Interview with the Amazing Etsy team Supporting Artists

For the month of March we are interviewing the Suppporting Artist Team on Etsy.  This is what their team page says about them:

“The Supporting Artists Team is comprised of artists who want exposure, who are serious about your Etsy business and who have a desire to support other members as well. “A give and you shall receive mentality”.

We limit “identical” shops so that you can stand out instead of getting lost in the crowd. We know you by name…really! Our team is very active, supportive and enthusiastic. We also like to have fun!”

I  am on this team and have loved every minute of it.  This is one group of amazing and talented artists that truly talk their talk and walk their walk.  They really are all about supporting each other to be successful.  In other words, I love this team!  Just so you all know I am a leader on this team so I could be biased but I think as you read on you will begin to understand why so many people love this team also.  My role on the team is to help out when I can and I also run the team Facebook page.  Cheydrea is the Captain of the team and the other leaders on the team are Darlene, Theodora, Jessica, EastwoodArt, Christa, Lisa and Whitney.  This was a great interview and I got to learn about a variety of things from all of these brilliant ladies.

Our Childrens Earth: Jessica, how do you feel that Etsy helps small businesses to be successful?

Jessica (Leader) MommyandMeBoutique8:  Etsy is an amazing resource for those running a small business from the comfort of their own homes. I know that without Etsy, my business would not be half as successful as it is; I just don’t have time to run the craft show circuit and I also haven’t found Facebook to be as helpful when it comes to getting sales. Etsy makes it possible for people to find our shops and our items — and with the continuing popularity in online shopping, I can only imagine that Etsy and its user base will exponentially grow.

Our Childrens Earth:  Eastwood, why do you think that teams are important to have on Etsy?

EastwoodArt (Leader) EastwoodArt: Etsy is a community of so many talented artists from around the world. …..It’s huge!  Being  a part of this wonderful Supporting Artists team is just that… We are very supportive of each other, making our own unique sense of community with friendship, advice, group finds & treasuries, and  a fantastic sounding board when we want to share our daily joys of what it takes to run a  business on Etsy. I am so proud to be a member of this fantastic diverse group. We learn from each other and we have so much FUN!

We may work by ourselves in very different parts of the world, but being on a great team makes you feel like you are not alone!

Picture and Artwork by EastwoodArt

Our Childrens Earth:  Cheydrea, you started this team.  Can you tell us how you came up with the idea of this team?

Cheydrea (Captain) Cheydrea:  When I joined Etsy at the start of 2011 – I was trying to find my way around the site and get connected with others. I wasn’t seeing much in the form of views or sales. I joined a couple of teams but quickly learned that I was getting swallowed up by the whale – so to speak. These teams had large numbers in the form members. When I joined a smaller team, there was nothing really happening on the team.

I felt like one of those tiny fish in the ocean swimming relentlessly and hoping not to get swallowed. I could write a book about all the details. I knew that there were probably a thousand other members feeling the way I was, so I decided I was going to start a team and reach out (with my fishing pole) and find those members, so we could team up and avoid the swallow.

Picture and Jewelry by Cheydrea

Our Childrens Earth:  Darlene, you have been on this team since it first started.  What inspired you to  join?

Darlene (Leader) KatieBelleDesign: Etsy is bursting with so much talent, creativity and wonderful people. It’s also intimidating for sellers, especially new ones, to get started and shine through the crowd. Being able to relate to this feeling, I have helped others in many ways, by including their work in treasuries, answering questions, and providing motivation to keep doing what they believe in. So when Andrea contacted me and asked if I’d like to join, I knew that this was a perfect fit.  A place where we can learn, share, and connect everyday!

Our Childrens Earth:  Whitney, you are one of the newer team leaders.  Why do you think that this team is important to have on Etsy and what made you decide to become a leader?

Whitney Korstange from MapleStreetPaperCo: I’m drawn to this team for it’s diversity both in product and geography.  The team has enormous knowledge & likes to share it with one another.  There is a huge benefit to this.  The more we learn the stronger we become; sharing in each others successes, questions, woes & joys helps us become better at business.  Etsy needs groups that are active to promote each other and ultimately Etsy itself.  So, the more active we stay the more visibility for our shops.

I feel like I became a team leader by default.  I have an academic background and collaborating, critiquing, brainstorming, and listening was/is part of the everyday artistic process, both for my artistic practice and my students.  So it was only natural to start brainstorming with the group and throwing my two sense out when applicable.  It’s been a fun transition.

Picture and Handmade Paper by MapleStreetPaperCo.

Our Childrens Earth: Lisa, you were an important part of helping out team to grow with our last team promotion.  What do you think it important to have in other team mates?

Lisa Menold (Leader)Handmadelove13 and Bellapetbeds: Having other team mates is wonderful because we all need love and support from others who know what we are going through…whether we are having a problem with a customer or having a GREAT week in our shop! Team mates are a great support system during good times and bad. The love and support we get from one another on this team is fantastic!

Our Childrens Earth:  Theodora, you play an amazing role in helping this team with treasuries.  Tell us about some of the fun things that you have helped this team to do?

Theodora (Leader) THEODORADESIGNS:  When I first got involved with running Treasury promotions we had two Treasuries running every week, and had members setting up the Treasury and then the team and members of the group would spend time trying to get the Treasury to the first page of the Treasury listings. We did have quite a few that made it to the top of the listing pages….as I recall we even made it to number one once and it became almost a celebration since it was a real team effort. During the summer we switched over to once a week for the Treasury. Now I think that the MIGHTY 17 seems like the most fun that we have had since it gets everyone who has time to do some promoting a chance to make a Treasury they created and we all pitch in and promote as much as we can. The added benefit is if you can’t do it one week there is always someone else who wants to try their hand at joining in to play on the MIGHTY17. The amazing part is everyone creates a whole different picture with their Treasury even though we are all pulling items from the same group of 17.

Our Childrens Earth: Anista, one of the fun activities that the team does is supporting each other on  social networks.  Can you tell us a little bit about this and one of your favorite activities that you do?

Christa (Leader)  Anistadesigns: Basically we complete challenges each day that incorporate posting other shops/team members items on our social media sites. I think it is really important to offer variety on your social media sites – rather than simply promoting your own product all the time. It also gains additional viewers to your items that otherwise may not get a chance to see them. My favorite activity is to “pin” items to Pinterest! I love that site – it is like an online sketchbook of inspiration and wonderful products that are available. I love looking at a full display board of images too – such a feeling of accomplishment!

Picture and Vintage Wedding Invitations by AnistaDesigns

Our Childrens Earth: Andrea, you started this team less then a year ago but it has become a great team that others look up to.  What do you think made this team so great, so fast?  Where do you see this team heading in the future?

Cheydrea (Captain) Cheydrea:  Early on in my Etsy journey, I was invited to a BNR. I was open to anything at that point. I soon discovered a wonderful lady and BNR curator (Darlene – KatieBelleDesigns). She was friendly, organized and very caring. We didn’t know each other very well, but I could just tell by the way she communicated with all the members that she would be a perfect fit for the team that I was envisioning. I didn’t care about her shop or her success on Etsy, I noticed her kindness. I knew in order to have a great team, I would need to find some great leaders and she was my first pick for a leader.

In order for anything to be great it takes teamwork and my goal from the start was to find as many people like Darlene that I could. Friendly and caring for others. Not selfish or self promoting. This is the basis of our team charter. I knew the details would work themselves out as we went along. And in running a team there are many details. It is like having a second job.

I see so much in the future for our team. Do you have a few more hours to chat? My mind is like a tornado full of ideas.

Our Childrens Earth:  Darlene, you are amazing at running BNR/ BNS’s.  Can you tell us a little bit about each of these and how you feel that they support this team.

Darlene (Leader) KatieBelleDesign:  Absolutely! BNR’s (Buy and Replace) and BNS’s (Buy and Stay) are treasury events that motivate other sellers to purchase from the shops that are featured. Upon purchase from a shop, a buyer would either have his or her shop featured instantly (in a BNR) or in the next round (in a BNS), and would then be up for consideration for purchases from other shop owners.

What I love about these events is the networking/socializing aspect that they offer. While they’re excellent at providing a shop with great exposure and sales potential, they also allow sellers to connect and get to know one another on a closer level. The events are run “live”, and the discussions take place chatroom-style. Since our team holds Open Houses (members-exclusive BNR’s), teammates have been enjoying the opportunity to bond and laugh together! That, plus a boost in sales and exposure, are all tremendous sources of support that BNR’s provide, and it’s simply amazing how much motivation and team spirit comes through in our Open Houses.

Picture and Necklace by KatieBelleDesigns

Our Childrens Earth:  Jessica you are always there to help with the team Open Houses.  Can you tell me a little bit about what a Team Open House is and why they are important to the Supporting Artists Team?

