Interview with T and Little S Designs

Just a few short weeks ago I sent a message to my fellow Etsy Team Columbus members asking about doing some interviews. Would anyone be interested, I said. I got 2 replies almost immediately and then slowly others have filtered in. Traci, from T and Little S Designs was the second to volunteer and I'm so happy to have this interview with her today. I think you will all love her items made for your home and your parties as much as I do. Check out the giveaway at the end of the post as well!
Tell Us About Yourself: My name is Traci, and I'm a former teacher turned stay-at-home-Mommy to my 2 1/2 year old daughter, Sophia. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Wilmington College and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from OSU, and I swear that I use both degrees every single day with my toddler. I enjoy creating things with paper and through decoupage and love to give new life to boring or recycled items. I'm also currently learning to sew and make hair bows that I may sell at local craft shows, but don't currently plan to sell online.

What Kind Of Items Do You Sell In Your Etsy Shop: Ceramic coasters, party supplies/invites, shop supplies (thank you notes, etc). I'm working on a new line with more items for the home and additional party supply kits and themes.

What Brought You To Etsy: I decided to join Etsy the same time I started my own business. My daughter was around 6 months old, and I realized that I really needed a creative outlet in my life. a way to really grow as an individual in addition to as a Mom. I learned about Etsy through an article in a parenting magazine and decided to give it a try. I'm so glad that I did!

How Do You Promote Your Shop: Right now, I promote my shop through Facebook, my own blog, alchemy requests, and occasionally through Twitter. I also regularly contribute sample items to the Spotted Box.

What Is Your Favorite Item In Your Shop Right Now: I have several that I really like, but I think my personal favorite is this set of funky bird ceramic coasters on blue. I love that the blue makes it seem a little retro but the funky birds give it a modern punch.

What Is Your Biggest Shop Goal In The Next Six Months: I really want to have a big holiday season and grow my business. I've really narrowed down my focus to decoupaged items for the home (coasters, with frames, light switches, and outlet covers coming soon!) and for the events in your life (party supplies, invites, coasters as favors, etc). I would love to get to 400 sales by the end of summer and 500 sales by the end of the year. I aim big!

Favorites: Food, Music, Books, whatever you love: Seeing as the only music I listen to and shows/movies I really watch are Dora or Diego, there's little time for my own tastes. However, I love to watch reality TV shows, Tori and Dean, home remodeling shows, etc when I get the chance. My music tastes are pretty eclectic, but a few of my favorites are Jason Mraz and Norah Jones. However, I've been known to turn up the 80's and 90's rock music when the little one is away. I really need to get my own ipod soon :)

To win your own set of funky bird ceramic coasters leave a comment! Contest will end Friday (August 7th) at noon, Eastern time.

Thanks Traci! Be sure to check out T and Little S Designs on Etsy!