Member Spotlight: Mane Message

Meet Olivia of Mane Message!

Olivia makes bohemian chic hair accessories inspired by her life in California. She specializes in tie-dyed hair ties and headbands.

1. What school do you attend?

I go to Pitzer College. It’s part of the Claremont College Consortium in Los Angeles, California.

2. What are you currently studying?

I’m double majoring in Media Studies and Studio Art.

3. What types of classes do you get to take? Which one is your favorite, and why?

My main focus has been in digital art and media, which means I end up taking a lot of classes in computer labs. I’ve taken many production classes, such as video editing, photography, digital imaging and graphic design for my studio art major. The geeky academic side of me is fed by my media theory courses that require analyzing and dissecting media texts. The classes I most enjoy are the ones that incorporate both art and media theory. An example of this is a class I took last semester called “Media and Sexuality”. We grappled with complex ideas surrounding popular culture, pornography and cyberspace. All in all, my college experience has been both academically challenging and extremely fun.

4. What do you want to do when you get out of school?

My Etsy shop has actually taught me a lot about what I want to do when I graduate. I have known for a long time that I want to do something creative that involves computers. I’ve always been open to what field I might enter in the future, however, it wasn’t until I started Mane Message that I realized that I enjoy running a small business and hope I can continue to work for myself.

5. What are some of your interests and hobbies?

I love to bake. I’ve been on a bread baking kick the last few months. There’s something very peaceful about baking bread from scratch and as a college student I need that outlet.

6. What is your favorite thing about college so far?

Wow, that’s a hard question! There are so many things about being a college student that I love and try not to take for granted. At my school everyone pretty much lives on campus all four years, which means everyone eats together in the dining hall. There’s something special about the sense of community that happens in the dining hall. Everyone’s together talking, being goofy, sharing what they learned in class that day and eating. I think I will miss the mealtime moments the most when I graduate.

7. How do you manage your school work and Etsy shop?

It’s a juggling act for sure. I make strict to-do lists and try to follow them. I will normally wake up early and do reading for class then stay up late doing things for Mane Message. Honestly, there are times when I don’t go out with my friends because I need to do things for my shop. It doesn’t bother me though. My work on Etsy is very fulfilling and I love every minute of it.

8. What is the best advice you can offer to a fellow college student crafter?

I would say make sure you’re passionate about what you’re doing because in the end it makes everything easier. Also, try not to obsess. I’m completely guilty of that and it feels weird giving that as advice, but I’m starting to learn that checking Google Analytics every 10 minutes and staying on the computer all day checking in on things isn’t the way to go. Sales and traffic fluctuate and at the end of the day everything will be okay. Enjoy the ride and follow your gut.

To learn more about Olivia and Mane Message, you can visit these links:
Website | Twitter | Facebook

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Member Spotlight: Blue Heart Boutique

Meet Jessica of Blue Heart Boutique!

Jessica's shop offers a lovely variety of handmade clothing, accessories, and journals.

1. What school do you attend?

I'm a student at the University of Kentucky.

2. What are you currently studying?

I'm an Accounting major and I'm also studying marketing and financial analysis.

3. What types of classes do you get to take? Which one is your favorite, and why?

I really love my economics and main accounting classes because the focus is on so many of the things that I'm going to be taking with me for my career and there are a lot of real world applications.

4. What do you want to do when you get out of school?

I plan to start out working at an accounting firm, or maybe move up at the bank I currently work at. Once I've saved up some money to invest I would like to open a brick & mortar store that features not only handmade things of my own (like in my shop) but work of other artists/crafters that are either local or fellow Etsy sellers. I'd also love for the store to have collections of vintage finds. That's the dream.

5. What are some of your interests and hobbies?

Of course I love sewing and creating things with my hands, but I also love dancing. In high school I was a majorette and I miss it aElot now. I like posting on my blog and finding inspiration from Etsy and other design/craft blogs.

6. What is your favorite thing about college so far?

Making new friends has been fun, and I also love the 'college environment'', being on my own and able to come and go as I please. My least favorite thing is definitely the food I have eat!

7. How do you manage your school work and Etsy shop?

Sometimes it gets really difficult to focus on school whenever I have Etsy right at my fingertips, so I try to keep them separate or take breaks from studying every so often. As for making inventory for my shop, I save that for weekends only. Otherwise I would never get school work done.

8. What is the best advice you can offer to a fellow college student crafter?

Of course there is the "let school come before your shop" speech, but the best advice I can give is to not let it become stressful. School work and being a 'newbie' at being on your own can be stressful enough, your etsy shop shouldn't add to that stress, but it can most definately help relieve it if you focus on the positives and don't bit off more than you can chew.

