Sell Your Work, Prevent Domestic Abuse & Empower Women

My name is Angie Spoto. I am the co-founder of a nonprofit online boutique called Uncovered Artistry Boutique (www.uncdoveredartistry.com). Our mission is to empower domestic abuse surivors emotionally and financially by selling their work in our store. We are hosting our Grand Opening this Friday the 23rd. Since we have just started a couple months ago, we ony currently have one artisan. In order to exapand our inventory and to promote our mission, we are asking certain Esty sellers to sell products on our site.

We are interested in any type of work that in some way is related to domestic abuse, sexual abuse, or the empowerment of women.

Here is how it would work:
1. We would post your products on our website in a very similar format to Etsy. We would like to use your photographs and, for the most part, your descriptions.
2. When a customer purchases your product through our website, will will email you a purchase order. (So for example, if after a week we receive three orders for a specific product, at the end of the week will will send you the purchase order requesting the three products.)
3. You will ship us the items, which Uncovered Artistry will purchase from you at the price you have posted on Etsy. Payment method is up to you. We are willing to use Paypal.
4. UA will ship the products directly to our customers. (With an okay from you, we'd like to use our own packaging for brand/consistency reasons. Of course, we would love to include your business cards and mention your Esty site both on our website and in the packaging)
4. All the proceeds from the selling of your product (UA will sell your product on our site at a higher price that what you sell it for on Etsy) UA will donate to a local domestic abuse shelter.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Angie Spoto
Co-founder Uncovered Artistry Boutique
www.uncoveredartistry.com
suavoce.etsy.com

Uncovered Artistry Boutique: Empowering Domestic Violence Survivors

We are dedicating the this summer to creating and establishing Uncovered Artistry Boutique. Uncovered Artistry Boutique, operating out of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, is a non-profit online and catalog retailer that sells the finely crafted work of domestic violence survivors and distributes the products throughout the country. The business will has two main goals. First, it provides an outlet for domestic survivors in America to sell their artisan work, thereby providing them with financial independence and personal confidence. Second,Uncovered Artistry educates our customers about domestic violence in order to raise awareness and eliminate stereotypes.

Please visit our new blog at http://uncoveredartistry.blogspot.com

and our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Hampton-Falls-NH/Uncovered-Artistry-Boutique/101220443257694?ref=mf


Angie and Sarah

Are you ready for this?

Welcome to the new and improved SuaVoce blog! My sister and I are happy to announce that we are giving this blog a serious makeover. The blog will now focus more on providing valuable resources to crafter-entrepreneurs like us. Below are some articles you can be on the look out for...

Marketing Toward College-Aged Women
The Perfect Banner...Simple and Direct
Think Like a Business...Think BIG
Are You a Socially Conscious Business?
Who Said You Can't be an Entrepreneur?

We are also happy to take suggestions about new articles.

Also, I wanted to mention a couple great sites that featured La SuaVoce's blog or products.

Gracie's Eggies' blog:
http://www.gracies-eggies.blogspot.com/

Visit her gorgeous Etsy site at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/gracieseggies

Also, makingjewelrysupplies.com featured our blog. Check them out too!
Jewelry Making Beads

As usual, Happy Creating! And don't forget to check back for some great new articles and a new look!

Sarah
La SuaVoce Designs

Support Entrepreneurs All Over the World!

My church sent me a wonderful Valentine's gift. It was a gift certificate to Kiva.org, a site that allows you to lend micro-loans to struggling entrepreneurs all over the world. This isn't a charity. The loans help the entrepreneurs fund their businesses and the businesses help support these people. It's a beautiful cycle! Also, the money you lend will be returned to you eventually, and you can choose to keep it or lend it to another entrepreneur.

Happy Valentine's Day!
Sarah
La SuaVoce Designs

In Need of an Update!

Hi all,

SuaVoce's blog is need for an update! Since you've last heard from us college-student-business-owners-sisters (yikes!) we were just heading back home for our winter vacation. Well, we are back at school now and, as usual, life is crazy.

