Coupon code for readers: use the code JED40 at checkout for 40% off your order (ends 06/10).
The amazing creator of the week is Julie of Julie Ellyn Designs -- a shop specializing in handcrafted gemstone jewelry.
Julie Ellyn Designs started June, 2009, "I wish I had listened to my neighbor/friend sooner and created my shop when Etsy first started!"
Julie's biggest challenge is balance, "Balancing my day job (scientist), family, and my time for creativity [is my biggest challenge]."
Her favorite accomplishment is reaching (and passing) a milestone in sales-- the 1,000 mark.
What do you use for inspiration? "My friends are my inspiration. I love talking to them about what is “missing” from their jewelry box or what they saw a celebrity wear."
Besides your shop what makes you tick? "My daughters-- they light up my life!"
A tip for other sellers: "Join teams; I have made some of the best friends on Etsy. They keep me strong and keep my urge to create alive."
A great way to promote: "Pinterest is my new favorite, though I just created a newsletter via Mailchimp that has helped sales."
Keep an eye out for bling, "With the down turn in economy, I tried to make more affordable pieces over the last year. This month I have pulled out my gemstones and have started to bring back the bling!"
As for giveaways, Julie enters a lot, "I love giveaways! I love to promote giveaways on my new blog http://dailydoseofhandmade.blogspot.com/." And her favorite item she won: "I won the cutest little bird ornaments that my daughter scooped up for herself...she keeps them in her “treasury drawer”."
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