Hi everyone! I'm Brenda and in addition to being a huge Lillyella fan and reader, I also design and knit scarves and accessories.
This month, we're talking with Kathy from Kasia Blue + three additional shops! Kathy is an uber creator by evening and weekend, as you will learn for yourself in just a moment. Read on to learn how a chemist by training, self taught jewelry designer and bath and body product maker, and director of a hand bell choir (!) balances it all. (I'm tired just typing that!)
Body Luxe at Etsy
Twitter
Flickr
Blog and another blog!
Own website
Tell us a bit about you: who are you, who do you want to be, what do you make, what makes you unique?
Who am I? A science geek that loves to be creative. A lover of nature and the beauty that surrounds us, everyday. I love color and shape, style and function. I am inherently drawn to the spiritual and love to read and learn about anything that has been positioned as a mystery.
Who do I want to be? A loving, creative, soulful and nurturing gal. I want to create beautiful things that make others see their value and the value in taking care of themselves as a part of this world.
What do I make? Jewelry that touches the romantic soul, using vintage items, beautiful gemstones and fine metals. I have also just started a bath and body line that truly fulfills my true soul path of chemist/alchemist. I have wanted to start a line like this for so many years, but life always got in the way. Now, it is the right time to bring to life all that has been held inside.
Why am I unique? Well, many have said that I have an ability to create pieces of jewelry that help others to balance their lives and align their true path. I love to use natural materials in simple ways to create a synergistic link for the body, mind and soul connection. When you buy one of my products, be it jewelry or body care, I want you to love it and I want it to make a difference to you ... to make you feel beautiful, lift your spirits, give you strength ... to help you to feel the passion in the stones and ingredients that I use.
What do you think it is about you that makes your shop(s) successful?
Perseverance, hard work, relisting items and always trying something new. Truthfully, you never know what people are going to buy and since I am creative by nature, my passion comes through. For example, I had two necklaces listed in my kasiablue shop forever and they just were not selling. I retook pictures, changed the verbage of my listing, nothing. Then, this past weekend, they both sold to the same person. Who knew?
If you’re comfortable sharing, what is your fulltime job? Do you plan to continue working fulltime or is your goal to join the ranks of the Quit Your Day Job artisans?
My fulltime job is for a major grocery retailer in the North East, but my degree is in Medicinal Chemistry and I worked in industry before getting pregnant with my oldest daughter. You know, everyone has the dream that their passion and craft will be enough to sustain their families and obligations. I too, would love that, but at the moment I am grounded in reality and am working on a way to get there without mortgaging my first born to do so. I’d really like to keep her around for a while.
Do you have partner(s) , employee(s) or family members who help with your business? If so, what roles do they fill and how do they make your life easier?
Actually, I have a cloning machine that allows me to make multiple me’s and I get things done! No, really, I am it. My husband does do some post office runs for me and helps me set up for shows, but otherwise I am the head honcho! He really is supportive and has encouraged me all the way. My girls help set up as well, commanding a handsome fee of ice cream from our local ice cream shop (can you blame them?).
Which do you prefer: artist, artisan, crafter, maker or other?
Ahhh, lets see ... I started out as a crafter, have moved into artisan and an am inspiring artist. It is an evolution that allows for one to not become stagnant in what you love to do.
How did you learn your particular art/craft form?
I am entirely self taught. You have no idea how much wasted wire and cracked beads sit in the recycle pile!
When do you fit in working on your business?
I fill in little nooks and crannies of time when the kids are playing, watching a movie, doing homework, when they go to bed. Although I have to say that when inspiration hits, I just have to go with it! There are days that I can crank out a ton of items and some that I can’t make a thing. I have had to learn to be okay with that … learning to be able to turn it off so that there is some quality time with the kids and hubby is essential.
Share with us your top two or three time management tips or tricks?
I usually have a day off during the week and that is when I do all of my photography and photo editing. I bought a light box, but still don’t love it (I know, strange). Anyway, the kids are usually in school, so I get at least two or three hours of uninterrupted time to do my thing ... priceless!!! Also, I would say that time management becomes easier as you learn to streamline what you create. That has been one of my biggest challenges because I am like a kid in a candy store when it comes to supplies and all things yummy and sparkly. I feel that once you start to think that your craft is a business, you become more insightful about time, materials, marketing, etc…..it just falls into place.
If you sold last holiday season, how did you survive!? What was your biggest lesson learned?
Biggest tip for the holiday ... pack your orders alone and without interruption. This year I sent hairpins to the earring gal and vice versa to the hairpin gal that had the same first name. Well, needless to say, I had to recreate both pieces and send them to the appropriate parties rush delivery. It cost me some stress and money, but it was the right thing to do. So please, double check what you do, especially when things get a bit crazy and rushed.