Jessica (Leader) MommyandMeBoutique8:  I LOVE our open houses! I think this is such a unique feature that Andrea has incorporated into our team, and really connects us as business owners and friends. An open house is an all day BNR event where team members can come and chat, peruse the wonderful shops on the team, and do some shopping within those shops! It is a way to help, promote, and really support each other in a fun and unique way. I love getting to chat with other teamies and having an excuse for a mini shopping spree 😉

Picture and Hair Accessories by MommyandMeBoutique8

Our Childrens Earth:  Whitney you have some wonderful ideas on expanding our team blog.  Can you tell us about the importance of a team blog and what a team blog can do for a team.

Whitney Korstange from MapleStreetPaperCo: Thank you.  My goal for a team blog is to gain exposure for our members and create sales opportunities.  Our team has a strong and active presence within the Etsy website, but with the way the web and search engines function the more you’re appearing around the web the stronger you are.  The plan is to have many ways to create exposure for your shop.  You can take advantage of those that are best for you.  This could be as big as writing posts and content for the blog or as small as signing up to be part of the online directory.   Both give you back links to your Etsy shop; a definite plus for SEO.  We are currently in the planning stages for this blog, so stay tuned for more information and blog opportunities you can take advantage of. 

Our Childrens Earth:  Minden, you spent a lot of time and created a wonderful directory for the team.  What are some of the ways that you invasion us using the directory in the future.

EastwoodArt (Leader) EastwoodArt: The directory is a great tool for shopping within the team as it lists each shop under a specific category.  I look within the team first if I am shopping & and it’s very easy to find what you want if you use the directory.

A client could use this directory to shop within the team as well ….. It would be something that I would pass on to my sister or a friend for sure!

The Supporting Artists team is very consistent in making & promoting treasuries.  I also see the directory as a great tool for making treasuries as it is so easy to find a great mix of product.

Our Childrens Earth:  One of the wonderful things that this team does is allows it’s members to start any thread, to share and support each other.  Anista, why do you think that this sounding board style works so great for this team?

Christa (Leader)  Anistadesigns:  I think it is really important to gain feedback from other members. People often see things from various perspectives, therefore allowing you to get a variety of suggestions. We all share a common bond of being an Etsy shop owner and many teammates have a wealth of experience and advice to share. It also allows you to see a wide range of exceptionally creative products and interact with some extremely supportive people. Being on this team offers a place to call “home.” Everyone is so friendly and supportive – not sure what I would do without this team, actually! 😀

Our Childrens Earth: Theodora, you have such a unique style of Art.   I absolutely love the prints that I have from you.  Your art is beautiful!  Can you tell us a little bit about what an ACEO print is?

Theodora (Leader) THEODORADESIGNS:  Aceo stands for ART CARDS EDITIONS & ORIGINALS.  In order for a work to be considered an ACEO it has to be 2 1/2 inches X 3 1/2″. There is no strict rule as to the medium that can be used. They can be painted, pencil, clay, pastel, glass, fabric and on and on….any medium is acceptable Size is the main factor. The ACEO is kind of the bubble gum collecting card of the ART World.  Purchasing an ACEO can eventually lead to a sizable increase in your small original investment. Just imagine how many more bubble gum cards are available and the prices that some of the scarce cards cost. Works of some artists in this size have already soared in price.  ATC are the same thing only they are traded instead of being sold.

Picture and ACEO by TheodoraDesigns

Our Childrens Earth:  Lisa, you actually have two shops on Etsy. They are both doing wonderful and are such awesome shops.  What do you think is the best part of having two shops?

Lisa Menold (Leader) Handmadewithlove13 and Bellapets:  I feel so blessed to have two blossoming shops here on Etsy! It is nice to be able to link my shops together for more traffic. I sell such different items between my two shops that is it great to meet so many different people here in the Etsy community as they pass through my shops! It is wonderful having two shops, but a lot of work…I do have a full time job outside of Etsy!

Picture from Lisa’s shop Handmadewithlove13

Our Childrens Earth: Cheydrea, I absolutely love your jewelry!  I own a few pieces and think they are high quality and just all around beautiful.  What is one of your favorite pieces from your shop and from Maple Street Paper Co’s shop?

Cheydrea (Captain) Cheydrea: Thank you Stephanie for being one of my customers. I so appreciate you! One of my favorite pieces is my Wabi Sabi Necklace. Before Etsy, I designed many pieces like this. I had a lot of rustic chunky statement pieces that I sold at shows and donated to fundraisers. These statement pieces are more popular when people see them in person because they have a WOW factor. These are harder to sell on Etsy because of the price point and are normally purchased by the avid jewelry collector. I love Maple Streets entire shop. It is sooo elegant. My favorite paper is turquoise paper . www.etsy.com/listing/80848635/turquoise-handmade-paper-sheets (see below).  It reminds me of the coast. I hope to have some of her paper someday soon.