Some things we've been preoccupied with...
-Creating new Jane Austen greeting cards (in time for Valentine's Day). Check them out here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SuaVoce?section_id=6276613

-Planning a possible new business (non-profit this time) that supports artisan work of domestic violence survivors. Updates coming!

-Learning some invaluable information in our accounting and financing classes. I seriously recommend that all Etsy-sellers learn a bit (or a lot!) about accounting. You'd be surprised how organized the information will make you.

Till next time... Happy Creating!

Sarah
La SuaVoce Designs
http://suavoce.etsy.com

Etsy Free Feature II

My calculus final is over! I'm finally free to post another entry. Last week I posted the work of some talented Etsy-artists. The post was a success, so I've put together a second feature. Once again, the pieces below are under $50, making the selection a great list of affordable gifts.

Enjoy!

Sarah

La SuaVoce Designs

p.s. I think I need a better name for these posts than "Etsy Free Feature." If you have any ideas, feel free to comment!

Moss Winds Necklace $42

Original Wood Block Print, $25

Rusty Bunny with Bow, $38

Indian Rangoli Colorful Wooden Bracelet, $16

Filigree Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings, $25

Bone and Turquoise Brass Watch, $50

Sapphire Pleated Woolen Purse, $22

Christmas Wire Wrapped Beaded Necklace, $30


Chocolate and Turquoise Bracelet, $45

Selling Your Work Wholesale: Resources, Tips, Links, and Checklist

I'm reposting a post from a few months ago because I think the information is valuable and because my sister and I (after taking time to focus on school) decided to work on going wholesale again. Hope it is helpful!

Wholesale Resources

Are you ready to start selling wholesale? We are, so we did some research and we’d like to share! Here are some great blogs, forum posts, and articles that provide valuable information about selling wholesale.

If you’re shy and don’t think you’re up to visiting stores, check out this forum post: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6201294

This great two part blog post provides information about pricing, quantity, and communicating with retailers:
Part I: http://qbranchltd.blogspot.com/2008/02/selling-wholesale-part-i.html
Part II: http://qbranchltd.blogspot.com/2008/02/selling-wholesale-part-ii.html

A thorough article about beginning to sell your artisan work wholesale. Includes a number of helpful links:
http://www.indiepublic.com/profiles/blogs/946391:BlogPost:510081

Our Checklist for Preparing to Sell Wholesale:
*Check out the links above and throughout this post for more information to supplement our checklist (some of the terms were unfamiliar to us until we read the information provided in all these links!)*

1. Prepare Etsy shop (and blog, etc.) for wholesale
-adjust prices to be RETAIL prices (double wholesale price for retail price)
*Tips on pricing wholesale:
http://www.helium.com/items/622909-tips-for-pricing-your-handmade-crafts
-make it known that we are interested in selling wholesale
-make it easy for retailers to contact us
-provide a “request form” in blog and Etsy store

2. Create a linesheet & other “things”
-Make a wholesale linesheet
-Make pamphlet to send to far-away boutiques
-Make email template for far-away boutiques
*Specific tips on creating a linesheet:
http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/jewelry-line-sheets.html
http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/what_is_a_line_sheet/

3. Research for retailers
-check out local fashion magazines for label names
-explore local shops (check out the yellow pages!)
-browse online

4. Call to make appointment with boutique owner

5. Be ready with wholesale price sheet and large amount of display-ready merchandise

Black Friday Sale! BOGO FREE

Hope you are having a wonderful holiday!

La SuaVoce is having a Black Friday Sale from Nov. 27- 29!

All Earrings Buy Get One FREE! Second pair of equal or lesser value will be refunded via Paypal.

FREE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING on all products.
Contact us for FREE GIFT WRAP or GIFT TAGS.

Visit our shop: http://suavoce.etsy.com

Ask us about custom jewelry and hair accessories too!

