Etsy Interview with Penny Masquerade

My name is Sarah and I'm a twenty-four year-old jewelry designer from Yorkshire in England. I work full-time on my online jewelry shop, Penny Masquerade. I love doing anything creative, have a passion for reading and adore animals and nature. I also love to learn and spent four years of my life studying literature at the University of Leeds. Aside from being a creative animal-loving geek, I'm also a serious giggler. I love anyone who can make me laugh and really admire people who can laugh at themselves. My perfect day would entail visiting an animal sanctuary or going to the seaside with my boyfriend, eating yummy cakes and curling up on the sofa in the evening to watch a Studio Ghibli movie.

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

I finished University in September 2008 just as the economic crisis hit. Jobs were non-existent so I had to move back home (which was a bit of a challenge after four years living independently!). I was doing work-experience at various museums at the time and started making a few bits of jewelery to sell to tide me over. I didn't attend any classes, I just looked at pieces of jewelery I had to see how they'd been made and looked at a few tutorials online and learned that way. After a while I realized museum work wasn't for me and that making jewelry for a living could work. Penny Masquerade (initially know as Ruby Rouge) was born!

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I found Etsy in September 2008. A friend had told me about it when I was at University and I guess it just stuck in my mind. I remember when I first looked at it. I thought it was amazing that there was a venue out there specifically designed for independent crafters to exhibit and sell their work.

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

I think Etsy is unique because it's so diverse and because its staff are so interactive and helpful. The Storque Blog on Etsy is one of my favorite things about it. I love the helpful posts on business strategies and the inspirational "Quit Your Day Job" stories. I also love the Etsy shop layout - it's clean and simple, which means the graphics and pictures I've uploaded to the Penny Masquerade shop really stand out. One of my favorite new Etsy features is the ability to browse in different currencies. I used to hate giving out my business cards at craft fairs and having to explain to customers that the prices would be displayed in dollars but that paypal converts this to pounds at the point of sale. Now I don't have that problem! It's such a useful tool especially for sellers not based in the US.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

I'm inspired by all sorts of things - Alice in Wonderland, fairytales, literature, nature, France, afternoon tea, the sea, 50's glamour - but the overriding thing prevalent in every one of my designs is the past. My pieces emulate vintage design and evoke nostalgia. I like to thing of each piece as a gateway to a bygone era.

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

Ooh this is a difficult one! I'm not a mother, but I imagine this decision to be a lot like choosing your favorite child! I think it would either have to be this one! Or this one!

I love the Call of Love necklace because it's romantic and delicate and I love the Alice in Wonderland piece because it reminds me of my favorite story and brings back happy memories.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I would love for my shop to continue growing. The hard work is already paying off but I am really looking forward to the day where I look at my business and see that it has realized its potential. I also want the shop to maintain its good reputation and for customers to see Penny Masquerade as a brand synonymous with quality, fantastic customer service and striking design. Moreover, I want Penny Masquerade to be successful enough for me to be able to help people and animals in need with the profits. I love to help others and if my shop allows me to do this I will be very happy indeed.

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

I always have new creations in the works as I work on new designs every day. I'm hoping to double the amount of stock I have in my shop by September. I have a new line of quintessentially English pieces that will be released soon and some more sterling silver pendants so watch this space! I'm also hoping to open an evening and bridal jewelery store in the next couple of months.

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

The best place to find out more information on Penny Masquerade Jewelry is my blog. I hold monthly giveaways here and am hoping to give customers a taste of what happens behind-the-scenes. There will also be many pictures of animals!

You can also find me on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pennymasquerade

I also have a shop on the UK site Folksy (our British version of Etsy): http://www.pennymasquerade.folksy.com

The independent Penny Masquerade shop is currently under construction but if you want to bookmark it now in anticipation of what's to come feel free! http://www.pennymasquerade.com