Our Childrens Earth:  Darlene, you also have wonderful jewelry that I just love!  I have the cutest flower ring from you and my daughter tries to take it from me sometimes because it is so beautiful.  What is one of your favorite pieces from your shop and from Theodora Designs Shop?

Darlene (Leader) KatieBelleDesign:  I’m always on the go, and I’ve found that my shabby chic rose studs (http://www.etsy.com/listing/82094923/shabby-chic-pink-rose-stud-earrings) have been a soft, fuss-free and feminine set that instantly softens my (often rushed and tired) appearance!

I absolutely adore Theodora’s shop. I have some ACEO prints of hers, and I can’t stop admiring her blend of beautiful details, color and texture. It’s hard to pick a favorite. Right now, I am so drawn to her LOVE prints, particularly this one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/85839318/love-aceo-art-cards-editions–  (see below) and It stuns upon first glance, is bold in its simple yet meaningful message, and is a print of Theodora’s gorgeous mosaic design.

Our Childrens Earth:  My Grandparents just loved the prints that I gave them from your shop.  I love your Fraktur Style Art.  I actually have the one that says “HOME SWEET HOME” hanging above my desk right now.   What is your favorite piece from your own shop and from Mommy and Me Boutique8’s Shop?

Theodora (Leader) THEODORADESIGNS:  This is going to sound odd but I am always in love with the current piece that I am working on. I would love to have one of everything from Mommy and Me….I know that sounds sooooooo greedy….but I am an addicted shopper !!  See picture below for her Tuxedo Bows.

Our Childrens Earth:  Jessica, you make the cutest hair accessories.  They are made with such high quality materials and skills. I have loved all the ones that I have gotten from you (so has my daughter).  What is your favorite item from your shop and what is your favorite item from Eastwood Art’s Shop?

Jessica (Leader) MommyandMeBoutique8:  Thank you Steph 🙂 Well, I’ve always loved the look of tuxedo hair bows, and I recently started putting them on bobby pins. Those are my go-to bows for my daughter everyday. I’m working on getting more listed in my shop now! (I don’t know if you wanted a link — here is one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/84448533/sweet-hair-bow-bobby-pins-glitter-blue) I love the colors that Minden uses: subtle, yet eye popping. If I had to choose one painting from her shop, it would be “Fishing Boats 2” (www.etsy.com/listing/67581665/original-boat-art-fishing-boats-2, see below). It exudes serenity and peacefulness, I would love to have this hanging in my office 🙂

Our Childrens Earth:  I love your Paintings Eastwood!  It makes me happy when I see your painting in my house every day.  What is your favorite item from your shop and from Anista Design’s Shop?

EastwoodArt (Leader) EastwoodArt:  Sometimes the unexpected happens when you are painting, that makes a piece special. I like to paint abstracts & landscapes, but love to put the two together in an “abstract landscape”…..usually the unexpected happens!    My absolute favorite is Clouds 1, a large work with layers & layers of  filmy cream clouds dusting the earth.  It looks like something you may see from a spaceship rather than the ground.

I love Anistadesigns!!!   Her vintage stationary is out of this world!  Can you tell I am a repeat customer? I think I have almost all of her vintage tags as well as custom pieces that I have ordered that I use for my own shop. Her work is so beautiful & very unique. I am currently shopping there for vintage wedding invitations as my daughter is getting married.  They are so elegant & they are now my new favorite!!!!’ …. But every time I go back to shop I am finding another new fav!  (see below for her  Marie Antoinette Wish Tree tags/Gift Tags/Treat Tags – Gold Embossed Platter of Cupcakes)

Our Childrens Earth:  The quality of your products is amazing Anista!  They are imaginative and not the same run of the mill ideas that you can find at every store.  I love my Santa Naughty list tags…way to cute.  I think I might actually want to have another wedding just so I can have you make the invitations for me they are just that Awesome!  What is your favorite item in your store and in Bellapets or Handmade With Love13’s (Lisa’s) Shops?

Christa (Leader)  Anistadesigns:  Thank you so much for the compliment, you really know how to make a girl blush! As far as my favorite item in my shop, I would have to go with either cupcake tags: www.etsy.com/listing/71903014/marie-antoinette-wish-tree-tagsgift?ga_sea…, the Marie Antoinette-inspired wedding invitation: www.etsy.com/listing/66436689/vintage-wedding-invitation- sample?ref=v1_o…  or bridesmaid cards: www.etsy.com/listing/66392901/will-you-be-my-bridesmaid-cards-with  The bridesmaid cards just make me laugh because I love the sentiment on the front – I think a lot of girls could relate.