Happy holidays (and shopping!),
Sarah and Angie
La SuaVoce Designs

Introducing...

La SuaVoce's newest creation: Jane Ausen-inspired greeting cards.

You can share the beautiful words of this legendary artists with our delicate handmade cards. Plus. who doesn't love Mr.Darcy?

Any thoughts on the new cards? We are considering adding more designs and finding a way to make them less expensive, but these three cards are somewhat of a test. Any feedback is much appreciated!

Keep your eyes open for changes and new material from SuaVoce in the future. We are always growing. :)

Cheers!

Sarah

La SuaVoce Designs

"8 Ways to Jump Start Your Business" Is Worth a Read

We came across this helpful and inspiring article while browsing the web. "8 Ways to Jump Start Your Business" provides helpful tips for business owners, big and small. My favorite tip, which I feel we could have used when we started SuaVoce more than a year ago, reads "define your niche." La SuaVoce began with selling toward a very general target market, but we've come to realize that being specific is more profitable. This tip and others will certainly inspire and aid any business owner. Check out this article at:
http://pinpoint.microsoft.com/en-US/content.aspx?ctid=813

Angie
La SuaVoce Designs

SuaVoce: Behind the Scenes

Who ever said you needed professional equipment to make professional photos? My sister and I take our photos in our dorm room using lamps for light, pillow cases to diffuse the sun, a friend's camera, a gorgeous roommate for a model, and a WHOLE LOT of creativity.

Not bad, eh?





Happy photographing!

Sarah

La SuaVoce Designs

You're No "Little Business"

Last week, Sarah and I (as president's of our school's Business and Entrepreneur Club) received the fantastic opportunity to meet with an alumn of our college who was an executive analyist (and a very very nice lady). When we mentioned our jewelry business, she gave us a profound piece of advise:

Many people say they work out of their kitchens or their garages and they say "Oh, I just make jewelry on the side." But they should say, "I own a company." Act like you own a big company, because you do.

Trust me, her exact words were a hundred times more inspiring, but I believe the message is clear YOU'RE NO LITTLE BUSINESS.

So SuaVoce is going to stop thinking like one!

Angie
La SuaVoce Designs

Get Inspired! Four Useful Tips for Etsy Business Owners

I'm sitting at the computer, cup of coffee near the key board, an appointment to go to in twenty minutes, a least an hour's worth of calculus homework left, and...my jewelry business. It's times like these that I wonder how my Etsy shop still survives. When things get busy, I start to lose my inspiration. I want to take a couple minutes to bring myself back to center (and help those who are reading this bring themselve back to center!).

Get inspired...

-Get passionate. Strictly business-speaking, passion breeds sales. If you don't have passion for your work it shows (no matter how much you try to hide it). And believe me, it hurts sales too. Bringing passion into your work might mean taking a break, trying something new, or even getting feedback and encouragement from others.

-Make a change. Try something new with your shop (or in your life in general). My sister and I have decided to focus our work towards hair accessories and (could anyone guess it?) Jane Austen inspired greeting cards. Just the simple prospect of something new gets me excited to start working on the shop. The change doesn't have to drastic. Even developing a new designs bring some life to your shop.

-Promote! Marketing is always a good idea, and it's especially helpful when you are feeling unmotivated. Promoting might seem like the last thing you want to do in a slump ("Aren't I doing enough promoting already?!"), but it's probably one of the most useful things. Monitor the success of your marketing (with Google Analytics, Craftcult.com, Craftopolis.com, etc.). Realizing the success in your hard work is where the inspiration comes from.

-Get off the computer. Yes! Take a step back from Etsy, close out of Twitter, sign off Facebook, turn off your IPhone and go outside (or at least into the other room). Time is precious (and time is money afterall). If you find yourself staring glassy-eyed at the computer, waiting for a new heart to show up on Craftcult (haven't we all been there?), then you're wasting time you could be using creating, exploring, learning and getting inspired. The world is where we find our inspiration.

