Member Interview & Giveaway: BabyTweeds

BabyTweeds on ETSY

BabyTweeds on Facebook: www.facebook.com/babytweeds

On Twitter: www.twitter.com/babytweeds

VKC: Tell us a bit about yourself and your shop.

BabyTweeds: My husband, daughter and I live in a historic area of Seattle in a Craftsman bungalow which was built in 1906. I have a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Psychology and have spent my entire professional life working in the area of Human Resources, mostly in the high tech industry. I stopped working 2 years ago when I became pregnant with my daughter and decided that I wanted to find a new career which would allow me to have flexible hours be use my creative side. I started to really become interested in Etsy through a good friend of mine who also has a shop on the site. My shop was originally going to be made up of children's handmade items that I would sew with a few vintage items thrown in for fun. However, the more I started working on my business, the more I realized how much I was really drawn to a variety of vintage children's items. Hence, my shop is mostly made up of vintage children's clothing, toys and bedding with a few hand sewn items from me thrown in for fun.

VKC: Why are you drawn to vintage?

BabyTweeds: I like the uniqueness and detailed care that was taken to make items that were made many years ago. Ever since I can remember I have been drawn to items clothing, furniture, structures) that were made in the 1800s or early 1900s. It was a much simpler time (in many ways) back then and the craftsmanship that people used to make virtually everything from clothing to homes is rarely seen today.

VKC: Where do you find your treasures?

BabyTweeds: Antique stores, thrift stores, rummage sales, garage sales.

VKC: What is your process when creating/working?

BabyTweeds: I am constantly thinking of things to make or treasuries to make and also ways to promote my business. I have 3 days a week designated to my business so I prioritize what I am going to do on those days between photography, uploading images and creating listings, creating treasuries, sewing and shopping for new inventory. However, I am constantly thinking about my shop 24/7 - I can't seem to ever turn my mind off!

VKC: How do you promote your business?

BabyTweeds: Right now the only way that I promote my business is through the teams that I am a member of or when people feature my items in their treasuries. I need to get moving on my Facebook page but am not super tech savvy (despite the fact that I worked in high tech for years) so may need hire someone from Etsy to help me. I also am not on Twitter yet but know that I should be. I have also received some great advice from friends on ways to promote my business locally but haven't had time to do anything yet. Any feedback/advice from VKC members on how I can promote my business or what they think of my shop is greatly appreciated.

VKC: What do you do when you are not creating/working?

BabyTweeds: I have been married for 14 years and my husband and I have an 18 month old daughter. When I am not working on my shop, I am busy cooking (which I love to do), cleaning, caring for our daughter and exercising (I run/workout 4 days a week).

VKC: What is your favorite item in your shop or that you have sold and why?

BabyTweeds: My favorite item is the Girls Vintage Wool Powder Blue Coat. I love the color and styling of this item. I wish I could find one to fit me! (link to the coat)

VKC: How do you juggle your business and your personal life/motherhood?

BabyTweeds: It is a very delicate, challenging juggling act! The key to making everything work in my business and personal life is planning and prioritizing. I plan meals, family/personal activities, business activities, etc. a week or more in advance. Also, another way that I keep everything running smoothly and stay sane is to let go of frustrations and issues that I cannot control or only have so much control of. Things don't always go as planned and if that happens than I don't get upset or stress out but rather re-prioritize what the needs versus the wants of the household are and go from there. I also have an amazing husband who helps immensely in keeping the house running smoothing and is incredibly supportive of my business.

VKC: What giveaway or discount would you like to offer our readers?
BabyTweeds:I would like to offer a $15 credit to my shop.

Thanks so much, BabyTweeds!

If you'd like to enter to win a $15 credit to BabyTweeds, please leave a comment below.

There are a few other ways to enter - please leave a separate comment for each.

1. Favorite BabyTweeds on etsy!

2. Tell us which item is your favorite at BabyTweeds!

3. Tweet about this giveaway!

4. Blog about this giveaway! (Please include a link.)

This giveaway will be open until Friday, November 25, and a winner will be selected randomly.