goal three: open an etsy shop
by anna on January 29, 2013
So, I’m going to do this.
I’m going to open an etsy shop and I’m going to do it soon.
I thought for about two seconds that I would first get the shop up and running before giving the details. You know, instead just tweet out that “I have exciting news coming!”, and build it up like “BIG SECRET REVEALED ON THE BLOG SOON!!”. But first off, I always think those suspense building tweets are annoying (JUST TELL ME ALREADY IT CAN’T BE THAT BIG A DEAL) and second, I just don’t work like that.
So I am here to tell you that I am about to open an etsy shop and I’m all kinds of excited/scared/hopeful/stressed/happy about it.
Get your browsers ready, people:
(Not open yet, but soon!)
Right now the shop is under construction. I’m still working out project designs and selling costs and all that exciting stuff, but when I do open I will be selling handmade greeting cards featuring the photography of… wait for it…. YOURS TRULY.
I will also be selling prints, if interested.
I’ve been really pleased with my photography captures this past year and enough people were encouraging me to think about selling my prints, and so I thought about it, and I’m taking the plunge.
I’m absolutely scared that nothing will sell. Or that people won’t love my stuff or they’ll think it’s unoriginal. But whatever. I’m working really hard right now to make good quality cards, with a little twist of personality and originality, using photos taken with love. And that’s really all I can do.
Pour my heart into it and make something people will {hopefully} want to buy.
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For the record, I would TOTALLY want to buy my cards if I saw them in a shop.
So I guess that’s got to mean something.
Right?
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Projected opening date: February 15, 2013
OMG.
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{background image artwork via here}
{read more about my 2013 goals here}
66 comments
Anna, this is SO exciting! I’m sure they will be completely awesome, and that I’ll want to buy them all. I thought that probably your shop would have something to do with your photography {which is amazing}, and the idea of greeting cards sounds so interesting. I can’t wait! And good luck.
by Mary on January 29, 2013 at 8:47 pm. #
Thanks, Mary!
by anna on January 29, 2013 at 10:49 pm. #
This is FABULOUS! I can’t wait for it to be opened!
by Jennifer Davis on January 29, 2013 at 9:04 pm. #
Me either! Scary/exciting! Thanks for the encouragement!
by anna on January 29, 2013 at 10:49 pm. #
So exciting! I’m a sucker for a good greeting card, I’m sure I’ll love yours!
by Molly on January 29, 2013 at 9:11 pm. #
I’m hoping people are still on the greeting card train. It’s becoming obsolete, but I’m still a fan of them, so I’m glad to hear you are too!
by anna on January 29, 2013 at 10:48 pm. #
This is exciting!! I have no doubt that all your merchandise will be gorgeous and fly off the internet shelves immediately!
It’s also great that your resolution to hone your photography skills can only help the shop and vice versa. I can’t wait to see the results! Good luck!
by Melissa on January 29, 2013 at 9:14 pm. #
Right? I can’t wait til spring when I can get out with my camera to capture the blooms! SIGH. NEED IT TO BE NOW.
by anna on January 29, 2013 at 10:45 pm. #
Yes!!! Congratulations on taking the third step! (Because the first was the idea and the second was getting the shop and well, you know…) this is going to be so perfect!!!
by Jenna A. | The Paleo Project on January 29, 2013 at 9:25 pm. #
YAY. Thanks for all your support!
by anna on January 29, 2013 at 10:44 pm. #
This is the most exciting! I CANNOT WAIT.
by Madeline on January 29, 2013 at 9:37 pm. #
!!!!
by anna on January 29, 2013 at 10:44 pm. #
YAY FOR YOU! I have had an etsy shop *almost* ready for too long. Perhaps you are inspiring me to just open it already!
I can’t wait to see your cards! You can do it! It will be amazing! Hallmark’s Maxine has got nothin’ on you!
by Anna on January 29, 2013 at 9:40 pm. #
I hope you do!
You know, telling the world about it (or at least my readers) really got me going faster on it than I ever would have if I didn’t say it out loud/make it a resolution. And just as I was finishing this post I typed in the projected opening date. Just looked at the calendar and set the date… now it’s ready set GO whether I like it or not!
by anna on January 29, 2013 at 10:44 pm. #
OMG OMG OMG I’m so excited I’m going to piddle my pants.