Happy creating!
Sarah
La SuaVoce Designs

Friday Fantasy Feature: Scarlett Design

There is natural beauty and sweetness to the photographs and illustrations featured tonight. This week's feature is the work of Ryan McGurl of Scarlett Design. His photographs, illustrations, and stationary, capture the natural world eloquently. We are please to present this work on our blog this Friday. Enjoy, and don't be afraid to get lost in his work!

Name: Ryan McGurl
Etsy Shop: Scarlett Design

What do you do?I'm an Illustrator and Photographer

Where do you get your inspiration for your work?
Mostly from nature. I love hiking and walking on the beach. Often I'm intrigued by the structure of plants and animals.

Do you have any pieces that are inspired by fantasy? Or are reminiscent of fantasy?
I have an illustration I made for some Halloween cards. Its based on historical gravestones I saw in Salem, MA when I was young. I love this illustration because its an idea I've had for a few years, and I'm happy to see it come to fruition. Also, I don't often draw by hand, so this was a nice change for me. I feel that I pushed my boundaries, but also stayed within my distinctive style.

And some day I'd love to do a series of illustrations based on fairy tales, Alice in Wonderland, "Rappacini's Garden," by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and right now I find the Wizard of Oz quite inspiring because I just finished reading "Son of a Witch."

How did you become involved in your work?
I come from an artistic family, and I've always drawn but didn't think I was very good or that I could really make a living at it. When I was studying Art History, I took a few Graphic Design courses, just because I figured it was the best way to have a career related to art. After learning how to use a digital illustration program I found that I really loved it. Photography I was also interested in for years before I considered it as an actual career choice.

What made you start selling your creations?
I do have an honest desire to share my point of view, but I would also love to be able to create full time (right now I have a part time job) and be able to travel.

What is your favorite item that you make?
Usually whatever illustration, photo, or card I've just finished making. I always love it when I see one of my completed pieces and can't believe how good it turned out, often surpassing my expectations.

Which fantasy creature is your favorite: fairy, dragon, or vampire?
Vampire, they have the most trashy entertaining books and movies

You can find Scarlett Design at...

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5373298

http://scarlettdesign.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scarlett-Design/78364007231

http://twitter.com/scarlettdesign

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22381047@N06/

Ciao!

Sarah and Angie

La SuaVoce Designs

Craft Splurge!

Blick Art Supplies has to be one of the most irresistable places (right up there with Joann Fabrics and Michael's)! This week, bogged down with too much work and too much calculus (not to mention whatever was happening at homecoming), I found the inspiration to start up pen and ink with watercolors again. I did a bit of illustration work (a VERY little bit) in high school with pen and ink, and I've sort of brought it back with the new backgrounds for La SuaVoce's shop.

So $50 worth of materials later (that's a lot for a college student by the way), I'm looking at creating some greeting cards and illustrations...and just go crazy! :)

Happy Weekend!

Sarah

La SuaVoce Designs

The Minutiae (of Business)

mi⋅nu⋅ti⋅a [mi-noo-shee-uh, -shuh, -nyoo-]

noun, plural -ti⋅ae

Usually, minutiae. precise details; small or trifling matters: the minutiae of her craft.

Business (at least a business like La SuaVoce) seems to be made up of a whole bunch of small things...facebook groups and fan pages, twitter accounts, forum posts, shop updates, small changes to photographs...

I have to admit, that these things definately seem trifling sometimes (like who would've known Twitter was great for marketing!?), but they certainly add up. Advice to myself: Don't stop with the small parts of your business! That's what makes your business successful!

Happy Creating,

Sarah

Yay/Nay

Yay

Women's Business Development Center
http://www.wbdc.org/default.aspx

A great site for women entrepreneurs (especially in Chicago). They host conferences, workshops, and have great links and resources on their site.

The holidays!
http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/

Etsy's gift guides have some great Halloween costume ideas and gifts.

