Featured Seller: JudyJem

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(1) Who are you?

My name is Judy Jewell and I live in CT.

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?

My shop name is KidKnitz and I came up with it because I thought it was catchy and relevant.

(3) What do you create and sell?

I make mostly hand knit and crocheted items for children and moms. I make everything from hats to booties to neckwarmers and coffee cozies.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?

I am inspired by color and natural fibers such as wool and cotton yarns.

(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?

One of my favorite pieces from my shop is a taupe colored baby sweater and hat set. I sold one just like it in raspberry.

(6) Is running your shop your only job?

Not at all. I am a full time second grade teacher and mom.

(7) When did you start your business?

I got serious about it in 2006.

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy?

I've been serious about it since 2006.

(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?

Yes, but mainly to friends, family, and co-workers. I've also dabbled in consignment.

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?

I love everything about Etsy but my favorite thing is the community spirit and ease of managing my shop.

(11) Do you belong to any teams?

Yes, the CT Street Team and Etsy Kids.

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop?

No, but I've been toying with the idea!

(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?

I post in the forums alot, list/reslist often and I post photos on my Facebook account and Flickr.

(14) What do you do in your spare time?

I don't often have spare time but when I do I like to take walks, read, organize, surf the internet, and knit and crochet. I also teach knitting and crocheting classes to kids.

(15) What is your blog or website url?

http://www.judyjem.etsy.com/

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?

I am a religious follower of the Nie Nie Dialogues and C Jane Run.

(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?

I am a huge fan of my sister's shop, greenmountain and my mom's shop, merrymoon and my sister's friend's daughter's shop, vermontfairies.

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers?

My advice is to constantly find new ways to reinvent yourself. Keep your photos crisp and clean and use quality materials to make your items. Keep your shipping costs as low as possible and list as often as you can. Be nice to your fellow Etsyians, give advice whenever you have something valuable to offer. The forums are a great place to do this. Make what you love and love what you make!! Finally, have fun and never take yourself too seriously.