twirl skirt. I am hoping to make more patterns and kits, along with continuing to sew.
--Have an etsy shop with over 300 sales and want to be a featured seller? Contact me at phletcher@gmail.com
As always, thanks for reading :)