What stresses you out the most about your business?
When other people tell me what to do in an unsolicited manner.
What gets you the most excited?
A customer leaving awesome feedback on my site, blog, Facebook. It makes a difference to me that what my hands have created has impacted the lives of others in a positive way. It adds depth and purpose to what I love to do.
Tell us how you organize your workday and workplace?
Lists. Period. Can’t live without them, mental or physical. I tend to prioritize pretty well, but am easily distracted so I have to stay focused and on task to get things done.
How do you balance it all: life, work and business?
I’m not sure that things are all that balanced LOL!!! I try my best to make time. Unfortunately, I am the most neglected out of the group and seriously need to have a spa day. Well, that wouldn’t work because I would be thinking of what I needed to do next, pictures to take, lotion blends to concoct ... maybe a spa hour would be better!
Do you take actual vacations and holidays away from both jobs? Or do you use vacation time from your day job to work on your business?
Both. I just took some vacation to prep for a show that I do every year. I wanted to have some extra time to work on my Body Luxe line since it would be the grand opening of this to the world. It had to be the best that it could be. I gain so much knowledge about my items when I do a show because I have a chance to interact with my customers in a one on one basis. That is huge for a small niche business. Your customers' likes are what you need to cater to. They allow you to survive, so listening is a must. I already have a laundry list to change, amend and improve on from a weekend full of interaction.
What is your biggest challenge in finding time to do the things that have to happen during business hours?
You fit things in when you can. Like I said before, I usually have a day off during the week, so my errand running happens then. Also, if your shipments are not international, you can work with the automated postal services 24/7. I also know the hours of every post office within a 30 mile radius.
How do you find time for marketing? Any tips or tricks to share?
Marketing. The big question. Word of mouth is always the best. When people rave about and wear/use your products, that is your best promotion hands down. Facebook has just recently become a better marketing tool for me. I seem to be getting more traffic and exposure lately. Twitter, is okay, but a lot of the people out there follow you automatically with bot programs and really couldn’t give a jingle about what you really do or say. Blogs are great exposure because they usually are directed totally to your niche market which is who you want to sell to anyway.
Do you get enough sleep every night? If not, how do you compensate?
No, never. I could sleep 12 hours a day. Although once you become an adult, you learn to live on much less. My favorite compensation is a delightful coffee with 2% milk and an occasional cappuccino, skinny of course.
How do you prepare for busy/rush seasons, without forsaking updating your shop with new designs/items?
My design cycle isn’t determined by timelines. I just create when I can. There are times that I sit down a week before a big show and make 30 or 40 pieces. Crazy! But, I take pictures and after the show list items that can be reproduced and or that I still have in stock. I find that what people buy at shows are very different than what they buy online. Totally different customer for me.
Share with us a few stress management tips/tricks?
I direct an English Handbell Choir and it is a great stress relief when you can bang and make some noise that turns into some pretty good music when you are done. So the moral is…find a hobby that Is unrelated to your business and do it at least once a week. You will feel better, trust me.
Share one of your personal guilty pleasures?
I’m not sure it’s a guilty pleasure, but I love to cook with my girls. We either bake or make dinner together and it is so awesome. Sometimes I fear that my crazy life will make me miss things that I shouldn’t be missing, so making a conscious effort to be present in the moment has been priceless for my relationship with my daughters. We also have a family ritual for reading books out loud. We are reading through the Harry Potter Series at the moment and the girls really love it.
Do you shop handmade? If so, what was the last thing you purchased?
Yes, yes and yes. I bought a bevy of rings from Etsy seller kyleannemetals around Christmastime for me ... I have to admit, I’ve always been a ring junkie and since I haven’t gotten into making sterling rings yet, I will just have to buy them ... darn.
What else would you like readers to know about you and about running an online creative business in addition to working fulltime and even having a personal and social life?
It can be tiring, frustrating and unnerving at times, but the satisfaction of creating beauty that you can give to another nourishes our souls. And, go out with your family/friends. Life shouldn’t be all about work for heaven’s sake! Go get your party on and have some fun!
Thank you so much, Kathy! Your jewelry is so beautiful and your insights invaluable!
And a huge thanks to all of you! If you work at least halftime (20 hours/week) in addition to your indie business, let me know! I'd love to talk with you about your own On Top of Your Day Job feature.
I'll see you again next month with a new On Top of Your Day Job artist spotlight! ~ Brenda
Flickr
Blog and another blog!
