Hot Profile!

Join me as I introduce Teri of *S & T Creations!* What a fantastic and unique shop!! What do you make, and what drives your passion for your craft? Our jewelry designs are mainly semi-precious gemstones and crystals. We began making jewelry designs so we could actually design our own pieces to match outfits, etc. From there, people began to notice what we made and the next "logical step" was to expand our work and begin to design for others. What made you want to take your craft to the next level and sell on Etsy? We decided that, in order to develop a business, we needed some regular sales venue. Before now, we've had our own open house shows once or twice a year, and our booth at craft fairs and shows. But, it was often difficult (I think more so for me than Saundra) to keep my enthusiasm for creating up when we might go some time between a show. So, this was a very large commitment that we made to develop an online store, a website, and a blog. I thought if I gave it 1 year, I'd have it going. Well, WRONG! This is a long term commitment, just as a brick and mortar store would be, so I've adjusted my plans! What is your best seller item right now? As always, our necklaces and necklace and earring sets are our design specialties. People will always pick up earrings and bracelets, but it's our chunky, large "WOW" designs that our customers love!

Please share your best marketing venue. Our home open houses have always done well, plus sporadic special events booth or tables. A recent fashion show this past year was a wonderful success.

Besides Etsy, where else can you be found? Our website: http://www.sandtcreations.com Our eSMarts Etsy Team Store: http://esmarts.etsy.com Our blog: http://www.sandtcreations.com/wordpress

What are your goals regarding your business for the next few years? I really want to continue building the website, our etsy store, and our online social marketing connections, which is a core component of the goals of our Esmarts team. Beyond that, I would like to find 3 or maybe 4 large events (craft shows, art shows, etc) that we could attend annually. I find those truly inspire new ideas and force us to continue to grow our abilities and skills. For myself, I have 2 areas of skill development that I am very interested in. That is using recycled metal clay to create my own components and designs, and to add silversmithing skills to my work. I am looking for a way to actually begin to create and design my own settings, pendants, beads, rings, etc. I think this will improve my artistic development and allow me to make more personally aesthetic pieces for my customers. Plus, there are so many ways to create messages in that type of creativity, such as a love for nature, divine grace, love, etc.

Tell one random thing about you that doesn't involve your craft/business. Well, that has to be our collection of movies. My business partner, Saundra started WAY before me, and has a collection of over 8000 movies now. But, she got me started on old movies, and taught me about film noir. So, my collection is growing, at about 3000. I love "Katharine Hepburn" and "Sidney Poitier" the most, but I work on several mini- collections within my collection, such as documentaries, biographies, and true stories.

Share a few of your favorite Etsy shops. The first has to be our *eSMarts team store.* We opened our team store just recently in order to donate items that, when sold, the proceeds would go to support a team cause or special fundraising project the team agreed upon. It's a wonderful idea and a great way to support others. http://esmarts.etsy.com The second is *Blue Bonnet Jewelry*, in particular "The Blue Skies and Dragonfly Bead Cuff Bracelet!" It's simply to die for! http://bluebonnetjewelry.etsy.comhttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13533984 Another is *Amor de Plata*, because they work in the recycled silver metal clay, and the pieces are simply beautiful, and inspiring to me, as I try to learn that medium. Check it out at : http://AmorDePlata.etsy.com Thank you Teri! Visit *S & T Creations * today! Keep tuning in for more hot profiles all month long!