
I'm happy to bring you all a great interview and fun giveaway from the shop
A Joyful Vision on Etsy.
Whitney is a stay at home mom with two kids, ages 2.5 and 10 months. "It can be difficult to get sewing done with them around, but I try to be disciplined with my time. When they nap, I work. When they go to bed, I also do some work. And a little in between, if they are being really good. God has blessed me with wonderful children and a way to make extra money. It's hard work to have your own business, but I love it".
1. When did you start your business? I actually started by selling photo cards, announcements, and invitations. I started doing that in February 2008, after hearing about etsy through several different people. I really enjoyed designing the cards, but I mostly ended up doing them for family. And while I still design cards, I am phasing them out of my shop. I've been sewing for over a year now and decided to start selling girls' boutique clothing in November '09. I am having a blast doing it, too!
2. Why did you start your business? After viewing a website for a popular boutique clothing company, I realized the clothes were way too expensive for me to afford. The styles were right up my alley, though, so I thought, "I can make this!" I started with a Sandi Henderson pattern for a knot dress, and fell in love with the process of picking fabrics and creating unique and beautiful garments. I smile whenever I see my daughter in them! Friends told me I should sell my stuff, so I decided to try it out. Since November, I have had over 30 sales, and it picks up every week. God has blessed me so much!
3. What is your favourite thing about running your own business? So many things! Working from home so I can be with my babies, having creative control, deciding my own hours and when I can take a vacation, and hearing from customers how much they love my clothing!
4. How did you decide on the name for your business? When I was making cards, I wanted to use the word "vision" since photo cards are primarily a sight-oriented thing. Joyful, because God has given me so much joy. A Joyful Vision came from that, and it also works for the clothing. I definitely think little girls (and boys!) are such a joyful sight!
5. What is the most valuable piece of advice you've received or tip you've learnt that's helped your business succeed? This is a hard one. I think making connections with others, promoting your business any way you can, and excellent customer service. Promoting is tough, because you either have to spend a ton of money, time, or both to make it work. As for customer service, that might mean making exchanges if something doesn't fit, locating the perfect fabric for a customer's order, or giving a small discount to returning customers. I love all my customers, and it's so important to maintain a good relationship with each one!
{A Joyful Vision Giveaway}
Whiney is offering, for one lucky person, the chance to win a pair of brown single ruffled pants in any size, capri or regular (pictured above).
All you have to do is visit the
A Joyful Vision shop, then come back here and post a comment stating which item is your favourite!
The giveaway will run from today until Tuesday, February 9th and the winner will be announced on Wednesday. Good Luck!
* This contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents only.
* Please remember to include your email address with your comment.
CONGRATULATIONS Whimsical Creations!! YOU ARE THE WINNER OF the Brown Single Ruffled Pants from A Joyful Vision Giveaway! Please send me an email at info(at)craftedbylindy.com so I can forward the information for your prize.
Thank you Whitney for this wonderful interview and giveaway!