Member Feature: Dolls And Bears

Contributor post by Anna of Unexpected Treasure

Please join us in welcoming Dolls & Bears , our featured member!

Tell us about yourself       

I am a mother of 2 adult boys and live with my partner. Sadly, I work full time and craft for my sanity and hope to develop my hobby into a small business someday!

When did you open your business and what make you decide to do so?

I have been making items to sell a couple of years ago and found that my range was too diverse and I needed to streamline my products. As I work with children I see how important it is to have a childhood friend, so ‘Dolls & Bears’ was born. This started in October 2013 and is growing well.

Tell us a bit about your products           

I make cloth rag dolls for children which are CE tested along with keepsake bears which can be either knitted, crocheted or seen from mohair. All my dolls can be personalized.

What inspires your work?           

I use nature around me to inspire me. The seasonal flowers give me inspiration for colours, woodland scenes inspire me to make animals and children’s drawings have inspired me to make my own patterns of their own creations.

What are your future goals for the business this year? What is your dream for this business?         

My future goals are to grow my business into a regular income and my dream would be to open a small shop to make and sell my dolls.

What makes your business stand out from businesses that sell similar products?

I offer CE tested dolls for children – all can be personalized. Keepsake mohair bears are hand stitched and are face sculpted offering a one-of-a-kind creation that has attention to detail.

Tell us a bit about your work space. Do you have a separate studio?

After my youngest son left home, I allowed a period of dignity before utilizing ‘his’ room to use as my craft studio.

Where can people find out more about you and your business?

I have a Facebook page www.fb.com/dollsandbearsbymissyb and you can see my shop on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/DollsandBearsMissyB

Why do you believe people should buy handmade, such as your products, vs buying mass-produced products from box stores?

Handmade items offer quality, attention to detail and lots of passion!

 

What have you learned since opening your business that you wish you had known before hand?

I should have done this sooner!

Any advise for those thinking about selling on Etsy?

Research your own product well to determine where your market is and open your shop and sell, sell, sell!

When you’re not working, what do you like to do to unwind and have fun? Do you have any hobbies?        

My hobbies are my knitting, sewing & crochet. Other than that I love gardening, travelling and walking in the countryside with my partner.

What is your favourite quote?        

Seize the day!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?        

I love what I do with a passion; I have a zest for life and would love the opportunity to grow my hobby!

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If you would like to be featured, please go to the CIJ Etsy Forum and fill out the questionnaire. Please note you must be a member of the CIJ Etsy team to be featured.