Ice cream...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30803506

Or these great handmade cards. Worth the click!


Nay

Giving our shop a makeover...and redoing all our photos. Only to realize we took the new photos in the wrong light and they turned out yellow.

CALCULUS...needed for a Business major, but still annoying.

Giving our shop a "romance and fantasy" spin then realizing that style wasn't for us. Now we stick with fresh, young, and fun!

:)
Sarah and Angie

A Quote to Consider

"Entrepreneurship-

the ability to organize and get something done."

-Economics, Colander

What I've Learned Recently About Business

In the past year I've started a business (La SuaVoce: http://suavoce.etsy.com/), declared myself a business major, and started helping out with the family business (Sun Tamer!). It's kind of been a business overload...in a (mostly) good way.

Some things I've learned lately about business...

-It's stressful, but addicting. Once you start...how can you give it up?

-Marketing is actually...fun! In fact, I love it! It's even more fun when you see results. I made "Grazie!" gift tags for our packaging a couple days ago and it was great to see the finished products, cut and ready. And Angie designed a beautiful banner to put on our suite door and in the student center on campus.

-You can never stop learning. This is probably true with everything. I've just spent my homework breaks browsing Etsy Storque How-to articles. A wealth of info! And it's endless, thanks to technology.

-Principles of Econ (the class) is SUCH a good idea. Seriously, I can watch the news without feeling completely ignorant of current economic situation. It's such a beautiful thing to begin to understand a topic of such importance.

-Getting a sale when you least expect is one of the best feelings you can have (it's right up there with starting a 100m sprint race in high school track and asking that guy you've liked for two months on a date). :)

-STAYING POSITIVE IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO (I mean this to extend beyond business too! Enjoy things. Life is soooo much better that way).

Happy creating (and business-ing?)

Sarah

What We're Doing to Promote (Successfully)

Finally I feel like my hard work is paying off! I fixed up my Etsy shop and started promoting...hardcore. And it worked! I haven't gotten a ton of sales, but I am happy with the few I do have. Here are some ways I promote my Etsy shop (can be applied to other online shops as well):

1. Word-of-mouth- Free, fun, and one of the best ways to get word of your shop out there. Bring up your business when you can and be excited for it! Don't be afraid to talk about what you do :)

2. Bussiness cards- Sometimes these can get surprisingly expensive, but they are SO worth it! Invest in good, professional ones that clearly show what your product or store is about. Then hand them out! Send them to relatives and friends. Check out http://www.moo.com/ or http://www.staples.com/ for places to design and print your cards (we picked Staples, but both places have good prices and make unique, quality cards).

3. Blog- My sister and I have a blog ( http://suavoce.blospot.com/ -obviously!) and it's fun. We talk about our business and our experiences running it while in college. We've gotten a lot of views from it, and even a sale or two. If you don't have time to write your own blog, check out other's blogs and comment. You can get your name out there and maybe learn some important tips too.

4. Twitter- I had no idea what the point of Twitter was until I started applying it to my Etsy shop. I get a lot of views by posting links to my newest items (nearly 20 instantly every time!). But we don't just post links, we comment on other twitter posts, post our business related activities, and continue to follow others. Tweet with us at: www.twitter.com/suavoce

5. Facebook- SuaVoce Designs has a Facebook group http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=94180108452&ref=ts . It wasn't hard to make, and though sometimes it can be a pain to update (you really do have to update it often for it to be successful), it is certainly worth it. Post new pics often, post links to new items, and start discussions. Having a lot of friends to invite always helps get the initial members, and our group has been constantly growing since we started it! Don't forget, when you post a new item to Etsy, connect to Facebook and post it!

There are always more things to do to promote! Wear your pieces if they are wearable and be passionate about what you do. :) If you have any other suggestions or tips for promoting, post it here in a comment.

Happy (successful) promoting!

Sarah

http://suavoce.etsy.com/