Shop link: KreatedbyKarina.etsy.com
Give us the basics:
Handmade 100% Vegetarian Soap Bars and Natural Lip Balms using fine essential oils and quality fragrances. All of my items are made in small batches from Queens, New York. You can find me at http://www.soapthatmakesscents.com/, or on Etsy at http://kreatedbykarina.etsy.com/
What’s your favourite smell?
It changes everytime I discover something new---right now I am absolutely in love with my Red Currant & Thyme Tea soap--the scent is so subtle, with a bright tea aroma and juicy berry scent.
How long have you been doing your craft?
Soap That Makes Scents introduces handcrafted soaps to customers worldwide...no more commercial soaps with chemical fillers and preservatives---I help women and men discover that natural ingredients are better for your skin, just as long-lasting, and wonderfully addictive. Plus I keep people squeaky clean :) I've been in business since 2001.
Who/What inspires you in your craft?
Playing with bubbly stuff, (is that even a word?!) being able to network with awesomely talented individuals and learning and sharing in the creative process, introducing people to the benefits of handmade soap (if you haven't tried handmade soap, really, you won't go back to commercially-made soap ever again)...trying to strike out on my own...building my own future the way that's best for me instead of someone in a suit and tie telling me how to mold myself to make THEM a profit..I could go on and on...Really it comes down to being able to LOVE what I do. And never wanting to stop.
What do you like least about your craft?
Having all of the drive, the dreams, and the ability to make it big with my business, but lacking the financial backing. Seriously. There's nothing worse than realizing that the ONLY thing holding one back from reaching their potential is the almighty dollar.
What’s a normal day for you?
Spend some time on Etsy listing new items and chatting in the forums, getting orders together and handwriting my thankyou cards and invoices out, packaging and labelling--and then it's off to the Post Office. When I get back I might settle down to work on some promotional/sample items, or roll up my sleeves and get to work on batches of lip balms or bars. Normally my day will start at 6am and end somewhere around 9pm, unless I'm working late on a special project.
What advice would you give Etsy sellers just starting out?
Don't hold back! Really that's the GREATEST advice anyone is going to give you...follow your dreams, don't listen to the negative people, jump in with both feet and don't look back. Sounds easier said than done, and believe me, I've been there. Just really keep the passion in what you do, and everything else will fall into place. Do whatever it takes to get you to where you want to go, as long as you don't step on other people along the way.
How do you discover new things on Etsy?
I try to visit the forum threads started by new sellers--I've found a lot of cool stuff that way!
7 comments:
mmmmm....that soap and the coffee looks yummy!!!!
I never had the urge to buy handmade soaps until I joined Etsy. They are all over the place, and they look sooooo good! I love that rubber ducky soap, I would be afraid to use it if I bought it. I wouldn't want to mess it up!
Great photos and great feature! How fun!
-10oneworld on etsy
awesome! its really a great way to get to know the people and the products! =D... i agree with lindsey the rubber duckie soap is so cute!
http://meekiyu.wordpress.com/
Great feature! I want to eat that chocolate espresso soap!
Great feature! I love hearing advice from fellow Etsians! Love the pictures!
Thanks everyone for your comments! I was really honored to be featured and I enjoyed answering all of the questions!
You're right, the Rubber Duckie Soap *is* a cutie---they're great to be looked at, but they really love being used--so don't be afraid...they are quite a popular favor for baby showers :)
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