To learn more about Jessica and Blue Heart Boutique, you can visit these links:
Blog | Twitter

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The Storque: Sweets and Hearts on Jet-Setting in Style

Here's a new article for Etsy's blog, written by EtsyU's own team leader and founder,
Erica of Sweets and Hearts!

Check out "EtsyU Abroad: A Student's Guide to Jet-Setting in Style" in The Storque!

The Storque: Abreaka Studios on Getting Her First Apartment

Check out "Goodbye Dorm-Life, Hello First Apartment",
a recent article by Arielle of Abreaka Studios in Etsy's blog, The Storque!

Member Spotlight: Cleaner Science

Meet Sara of Cleaner Science!

Taking a little inspiration from the science lab, Sara makes quirky, scented petri dish soaps!

1. What school do you attend?

Texas Tech School University Health Sciences Center, School of Pharmacy.

2. What are you currently studying?

I’m currently finishing up my first year as a Pharm. D. student.

3. What types of classes do you get to take? Which one is your favorite, and why?

Man, this might take an entire paragraph just to list some courses. Let’s see… Last semester we were taking biochemistry, immunology, anatomy and physiology, introduction to pharmacy practice, drug information clerkship, introduction to clinical immunization and administration, pharmacy practice and education, and drug delivery systems. This semester we’re diving into physiology, principles of drug action, principles of disease, herbals, integumentary, pharmaceutical care, drug delivery systems II and III, and drug delivery systems lab… WOW that looks like a lot now that I put it all in one paragraph lol.

My favorites so far have been biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, and pharmaceutical care. Anatomy was amazing because we are one of only about 3 pharmacy schools in the US that also have a gross anatomy cadaver lab. We went to Lubbock every other weekend in the fall semester to have our lab. It was just absolutely amazing to be able to learn from those who have donated their bodies to science.

4. What do you want to do when you get out of school?

Of course, I’d like to become a pharmacist, but I’m still trying to decide on what specialty I’d like to focus on. I’m really interested in pediatrics right now, but in general, I’d like to practice in a hospital setting.

5. What are some of your interests and hobbies?

It seems I have been creating things my whole life! I’ve also been in school my entire life, and I absolutely love learning as much as I can. I also played percussion in high school, and even marched in a couple drum and bugle corps, playing in the front ensemble.

6. What is your favorite thing about college so far?

I just like that college is more versatile and is always interesting. I’m not sure if I even have ONE absolute favorite thing or anything… My favorite thing about pharmacy school so far is the amount of support we all get from each other and from faculty. It is really quite different from anything I’ve had in the past.

7. How do you manage your school work and Etsy shop?

School obviously comes first… and I think my Etsy shop sometimes suffers because of it. I always get orders shipped out very quickly, but I can’t list things until I already have them made… or else I would probably be making soap for like a week straight! So that’s always hard, because I have so many ideas for the shop, but it just takes a little longer than expected to get them going.

I’m usually up super early every day of the week, and I’m lately I've been going to sleep past midnight . I try to get to the post office during the tiny breaks we have during the day. After classes are done at about 4 pm, I’m home again and it seems like I’m studying the entire night. When I have to make some new soaps, the day seems to be quite hectic, and I feel like a chicken with my head cut off running around… but somehow I try to keep cool.

8. What is the best advice you can offer to a fellow college student crafter?

School first, school first, school first! Most important is just to not lose your focus. It’s very hard while you’re selling on Etsy, because you’re usually making things that you’re passionate about. It’s very easy to get carried away.

Word of mouth from friends and family can be so huge! There are also so many opportunities within the college community… use them while you can!

To learn more about Cleaner Science, you can visit these links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Flickr

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Member Spotlight: AandARandomlings

Meet Ashleigh of A&A Randomlings!

Ashleigh's shop has a variety of handmade goods, including wire wrap jewelry, paper crafts, Kawaii/Lolita items, Neopagan items, and Girl Gamer items, or as she likes to put it "your basic geekery stuff, plus some art, jewelry, and cards". ;)

1. What school do you attend?

Social Work is the major I’ll be signing before the spring semester is over, and I’ll be signing a minor in Psychology.I’m a sophomore student at Central Michigan University, home of the Chippewas, which is basically smack-dab in the middle of Michigan. We’re right down the street from a large casino and half of the town is on reservation land. Our school has a basically good relationship with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, but that wasn’t always the case. Once upon a time, our mascot was a Chippewa chief in full regalia, and our football games were filled with whooping “battle cries” similar to the ones you see in old Westerns. Eventually the university realized how disrespectful this behavior was and got its act together; we changed our mascot to the Flying C and the tribe allowed us to continue calling ourselves the Chippewas.

