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I love to hear from fellow Etsy boutique owners about their experiences and advice they can offer, and I know others do, too! Over the next few weeks, I'll be posting interviews with my fellow EtsyKids teammates (EtsyKids is an Etsy Street Team that focuses on sellers who make "stylish designs with kids in mind"). They have plenty of experience, and fantastic things to share!

I had the opportunity to do my first question-and-answer interview with fellow EtsyKids teammate, Tiffany, the incredibly talented owner of Cupcake Dream. (Doesn't the name sound oh-so-appealing??) Cupcake Dream specializes in "beautiful custom graphic design and handmade party accessories." (Stay tuned for a very generous Cupcake Dream offer!)

Here's Tiffany's story...

[Image] Love These Ladybug Birthday Straws
(Used Them in a Treasury!) Boutique Name: Cupcake Dream
Contact Info Links: Facebook Fan Page, Etsy Shop, Twitter
Date Boutique Opened: Feb. 8, 2010

What Do You Sell: Custom party supplies: Invitations, cupcake toppers, favor tags, water bottle labels, and paper straws with tags

How did your shop come about? Any specific inspiration?
When my daughter was born, my husband and I decided we would take monthly pictures of her to show how she changes over the first year. Each month she would wear some new frilly creation and of course it always had to have a big bow to match. My hair accessory budget was growing out of control so I thought it would be best to make them myself. When I posted the baby pictures on my blog, I had several people ask where they can find the bows. That is when I decided to start an Etsy store. The bow business was slow but I continued adding small things (all children related) until it came time to plan my daughter's first birthday. After I completed her birthday invitation design, I knew the store needed a face lift. That is when I took my love of graphic design and party planning and created Cupcake Dream.

Do you have any particular rituals when you create? (In a specific room? A special time? While listening to certain music?)
With kids, it is hard to plan time to create. I usually try to work on designs during nap time.
[Image] The Invitation That Started It All!
What is your favorite piece in your shop?
It's really hard to pick just one design. However, there is one that I believe has more meaning than all the others so my favorite item would be the invitation that started it all (see right!)...

What do you like best about having an Etsy shop?
I really like helping customers create the perfect event. Being able to offer something unique to add a special touch to these memorable events is very rewarding.

Any new projects/designs in the pipeline?
I'm always adding new designs to the store. Customers want unique, innovative resources so I do my best to add new themes as often as possible. I feel like having more options allows the customer to find exactly what they are looking for or will offer inspiration so a custom invitation can be created.
[Image] Puppy Dog Boy Birthday Invitation
When/where do you come up with new designs? (A specific spot/thing you're doing?)
Nothing specific. Most of the time it just comes to me. There have been times when I walked through a store and saw an item that sparked a new idea. As soon as I get home I run to the drawing board and try to put together an outline. Eventually I will get to the final product.

Do you ever suffer from "designer's"-block? If so, what do you do about it?
Absolutely. When I was creating the wagon sports invitation, it started out as another car design. I was sketching and everything I came up with looked all wrong. Frustrated, I turned on the television to relax and take my mind off of things. The first thing on was a commercial with a kid riding a bike. So, I turned the car into a bike. That didn't turn out well so I kept trying until eventually the car was a wagon. I'm not sure how I went from one to the other, but there are many times when my "perfect idea" starts out as one thing and ends up completely different. When I hit "the wall" I always try to step away from what I'm doing and eventually the creative juices will start flowing again.
[Image] Owl Birthday Hanging Favor Gift Tags
What's the best piece of advice given to you about running your shop?
"Run the shop, don't let it run you." There are times that I forget the Etsy store is my hobby. It's something fun that I really enjoy doing. If it isn't fun, then I'm doing something wrong and need to take some time for myself.... regroup.

Some fun questions for Tiffany...

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you? 
Without a doubt, Angelina Jolie. Not only does Angelina stay focused on her family and always puts them first, but she is real. She gets things done, doesn't let anyone push her around and lives her life as she wants it. I believe Angelina is a very strong woman and a great role model. 
[Image] Sip & See Girl Baby Shower Invitation
Who is your dream customer?
 I'm fortunate enough to say that I've had so many dream customers. Although, my favorite customer is the person who allows me to have creative license with their custom design. It's such an amazing opportunity to be able to take a few key words/details and turn it into the perfect invitation for someone. I also enjoy the customers who follow up with me after the party and let me know how the event details worked out for them or better yet, send me pictures! Repeat customers are always a pleasure as well!

What is your favorite food/favorite restaurant?
I'm a big sucker for Mexican food. I would probably eat cheese enchiladas every day if I could. (Me, too!)

If we looked in your refrigerator right now, what would we find?
Not much. Tomorrow is my grocery shopping day. Usually you would find all the boring products - milk, cheese, eggs, veggies, fruits and lots of yogurt! I like to have a cup of yogurt after I go out running.

Thanks, Tiffany, for such a great interview! As a special gift, Tiffany is generously offering a 15% discount on Cupcake Dream invitations using coupon code BLOGFAN!! Yay!