This week's spotlight shines on one of our team leaders, Jen, owner of Lotus Jewels. I know many of you are already familiar with Jen and her great contributions to our team, but lets get to know her store a little better.
Infused Designs- How did you come up with the name for your store?
Lotus Jewels- In Buddhist philosophy, the beautiful lotus flower blooms from the mud, proving that beauty can evolve from something that is ugly. I like to think that when I put simple, perhaps not necessarily attractive beads together, I create something beautiful, or at least beautiful to me!
ID- And beautiful to us too! How long have you been crafting, and who taught you?
LJ- I’ve always done some sort of artsy thing although I am fairly new to beading. I’ve been doing it for perhaps 4 years. My best friend taught me one pattern of beading and I went from there.
ID- That's great; that you could learn from a friend. Do you have any formal training in any craft/art subject?
LJ- I’ve taken lessons in clay (as an adult) and oil painting (as a kid).
ID- When did you open your Etsy store?
ID- Wow! So you're a veteran Etsian. :-) Do you have other venues you sell at, like craft shows or other online stores?
LJ- I have not had much luck with my jewelry in boutiques or craft shows. I have the best luck selling to friends and family.
ID- That's how it usually starts, though, right? What is one of your favorite items in your store?
LJ- One of my favorites is www.etsy.com/listing/81604930/
ID- I can see why, the colors are really beautiful! Where do you gain inspiration for your items?
LJ- Inspiration usually comes from the stones themselves.
ID- Do you feel like you have found a niche for the items you sell?
LJ- I don’t think I’ve found my niche yet. However, I didn’t start beading to make money, I started it for relaxation and the joy I get from making pretty things. Perhaps the niche will find me!
ID- LOL, that's a nice Zen way of looking at things. Where do you see your shop in 5 years?
LJ- Not much different than now. Hopefully, more people will have run across it and I’ll have a few more sales.
ID- What advice can you give your fellow team members?
LJ- If you make crafts, do it because you enjoy doing it. Don’t do it to make money. If you make crafts because you enjoy it, you will always find happiness. If you do it just to make money, you may end up frustrated and unsatisfied.
Thank you for the interview, Jen. It's always great to get to know more people and their stores! I'm sure you all agree, so go take a look at Lotus Jewels, add her to your circle, and favorite a few items if you like!
Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWonderful to get to know more about Jen and her Jewels! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBarb