Interview: Glassimo!

Interview: Glassimo!

Glassimo!'s art pieces add boldness and beauty to any ensemble. What better way to display your art than wearing it around your neck? I had the opportunity to interview Judit, founder of Glassimo!, and here's what she had to say.


Q. What is the main site address for your business?
My Etsy shop is at http://www.glassimo.etsy.com

Q. Tell us about the products you make and the materials you use.
I make modern fused glass jewelry. I use a broad range of compatible glass.

Q. How long have you been developing your craft?
I discovered glass fusing about a year ago. Since then it has become my passion. I keep experimenting and learning new techniques in workshops, classes, from books, from the net, etc. We, on Etsy, all believe in and represent the new movement of handmade. 

Q. How did your craft evolve into a global store front?
When I had made about ten necklaces I was happy with, I opened my shop on Etsy. I needed feedback beyond my family and friend’s support so that I could improve my artisanship. Etsy has also been helping me to learn about the business aspects of the craft. As we all know the economic situation is now bad, so a lot of small businesses are all hurting. So, one should not be discouraged by the apparent lack of robust sales.

Q. What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
I am not a marketing expert but the best advice I can give to any new Etsyian is to try and market yourself in every possible way: write a blog, twitter, be active on Etsy forums (fellow crafters are so helpful), ask advice, give feedback, and learn about marketing promotions. But, I think the most important is to be unique, original and honest to yourself. Find your own style but you should be aware of the trends. Be patient – business is slow these days. Try craft markets, boutiques, and handmade stores. Build a professional portfolio – I am working on mine, too.

Q. What mistakes have you made while building your Etsy shop that you wish someone had advised you NOT to do?
For example, I listed all my jewelry on the same day when I opened my shop. I did not know that it is better to list one or two pieces per day. This way, your shop will be visible for a longer time.

Q. Is your Etsy business a full time job or is it something you do in your spare time?
I make jewelry full time. I plan to open my other Etsy store for my photographs.

Q. What goals do you wish to accomplish within the next year for your Etsy shop?
I would like to perfect my craft. I want to expand my shop to include home décor. I am really interested in wall art.

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Judit. I am wife and mother of two. We live in California. I feel best with open minded and creative people. I like to travel, experience different cultures, art, movies, music, books, theater; I like to look behind the surface. I think that one can be happy if one can recognize the beauty of the everyday life. It is great to see the renaissance of the hand-made. Even though I am not against the mass market, we all need the charm the hand-made can bring to our life.

Q. Outside of Etsy, in what venues do/have you sold?
I am preparing for my first craft show and I am also working on custom orders. I also sale items in a local hotel and receive commission from those sales.

Q. What sets you apart from other sellers in your niche?
I just do what and how I like to do. I set my standards and I do not make shortcuts. I definitely pay attention to other fused-glass jewelry artists but I do not follow them. I have my own style. I always do cold-work for a professional look. I do not compromise quality over quantity. Every piece of I create is one of a kind. If you buy my necklace you can be assured that there is no other one like that. I try to preserve my originality and I never stop to come up with fresh ideas and improve my craft.  When I see cheap looking fused-glass jewelry I feel offended.

Q. List one or more Etsy sellers which you admire? And why?
There are many wonderful artists on Etsy. I could not pick one – I really admire those who organize charities in spite of this being a business oriented site.  For example those organizing Etsy For Charity.

Finally, I would like to say ‘thank you’ to Gift Guru who gave me and others this great opportunity to talk about our experience. I believe that we always can learn from each other and hand-made artists can form a real friendly community- which is not a small thing nowadays. I wish you all great success in your creative business. Happy crafting!