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Susan Williams lives in Dunnellon, Florida and she LOVES it there! “It’s so beautiful and the people are so friendly” Susan said. Susan first became interested in making jewelry when she was in high school (“many eons ago” she adds). She took a jewelry making class and said that it became a love affair.
She studied art at a university, but did not graduate. She mainly makes jewelry from guitar picks and hardware and beautiful glass beads. Susan also paints ACEOs and does various other crafts. She is currently studying to get her Bachelor of Science degree in the spring of 2011. She hopes to continue her educational journey and get a Masters in Library Science degree.
Susan donates 5% of the purchase price from all of her jewelry sales to the Lambi Fund of Haiti. This organization works with the people of Haiti by providing funding, organic seeds that are native to Haiti, fishing equipment, boats, goats and pigs, etc. The Lambi Fund believes that the Haitian people know what is best for their community so they work with the people to protect Haiti's environment.
In your opinion what is the most important factor to running a successful on-line shop or business? Customer service; give the best that you have, and the sales will follow. Also, you must promote your shop/business. Get out there and do it. Don't expect people to find you when there are zillions others out there doing the same as you.
What do you like the most about your crafting? I love being creative and then sharing it with others. When I am creative, I do well in other aspects of my life, such as school. I think being creative expands your brain capacity.
What do you like the least about your crafting? I could do well without the wire pokes and slipping of the pliers.
How do you promote your business? I blog - use Facebook and I have a Facebook page where I promote Etsy shops.
Where would you like to see yourself in the next 5 years? Living successfully off my craft.
How has the current economy affected your on-line business? Not too much. My items are affordable and fun. Perhaps I could do better if the economy improves, but time will tell.
What is your favorite food? Minty cheese! LOVE IT! Favorite color? A deep rich blue and purple. What kind of music do you like to listen to? In the car, I listen to country. At home, whatever my daughter is playing. And (even though she isn't aware of it) I listen to her singing. Sweet!
Susan, thank you for taking time to tell all of us a little about your crafting world. I wish you the very best with your Etsy shop and hope that all your dreams come true.
Please be sure to check out the slide show below to see a few of Susan's great creations and then check out her Etsy shops. In September 2009 she opened her jewelry shop "Susan Williams Designs" where you will find unique jewelry, some are made from guitar picks; then in December 2009 she opened "Art by Susan Williams" where you will find her Art, one of a kind ACEOs, Note Cards, Gift Tags, and Painted Bags. Great stuff, a must see!
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Don't forget to visit my many artisan friends at Etsy and the VA Etsy Team for your ultimate shopping pleasure.
Until next time I wish you a good day today and every day!
Remember to always "Pay IT Forward" because on good deed deserves another.
Cheers my ♥'s
BG
Comments
Thank you so much for featuring me. You are so kind and it was so fun doing this with you.
Susan
Great article on a wonderful artist! I have purchased some of her wonderful jewelry and note cards and she's one of the best!
Very nice article and interesting jewerly.
You couldn't have picked a nicer person to profile. Susan does a great job running our Loud and Wacky Street Team on Etsy!
Guitar picks as jewelry - such a cool idea!
I think it's absolutely wonderful that Miss Susan makes donations to a charity. Furthermore, she truly proves that age is nothing but a number. She's unstoppable!
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