Etsy Interview with Duchess Designs

I'm the creator of Duchess Designs. I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. Love the basics: GOD, husband, children (3), fried foods (can't eat them), Krispy Kreme Chocolate Glazed doughnuts, blue skies, smell of coming rain, teaching my daughters about things that are slowly becoming extinct (rub boards w/ tin tubs, air-dried clothes, fatback, polk salad, field-level baseball seats (under $10), etc...), . I love colors, textures and anything that lets me express myself. I was an IT professional for over 25 years and retired in 2002.

How and when did I start making jewelry and my other items?

As a young child, I spent many of my summer days laying in the grass watching clouds, picking wild flowers and imagining. I would spend my Sundays reading my mom's books (classics) and watching old movies. My imagination took over, I could visualize everything (colors, smells, scenery). This ability to visualize was easy to apply to my sewing. I taught myself to sew when I was 10. This allowed my imagination, love of textures and colors to be realized. In my late teens, I started sewing for others. My first evening gown was a redesign for a Miss Georgia contestant. I continued to sew for myself and friends for years, to relieve the stress of an IT profession.
In 1990, I started making jewelry to match my outfits. I made a few custom orders, but, I did not start making jewelry for others until after my retirement, to keep my hands moving. I returned to my first love sewing and added my new love jewelry making.

When and how did I originally find Etsy?

I first found out about Etsy from a fellow artist. She suggested that I should reserve my name and seriously consider selling on Etsy. After participating in many local shows, extreme weather and unscrupulous store owners, physical restraints, I wanted to closed the business down and retreat to retirement. I remember Etsy and watched it for several months, read forums and participated in virtual labs. In August, 2009 I decided to launch my shop.

What is unique about Etsy and what about the website do you like the most in regards to your shop?

I like the support from other vendors, the information that is readily available, the variety of customers, the fact that I keep my merchandise until sold and that I am able to share my passion with others. The website is easy to use, transparent to the customer and very functional to the vendors.

What inspires me the most in regards to my creations?

The focal point of my creations can be a gemstone, fabric, picture of flowers, architecture, classic paintings, Georgia O'keeffe's early works, old movies, vintage costume jewelry, really just about anything. Well not spiders, I hate them.

What is my favorite piece I have created and why?

My favorite piece of jewelry or fashion is always around the corner. I fall in love with every piece I design and construct. I am always inspired and never satisfied.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

Yes, becoming a billionaire would make my husband happy. Mostly I want to share my designs, create the customers vision in jewelry or fashion and inspire others.

Do you have any new creations in the works? If so, what can shoppers expect to see from you soon?

Currently, I am designing more multi-strand necklaces, bracelets and earrings. I started with the multi-strand and enjoyed it. I will be opening a fashion shop for evening, bridal and children's special occasion.

Where can readers find out about more information regarding my jewelry and other creations and possible special offers?

I have a facebook page and twitter.

I am working with the group Georgia Made Georgia Grown - I will post the information about this on my website and facebook. I have a blog, but it is still getting the best of me.