2. What are you currently studying?

Social Work is the major I’ll be studying before the spring semester is over, and I’ll be studying a minor in Psychology.

3. What types of classes do you get to take? Which one is your favorite, and why?

For the most part, I’m taking Sociology, Psychology, and Social Work classes. However, I’m also taking lots of English classes. At first, the English classes were just to fulfill my basic requirements; however, now I’m taking a Folklore class just for fun and am absolutely loving it. There may be an English minor in my future.

4. What do you want to do when you get out of school?

The current plan is to stay in school until I have my masters, which should take about an additional year, and then to get my Social Work license. The reason I'm going into Social Work, is because in my heart of hearts, I love humanity. While there are people in this world who do terrible, terrible things, it is my hope that there are enough good humans out there to counterbalance this craziness. As a social worker, I hope that I can make a difference in the lives of sexually exploited children and abused/neglected children by advocating for them. These kids don't have a large political voice (especially victims of the child prostitution industry) and their cause is extremely underfunded. :(

5. What are some of your interests and hobbies?

Other than crafting, I love to read and spend time with friends. Also, I love to be out in nature. Once the weather warms up again (did you know that the winter lasts almost seven months in Michigan?) I’m going to be taking lots of long walks in the woods :D

6. What is your favorite thing about college so far?

The coffee shops! In my home town, you have a few corporate choices for coffee; Starbucks, Tim Horton’s, and various fast food places. But here, you have an independently owned coffee shop every couple of blocks! My favorite local place is called Kaya Coffee & Tea. I go there every Thursday night at about 10 with my friends from the Open Grove Society, which is the religious diversity club I’m a part of. We sit and chat and drink delicious beverages and nibble on various munchies. It’s a great way to relax before the weekend.

7. How do you manage your school work and Etsy shop?

Very carefully! I try to make sure school comes first, but I reserve at least an hour a day for Etsy related stuff. While the internet side of things can be easily managed, I find it hard to craft in my current dorm setting. Sometimes I’ll take whatever I’m working on with me to Kaya or the library, where I have more space to spread out.

8. What is the best advice you can offer to a fellow college student crafter?

Crafting in a small space can be difficult; it seems to squelch all of the creativity right out of you! It’s workable though; especially if you have the support of your roommates; if they know you’re working hard on something, generally they can give you feedback and try to live around your project. That’s really the best advice I have; crafting can be messy and mess can be stressful, but keeping relationships healthy with your roommates really helps with the whole process. After all, crafting is supposed to be relaxing!

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Member Spotlight: Movetheneedle

Meet Anna of Move the Needle!

Anna specializes in handmade paper goods, including journals, planners, and greeting cards. She also makes photo frames and boxes.

1. What school do you attend?

I go to Allegheny College in western Pennsylvania.

2. What are you currently studying?
I am a Studio Art major and have a double minor in Creative Writing and VESA which stands for Values, Ethics and Social Action (it's basically about volunteering and how to make a difference in the world). Our school requires our major and minor to be in different fields of study so that's why I have 2 minors.

3. What types of classes do you get to take? Which one is your favorite, and why?

I usually take art classes, like Photography or Painting, which I love. Right now I'm taking a Junior Seminar course where I'm doing a big painting project in. I also take some classes in other fields like English and Psychology. I've really enjoyed my writing classes in poetry and short stories. I also usually take one Dance and Movement class every semester just for fun. Right now I'm taking Figure Skating and I've taken Ballroom Dancing in the past.

4. What do you want to do when you get out of school?

I'm not sure what I want to do when I get out of school yet. I want to do something art related, so I'll probably be looking for a job in that area. I want to continue crafting and running my Etsy. I also think it might be nice to travel right when I get out of school.

5. What are some of your interests and hobbies?

Besides crafting, I enjoy listening to music, painting, watching movies, reading, photography, writing and cooking.

6. What is your favorite thing about college so far?

I love that you can take classes for stuff you're interested in. For example, in high school, I would have to take science classes I didn't like as requirement. In college, I'm only required to take one science/lab course and it can be in something that interests me such as astronomy or light and color. I've also been able to explore interests I didn't know I had, like ballroom dancing.

7. How do you manage your school work and Etsy shop?

I think I just try to manage my time well. To me, my Etsy feels like another activity I do. Etsy is a lot of fun so it doesn't feel like work to me and is a nice break from my schoolwork. I'll usually go in stages where I work on my Etsy shop a lot and then I might have a lot of schoolwork, so I don't craft as much until I have more time. I try to go on Etsy a little bit each day though.