YAAAY!
by Alex on January 29, 2013 at 9:43 pm. #
Piddle away!
(I’m going to be piddling, too, come Feb 15th!)
by anna on January 29, 2013 at 10:42 pm. #
That’s wonderful! Congrats on just making the leap. By the way, are any of the prints going to be of Beacon Hill? Because I was browsing through your site this morning and seeing the snowy shots of the place I just left made me SO homesick. I’d love to buy one
by Julie / Bound on January 29, 2013 at 10:04 pm. #
Definitely Boston prints. My specialty!
by anna on January 29, 2013 at 10:41 pm. #
Also, if you have a particular print in mind from my blog, just let me know if it’s not in the shop (when it opens) and we can work something out!
by anna on January 29, 2013 at 10:41 pm. #
Oh my gosh I’m so excited about this!! I was hoping this Etsy shop would be for your photography – because you’re the best and coolest.
I’ve been working towards opening an Etsy shop of my own but I’m just so consumed with nerves. Gah! It’s exciting to see you taking the plunge! Nothing but mad love for you, pretty girl. xoxo, eliza
by Eliza on January 29, 2013 at 10:20 pm. #
You should totally take the plunge! Do it!!
by anna on January 29, 2013 at 10:40 pm. #
You let me know if you need any help, okay?
by E on January 29, 2013 at 10:30 pm. #
I will, friend. Definitely. Thanks! (You know I’ve got your number now, too.)
by anna on January 29, 2013 at 10:39 pm. #
Oh, this is so exciting Anna! Your photography is gorgeous and I’m sure your cards will be too. I can’t wait to see your shop!
by Sarah // Hemenway Street on January 29, 2013 at 11:23 pm. #
Thanks, Sarah!
by anna on January 30, 2013 at 7:03 am. #
woo!!! i am so excited for you anna (and so impressed!) i can’t wait to see all the wonderful things you make.
by colleen on January 30, 2013 at 6:00 am. #
Wooo! Thanks, Coll! I’m so excited, too!
by anna on January 30, 2013 at 7:04 am. #
go girl. fear of failure so often stops us but it’s liberating when it doesn’t. so get ‘er done!
by bridget on January 30, 2013 at 8:09 am. #
I know! I’m just going for it!! Eeeee!!!
by anna on January 30, 2013 at 12:03 pm. #
I am SO excited to see this and so proud of you and happy for you!!! You are absolutely talented, and whether or not you sell stuff will not be a reflection of that.
I am letting you know in advance that I rarely buy stuff like this, because I am a poor grad student, but if ever I have the opportunity to support you, you know I will!
So happy for you on so many levels. xoxoxo
P.S. I was thinking of you with my post on Monday. Please do send Zan’s mom my way!
by Clair on January 30, 2013 at 8:42 am. #
Thanks for the wishes, friend! I imagine the online selling world will have it’s ups and downs, but at least at the end of the day I can say I tried something new and challenging, right?
by anna on January 30, 2013 at 12:05 pm. #
ANNA! I’m SO excited about this! Your photography is amazing and I know your cards + prints will be BEAUTIFUL. I admire you for putting yourself out there and going for it! Can’t wait to see your shop and products!!
by Laura on January 30, 2013 at 9:43 am. #
Thank you, Laura! I hope they’re amazing! My biggest worry now is photographing the products for the shop. Photographing my photographs. Ha, who would have thought?
by anna on January 30, 2013 at 12:07 pm. #
What great news! The anticipation had been killing me to know what you’d be selling. Good luck!
by Kelly on January 30, 2013 at 10:00 am. #
Oh, so I guess I was kind of that girl who puts people in suspense. WHOOPS!
Thanks, Kelly!
by anna on January 30, 2013 at 12:08 pm. #
I can’t wait! I DO love your photos and think the prints as well as greeting cards are the perfect thing. This year, I’ve really been thinking a lot about creative ventures like these…conclusion? If it makes you happy, fills you up creatively, it’s worth it. Yay Anna!
by jodi inkenbrandt on January 30, 2013 at 10:26 am. #
Yes! Absolutely!! My mom has always ALWAYS been creative ever since I was little– doing this project and that project, for as long as I can remember. I definitely got that creative zeal from her. I will need to thank her for that!
by anna on January 30, 2013 at 12:09 pm. #
Oh girl I CAN NOT WAIT to see what this lil ‘ol shop is all about – I have a feeling it’s going to be mighty perfect.
by Sara on January 30, 2013 at 10:51 am. #
I hope! Thanks, Sara!!