Own website
Tell us a bit about you: who are you, who do you want to be, what do you make, what makes you unique?
Who am I? A science geek that loves to be creative. A lover of nature and the beauty that surrounds us, everyday. I love color and shape, style and function. I am inherently drawn to the spiritual and love to read and learn about anything that has been positioned as a mystery.
Who do I want to be? A loving, creative, soulful and nurturing gal. I want to create beautiful things that make others see their value and the value in taking care of themselves as a part of this world.
What do I make? Jewelry that touches the romantic soul, using vintage items, beautiful gemstones and fine metals. I have also just started a bath and body line that truly fulfills my true soul path of chemist/alchemist. I have wanted to start a line like this for so many years, but life always got in the way. Now, it is the right time to bring to life all that has been held inside.
Why am I unique? Well, many have said that I have an ability to create pieces of jewelry that help others to balance their lives and align their true path. I love to use natural materials in simple ways to create a synergistic link for the body, mind and soul connection. When you buy one of my products, be it jewelry or body care, I want you to love it and I want it to make a difference to you ... to make you feel beautiful, lift your spirits, give you strength ... to help you to feel the passion in the stones and ingredients that I use.
What do you think it is about you that makes your shop(s) successful?
Perseverance, hard work, relisting items and always trying something new. Truthfully, you never know what people are going to buy and since I am creative by nature, my passion comes through. For example, I had two necklaces listed in my kasiablue shop forever and they just were not selling. I retook pictures, changed the verbage of my listing, nothing. Then, this past weekend, they both sold to the same person. Who knew?
If you’re comfortable sharing, what is your fulltime job? Do you plan to continue working fulltime or is your goal to join the ranks of the Quit Your Day Job artisans?
My fulltime job is for a major grocery retailer in the North East, but my degree is in Medicinal Chemistry and I worked in industry before getting pregnant with my oldest daughter. You know, everyone has the dream that their passion and craft will be enough to sustain their families and obligations. I too, would love that, but at the moment I am grounded in reality and am working on a way to get there without mortgaging my first born to do so. I’d really like to keep her around for a while.
Do you have partner(s) , employee(s) or family members who help with your business? If so, what roles do they fill and how do they make your life easier?
Actually, I have a cloning machine that allows me to make multiple me’s and I get things done! No, really, I am it. My husband does do some post office runs for me and helps me set up for shows, but otherwise I am the head honcho! He really is supportive and has encouraged me all the way. My girls help set up as well, commanding a handsome fee of ice cream from our local ice cream shop (can you blame them?).
Which do you prefer: artist, artisan, crafter, maker or other?
Ahhh, lets see ... I started out as a crafter, have moved into artisan and an am inspiring artist. It is an evolution that allows for one to not become stagnant in what you love to do.
How did you learn your particular art/craft form?
I am entirely self taught. You have no idea how much wasted wire and cracked beads sit in the recycle pile!
When do you fit in working on your business?
I fill in little nooks and crannies of time when the kids are playing, watching a movie, doing homework, when they go to bed. Although I have to say that when inspiration hits, I just have to go with it! There are days that I can crank out a ton of items and some that I can’t make a thing. I have had to learn to be okay with that … learning to be able to turn it off so that there is some quality time with the kids and hubby is essential.
Share with us your top two or three time management tips or tricks?
I usually have a day off during the week and that is when I do all of my photography and photo editing. I bought a light box, but still don’t love it (I know, strange). Anyway, the kids are usually in school, so I get at least two or three hours of uninterrupted time to do my thing ... priceless!!! Also, I would say that time management becomes easier as you learn to streamline what you create. That has been one of my biggest challenges because I am like a kid in a candy store when it comes to supplies and all things yummy and sparkly. I feel that once you start to think that your craft is a business, you become more insightful about time, materials, marketing, etc…..it just falls into place.
If you sold last holiday season, how did you survive!? What was your biggest lesson learned?
Biggest tip for the holiday ... pack your orders alone and without interruption. This year I sent hairpins to the earring gal and vice versa to the hairpin gal that had the same first name. Well, needless to say, I had to recreate both pieces and send them to the appropriate parties rush delivery. It cost me some stress and money, but it was the right thing to do. So please, double check what you do, especially when things get a bit crazy and rushed.
What stresses you out the most about your business?
When other people tell me what to do in an unsolicited manner.
What gets you the most excited?
A customer leaving awesome feedback on my site, blog, Facebook. It makes a difference to me that what my hands have created has impacted the lives of others in a positive way. It adds depth and purpose to what I love to do.
Tell us how you organize your workday and workplace?
Lists. Period. Can’t live without them, mental or physical. I tend to prioritize pretty well, but am easily distracted so I have to stay focused and on task to get things done.
How do you balance it all: life, work and business?
I’m not sure that things are all that balanced LOL!!! I try my best to make time. Unfortunately, I am the most neglected out of the group and seriously need to have a spa day. Well, that wouldn’t work because I would be thinking of what I needed to do next, pictures to take, lotion blends to concoct ... maybe a spa hour would be better!
Do you take actual vacations and holidays away from both jobs? Or do you use vacation time from your day job to work on your business?
Both. I just took some vacation to prep for a show that I do every year. I wanted to have some extra time to work on my Body Luxe line since it would be the grand opening of this to the world. It had to be the best that it could be. I gain so much knowledge about my items when I do a show because I have a chance to interact with my customers in a one on one basis. That is huge for a small niche business. Your customers' likes are what you need to cater to. They allow you to survive, so listening is a must. I already have a laundry list to change, amend and improve on from a weekend full of interaction.
What is your biggest challenge in finding time to do the things that have to happen during business hours?
You fit things in when you can. Like I said before, I usually have a day off during the week, so my errand running happens then. Also, if your shipments are not international, you can work with the automated postal services 24/7. I also know the hours of every post office within a 30 mile radius.
How do you find time for marketing? Any tips or tricks to share?
Marketing. The big question. Word of mouth is always the best. When people rave about and wear/use your products, that is your best promotion hands down. Facebook has just recently become a better marketing tool for me. I seem to be getting more traffic and exposure lately. Twitter, is okay, but a lot of the people out there follow you automatically with bot programs and really couldn’t give a jingle about what you really do or say. Blogs are great exposure because they usually are directed totally to your niche market which is who you want to sell to anyway.
Do you get enough sleep every night? If not, how do you compensate?
No, never. I could sleep 12 hours a day. Although once you become an adult, you learn to live on much less. My favorite compensation is a delightful coffee with 2% milk and an occasional cappuccino, skinny of course.
How do you prepare for busy/rush seasons, without forsaking updating your shop with new designs/items?
My design cycle isn’t determined by timelines. I just create when I can. There are times that I sit down a week before a big show and make 30 or 40 pieces. Crazy! But, I take pictures and after the show list items that can be reproduced and or that I still have in stock. I find that what people buy at shows are very different than what they buy online. Totally different customer for me.
Share with us a few stress management tips/tricks?
I direct an English Handbell Choir and it is a great stress relief when you can bang and make some noise that turns into some pretty good music when you are done. So the moral is…find a hobby that Is unrelated to your business and do it at least once a week. You will feel better, trust me.
Share one of your personal guilty pleasures?
I’m not sure it’s a guilty pleasure, but I love to cook with my girls. We either bake or make dinner together and it is so awesome. Sometimes I fear that my crazy life will make me miss things that I shouldn’t be missing, so making a conscious effort to be present in the moment has been priceless for my relationship with my daughters. We also have a family ritual for reading books out loud. We are reading through the Harry Potter Series at the moment and the girls really love it.
Do you shop handmade? If so, what was the last thing you purchased?
Yes, yes and yes. I bought a bevy of rings from Etsy seller kyleannemetals around Christmastime for me ... I have to admit, I’ve always been a ring junkie and since I haven’t gotten into making sterling rings yet, I will just have to buy them ... darn.
What else would you like readers to know about you and about running an online creative business in addition to working fulltime and even having a personal and social life?
It can be tiring, frustrating and unnerving at times, but the satisfaction of creating beauty that you can give to another nourishes our souls. And, go out with your family/friends. Life shouldn’t be all about work for heaven’s sake! Go get your party on and have some fun!
Thank you so much, Kathy! Your jewelry is so beautiful and your insights invaluable!
And a huge thanks to all of you! If you work at least halftime (20 hours/week) in addition to your indie business, let me know! I'd love to talk with you about your own On Top of Your Day Job feature.
I'll see you again next month with a new On Top of Your Day Job artist spotlight! ~ Brenda
Posts
7 comments:
Wonderful interview! I love Kathy's work, all of it! I really admire her for all she can do and still raise two beautiful daughters. You're an inspiration Kathy!
you may seek out their online sites easily. Selling unwanted gold for cash is fantastic and is free - just post your jewellery to the firm and they will evaluate it for you.
Sell gold jewelry
Wow! What a multifaceted talented lady! I am huge fan!
Awesome shops! It makes me proud to juggle everything I'm juggling to know that I'm not the only one in this boat and that with determination, we CAN be successful!
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very helpful post, cheers!
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