Etsy Interview with Bonnie from Love My Hero

First of all, I'm very excited to start a new "feature," if you will, on this blog.  Once a week, we're going to be highlighting another Etsy shop.  There are so many great artists out there! It's my goal to show you a sampling of the amazing items waiting to be discovered.  Also, it's so nice to get "inside" the head of the people behind the shop.  What inspires them?  What got them started?  

wouldn't you love to see your picture on a necklace like this one?

Our first featured shop is Love My Hero.  Bonnie, the girl behind the shop, is obviously head over heels for her Marine husband, and I think you'll feel the same way about the stuff she's offering.  Here's her interview.  

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Bonnie and I'm a 25 year old proud Marine Wife.  We're from Miami, Florida but currently living in southern California at least for a few more months.  I take online college classes through my school in Florida.  In my free time I enjoy making jewelry, photography, and scrapbooking - both traditionally and digitally.  

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Friendly, Caring, Creative

What three words describe your Etsy shop?

Support, Military, Simple

How long have you been crafting?  When did you start selling on Etsy and what inspired you to give it a try?

I've always been a sort of crafty person ever since I was a child even.  I started crafting jewelry just in the last few months and started selling on Etsy in April.  I actually stumbled across photo pendants and they inspired me to create military themed photo pendant necklaces since my husband is a Marine.  From there the ideas just kept flowing on in and I've decided to do all sorts of military themed jewelry.  

Besides creating, what are you passionate about?

Supporting our troops, education, my marriage, and spoiling our poodle named Joey :) - does that count?

Sure it counts! We all need something to spoil.  

What does your craft space look like?  Are you an organized crafter or would you be embarrassed for us to take a peak at your workspace?  Would you be willing to share a picture with us?

I craft at a desk and it certainly can get messy at times!  I'm one of those messy crafters who try to stay organized... if that makes any sense.  Things get messy, and then I go on a rampage cleaning up because it drives me nuts.  I just recently started getting more orgaized about it and you'll see a photo here of the way in which my items are organized.

Currently, what are your favorite 2 items from your shop?

Military Support Swarovski Pendant

Military Love Necklace - You Choose Pendant

What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?

I'm a sucker for all of the other military themed Etsy shops around. I just love that there are so many others out there who do their part to support our troops in all different ways! Like this shop for instance.. Signs of Patriotism - I just LOVE this Laundry room sign. Too bad it says "Drop Your ACUs HERE" and my husband's a Marine.. so no ACUs for him. 

Finally, what suggestions would you make to someone who's thinking about starting an Etsy shop?

Definitely try to find something different to create. Its always a wonderful compliment when I have customers, or potential buyers mention that my items are "different" and unique in comparison to other military jewelry they've seen. I think it has definitely worked in my favor to stand out from the crowd a bit! Another suggestion I have is ship as quickly as possible. I buy a lot online and I know when I do I am always SO anxious to receive whatever it is I've purchased and I really love when a seller ships quickly. I have done my best to ship my items ASAP and my buyers are always grateful that their purchases arrive so soon after ordering. :)

I really appreciate Bonnie taking the time to answer the nosy questions I had for her.  She was a great sport, and already I'm thinking of people who fit her shop.  Please head on over to the Love My Hero Etsy shop and check out her fantastic jewelry!

All of us want to keep our troops safe. Let's remember to
pray for those who are sacrificing for us,
as well as the spouses who are left behind.