Name: Kelly Eident
Birthdate: June 28th, 1984
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Shop Name: Imyourpresent
When and why did you first join Etsy?
I first joined etsy in November of 2006. It was a few months after I graduated from college and I was half heartedly looking for a job. I wanted to find somewhere online where I could start selling the things I made and even though I didn't know that much about etsy yet it seemed like the best place.
Did you open your shop right away?
Yes, I signed up to be a seller, I had no idea that I'd also start shopping so much on etsy too, or that it would soon become my whole life!
Why are you a member of EtsyTeaParty?
I love Etsy and the community of designers. I really cherish all the friendships I have made because of Etsy! All the girls on etsyteaparty are awesome and an inspiration to me.
Easy one, what is your favorite color(s)?
Purple, pink, black, white, gold and silver!
Easy one, what is your favorite color(s)?
Purple, pink, black, white, gold and silver!
How did you choose your shop's name?
The name fits really well with the style of clothing that I make, very cute and girly and everything is wrapped up with a bow!
What is your favorite item that you have listed in your shop and why (add URL)?
I love these dresses I've been making from vintage tshirts- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39805098I think they are really fun and unique. Plus I get to go shopping all the time to find more!
Do you have any other hobbies besides crafting/creating gorgeous handmade things for Etsy? I love thrift and antique shopping and spend a lot of time on weekends going on shopping adventures with my boyfriend. I also love to cook and bake. On the weekends I love going out with my friends and having people over my apartment. I also just started playing keyboard in the band Triangle Forest.
Do you have any pets?
I have an awesome cat name Meatball!
What is your most cherished possession and why?
My apartment is covered with things that my friends have made me, and those pieces are the most special to me! My boyfriend also made me a beautiful necklace for christmas because my favorite necklace that I wore all the time before recently broke while i was out and I lost a piece to it. The necklace he made me is a gold kaleidoscope that you can look into. He covered it with rhinestones and hung it with little charms.
What is/are your favorite item(s) that you bought from Etsy?
Everything I have bought from Etsy is so awesome I wouldn't be able to pick one!
Tell us about your family members.
I have a sister Jenny who is a year older than me & goes to Stanford business school and a younger brother Drew who is a senior in high school. My mom is a math teacher in Connecticut and my dad is an economic developer, he lives in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi.
If you were stranded on an island and could only bring three things,what would they be?
My boyfriend, a handle of whiskey, and a boat to get back!
What things inspire you to craft/create?
Seeing the amazing things other people make on etsy is a huge inspiration. I am inspired by different things all the time, tacky 80s prom dresses, elaborately decorated cakes, porcelain figurines. Most of my outfits and accessories come from what I would want to wear next and its fun being able to make so many clothes, my closest is the fullest its ever been!
What advice do you have for fledgling Etsy sellers?
Make things that are true to yourself rather than what you think would sell, people are most attracted to innovative and unique ideas that only you can come up with. Also, try and list as often as possible, make sure you are constantly working and coming up with new ideas! Everything in your shop should be cohesive and look nice, pictures are so important. And always be kind, humble and appreciative to every customer you have whether is your first or 5,000th. If you make the whole buying experience as good as possible they will surely come back!