(and I cannot WAIT to see that Lil miss Moses of yours soon!!!!!!! SO SOON!)
by anna on January 30, 2013 at 12:10 pm. #
Congrats, Anna! Your photography is stellar and I can’t wait to see your shop. How exciting for all of us (but mostly you!).
by Kiki on January 30, 2013 at 10:52 am. #
It’s becoming so real all of a sudden! I can hardly believe I actually got my act together, but I am! I am doing it!
by anna on January 30, 2013 at 12:11 pm. #
So exciting friend! Can’t wait!
by Hannah on January 30, 2013 at 1:53 pm. #
You got the sneak peak!!
by anna on January 30, 2013 at 5:37 pm. #
How exciting! I look forward to checking out the shop when it’s up and running! xx
by Amanda on January 30, 2013 at 2:05 pm. #
by anna on January 30, 2013 at 5:39 pm. #
I am very excited to see your shop. Congrats on taking the step and announcing!
by Lindsay on January 30, 2013 at 2:14 pm. #
Just threw myself into it. HEAD FIRST.
by anna on January 30, 2013 at 5:37 pm. #
By the looks of these comments, you’ve already got QUITE the interested customer base!!! You go girl!! This is so awesome! I can’t wait to check it out
by Melanie on January 31, 2013 at 6:51 am. #
ITSSOEXCITINGGGGG
by anna on January 31, 2013 at 9:33 pm. #
Can’t wait to shop shop shop!! Love your photos and I’m already itching to send some adorbs cape themed cards!!
by Sarah on January 31, 2013 at 7:35 am. #
I feel like those ones are the best ones. Because, well, HELLO SUMMER!
by anna on January 31, 2013 at 9:33 pm. #
Way toooo go, Anna!!! So excited for you!!!
by casey ann on January 31, 2013 at 12:25 pm. #
Thanks, Casey!
by anna on January 31, 2013 at 9:33 pm. #
Yay Anna! So proud of you and I can’t wait to order your stuff!!!
by Bailey on January 31, 2013 at 7:54 pm. #
I think you’ll like it, Bails!!
by anna on January 31, 2013 at 9:34 pm. #
Stop stop stop this is so exciting!! I’m so proud of you and can’t wait to see all the treasure you fill it with! And I can 100% promise things will sell
by Emily on January 31, 2013 at 7:57 pm. #
OH, EMILY, you are such an encourager! THANKS!
by anna on January 31, 2013 at 9:34 pm. #
this is so exciting! your photography is amazing and i’m sure many things will sell! hope you can tie together all the loose ends these next couple of weeks!
by sherri lynn on January 31, 2013 at 9:43 pm. #
Me too! I honestly just made up that date but it is SOON!
HUSTLE!
by anna on January 31, 2013 at 10:26 pm. #
Congratulations, I hope the best for you once it opens!! It may take awhile to get going, but don’t get discouraged, I bet it will really kick off after a bit!
by Chloe on January 31, 2013 at 10:06 pm. #
I think even one sale will make me giddy. Just one, maybe two.
(and hopefully a few more after that.)
Thanks for cheering me on!
by anna on January 31, 2013 at 10:26 pm. #
This makes me SO HAPPY! I can’t wait to see what you’re going to be offering up! I hope it’s really rewarding and fun for you. Yay for making goals/dreams come true
by Kristin W. on February 1, 2013 at 8:07 am. #
Thanks, Kristin! GOING FOR THE GOLD.
also, I’m emailing you this comment as well. Because I know you’re needy like that.
HAPPY WEEKEND!
by anna on February 1, 2013 at 9:01 am. #
I don’t think you could be any more adoreable. This is a perfect idea. You are one of the classiest and most stylish gals I know, and that will certainly resonate with your cards and prints. I imagine this to be an awesome venture for you! xo K.
by Karyn Burns on February 8, 2013 at 10:59 am. #
Thanks, Karyn! I’m excited about it!
by anna on February 8, 2013 at 11:18 am. #
YESYESYESYES! I was soooooooo pumped when we got lunch that one day and you brought this idea up, and LOOK! you’re doing it!
buying all of the things. ALL the things.
by Mackenzie on February 12, 2013 at 3:15 pm. #