What I've Learned in 3 Years...

The Sweetheart Scarf. The scarf that started it all 3 years ago on Etsy.

Well, dear hearts, today is my 3 year Etsyversary. Three years on Etsy. It’s hard to believe! I’ve come a long way, baby. It has been a HUGE learning experience. I apologize for the caps, but I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ve learned as a result of Etsy. I love Etsy. Thanks to Etsy (and an insane amount of work), my life has changed immensely. My brain cells have multiplied too (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it). Three years ago, I never would have imagined my life today. A blog? Twitter? Over 800 Etsy sales? People all over the world wearing a Fringe creation, taking a little piece of me along with them on their journey. Impossible! Yet true. I have so many plans for the future of Fringe as well...

I would like to share some of the things I’ve learned in these past three Etsy-filled years. Everything I've listed are things I've learned from positive as well as negative experiences. It's a heartfelt, honest list which I hope will help you in some way. Also, please feel free to add to the list (I love lists!) if you like. I would just love to read anything you have to add.

Some of the things I’ve learned in the past 3 years on Etsy

1. How to work a camera and what makes a good photo.
2. How to edit a photo.
3. How to have an organized file system on the computer.
4. Take pride in your work, and remain true to yourself as an artist. Your work will be appreciated.
5. Don’t under price your work. Pay yourself for your time investment.
6. You can have very meaningful friendships online, even if you haven’t met in person.
7. The artistic community is filled with original artists that have exceptional skill and overwhelming kindness.
8. If you are original and successful, you will be copied. At least, there will be attempts to copy you. As my husband has said to me many times…"another one…baby, you’ve arrived”.
9. Following through with #8…copiers are not artists and are not original. They have no respect for art and lack the creativity and integrity needed to be truly successful. Therefore, they’re not worth your time.
10. Shipping is way easier if you print out your shipping labels at home. Endicia is invaluable during the busy holiday season. Oh my yes.
11. How to be somewhat computer/internet savvy.
12. As you grow as a person, your particular art form will grow as well. It can be a constant cycle of learning and growing.
13. You can be as successful as you wish. All it takes is a huge amount of work. There are no shortcuts.
14. Nothing beats being your own boss.
15. Blogs can be a fabulous venue for expressing yourself in any manner you wish.
16. The only road to success is the high road, and you can only get there through hard work.
17. Have confidence in yourself and never give up on your dream, your goals.
18. Only listen to those who give you positive input. Ignore the negative.
19. If the creative juices aren’t flowing, don’t try to force it. Just relax, they’ll come back when they’re good and ready to.

I’m sure I’ve forgotten many things. I may be adding to my list as I remember. I hope you know how much I appreciate all of the support I’ve received from you all. Thank you a thousand times over.

And thank you for visiting…xo