I always try to shop small and support local business especially around the holidays. Which is why today I am really excited to share with you all a local shop shop from Connecticut. Bethaney owns Green Valley Jewels a shop she runs right out of her house. I talked with Bethaney about how she got started making jewelry and what her future plans are for her shop. Bethaney’s jewelry is not only beautiful but very affordable. I hope you all enjoy this interview and I hope to share more shop interviews soon!
Your name, shop name, and where your shop located:
Bethaney Tucker – Green Valley Jewels – no physical shop, but I do all my work from home in Brooklyn, CT.
How long have you been selling on Etsy?
I’ve had my jewelry shop open on Etsy since early September.
Describe your work space:
My work space.. where do I start! I started at my kitchen table mainly because I thought it would be a short lived hobby- however my kitchen table soon began to disappear covered in beads and wire so I moved into our front office room which we had just finished as a sitting room..and that is now being taken over by all of my supplies .. so there really is no sitting going on in the “sitting room” although you’ll still find me at our kitchen counter working on things while my husband and kids play because I hate to seclude myself in a room alone.
I can absolutely relate, I have a small desk in my room and a craft cart which holds all my supplies, but still find myself spread out all throughout the house! Also, your handmade jewelry is gorgeous! Where did you learn to make jewelry?
I am self taught with all my jewelry. I won’t lie I do go to YouTube to pick up pointers on making things better – more durable etc. I would however love to take classes on particular things, like wire wrapping, you can get so detailed with it. And necklace making- I scroll through Pinterest every night looking for ideas and different styles. Some necklaces I am just blown away by the detail and work that goes into them.
What are your favorite items listed currently?
I’m in love with all my hoop earrings! I try to keep them simple so they could be everyday jewelry but add a little something extra to them so they can easily be dressed up. I’ve never been one to wear crazy big chandelier earrings (usually I just wear studs) so I like to keep the jewelry I make simple but have detail also. I also love my beaded stretch bracelets with geo and druzy connectors. It’s what started my whole jewelry making adventure so they’ll always be my favorite to make.
What items would you suggest as a gift?
My bangle bracelets are the best stocking stuffers! They are perfect because one bangle by itself is perfect but they are even more beautiful when stacked with others! You can get so creative with layering them.
Where do you source your materials?
I have a couple online beading companies that I love, a couple which are based out of New England and I also shop on etsy for beads and other supplies, like spacer beads and geo slices.
Are you doing any craft fairs this season?
I have a craft fair coming up November 11 at Westfield Church in Killingly, Ct and a craft night on November 30, in Lisbon, CT. As well I have some of my beaded stretch bracelets in a great shop in Putnam, Ct called A & L Marketplace.
What are your goals for your shop?
I’d love to just get more followers, I know at this point Etsy is very saturated with jewelry so its kind of like being a needle in a haystack when it comes to shoppers finding your pieces. But I try to make pieces that will stand out when people search for particular trends as well as take pictures that are eye catching.
What is some advice you would give to a new Etsy seller or advice you would give to yourself when just starting your shop?
It’s all about wording and social media. When I first opened my shop I was only using a quick title to each piece and after I noticed other sellers had several phrases and references in the titles so I tried and my views have gone up quite a bit. As well social media is a big one! I have a separate Instagram page for my shop that I post to atleast 3-5 Times a week and on days I post I always notice a jump in views and visits. And pictures are obviously one of the most important things with Etsy shops- you have to give shoppers the best possible views of every item so they feel like they are almost holding it in their hand. I always take my photos outside I think natural light compliments my jewelry as well you see every detail.
That is great advice!! Thank you so much Bethaney for sharing your Etsy shop with me today! Please be sure to check out Bethany and her shop Green Valley Jewels!
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