An interview with Paradise Purls...
How did you get started?
I got started knitting after my MIL and some friends talked to me about it for years. I resisted at first, thinking it was boring. Was I ever wrong...once I finally agreed to give it a try, I didn't tell anyone. I got a How to Knit book and taught myself, and fine tuned my skills with the help of my friends and MIL. I was instantly hooked...it's so calming for me.
Where do you create?
I can create anywhere with knitting! I knit at home, dr.'s ofc, kids activities...on and on. Some things demand more focus so those projects are done at home only. I do have a "studio" (I took over the study) with a craft table and lots of shelving. I mostly do my beading in there. www.paradisejewels.etsy.com
Tell us how you decided on your shop name.
My husband helped me pick a name. We wanted something clever and memorable. "Purls" is not misspelled, it's a knitting term. :D
How did you feel the first time someone actually paid money for something you had made?
The first time someone bought one of my items, I was thrilled. I received such great feeback from my 1st customer! It was wonderful to hear someone so happy with what I had created.
Any advice you would like to share with a newbie who may be reading this?
The best advice I can give the newbies (which I still consider myself in a some respects) is to brand your shop...choose a banner and avatar that reflects what you do and use it everywhere...on Etsy, on a blog, on handmade forums, on business cards and thank you notes, on packaging. You get the idea. Exposure, getting your name out there is key!
Where can you be found online?
Etsy: http://www.paradisepurls.etsy.com
Etsy2: http://www.paradisejewels.etsy.com
Blog: http://www.paradisepurls.etsy.com
FB: http://www.facebook.com/knitsbyparadisepurls
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/paradisepurls
How do you handle your family life while creating from home?
I do have to be careful because I create at home. It's a constant balancing act. I try my best to do most of my creating, photography, listing, packaging, etc. while hubby is at work and kids are at school so they have my full attention when they all get home. I'll still jump online to do a little marketing later in the evenings, and I knit while hanging with the hubby at times. I'm lucky to have the house to myself during the day, but I still find it hard to shut all creating off when everyone is home. Sometimes, when inspirations strikes, I have to act. I'll at least sketch out an idea so I don't lose it. :D
SALE!!!
I have a sale running right now on select Knit Baby & Toddler Hats, on sale for $12 ($5 off original price). In addition, I will happily offer your readers, 10% off anything in either of my shops. Please have them use the discount code "BD1010" in the notes to seller during checkout and I'll reimburse them.
5 comments:
What a wonderful feature, and great designs from Paradise Purls
Great feature! I really like the bracelet!
Rachel
It's always fun to learn about the shop owner. Nice feature.
Thank you for the interview and this wonderful write-up!
The choker is so feminine and classy!
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