That Fish Swallowed a Baby’hellip; and Ambergee80 wants you to buy it, then wear it around your neck.
Or hang a doll foot from each ear. Or hang a pendant of oats in resin around your neck.
Just over a month ago, senior Amber Geyman listed jewelry she created on a Web site called Etsy, hoping to make a little extra money. Etsy, located at www.etsy.com, is an online community that allows users to sell and purchase handmade or vintage goods from other users around the globe.
Geyman, an interior design major, said one reason she enjoys Etsy is for it’s convenience.
‘It’s really great if someone asks you ‘Where can I get your stuff?’ I just write down my Etsy site,’ Geyman said.
‘It’s a great way for people to sell things and not have an actual store.’
Geyman heard about Etsy through her mom, who’s an artist. They each decided to create their own shops and give the site a shot.
Most of her pieces are earrings and necklace pendants, created with the combination of resin and metal.
‘I make resin jewelry, unique and kinda funky stuff,
Geyman said. ‘I try not to do anything that other people are doing.’
Erin Bechstein is also a Etsy seller located in Bowling Green.
Bechstein, who graduated from the University last December, runs her Etsy shop under the name Obsessively Organized. She sells weekly planners, notebooks, books to help plan weddings and more. Soon, her store will also feature a travel planner.
‘I started making my planners when I was in college because I couldn’t find one in a store that worked for me and wasn’t plain black,’ Bechstein said.
‘Now I get e-mails from people who are so happy because I made exactly what they wanted, something they couldn’t find anywhere else,’she said.
According to Bechstein, customer appreciation is just one of the perks of having an Etsy shop.
‘I love everything about Etsy,’Bechstein said. ‘There are so many talented people who sell on Etsy, all of their work inspires me.’
Bechstein also said that Etsy veterans are willing to help new sellers. According to her the site is a true community, every seller willing to help others knowing it will bring in more buyers for everyone.
Even though Bechstein enjoys being part of a community, she also enjoys setting herself apart from other sellers. A lot of research was done before she opened her shop to make sure her products were unique.
‘Of course there are other calendars and planners, but mine have features that I have not seen in other Etsy shops,’ Bechstein said.
‘And I design all my page layouts, so those are completely original.’
Unlike Geyman, who is still a student, Bechstein has made ‘Obsessively Organized’ her current job. Although she is looking for other work, she said she plans to continue selling on Etsy.
