When did you decide to start Rustic Brand?
I decided on a whim to start my brand in December of 2012. From then it changed and changed until I found my niche. It wasn't an overnight success what-so-ever. But I like that it wasn't.
Are you going to sell anymore apparel in your shop?
Yes! That is the dream and the plan. Hopefully you guys will see some cool changes soon.
Do you do all of your own photography?
All of the product photos and lookbook photos are taken by me.
Do you have a team or do you do everything yourself?
Currently I am a one-man-show but I have had certain help from friends along the way. Also, mental support from them and family does go a long way. It gets stressful at times.
What is your favorite part of owning your own shop?
Easy! Being my own boss and making others wish they had the same set up...hehe.
What hours do you work a day?
Oh, that varies. Usually I answer all unanswered emails in the mornings then set up the orders I need to craft. Then do whatever I need to do with inventory count, product photos, etc. Then I start on my orders and package them at the end of the day. Depending on my work load it could take me anywhere from 5 hours a day to 12 hours a day. It really just depends what's on the agenda.
What is your favorite item that you sell?
My favorite ones are usually always the new items because I love to see new things sell out. But I have to say I am partial to the "You Are My Person" key chain set. Ever since I started doing those my shop became instantly known for some reason. I wouldn't say it was because of those exact key chains guiding people to my shop but possibly they're just my good luck charm.
How many days do you work a week?
7 days a week. I am always reachable even on weekends but I try not to craft orders on the weekends. But sometimes it happens anyway. I am usually doing computer work, accounting, e-mails, etc. on Saturday and Sunday.
Where do you get your supplies from?
Anywhere and everywhere. Etsy, Amazon, Ebay, hardware stores, places like that.
What keeps you motivated?
Actually I really enjoy what I do. Being able to be creative everyday is always fun.
Why do you have a blog?
Why not?
How long have you been self-employed?
This March (2015) will mark one year.
How many custom requests do you get a day?
Ohhh, it varies. Some days I don't get any at all. I would say during busy seasons like Christmas, Valentines, Fathers Day, etc. possibly 10-20 a day. Slow seasons possibly 10-20 a week.
Whats your process during tax season?
I will have to answer this once I get a better experience on it. Possibly do a post about it after this tax season.
Did you design your logo?
Yes! It took me a while to figure out a logo that really fit me and my brand. I love change and I get bored easily but this logo has stuck :).
What is your favorite part of owning your own shop?
Easy! Being my own boss and making others wish they had the same set up...hehe.
What hours do you work a day?
Oh, that varies. Usually I answer all unanswered emails in the mornings then set up the orders I need to craft. Then do whatever I need to do with inventory count, product photos, etc. Then I start on my orders and package them at the end of the day. Depending on my work load it could take me anywhere from 5 hours a day to 12 hours a day. It really just depends what's on the agenda.
What is your favorite item that you sell?
My favorite ones are usually always the new items because I love to see new things sell out. But I have to say I am partial to the "You Are My Person" key chain set. Ever since I started doing those my shop became instantly known for some reason. I wouldn't say it was because of those exact key chains guiding people to my shop but possibly they're just my good luck charm.
How many days do you work a week?
7 days a week. I am always reachable even on weekends but I try not to craft orders on the weekends. But sometimes it happens anyway. I am usually doing computer work, accounting, e-mails, etc. on Saturday and Sunday.
Where do you get your supplies from?
Anywhere and everywhere. Etsy, Amazon, Ebay, hardware stores, places like that.
What keeps you motivated?
Actually I really enjoy what I do. Being able to be creative everyday is always fun.
Why do you have a blog?
Why not?
How long have you been self-employed?
This March (2015) will mark one year.
How many custom requests do you get a day?
Ohhh, it varies. Some days I don't get any at all. I would say during busy seasons like Christmas, Valentines, Fathers Day, etc. possibly 10-20 a day. Slow seasons possibly 10-20 a week.
Whats your process during tax season?
I will have to answer this once I get a better experience on it. Possibly do a post about it after this tax season.
Did you design your logo?
Yes! It took me a while to figure out a logo that really fit me and my brand. I love change and I get bored easily but this logo has stuck :).
What's your favorite social media app?
I would have to say Instagram for my business because I get the most interaction from there. But for my personal use I love twitter. Facebook bugs me. It's messy.
Do you work from home?
Yes, I have a studio set up in one of my sun rooms in my house. It's perfect for me right now at this stage of my self-employment career.
Which of your shops do you like working with better: Etsy or your Dot Com?
I love both! Really. Etsy gets great attention from their search engine alone but I get to be creative with my Dot Com.
What is your favorite metal to work with?
I love both aluminum and brass but brass never turns out the same on each order. I like how each brass tag has different shades and imperfection marks on them.
What made you start hand stamping?
Honestly, I saw a stamp set at a store and thought that would be cool so I bought it and taught myself and ta-dah!
Do you listen to music while you work?
I probably blare music in my studio every other day. Depends on my mood. But listening to music all hours of the day, all week long, you end up hearing the same songs over and over again. It gets annoying.
I would have to say Instagram for my business because I get the most interaction from there. But for my personal use I love twitter. Facebook bugs me. It's messy.
Do you work from home?
Yes, I have a studio set up in one of my sun rooms in my house. It's perfect for me right now at this stage of my self-employment career.
Which of your shops do you like working with better: Etsy or your Dot Com?
I love both! Really. Etsy gets great attention from their search engine alone but I get to be creative with my Dot Com.
What is your favorite metal to work with?
I love both aluminum and brass but brass never turns out the same on each order. I like how each brass tag has different shades and imperfection marks on them.
What made you start hand stamping?
Honestly, I saw a stamp set at a store and thought that would be cool so I bought it and taught myself and ta-dah!
Do you listen to music while you work?
I probably blare music in my studio every other day. Depends on my mood. But listening to music all hours of the day, all week long, you end up hearing the same songs over and over again. It gets annoying.
What other shops are your inspiration?
There's too many to type! I love shops with great style regardless of what they're selling. But if I had to name one it would be one of my personal favorites Peg and Awl.
Why jewelry and accessories?
Why not?
Do you have any advice for new shop owners?
Just keep up your motivation. Do not let sells and money be your motivation. Find it somehow and let that fuel your creative work. If you do not have motivation for your shop then it isn't the right move for you. It's not for everyone.
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