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Today we would like to introduce you to Etsy shop Little Luckies 2
Little Luckies 2 sell handmade cloth / rag dolls & stuffed animals! Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.

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What motivated you to start your shop?
I opened this little shop because I have the need to create, to keep my hands moving and to fuel my passion for smiles. My kids beds were overrun with toys I had made and, I was making toys for my nieces, nephews, and friends.  Still it wasn't enough to keep me busy!

I was trying to think ahead, the kids will be in school full time soon and, I really don't want to go back to the corporate life, it isn't  for me.  I want  to be able to do something that I love.  If I can bring in enough income to help our family, while doing something I love, it's a win win!  So, in 2013 I made a New Years resolution to open up shop and, was determined to keep it.  It wasn't hard with the constant encouragement from friends and family. So, in June I opened up my shop "little Luckies" and sold my first Etsy product in September.

What is the story behind your shop name?
little Luckies is all about they kids and our family. It means so much all at once!  That I'm lucky to have my little ones, that they are lucky to have both my husband and me. It's also a play on words with our family name :)

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
When I opened I started to feel a sense of self...  Mums you know that 'self' that kind of gets lost when you have kids :). I started to feel that I was worth more than being just a mum.  Don't get me wrong I love being a full time mum but, I was starting to feel lost in it.  For the past 6 years I've been totally focused on the kids and, the family unit. I wasn't doing anything that felt fulfuilling to myself as Susan- if that makes any sense.  It's been so nice to finally have something to call my own.  It takes so much effort to simultaneously run a family and have a small business on the side.  I'm proud of everything that I accomplish with little Luckies.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
Honestly, my favourite is the Rhino because I think it's a brilliant pattern!  Created by another etsy seller Pauline of Funky Friends Factory.  Most of what I make come from patterns she has created.
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What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Getting noticed and sales!! Etsy is so huge its very hard to get people to find you. I know I have a good product that is handcrafted with great care and love, but as much as I network and,  do what other successful Etsy sellers suggest I still have only had 17 sales, most of which were generated through  Facebook.

What do you do when you aren't working?
Running a family, doing laundry (OMG the laundry!), driving everywhere and catching a few zzzzz's.

Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
I will sew practically anything and I love a challenge.
I also, have a Facebook page where I like to post pics daily of the items I'm working on.  I like to keep my buyers informed and, share with them the process from, acutally sewing plush to, what that is cooking on my stove :).  It's kind of like a mini blog.

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