Etsy Interview with Simply So

I grew up a little tomboy, the oldest of four. I played outside with bugs and dirt, and remember getting in trouble for eating berries and things I shouldn't . I collected bugs and played in the neighbor's creek. I played soccer and could run around with the guys and fit right in. I remember my sister playing Barbies and I would pop the heads off of them just to bother her.

I still love the outdoors and I am still athletic. I watch a lot of sports and coach highschool soccer. I love to hike and I love to play in the yard. One thing has changed...I have learned to act like a lady and enjoy doing so! I work as a guidance counselor at a high school and I fit right in with all the other professionals. I wear dress clothes, makeup and jewelry...as long as it's simple and thus the name of my store Simply So.

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

I never liked jewelry and aside from a short earring fetish in middle school had not worn jewelry until the last few years. I like things to look natural, to be "earthy" and just plain simple. I don't like the thrills and whistles...just the basics.

I first had a strong desire to make jewelry when I was planning my wedding. I saw a necklace I like from JCrew that I wanted to wear for my wedding. The cost was RIDICULOUS, so I thought I would try to make it. I ordered some beads and began to work...and ended up making my necklace, my bridesmaids necklaces and mothers necklaces for the wedding. I was definitely not sure what I was doing and laugh at how clueless I was, but I had fun and I got what I wanted.

During the next year I realized I would wear jewelry with my work clothes and to church if I had something simple. But the stores were full of glitter and glam. I knew a few places that carried jewelry I liked but again, it cost way too much for a newlywed's budget. So as I imagined a necklace I would like I began to make it...and eventually ended up making quite a collection of necklaces.

I began to make jewelry as gifts, and realized I could start to sell my jewelry and did...that's where I am today running my jewelry business Simply So!

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

My sister-in-law showed me Etsy a few years ago while we were looking online for Christmas gifts. I forgot about it, but a good friend recently suggested checking it out to sell my jewelry.

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

Etsy is about unique original work...there is nothing cookie-cutter for sale on their website. I love the little details in life like a piece of handmade jewelry. The quality is much better than something of similar cost in a mass production store, and the look is just so unique. Etsy makes it easy to sell my product, and has fair rates and standards.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

I like to keep things simple, ordinary and real. I would rather have a few things that were quality and unique than a pile of things that were cheap and trendy. That drives me to make quality jewelry with simple style and quality stone. I love the feel of a heavy gemstone necklace, and I love the deep rich colors nature has to offer. I only use natural gemstones to create my jewelry and won't change that.

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

I have a few favorites...first would have to be my chunky turquoise necklace. This necklace is adorable and can go with your favorite brown t-shirt and jeans, or a formal dress depending on your mood and preference. I love the feeling of the natural gemstone around my neck and I love the unique divets and characteristics of each natural bead.

Another classic favorite is the simple pearl strand...again, simple enough for everyday wear but gorgeous if used to dress up an outfit. There is nothing classier than a pearl necklace and the irregular freshwater pearls give it a unique look with their interesting shapes and ivory color.

Lastly I sell pendant necklaces...these are my favorite for everyday wear. You can collect a few pendants of different colors and add a nice pop to any outfit without dressing it up. I wear these almost every day!

I sell matching earrings to go with each of my necklaces, and those are fun too!

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

First I want to share my simple jewelry with other women who might share my style and taste. It is truly difficult to find a natural look for an affordable price and I am thrilled to help a sister out!

I love to make jewelry...and I figured why not make some money while doing what I enjoy?!? So as a second goal my husband and I are hoping to use the funds from this endeavor to build a vacation fund...we love to travel together and hope Simply So... is successful enough to pay for a few trips together.

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

I am currently working on my sister's wedding jewelry. Making jewelry for a wedding party is fun, and working with freshwater pearls is my favorite. I would love to take on more wedding party orders. I also hope to add some new colors and gemstones to my collection...everybody likes variety! Lastly I am working on adding some tiered necklaces and wrap around necklaces with multiple length options...so keep your eyes on Simply So... and you will definitely see new products coming!