Etsy Interview with Valerie from Boogaboo Handmade

I'm very excited about this week's featured shop for a couple reasons.  First of all, Valerie, the girl behind the shop, is a real-life friend of mine.  Second, having a little girl, how could I not love her items?  I love the felt flowers and the fabric flowers that I have purchased from the Boogaboo Handmade shop.  Even my husband has said that he likes them.  Let me just tell you, that is saying something! He generally just says, "Babe, I'm a guy!  It's not that I don't like it, I just don't really have an opinion."  Great stuff, I tell you.

Here's her interview.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Valerie, and I'm a 27 (yikes... almost 28) year old stay at home wife to the most amazing husband in the entire world.  I have a BS in Accounting and worked for about 5 years in public accounting as an auditor.  At the end of 2010, my husband got a new job, I left mine, and we moved... that was the start of being able to stay at home and craft (and do housework)! :)

I would have to disagree with you about the best husband in the entire world, but we'll not argue here.  :)  We could probably agree that we have the best last name in the world, though, right?  

What three words would you use to describe yourself?  

Shy, Perfectionist, Conservative

What three words describe your Etsy shop?

Colorful, Simple, Handmade :)

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

I started crafting after I left my full time job at the end of 2010.  I never had time to craft before... didn't even have time to think about it, really!  (My mom has been crafting for as long as I can remember... I used to really dislike all of that "craft stuff," but now I love it!).  As Christmas came around last year, I thought I'd make some Christmas presents to save a little money.  So, I made flower pins for some of my family.  A few comments were made that I should try selling them.  I don't remember how I found out about Etsy.  It was totally new to me.  I did a little research about Etsy and some other selling outlets and decided to start my Etsy shop in January 2011.  

Besides creating, what are you passionate about?  

I love to spend time with my husband. That time includes a lot of church activities/ministries and fly-fishing adventures!

Fly-fishing?  Cool.  Sounds slightly more exciting than riding around in a golf cart, but don't tell David!

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?  

Oh boy... the craft space.  The second floor of the house that we currently live in has a small loft type area.  One side of that is my crafting area... ok, well, I have sort of taken over a little more than half.  Things start to overflow when I'm working.  I like to be very organized... that's just how my accountant mind works.  However, after I've been working on several things, my craft space looks like a tornado hit it.  I usually get fed up with the mess in a day or two and clean it up.  I've been working on a few things recently, so right now the craft space is in shambles... I can't believe I'm showing this...

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

This is a tough one.  I love all of the puff flowers, but I think the yellow is my favorite.  

And I also love the felt bows... I think they're adorable!

Those felt bows might have to be my next purchase from your shop!  

What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?

Wow.  I have a lot of favorites, but I'll just share two.  Made by Jewls has some absolutely adorable button earrings and flower earrings.  I have a few pair that I love.  They are the perfect size - so dainty and cute! 

Benzie is also another favorite.  They have the most gorgeous felt for craft projects, and there are dozens of colors to choose from.  

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

Try to offer something that will set your shop apart from others... whether it's a signature product or something about your product that sets you apart. (I wish I had realized this at the start... I had no idea what I was getting into when I started my shop!)  Also, good communication and fast shipping are key to having customers return to your shop.  If they're pleased with the transaction, they will be back or they will tell others about your shop.  

Thanks, Valerie!  I appreciate your time.  

Now it's time for me to share my favorite items from Valerie's shop.  

I have to say, I love these puff flower cupcakes!  

what a cute party favor!

I also want this picnic plaid necklace!  The gingham ribbon paired with the wooden beads is fantastic. I picture it with a dark denim skirt and white shirt.

Don't forget to head over to Boogaboo Handmade and check out her other great items.  Check out her blog, too.