It was around 8am on a Saturday morning. We were in a hotel bed in Half Moon Bay, mentally preparing to shoot a wedding that day. In my attempt to wake up, I started checking e-mails on my phone. That's when I saw it. "Etsy's Quit Your Day Job Feature - Interested?" I immediately sat straight up, "omg!" Jordan rolled over. "Hm?" I'm pretty sure I didn't immediately respond, I was too busy skimming the e-mail. Is this for real? Is it legit? Omgomg!
I'm not sure how they found me. I'm not sure how they knew I quit my day
job. But wow. I felt so lucky. The Quit Your Day Job series is one I
have read for years, dreaming that "one day that would be me." Just
coming to the point of quitting my day job was more than I could ask
for, but actually being given the opportunity to participate in the
series was pretty mind blowing.
I read over my interview answers about 50 times. I had Jordan read them as well. Besides a few grammatical changes, he told me everything sounded great. He also took my photos for the feature. I'll admit it wasn't an easy task. I swear, I thought I was getting better at having him take my picture but I think because this was so important to me that I just turned into a perfectionist freak all over again. Despite this, he did a great job.
While I was nervous that such a feature could open me and my shop up to scrutiny, reading the comments was a lot of fun. It made me really realize what my "story" is. I like that I'm not an overnight success. I like that it took a lot of persistent work to get to where I am today. I hope that this inspires others to not give up and to continue to pursue their dreams.
If you haven't had a chance to read the article, you can do so here.
I read over my interview answers about 50 times. I had Jordan read them as well. Besides a few grammatical changes, he told me everything sounded great. He also took my photos for the feature. I'll admit it wasn't an easy task. I swear, I thought I was getting better at having him take my picture but I think because this was so important to me that I just turned into a perfectionist freak all over again. Despite this, he did a great job.
While I was nervous that such a feature could open me and my shop up to scrutiny, reading the comments was a lot of fun. It made me really realize what my "story" is. I like that I'm not an overnight success. I like that it took a lot of persistent work to get to where I am today. I hope that this inspires others to not give up and to continue to pursue their dreams.
If you haven't had a chance to read the article, you can do so here.
so proud of you!
ReplyDeleteI always wondered if etsy contacted people or if they had to submit their shops to be featured. anyways, congratulations, your shop has always been a big inspiration of mine.
ReplyDeleteNicely done. I have done my part and shared the F**k out of this. Stoked for you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! That's a great write up!
ReplyDeleteYour persistence is definitely inspiring! Congrats on the super feature. Very well deserved x
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! So happy for you and love that you weren't an overnight success too, because that inspires the rest of us to keep pushing! Congrats to you!
ReplyDelete-Chelsea
chelsandthecity.blogspot.com
You're an inspiration and I've shared your shop! Great products, can't wait for the new ones :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome feature - congrats!
ReplyDeleteI was so happy to see you featured! Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteI am sooo happy for you. I know you worked hard for it. Congratulations!! Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteYour story was my favorite "Quit Your Day Job" story to date. I loved reading it and I'm so happy I found your blog because of the feature. You are so inspiring!
ReplyDeleteTia
http://www.TheCraftyEngineerx.etsy.com
And your interview was awesome! You answered the questions so well and professionally. I loved it all :).
ReplyDeleteHi, Julie! I'm a new fan of your art & your blog. I'm kind of in the throes of what I'm sure you went through a while back. I'm an art teacher & love the stability of it, but I dream of one day owning my own small business & selling my artwork for a living. Hearing your story & reading your blog has been a huge inspiration to me. Now, more than ever, I'm actually looking at owning my own business as a not-too-distant possibility, rather than a silly fantasy. Thank you for being so honest on your blog & for making such a great "Quit Your Day Job" contribution. Good job on all your hard work & successes!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.talklikelovers.blogspot.com
You are an amazing woman, and you deserve every bit of success. I love hearing about your past, as well as your hopes for the future, and I hope that you continue to have fun with your business :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulation. Actually I'm really impressed about this content. I also like to say about your appearance. I like your smile and hair style very much.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Julie! You're an inspiration. Also... I just quit my day job too! I'm freelancing like a crazy lady but when I get a break in between jobs, I'll be focussing on my business ideas so I can work more and more on my own terms. I'm so excited!
ReplyDeletex
Your feature on Etsy was one of my faves (and how I found your blog) because you talked about how it did not happen overnight. I think it's so important to remember that when everyone else seems to be killing it, but they all started somewhere! I also want to quit my day job, but I know I still have a lot to learn. Reading about your journey has been inspiring!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! I loved reading the story and its actually how I ended up finding your blog to follow :) Now I love your work!!
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! Congratulations!!!! You totally deserve it!
ReplyDeleteAmazing story!!
ReplyDeleteThis so cool, I love it when I hear stories about people succeeding with a really fun business!
ReplyDeleteYour hair looks so beautiful in this picture! Did you color the stripe in your hair professionally or DIY?
ReplyDeleteHi Julie Ann,
ReplyDeleteI must say I've been reading your entire blog these days! I'm really a fan of yours and your story is very inspiring.
I've always worked with graphic design but was quite disappointed with the profession some years ago, so I decided to work with more "traditional" (and not fun at all) things. But now I know that I shouldn't have abandoned a creative activity that soon.
That's why I decided to assume my creative side to the world with a personal project (www.drawing-therapy.com) – with no intentions to become rich or quitting my day job next month!
I still have a day job and I think I'll keep things this way for a while. Although I really want to develop the production of my artworks. But mainly because I think I need to feel some recognition for what I do! (also known as "that amazing feeling when someone buys one of your products").
I admire your work and truthfully believe in your success!
Don't change and never stop believing in your potential.
Cheers from the other side of the ocean :)
Bruna