Spotlight: Karuski

We're traveling the globe once again this week to visit Finland and meet the talented Minna of Karuski. Her sweet purses, pouches and jewelry are made from repurposed and vintage materials, as she not only loves hunting for these treasures but sees that it's her responsibility as a designer and crafter to save our precious natural resources and avoid throwing things to landfills.

Read on to learn more about how she got started, what challenges she faces as an international seller and how spends her free time. You can also enter to win a lovely purse from her shop!

Where did you grow up and where do you currently live?
I was born and raised in a rather small city in East Finland where I lived until I turned 21. Now I reside in an even smaller town in Southern Finland. Between these two places Helsinki was my home for over 10 years.

How long have you been selling on Etsy?
I signed up in February 2008 and opened my shop in September. So I've been selling for about a year and a half now.

Do you sell on Etsy full time or do you have a day job?
I do work on my little craft business full time and Etsy is part of the picture. I have a few boutiques and a couple of online shops here in Finland selling my purses and jewelry and I'm in the process of designing an online shop to provide convenient service for my local customers (which will still take some time until it is up and running!)

What, if any, formal training have you had in your craft?
I have a Bachelor of Art in Applied Arts with a major in textile design. I chose a handmade life right from the beginning. My studies involved lots of weaving but I haven't gotten started with my own loom just yet. One interesting fact is that I didn't learn to sew in school but through my internship in a craft studio.

What made you decide to open up shop on Etsy?
I found Etsy through some blog which had mentioned my work and found it a lovely place right away. At that time I was busy with other things (I was part of a design collective which has a small shop in Helsinki). This made me postpone with opening my Etsy shop but I'm glad I finally did it.

Where did your shop name come from?
Karuski means candy in a local dialect in the area I lived my childhood. It is not widely used, it is more like an old fashioned way of saying it but I remember my Dad always talked about karuski. Later on it felt nice and natural to pick this name for my label and business. Kind of like returning home.

What do you like least about your craft?
Perhaps it is the fact that being a one woman business I really need to handle every aspect by myself. I'm lucky enough to have a partner who works in a design field, he is of a great help and support for me.

Do you have any advice for other sellers on Etsy or those thinking about pursuing their craft?
I think it is important to stay true to oneself so take a moment to think about what you are actually making. Is it something you really believe in and are proud to present to the world? If you enjoy what you do and sleep your nights well you are probably on a right track so keep on working. Also, make sure to get connected with your colleagues and customers worldwide.

Are there any challenges being an International seller on an American based site?
I have a feeling that being located outside the US it requires some extra effort from me to become a trusted and successful seller on Etsy. I am trying my best to provide all sufficient information from product care to international shipping to convince my potential buyers I am a worthy choice.

Five Etsy Shops you love
kjoo
annarubyking
emmapardos
marieflyfly
DrikaB

Five things you love
art & craft, horses, cats, silence of the nature, original thinking

Five things you don't
dishonesty, pushy fake things, snakes, continuous hustle and bustle, the fact that the money rules the world

Where is the coolest place you have ever been?
I loved Japan and its diversity in all aspects I could imagine. But there are really so many great places around the world it is hard to name just one.

What is your favorite leisure time activity?
I recently picked up with horse back riding after a 15 years pause. I go to a riding class on a weekly basis and love it very much.

What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you?
Many strange things has happened to me but... I had just met my boyfriend and he was about to move from his flat to a new place. Without knowing the street where I lived in Helsinki he found a suitable apartment next door so we literally became neighbors. First it felt strange but in the end it was pretty convenient. After some time he moved into my apartment and we have lived together ever after!

Share some of your favorite music
I tend to choose music by a mood but I never get tired of these rock bands:
Guns n' Roses, The Hellacopters, Hardcore Superstar, Backyard Babies & outside the rock genre: Björk
ps. I've seen all of above live at least once and this adds a whole lot of deepness to liking them

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
This is easy! I would be Pippi Longstocking (she is a superhero, right?!) She leads a careless and adventurous life without worrying about things people easily tend to worry. She is an awesome girl and oh, so strong!

What does the future hold for you and your shop?
Honestly I cannot foretell what it will be. But I want to keep on working on my shop so that my customers can feel content dealing with me. I will work on my purse collection and perhaps add some textile accessories to match them. I'm always open for feedback!

You can keep up with Minna and new happenings in her shop by visiting her blog or following her on twitter or facebook.

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Minna is offering one lucky winner the Red Dahlia Linen Purse shown above.

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:
Please leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from Karuski AND ALSO what new items or designs you would like to see her create.

You can enter once per day and YOU MUST INCLUDE your first name -AND- etsy username or email address with every entry. (If you are worried about email spam, you can spell out the 'at' and 'dot' rather than using the standard email format.)

Receive additional entries (one each) if you:

Follow or subscribe to this Blog, my Facebook or my Twitter

Follow or subscribe to Minna's Blog, Facebook or Twitter

(No need to leave separate comments for additional entries)

You have until Sunday, May 2 at 10 pm (est) to enter and I will announce the winner Monday morning. Good luck!