8. What is the best advice you can offer to a fellow college student crafter?

I'd say, don't be afraid to open a shop just because you're a student. I saw somebody else say this, but I think it's a good idea to open your shop while you're on break from school. That way you have time to stock up and create your shop without distractions. Also, if you find you don't have a lot of time, just do one little thing on Etsy each day – like listing or writing a blog entry.

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Member Spotlight: Thekniftiestknitter

Meet Katie of The Kniftiest Knitter!

Katie's shop is filled with super cute knitted scarves, berets, and other accessories.

1. What school do you attend?

I attend Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta

2. What are you currently studying?
I'm a psychology major, and am hoping to specialize mostly in drug and alcohol rehab therapy.

3. What types of classes do you get to take? Which one is your favorite, and why?

I take mostly psychology classes at this point, and those are most definitely my favorite. This semester my abnormal psychology class has been really great!

4. What do you want to do when you get out of school?

Hopefully a therapist in a rehabilitation center.

5. What are some of your interests and hobbies?

I play several instruments, and am in the band at college. I spend a lot of my free time crocheting and knitting.

6. What is your favorite thing about college so far?

I've loved being able to have classes with students with open minds and the discussions that come about in some of my more controversial classes.

7. How do you manage your school work and Etsy shop?

It's definitely hard to stay up to date on my Etsy shop, but I find the time on weekends and some weeknights I don't have a lot going on.

8. What is the best advice you can offer to a fellow college student crafter?

School first, crafts second.

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Member Spotlight: Carissabhowell

Meet Carissa of Edible Dreams!

Carissa has a wonderful selection of mouth-watering baked goods, oils and herbs, bar mixes, candies, and more.

1. What school do you attend?

I go to the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Tampa, in Florida. I used to attend USF for Music Education and Business, though.

2. What are you currently studying?
I am a Culinary Arts Student--I study Asian, Latin, world, Classical European, American Regional, Baking and Pastry.

3. What types of classes do you get to take? Which one is your favorite, and why?

Oh, boy I have loved most of my classes. I really liked American Regional Cuisine and Classical European. I also have to take lots of business courses and math that I really don't like, but it will help me out in the long run.

4. What do you want to do when you get out of school?

I hope to someday have my own catering business. I think it represents my interests in party planning, cake making, and cooking.

5. What are some of your interests and hobbies?

I absolutely love crafts, and this comes into my packaging. You will notice I hand make a lot of my cards (thank-yous) that I send out with my product! I love cooking, obviously, and being with my friends. I am a bartender, so I love thinking up new mixology. I am just really creative.

6. What is your favorite thing about college so far?

I would have to say that the people that I have met have made new connections, and the friends that I have made.

7. How do you manage your school work and Etsy shop?

I actually have school, work, and my etsy shop. I have to be really organized, and this causes me to be able to manage my time. I don't get that many orders (I want that to change obviously) so I have plenty of time to work and do homework.

8. What is the best advice you can offer to a fellow college student crafter?

Be persistent. It is hard to develop a client base, but I think that making connections, and actually word of mouth is the best way to get your name out there. Send a few discount cards out with each order and tell people to give them to their friends. They will love it.

Etsy Buy Handmade carissabhowell

Member Spotlight: NeonFAZE

Meet Jocelyn of Neon FAZE!

Jocelyn's shop is filled with quirky and colorful jewelry & accessories. She hopes to add clothing to her shop in the future.

1. What school do you attend?

I am currently studying in a college in Philadelphia, PA.

2. What are you currently studying?
I am studying Graphic Design, but I hope to also study Computer Engineering.

3. What types of classes do you get to take? Which one is your favorite, and why?

I've taken most of the basic courses so far, my favorite, I would have to say is English (amazingly, as much as I HATE writing haha), but the English courses at my school focused on some very interesting topics. However, I would have liked to ditch all the papers I had to do -.- lol.

4. What do you want to do when you get out of school?

I really have no idea, I do however, want to end up in New York City :). I would like to work for a magazine, with a graphic design agency, or perhaps go into computers a little more. I also would like to take some time out to travel and such.

5. What are some of your interests and hobbies?

Well, I love making things lol, anything really, from jewelry, clothes, bags, websites, photography, drawing (well I'm working on that lol) and the works. I also love listening to music, hanging out with friends and going to New York City.

6. What is your favorite thing about college so far?

I have yet to find out, I would completely say something stupid like the food lol. But otherwise, I would say meeting new people, having classes that I'm actually interested in and the like.

