Etsy Interview with Fable Bay

My name is Amber, I'm a 28 year old mom to two kids, Cayden is 6, and Adyson is 4, I am married to my high school sweetheart, we've been together for 11 years. He is a Superintendant for nuclear and hazardous material clean up at Hanford Nuclear site, here in Washington. I have a degree in Social Sciences, and I recently left my job of 5 years as a Clinical Laboratory Assistant to stay home with my kids and make jewelry, which is available in my online store, Fable Bay.

How and when did you start making jewelry and your other items?

I never actually thought of myself as creative, yet it seems that I have been making jewelry all my life! I actually used to make beaded bracelets and necklaces in third grade and sold them at school! So what surpises me the most is that I didn't start Fable Bay sooner!

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I actually found Etsy through google online searches, looking for supplies to make my jewelry. I originally sold on eBay, but felt that the market for hand made is overlooked on eBay, as their tagging and title allowances often made it impossible for me to describe my items in a way that made them searchable. Once I discovered Etsy, I instantly knew this community was where I wanted to be. I feel that Etsy's mission and goals are exactly what Fable Bay needed to survive. Buying and selling handmade items becomes more than just a hobby, it's a philosophy, and since joining Etsy, I find that I have ties to a community, and I am not floating around cyberspace all alone. It is a lifestyle I love to be a part of.

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

I love that Etsy is user friendly, and their staff makes time for you as an individual if you need assistance, whether you are a seller or a buyer. While Etsy provides a standard page setup for sellers, I am able to be creative with my space, and As a seller on Etsy, I have really been able to taylor my page to give Fable Bay a branded image people can come to recognise.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

Season plays a crucial role in developing new ideas. Each season brings a new color palate, and I love to let color influance what I will work with and create. In the fall, I have utilized rich warm colors, and earth elements like leaves and birds, but in the spring, I really focused on bright bold color.

What is your favorite piece you've created and why?

My favorite piece I have created and listed on Fable Bay would have to be my Moss Winds Necklace. The modern simple design is livened up with the deep color of the oxidized sterling silver, and beautiful olive green teardrop. It's simple, and classic, but never fails to draw attention.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

My goals for Fable Bay would to become independent. I would love to be able to start paying myself, and still be able to move forward with new designs and continue to evolve my style and grow as a designer.

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

I recenetly have purchased a very small torch, but I have really enjoyed practicing and even creating some really unique pieces. I have already begun to include some of my new work on Fable Bay, and am excited to grow in my skills with forging.

Where can readers find out about more information regarding your jewelry and other creations and possible special offers (including additional websites, blogs, facebook, etc)?

Fable Bay has a Facebook Fan page and a Twitter account. I also have a blog, but it's sorely neglected.