I just love browsing Etsy, and by chance the other day I stumbled upon this beautiful little shop called
Box of Pearls. Amanda Thompson, owner and operator, was kind enough to send me a little something to review.
She's also giving a $25 gift certificate to Box of Pearls
to one of my lucky blog readers!
This delicate chevron stripe necklace was the first thing that caught my eye in Amanda's shop.
The funniest thing happened to me while writing this blog post. My sister stopped by with a birthday present, this necklace! She found it using
my Etsy favorites! I wore it all day Sunday and I couldn't love it more. It is the perfect color combination (silver chevron, gold chain), the perfect length (17 inches) to wear with everything, and simply stunning. I just can't believe the timing of this gift!
Box of Pearls has so many wonderful pieces. I believe these fun little personalized initial rings were what brought me there in the first place.
I love this dainty little bracelet. I sent Amanda a list of my favorites and asked her to surprise me and she sent this beauty. I wore it yesterday as well.
I have a very small wrist and it's very hard for me to find bracelets that work for me, which is probably why I have less than a handful. This bracelet fits just perfectly, and feels light as a feather! She didn't know it when she sent it, but the saying fits me perfectly. We've been talking to our 5 year old son a lot lately about the golden rule. The bracelet is a good reminder for me to follow by example.
The craftsmanship of Amanda's jewelry is impeccable. I will most definitely be visiting
Box of Pearls again soon for gifts and staple pieces. I think the value is exceptional for such high quality, handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry.
I asked Amanda to answer a few questions, here's what she had to say:
Q: Tell us a little about yourself
A: I’m proof that life can steer you in an unexpected direction. With a degree in Exercise Physiology, I somehow ended up working as a restaurant and catering manager for almost ten years and a personal trainer for about four years. Then, after marrying and becoming pregnant, my husband and I decided that me staying home with our little girl was the best decision. So, as most busy bodies do, I found a way to keep productive by developing my jewelry-making hobby into a legit business. It's a juggle, but I wouldn't want it any other way!
Q: When did you start making jewelry?
A: I started making jewelry in 2004 as a hobby, for my friends, my family, and myself. It soon developed into monthly showings at local art galleries around town. My style was completely different from what it is today. Lots of color and beads :)
Q: Do you have a favorite or special piece of jewelry you wear often?
A: I find that I have a bit of jewelry A.D.D. I generally wear more simple, everyday pieces, but because I'm constantly looking to try new designs, I often want to change out my pieces. I generally commit to jewelry for a week or two, then want something new, ha! My general style is layered delicate necklaces, stacked bracelets, with beads, chain, and shaped wire. I love dangly earrings with colorful stones and movement to them.
Q: What inspires you?
A: I’m inspired by people who make a profession out of the craft or service that they enjoy. It takes a lot of patience, vision, and determination to work toward a profession that highlights who you are. I love that art and business can collide to allow people to create and be a legitimate source of income. In college, I remember feeling like I had to pick an available profession from the list provided. It’s not always easy to find that “thing” to base your entire education on, and from which to build a life long career. It’s a bit premature, as a teen or early twenty something to be that focused and clear.
Q: Any advice for new Etsy sellers?
A: It took me a couple of years to understand that selling on Etsy takes real commitment. Customers have to be lead to your shop; they don't just come because you have a presence. You have to love your shop as if it’s your own home. Be artistic with your photos, be clear and descriptive with your listing details, and be available to your customers. Etsy is a platform for real creators. As a buyer you aren't dealing with a huge company, but most often, a single person/shop owner. Remind your customers of that in how you respond to their questions, suggestions, order requests, and packaging. They will appreciate knowing you are creating for them.
Q: Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 years?
A: I hope much like where I am today; being available for our daughter as she moves through life, while juggling a jewelry career that fits the into the mold of our lives. I love the growth I'm experiencing, but because jewelry is a job I do from home, I will always have to manage my work vs. home time carefully.
So glad Amanda was able to find the time to share her story, and a $25 gift certificate with us!
Here's how you can enter to win:
1. Favorite Box of Pearls on Etsy
3. Follow Amanda on Twitter
5. Share this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook
1 entry will be received for each task completed, please leave separate comments below for each entry.
A winner will be chosen Thursday, March 12, 2015 at noon PST using random.org.
Open to residents of US and Canada, 18 years of age and older.
Winner will be announced here and contacted through email and have 3 days to reply before another winner is chosen.
In the mean time, please enjoy this free shipping code from Box of Pearls:
Best of luck! Be sure to click on the tab at the top of the page for more giveaways
& sign up for email for future promotions.
