More Than WE Know

 

What makes some entrepreneurs successful on sites like etsy and some not?

Some entrepreneurs have merchandise jumping off their virtual shelves while others have inventory sitting around gathering virtual dust. 

Virtual storefronts and malls like etsy and ebay make it easier for entrepreneurs to reach a wider range of customers. But they still require entrepreneurs to follow basic business practices:

• target your customers knowledgeably
• market your products effectively
• price your products strategically
• service your customers exceptionally

Tia of Tia’s Treasures runs a successful online business because she adheres to these basic principles.  Her handmade, uniquely designed jewelry and magnets are made from vintage game tiles “brought back to life  with hand-cut printed paper, painted embellishments, micro-beads, micro-glitter and a real Swarovski crystal, triple sealed for protection and  a glossy finish!” 

Her jewelry, magnets and sculptures appeal to the unique, off-beat, whimsical, female customers of etsy.  She displays them well with a multitude of well-lit, attractively arranged photos. 

Tia writes engaging descriptions that help her customers get to know her as well as her product.

“When I was young - we used to live next door to a very nice lady - who was long retired. She spend most of her free time in her garden and whenever us kids were outside - she would enlist us to do garden work with her. These remind me of her…”

“I love this series! For some reason these pendants remind me of my mother. Freespirited, lovely and wild!”

“I ship Internationally! Yay!”

Tia allows for customers to select the color and length of the necklace cord. She provides a certificate of authenticity on all sculptures as well as a photo of the work in progress. 

Tia describes herself as being both left and right brained.  She has a profound passion for her art combined with a solid background in marketing and sales. Her products and her personality resonate with her customers and make them avid fans and word-of-mouth marketers for her business.  

Tia’s Treasures is a treasure-trove of good online business practices.  

Here is her story.

Tia, tell me about your business.

I am a self-representing artist who sculpts and creates all the day long! I’m 38 and I grew up and live in Orange County California. I am a single mother of two - a son who just turned 18 and a daughter 13. I have a degree in Electronic Engineering - and worked in sales, management and project management forever.

I’ve got this left-brain, right-brain thing going on big time - super analytical and can work a project plan like nunya business - but I’ve got a whole creative side that I have to feed, feed, feed too.

I love to create and have many creative interests. I paint, write (and published! Yay Poetry!), sew, and right now, my absolute favorite love is polymer clay!

Each of my Sculptures are One of a Kind, original pieces of art. I will never use molds or casts in my creations. For jewelry and other items, I may make more than one of a similar style - but they will never be identical!

I really care about what I do- its a little piece of me - and I hope that my customers will enjoy it too!

What is your best holiday item?
Customized barrettes and pendants are very popular in my shop!

What inspired or motivated you to start your business?

I was tired of working my fingers to the bone, being away from family and missing out on important events.  I got to the point where I really needed to be able to express myself creatively - and - use my talent to make a living.  I wanted to try and focus my efforts on building something for me and try to make my own business successful.

What keeps you motivated?

Being able to create and make money from my creations keeps me motivated.  No where else can I have my own business, be creative and use my talents!  The ability to work my own hours and express myself keeps me very motivated!  

How did you fund your business?

On a shoestring!  I always have had projects going on and I literally - just started to list them and sell them.  Not too much of an investment was needed - I took advantage of free advertising opportunities, public forums on the internet and networking sites.

Who is your target market?

Women and girls of all ages.

What percentage of your business is online? 

90%.  I do have my work in shops around the country and I sell at craft shows also.

Where do you get most of your customers?

Word of mouth and networking.

What is the biggest challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?

Overcoming my fear of starting my own business.  I decided to ‘take the leap’ and just go for it!

What was the best unexpected thing that happened to you?

When I started getting consistent sales - it was so validating.  I can’t express the feeling of someone not only purchasing an item you created - but sometimes writing a wonderful thank-you - to me!  That was surprising and wonderful - I never expected to feel so validated.

What do you wish you had known when you started?

One thing I wish I had known - is how fulfilling it would be to own my own business. I would have done it much, much sooner.

Do you have kids? Do you work at home?

I work from my home and I have 2 children. A son who just turned 18 and a daughter
who is 13.

What is the biggest challenge of being a work-at-home mom?

One of the biggest challenges for me is time management.  I tend to get wrapped up in my work and need to learn how to schedule myself.  When you work for an outside company - there are usually set hours - but - when you work for yourself there really aren’t any.  I find myself getting up at 6am and working - some days - until 8pm (or even later).

How have your kids helped you be a better entrepreneur?

My family is very encouraging and supportive.  My children love the fact that I am home all day and there for them whenever they need something.  It’s a much different life for us - they’re used to me being away from home, traveling a lot - and now - they are thrilled!

How has being an entrepreneur helped you be a better mom?

I think it’s setting a good example for my children.  I have always told them that they could be whatever they wanted to in life - that they should follow their dreams.  Now, they’re getting to see that advice in action. 

I tell them - In order to succeed in life - you should follow your heart and do what it is that makes you happy.  If you can also support yourself doing that - bonus! 

Now - they see me doing it and I hope that they are encouraged by that.  I hope it’s teaching them to go for it - and to not be afraid of failure - or success.

What advice do you have for other Women Entrepreneurs, or Entrepreneur-wannabe’s?

I think the best advice is advice I heard long ago - and it’s always stuck with me:  
The journey of 1000 miles begins with that first step.  

You will never know if you could have succeeded, if you never try.  Find what you love, seek advice from those who’ve gone before you, find a mentor - and go for it!

To see more of Tia’s beautiful handmade creations, visit her shop Tia’s Treasures.

To get my special report on 7 Steps to Sustainable Success for Women Entrepreneurs -> Click Here.

If you would like your business profiled on More Than WE Know  please contact me at Liz (at) Morethanweknow (dot) com.  

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