This week we meet Etsy seller Sadie Bloom Designs. Sadie Bloom Designs has been selling on Etsy since June 2011 and creates fabric flower accessories.

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What motivated you to start your shop?
Sadie Bloom Designs started on a whim. I had recently left a career as a Paralegal, and had some time to spare. While on a very rainy visit at my parents' in the Seattle-area, I started playing around with making fabric yoyo's and "burning" fabric flowers. It was really fun, and thought it would be incredible to actually sell them! That planted the seed for Sadie Bloom Designs.

What is the story behind your shop name?
I wish I had some cute story about the creation of my shop name, but it's actually pretty simple. I like the name "Sadie" (my cat's name), and I make Blooms!

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I was surprised by how time-consuming having an Etsy shop can be. It's so much more than just making your wares. It's also about managing your shop (optimizing listings with SEO, keeping up with Etsy's changes, adding new pieces, responding to potential customers' requests, etc.), as well as staying on top of social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogging, and researching ways to get ahead). The business aspect is so important!

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
I love making the "Audrey" bridal sash. It's so large, and lovely! The beautiful rhinestone embellishment, shiny organza flower and flowy ostrich feathers... I wish I could wear one myself (grocery shopping?).
I also really enjoy making the flower girl headbands. They're all pretty unique. One of them is modeled after tulle elements off my own wedding gown, so that one's close to my heart. (Sophia:

What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
There just doesn't seem to be enough time for everything! I'd love to be able to consistently stock my shop full of new pieces (I have new fabric sitting on my table that's been patiently waiting for months!) and keep up with orders and social media, but it just doesn't happen.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
Do unto others! I make my pieces and treat my customers as I would like. I'm a perfectionist, so nothing ships out until every detail passes inspection. Quality is a priority, at every price-point in my shop. It's something that my customers appreciate... it's all about making customers happy!
I also like to incorporate family influences into my pieces. The shears I use belonged to my husband's great-grandmother, and are rumored to be 85 years old; my yard stick is over 60 years old, from his grandmother. I think it's neat to include these elements - they infuse my products with even more love.

What do you do when you aren't working?
When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with the hubby and friends, reading, grabbing coffee at my favorite spots, and taking quick breaks at the beach.

Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
Thank you so much for this opportunity! I've been a part of the Etsykids Team since July 2011, and have really enjoyed the camaraderie and support from fellow Etsy sellers. It's been an invaluable tool, and has allowed me to make great contacts, whom I still work with today!

Sadie Bloom Designs is offering free domestic USPS First Class shipping with coupon code: FreeShipping15 (no expiration).
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