Featured Seller - Laura Doll Boutique

What part of the world are you in?

I live in beautiful Morgan Hill, California. We are 2 hours south of San Fransisco and only 45 minutes from Sillicon Valley.

What does customer service mean to you?

Customer services means making it easy to buy from my shop! I start with good pictures of the product so they know just what they are getting. I try to be accurate with size and colour. Once the buyer makes their purchase then i get the item made, packaged safely, and shipping out right away! If a customer has questions about colours or a custom item, I do my best to offer clear helpful anwsers, so they can make the best desision about what bows to buy.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

My aunt ordered 40 sets of hair bows for my cousin's dance team. It was one of my more complex styles and they took over two weeks to complete! They were christmas presents so in Jan. I got an email from her saying they were a HUGE hit and all the girls loved them. That made it all worthwhile.

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

I try to play around with different styles and colour combinations. I want to be the bow shop that has the hard to find colours, sizes, and styles.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

I have learned a lot from my start on Etsy.com. I am getting much better at communicating with customers, and promoting my shop. The harder i work, the more fun it becomes!

Do you have any formal training in your craft?

I do not. My friend makes hair bows and one day I asked her to teach me. She is actually the one who gave me the link to Etsy.com! Once she showed me basic designs, I bought ribbon and started work!

What is your goal for the next year?

One sale or more per day. I currently have one sale or so each week and am slowly working my way up! I would also like to add more non bow hair accessories to my shop.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

There are always ups and downs. I can get lazy about promoting my shop so a drop in sales keeps me working! I know that is ALWAYS picks up again.

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage repeat business?

I try to get my name out on Etsy.com by posting in the forums and in treasuries. I also have a link to my shop in my email signature, so LOTS of people see it that way.
I do get a few sales by work of mouth as well.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

Everyone says this... Have good pictures!! and make sure you keep up with your shop.
List new items often, and promote promote promote!

Admin Comment: Thanks so much Laura for participating in our blog and letting us show off your beautiful bows! These remind me of the bows and clips my mother used to make me when I was little that would colour coordinate with my outfits. These bows are a great accessory for the little princess in your life.
Do you have a little girl at home who loves all things pretty? Pick her up a special little gift for no reason at all! These beautiful bows are available for only $1.75-$3.50 / pair.
Check out LauraDollBoutqies shop, located at http://lauradollboutique.etsy.com

Featured Seller - 3Sister

What part of the world are you in?
In the good ol’ state of Utah. Born & raised.


What does customer service mean to you?
I stand by Nordstrom’s rule of thumb, that the customer is always right. And I believe that you should treat others the way you would want to be treated. I most definitely wouldn’t want to go into a store and be completely ignored!


What is your most memorable experience with a customer?
Our shop is still fairly new, so we haven’t had much experience yet. I think getting our first sale will be forever remembered in our hearts. Ha, that was a good day.

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items? Each piece in our shop is unique and not one is the same. We like to add our own twist to our accessories and I think it shows.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?
My mom is an extremely crafty person. She’s really taught me everything I know. She just might be the next Martha Stewart, except with out going to jail of course.

Do you have any formal training in your craft?
Just years and years of crafting beside my wonderful mother.

What is your goal for the next year?
To try new things and not be afraid to do so.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?
I just stay positive and keep trying to get the word out. I also brainstorm new ideas that would hopefully appeal to customers.

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage re-occurring business? Keeping things up to date and having a few deals every now and then is something that would perhaps encourage new clients as well as keeping the past ones. I am also so happy whenever someone purchases something and I try to express my gratitude to each who buys from our shop!

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?
Be patient, get the word out, and just keep doing what you love!


Thanks so much 3Sister for sharing your wonderful pieces with us in the "MADE THAT" community. We understand the sisterly bond, it's a very precious and special relationship. How wonderful that you three get to work together to do create beautiful pieces you love and thank you for wanting to share them with us. Good luck in 2009!
Check out 3Sister's online store located at http://3sister.etsy.com