The Beginning is a good place to start

Hello all,

I just thought I would catch you up on what has been going on in my life!
The month of April has been  a very active and exciting month, and to be honest....a bit exhausting.  But in a good way.

A little while back I started a shop on Etsy called "Claire's Faire Vintage".  I have been an Etsy "lurker" for a long while, not really buying anything or selling anything....just *looking* at everything!  Wow, there are a lot of talented shop owners there!! 

Etsy is an online marketplace for people selling handmade, vintage wares and supplies, art supplies I guess you would say.  Each member of Etsy has their own shop and their own style, so you can imagine the variety and the creativity that abounds there!

I set up this shop last August, but did not really do anything with it.  Poor little thing sat empty.  But not so now....Claire's Faire is inching it's way toward an inventory of 100 items..the bells and whistles should be going off some time tomorrow..:)

It has been a lot of work!..but I am really loving it.

But this is not just "selling stuff online"...it is really running your own business.  With this shop comes the responsibilities of handling your own sales and marketing efforts,  identifying your products and doing your own research.  You are your own photographer and stager... and do your own inventory.  You are your own accountant, and your own shipping and receiving department.
And after a good hard day's work, you sweep your own floor..(or just shut the door)...;)

I have some of the knowledge that will help me in this endevor, but I am ever reminded that sometimes.. I "know nothing".  I find myself asking questions, sometimes dumb ones, because I am unfamiliar with this culture called "Etsy".  But that is OK....I do not have much of an ego, I am not afraid to be the new kid on the block. Because this I *do* know....as much as I need help right now, guidance and advice....I also have a lot to give, and I do "pay it forward".

So my friends, I hope you will join me on this journey..listen to some stories, indulge me in some ramblings and look at some pretty pictures.

...and please....when you have some time...stop in and visit some great shops at the Etsy community...~
http://www.etsy.com/

Love.