I love the cupcake tags because they turn out gorgeous when they are complete – they are a labour of love because they have various stages to them. I love the invitation because it is whimsical and it isn’t like most invitations out there. It also reminds me of the beginning of my Etsy shop and how it was commissioned was an interesting tale. (it actually involves Minden from EastwoodArt so I think indirectly I have her to thank!)

As far as Lisa’s shops – I love that she works with paper – big fan of the paper love! As for her pet beds – I have a cat and these little beauties would save my couches from being covered! The materials she uses are really cute. I like this dog bed the best www.etsy.com/listing/87320152/bella-pet-bed-cover-for-dog-or-cat (see below) …I could see how it would complement any modern space, while being very practical for a furry friend.

Our Childrens Earth:  Lisa, your pet beds are so cute!  You also have such fun and beautiful gift bags in the your other shop.  What is your favorite item from both shops and from Katie Belle Design’s shop?

Lisa Menold (Leader) Handmadewithlove13 and Bellapets: 

 Handmadewithlove13: www.etsy.com/listing/92454025/custom-wedding-gift-wrap-package-paper

Bellapetbeds: www.etsy.com/listing/87162950/dog-bed-cover-for-dog-or-cat-machine

Katie Belle Designs: www.etsy.com/listing/85680017/ivory-white-flower-ring-hydrangea (see below)

Our Childrens Earth: Whitney, you have the most beautiful paper and journals in your shop.  I love the ones with flowers in them.  They are just stunning to look at!  What is your favorite item in your shop and in Cheydrea’s shop?

Whitney Korstange from MapleStreetPaperCo:  Oh such wonderful choices!  I’d have to say her Pearl Necklace.  Listing:  http://www.etsy.com/listing/87869630/pearl-necklace-antique-silver-and (see below).    It’s beautiful and a contemporary take on a classic.

Our Childrens Earth: Cheydrea, here is a fun question for you.  sSnce I am a leader on this team also and you do own several  items from my shop,  what is your favorite?

Cheydrea (Captain) Cheydrea:  Absolutely hands down your record bowls are my favorite (http://www.etsy.com/listing/89542723/retro-record-bowls-for-that-special-love, see below). I love music and I love old records. I gave my teenage son one of these bowls and he loves it! I love what you and your shop stand for. You are a gift to our team and to Etsy.

So, what do you think?  I was right!  What an awesome team!  If you would like to find out more about the team you can find them at the following:

Etsy:  http://www.etsy.com/teams/8735/supporting-artists-team

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Supporting-Artists-Etsy-Team

Blog: http://www.cheydrea.com/www.cheydrea.com/Blog/Blog.html

 

 

You can find these amazing shops individually at the following:

❤❤Cheydrea (Captain) Cheydrea:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Cheydrea

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cheydrea/198305350195515

Twitter: twitter.com/#!/Cheydrea

Stumble Upon: http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/cheydrea/

 

❤❤Darlene (Leader) KatieBelleDesign:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatieBelleDesign

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/KatieBelle-Design/153067294747991

 

❤❤Theodora (Leader) THEODORADESIGNS:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/THEODORADESIGNS

 

❤❤Jessica (Leader) MommyandMeBoutique8:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MommyandMeBoutique8

 

❤❤EastwoodArt (Leader) EastwoodArt:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/EastwoodArt

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/eastwoodart

 

❤❤Christa (Leader)  Anistadesigns:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/anistadesigns

 

❤❤Lisa Menold (Leader) Handmadewithlove13 and Bellapets:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bellapetbeds

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/handmadewithlove13

 

❤❤Whitney Korstange from MapleStreetPaperCo:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MapleStreetPaperCo

Website: http://www.maplestreetpaper.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maplestreetpaperco

 

❤❤Stephanie (Leader) Ourchildrensearth:

Website: http://www.ourchildrensearth.org

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/people/ourchildrensearth

Ethical Community: http://www.ethicalcommunity.com/eco-shop/sell/ourchildrensearth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Our-Childrens-Earth

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/rchildrensearth

Blog: https://ourchildrensearth.wordpress.com/

Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/rchildrensearth/

Ha ha ha…you can find me on the side of the screen also

 

 

A SPECIAL COUPON is being offered for the month of March by some of these amazing shops so you should go and check them out:

KatieBelleDesign: MARCHMADNESS for 10% off

Cheydrea: TEAM35 for 35%off

OurChildrensEarth: MARCHUPCYCLERS for 10% off

Bella Pet Beds = coupon code THANKYOU for 15% off

Handmadewithlove13: coupon code THANKYOU for 10% off

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