Etsy Interview with Karenda Kreations

I'm the creator of Karenda Kreations. I recently got off the corporate band wagon after having spent more years than I care to discuss, in telecommunications as a Sales Manager. Currently I am a Director of Marketing for a mid-sized company and just love the freedom. I have a Master's Degree in Business Management and an undergraduate degree in Marketing. In my personal life, I love the great outdoors, the beach, the water and the gym. Most of all, I love to create and have done so since I was young. I remember making woven pot holders as a five year old and going door to door selling them to my neighbors. It was in the genes.

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

I have always loved jewelry and have two large armoires to prove it.

I started making jewelry about 5 years ago. I took an hour long beading class at a local craft store and got absolutely hooked. I remember some of my first creations and taking them to a craft show for their debut. I am a self taught artisan for the most part and try different techniques and styles so my creations stay unique. The name "Karenda" of Karenda Kreations came from the combination of my name (Karen) and my partner, Brenda.. We do craft shows together but maintain separate stores on Etsy. I have maintained "Karenda" and Brenda formed a separate shop on Etsy. We have different design techniques and complement each other when we are at shows.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I found Etsy in March 2007 and it was purely by accident. My husband, an amateur photographer, was in the Galapagos Islands on a 10 day photo tour. I was really bored one night and was searching on the internet for hand-crafted sites. I had registered, about 8 or so years ago, on a hand-crafted site but that site was no longer in business. I had a relatively large amount of inventory and wanted to extend my reach again beyond local shows. I googled hand-crafted web sites and found Etsy. I registered "Karenda" that night and the rest is history.

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

Etsy is so easy to navigate and so very easy to list. I also like the small listing fee which is affordable for beginner artisans. There are so many great tools to help with your listings and it was so easy to load pictures. I love the Time Machine and the "Hearts". I guess there is not a lot I don't like about Etsy.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

I love unique jewelry and I love jewelry that is versatile. With the economy the way it is, I wanted to make pieces that are different and affordable so that customers could accessorize different outfits and stay within their budget. I am also the creator of Gem N Eyes and have a separate shop on Etsy with that name. Gem N Eyes are eyeglass holder necklaces that can be worn alone and can easily pass for a piece of jewelry. I have a registered trademark for the name, one of my proud accomplishments. As one of the millions of vain baby boomers, I wanted a piece that was classic and functional as I am always losing my eyeglasses.

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

I don't know that I have a favorite piece. I have quite a few that I really love and even a couple that I hate to part with. I love semi-precious gemstones and vintage inspired so I guess it would be one of my pieces that incorporate both. I do have one piece that is made with Freshwater Pearls hand wrapped with brass wire and accented with vintage findings and a gorgeous faceted glass rhondelle. I have sold quite a few of these necklaces at various craft shows.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I want to accomplish a few things with my shop. First, I want my creations to be "out there" where millions of people can see and hopefully purchase them. Second, I want to distinguish myself from the many wonderful artisans on Etsy. I want people to see a piece of jewelry and to associate it with Karenda. I also want to spread the word about my Gem N Eyes registered trademarked eyeglass holder necklaces.

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

Gosh, I am always creating in my head. The challenge is finding time to put the thoughts into reality. I am starting to work more and more with leather and antiqued findings. I am also making these darling little key chains that sell very well at my shows and in one of the boutiques where my jewelry is sold. I am also going to be doing a new line of Gem N Eyes using new stones and materials. I can keep going because my mind is never at rest. I am always creating in my head.

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

I do have a business on Facebook, Kreations by Karen, along with Etsy. I started a blog, but have not found enough time to really devote myself to it being tied up with my jewelry business and my full time job. I am hoping to show my pieces in many more retail outlets once I can find the time to research and approach them.