Posts
Interview: Making Magic with Abba Dabba Bags
Q. What is the main site address for your business?
www.AbbaDabbaBags.com
Q. Tell us about the products you make and the materials you use.
I make bags and accessories of all shapes and sizes using colorful designer fabrics. I love to explore new fabric combinations and bag styles. I am constantly searching for new ideas for my customers.
Q. How long have you been developing your craft?
I have been sewing since I was a pre-teen but it was not until I had my first child that I really got serious. I could not find a diaper bag that I wanted to carry so I decided to make my own. It was a great big Toile bag with hot pink accents and it got attention wherever we went. Eventually some friends asked me to make more and AbbaDabba Bags was born.
Q. How did your craft evolve into a global store front?
A wonderful response from family, friends and global customers is what gave me the courage to evolve into a real business. When I started I had a goal of selling one bag per month. As things began to take off on Etsy, that goal changed to one per week and then one per day.
Q. What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
I would say getting over the fear of paying for advertising was a big step. My best tip is to sit down and really think about your core customers. Where do they shop? What do they shop for? What kinds of things do they do on the internet? Then go out and get your products in those places.
Q. What mistakes have you made while building your Etsy shop that you wish someone had advised you NOT to do?
Early on I took on some wholesale customers. While it seemed like a great way to make money, it was not for me. It required me to have higher prices for my retail (Etsy) customers and took away from the time I was able to create items for my shop. Making 75 of the same item over and over again made me feel like a one-person sweatshop. I know wholesale is great for some but I prefer giving my retail customers the best prices and my full attention.
Q. Is your Etsy business a full time job or is it something you do in your spare time?
My Etsy business is my second job. Being a mom to two fabulous kids (and another on the way!) is job #1. I work on promotion and the business side early in the morning and after they go to bed. I do most of my sewing during naptimes and on the weekends when my husband is home. It seems like a busy schedule but I really enjoy it. Q. What goals do you wish to accomplish within the next year for your Etsy shop?
In the next year I hope to further hone my marketing skills. I am definitely putting my business degree to work here but I have a long way to go. I am constantly studying and learning what I can do better. I would also love to take a photography class. I had no idea how important photos would be when I started selling online.
Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a stay at home mom living with my family south of Boston. I spent a decade as a VP in the financial industry until my second child was born and then made the leap to being at home. It is the best decision I’ve ever made. It was definitely a change in lifestyle but in a good way. I have an amazing husband who helps keep me sane and makes it all possible.
Q. Outside of Etsy, in what venues do/have you sold?
I have an Artfire Studio: www.AbbaDabbaBags.Artfire.com
I have had my bags for sale in local shops and in a holiday shop in Boston in the past. Right now I am only online.
Q. What sets you apart from other sellers in your niche?
Many of the bag sellers on Etsy offer a limited number of bags and sell them as a made-to-order item. Not only do you have to wait 2-3 weeks for delivery but you don’t know exactly what your bag will look like until it arrives.
I prefer to make my bags first and then offer them for sale. It means more work up front since I have to photograph each and every one and safely store my inventory, but my customers really appreciate it. They don’t have to worry about fabric placement and their bag gets shipped immediately.
Q. List one or more Etsy sellers which you admire? And why?First is Carolina Patchworks Quilts. I have always admired quilt makers. This particular seller has such beautiful detail, fabric selections and designs on her quilts. I keep her shop in my favorites and love to browse through the selections. She also sells patterns and it is my secret wish to learn to quilt someday and make one of my own. www.CarolinaPatchworks.etsy.com
Second is a fabric shop, Fabric Supplies by Charlie and Lindsay. This young couple started their Etsy Shop in 2008 and has done an amazing job of growing it into a full-time business for them both. This is no surprise to those of us who have been shopping with them from the beginning. They have the best selection and customer service I’ve found. They ship so fast I swear sometimes they are just driving the fabric to my house. www.FabricSupplies.etsy.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment