Today we introduce you to Kendra of Kendrasred
What motivated you to start your shop? When one of my best friends was married a few years ago, she hired gourmet taco trucks for her reception dinner. To support this amazing choice, I silkscreened an 'i love tacos' onesie for my baby to wear. It was a hit, and I began making them for friends, their friends and more friends' friends. My first listing was this silkscreened onesie (http://www.etsy.com/transaction/53264802), and my Etsy shop has evolved dramatically for me since.
What is the story behind your shop name? 'Kendrasred' was my first email/screen name from back in the 90s, so I went with it again for consistency. But once I began taking my business more seriously, I referred to my shop as 'Big Bridge Studios' (though it remains 'kendrasred' on Etsy) -- not only do I marvel at the Verrazano Bridge everyday, and feel inspired by it, but Big Bridge is also a metaphor for bridging a gap, and finding my way to the 'other side.'
Do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)? I have several, but I've been a long-time fan of www.nervoussystem.etsy.com and www.ashhilton.etsy.com -- both have exceptional jewelry. I also send my misprints to the upcyclers at www.citymade.etsy.com, who turn my botched tees into super cool bags and scarves and other great stuff. As far as business advice and inspiration, I always look to my super-savvy and super-talented friend at www.metalissa.etsy.com.
What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop? That so many people would love what I love making.
What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller? Getting my name out there, finding ways to get more clicks, wanting like crazy to get on the front page and get featured and so on, but not sure/not confident about how to do so.
What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products? I've realized that if I'm not entirely confident about every single part of my product -- whether it's the fabric, the brand, the make up of the ink, the packaging, my business cards -- I feel uncomfortable, I lose gusto, and it stalls my success.
How would someone (other than yourself) describe you? I think I come across fairly confident and creative. Hard-working. Reliable.
What music do you have on while you are creating? Much to my husband's chagrin, I really love putting on the Music for Aardvark's channel that I created on Pandora. It's upbeat, unintrusive, and, like the smell of gingerbread, reminds me of how much joy being a mom has brought to my life.
What do you do when you aren't working? I'm a SAHM of a three year old boy, and we spend a great deal of our time at the numerous parks in Brooklyn and on walks along the Hudson River.
Anything else you'd like to tell us or share? Even though I had worked several years in Manhattan in the graphic arts and in printmaking, it wasn't until I had my son that I started creatively 'winging it.' A gigantic high five to Etsy for providing me (and so many others) the opportunity to give my ideas a shot and put them out into the world.