7. How do you manage your school work and Etsy shop?

I opened my shop in December while I was on break, so as of now, I have yet to learn :)

8. What is the best advice you can offer to a fellow college student crafter?

My advice would be as others have said, school does come first. It's what your future depends on, however, I presume your future could depend on your DIY business depending on how well you do lol. But for the time being, school does come first. Also if crafting is a relaxing thing to do, you can also craft in-between breaks when you're studying for a test or exam :) And never overwork yourself. If you feel that your craft is taking over, suspend it for a while, get your head cleared and such and then go back to it :)

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Member Spotlight: Blustarfruit

Meet Sarah of Blustarfruit Jewelry!

Sarah makes beautiful silvertone, pearl and crystal earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

1. What school do you attend?

I'm studying at the Medical University of South Carolina.

2. What are you currently studying?
I am in my second year of Physical Therapy school.

3. What types of classes do you get to take? Which one is your favorite, and why?

I have taken musculoskeletal, pharmacology, exercise, pathophysiology courses, and am currently taking neuromuscular and inpatient care courses. I love everything I've taken so far!

4. What do you want to do when you get out of school?

I've known I wanted to work in Physical Therapy since I was 14, and now I know I want to work with premature infants in the NICU when I'm out of school. I'm so excited to start my career!

5. What are some of your interests and hobbies?

Right now I'm planning my wedding, so that's taking up a lot of my free time! Otherwise I love working out and making jewelry.

6. What is your favorite thing about college so far?

I love the constant learning environment of school.

7. How do you manage your school work and Etsy shop?

I always put studying first. I'll go to the library without my laptop to force myself to study =]

8. What is the best advice you can offer to a fellow college student crafter?

My advice would be to begin your etsy shop during a school break, because you'll have to get over the initial obsession before you have to begin your next semester!

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Member Spotlight: Einahpetsneleb

Meet Stephanie (aka Belen) of Belen's Boutique!

Stephanie is known for her super cute crocheted flower headbands and vintage-inspired dangly earrings.
To learn more about Stephanie, visit her blog!

1. What school do you attend?

I currently attend Riverside Community College in Corona, CA, and I'm hoping to transfer to Cal State San Bernardino by Fall '10.

2. What are you currently studying?
I'm majoring in Liberal Studies to become an elementary teacher.

3. What types of classes do you get to take? Which one is your favorite, and why?

I'm currently taking all the gen ed classes required to transfer to CSUSB, A few of them were early childhood development classes, which I enjoyed above all other classes I've taken so far. I love learning about the development of children, and knowing that we adults have the power to raise them so that they may one day become friendly, intelligent, and respectable adults.

4. What do you want to do when you get out of school?

Once I get out of school, I plan on finding a position as an elementary teacher of couse. But I'd also like to fit in simple fun and some traveling, because right now it's all work, study, school over and over again with a little bit of time to keep up with my blog, my shop, and sleep.

5. What are some of your interests and hobbies?

I love what any other person loves: watching movies, singing and dancing to music, hanging out with my friends, shopping, reading and definitely sleeping! I like to craft too, of course, but my main love is jewelry, which is obvious when you take a look at my Etsy shop. On my rare days of freedom, I like to relax with a good book and/or go on an adventure with my best friend to find antique shops to rummage through. I have an intense love for the dark and dusty antique stores piled high with all sorts of old, discarded things to take home, clean, fix up, and decorate my home with.

6. What is your favorite thing about college so far?

My favorite thing about college is the change of classes every few months and meeting new people in each time. Unlike elementary and high school, I'm not stuck with the same 30+ students for an entire year. I've enjoyed--and still enjoy--the many friendships I've made since my first day of college.

7. How do you manage your school work and Etsy shop?

I obviously give school top priority by staying a full-time student without piling too much on myself. I fit my work schedule around my classes by working a few nights and mostly weekends as a barista at Starbucks. With occasional days off from work and school, I do what I can to squeeze in time for crafting. But I do admit that there are times when the creative juices start flowing and I set studying aside for a couple hours to satisfy any crafting urges!

8. What is the best advice you can offer to a fellow college student crafter?

Always, always, always put school first. It's a common piece of advice given to every college student, whether or not you're a crafter, but there's so much truth to it. I've had a few slip-ups throughout my college experience, and lemme tell ya, I'm not very happy about that. When you get your work done sooner, you'll have much more time to enjoy keeping up with your projects and Etsy shop. You won't have the worries associated with an approaching deadline because you'll already be ahead!

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