Friday Store Spotlight is Smiley Kit!

 

And our next spotlighted store and person is SmileyKit, who goes by Laura Miller, in the ‘real world’, and hales from Sacramento,California. She creates beaded items that are really fun and fancy.

Infused Designs- How did you come up with the name for your store?

Smiley Kit- The word 'smiley' comes from before my husband and I got married. When we first met he was a bartender and I was in the Navy, I use to visit the club and was always tired, never smiled. When I would go to get a drink, I never smiled and he refused to serve me until I smiled. Hence I picked up the name 'smiley' from him. The 'kit' part is my daughter’s nickname 'kitten'.  I used her name since she also helps me out a lot. All my items are hand drawn on to graph paper by her, and then I make them.

ID- That is a fun way to come up with a name.  How long have you been crafting?

SK- I started crafting as far back as I can remember. I have always loved to draw and 'doodle' as a kid. I picked up beading back in the late 80s for fun. I had to stop when my daughter was born, she was very ill as a baby. I recently picked it back up once I saw her interest in art and her creativity.

ID- And it would seem that she enjoys working with you. Who taught you?

SK- I basically taught myself in the beginning. I have only taken one art class in High School. I have also learned a great deal from the Internet watching videos and doing a lot of reading.

ID- Do you have any formal training in any craft/art subject?

SK- I have never taken any type of classes.

ID- When did you open your Etsy store?

SK- My shop opened on September 1, 2010

ID- Great!  Then you have an anniversary coming up!  Do you have other venues you sell at, like craft shows or other online stores?

SK- Not at this time, but I have been looking into finding some local craft shows to participate in.

ID- What is one of your favorite items in your store?

SK- I think I would have to say my favorite items are the new little charms I have started doing. I just love my little blue penguin. He came out so cute I have had to keep him for myself.

ID- I must agree, he is adorable. Where do you gain inspiration for your items?

SK- Mostly things just happen to come to me during the day. As I have a huge love for animals I enjoy coming up with new animals I can do.

ID- Yes, your animal earrings are very cool.  I’m partial to the kitty ones. Do you feel like you have found a niche for the items you sell?

SK- Yes I have. I have always loved crafting yet could never quite put it into perspective to do until now.

ID- What advice can you give your fellow team members?

SK- Stick with it, get involved with your Team members and visit often to get to know other Etsy folks here. Particapate in some BNRs and BNSs and just chit chat. This is a great way to get noticed by others and find some wonderful friends. Don't give up too quickly as it does take some time and patience to get noticed both on Etsy and outside of Etsy. My number one piece of advice, is to just have fun with what you do!

Laura, that is some great advice, thank you!  And thank you for letting me interview you.  OK, MSTTeam members you’ve gotten the scoop on SmileyKit right here, now go check out her store and give it some love.  As a note she is currently having a sale!  http://www.etsy.com/shop/smileykit