Thursday, September 30, 2010

Etsy Seller Feature: Anya's Boutique

About Anya's Boutique
Anya's Boutique opened in July 2010 by a stay at home mom from California. She sells beautiful crocheted hats, headbands for little girls and adorable doll cloth diapers.

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/anyasboutique
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/anyasboutique


Tell us about yourself

My name is Anya I'm 30 years old and mommy to a beautiful lively almost 2 year old girl name Penelope, and married to David. I'm originally from Latvia (a small country on the Baltic sea, where all the amber comes from). I never thought I'd want to be a stay at home or work at home mom, but then I had a baby and my views of the world and life changed. All for the better of course :)

What are some of your hobbies?
Knitting and crocheting is and always has been a big hobby of mine, I also love to read a good novel, and I used to ride my bike quite a bit. Where I live now isn't exactly bike friendly so I haven't in a couple years.

What inspired you to start your Etsy shop?
When I went to college and quite my good paying job I had to figure out something other than buying people gifts for birthday and holidays. I started making scarves and hats for my friends, and when they would receive their gifts they often commented that I should try selling them. I've thought about it over the years but never gave it too much thought until recently. I want to continue to stay home and raise my daughter but I want to be a productive family member in terms of contributing financially however I can, so I decided to take my friends advice and try it out.


What are some items you would like to add to your Etsy shop in the future?
I've bought some really cute fabrics to make some children's aprons, I've also been asked about making mommy and baby matching aprons so I'm thinking about doing that too. I would love to try and make some children's clothing too, I love pinafores on little girls and really want to make them. Also I'm thinking of making more doll accessories, like carriers, and some simple clothing.

Where and when do you work?
I work mostly in the living room and dining room, and usually in the evenings after Penni goes to bed, and sometimes while she is napping.


Where do you find inspiration for everything you make?
Most of my inspiration comes from daughter, some things I make because I think she'll enjoy them, other things like clothing I make because I like the look/style/function and love to see my baby wearing something I created especially for her. I also get inspired by old school fashion, I'm love retro and vintage styles.

What's one thing you've learned since starting your Etsy shop?
It's possible to be even more busy when you already thought you were really busy.

What do you like or dislike about owning your own business?
I like being my own boss, I like creating things because I want to and being able to present that to the outside world without having to go through someone to do so. Haven't really found anything that I dislike yet :)

Do you have any advice for someone just starting out?
Don't be afraid to try it out, you might enjoy it more than you thought you would, and your product could be more in demand than you assumed it would be.


My daughter Anna (21 months) wearing a beautiful hat we purchased from Anya's Boutique

Don't forget to check out Anya's shop to see all of her great products!

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