Interview: CHenry Knows Classical Elegance

Interview: CHenry Knows Classical Elegance

New York jewelery gallerias, art school in London, travels in Bali, Indonesia and India. Caroline, founder of CHenry, has lived and sold her jewelery around the globe. I am humbled by this opportunity to share Caroline's work with you and I know that you all will enjoy. Here's what she said:

Q.  What is the main site address for your business?
www.chenry.etsy.com

Q. Tell us about the products that you make and the materials you use.
I am a jewelry designer. I make most of my pieces mixing silver and gold together enhanced with various gemstones. I specialize in rings for all occasions but also make earrings, bracelets and necklaces. On occasion I will incorporate bronze or platinum into my work.

Q. How long have you been developing your craft?
I have been seriously working and developing my craft for about 30 years. I have changed my style several times but always moved towards learning new techniques.

Q. How did your craft evolve into a global store front?
I think it is a sign of the times!!!! I have, for the most part, always sold locally through galleries and such, but with this present day economy it seemed clear to me that it was time to reach a broader audience.

Q. What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
I have used several different methods of marketing my shop since joining Etsy. I have done some showcases on Etsy. I also renew quite frequently on the site. Word of mouth is always a good way to start the ball rolling. Some advertising on www.craftcult.com. Google base is a great way to get seen around the world as it allows shoppers to search for items from many different sites. I have a Facebook account and have done a bit of promoting through them. There is of course the almighty Twitter!!!!! 

I cannot say what would be my best marketing tip! I think it is a combination of all of the things that I have mentioned above.” Try Everything". That would be my best advice!!!

Q. What mistakes have you made while building your Etsy shop that you wish someone had advised you NOT to do?
I think the BIG mistake was at the beginning when I first opened. I listed a number of items and then sat back and waited for the customers to roll in!!!!!  LOL That was a non event! It was like opening a shop and when the customer walks in, there is no one there to help you or anything for that matter. Selling online is a serious business and it requires a lot of attention.

Q. Is your Etsy business a full time job or is it something you do in your spare time?
Etsy is full time for me. The only other things that I do outside of Etsy are some private custom orders and occasionally I teach classes in jewelry making. I actually love teaching! It's really fun to see the students get excited when they learn something new!!!

Q. What goals do you wish to accomplish within the next year for your Etsy shop?
I really would like to increase sales more than anything but I would like to develop a strong niche for myself on the site.

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Washington D.C. but left and went to live in Europe in my late teens. I went to art school in London. At some point I hooked up with a friend and started a serious traveling/working career! I traveled for several years around the world and worked in the jewelry industry. I studied jewelry making in Bali, Indonesia and in India for about six months in the 1970's. I then eventually made my way back to the USA in the early 1980's. I then went to school in New York for a brief period and then started working on other jewelry projects here in the city. I have worked for other designers as well in the past. I started my own business in 1994. It is still a work in progress!

Q. Outside of Etsy, in what venues do/have you sold.
I was in a very well established gallery in New York City for 14 years. Also I sold to a jewelry catalog for some years as well. I have always done private custom work as well.

Q. What sets you apart from other sellers in your niche?
That is a very tricky question!!!!!!  There are other designers on and off of Etsy that are similar to me. I think the only thing that sets me apart from them is that my designs are similar but not the same as anyone else's. I see some designers here on Etsy that I really like and they are also similar to me but the design is really their own. My style is not that unique but the results always have some small individual differences from other designers.

Q. List one or more Etsy sellers which you admire? And why?
I admire quite a few sellers on Etsy. There are some great artisans on this site!!!!
There are two that come to mind right away however! One is MagdalenasAtelier.  She was the first person that I really liked on Etsy, and still do! Her work is impeccable and she appears to have a strong business aptitude.

The other person that I admire on Etsy is TimothyAdamDesigns. This lad seems to work all the time on his craft, his shop and marketing, well he's a powerhouse!!!!! He is often in the forums helping other vendors with marketing and internet issues. He really is a testament to how to succeed on Etsy. Hard work and the ability to use the worldwide web to reach the mass audience!