Comments on: CraftyPod #97: A Top Etsy Seller Downsizes, with Ryan McAbery http://www.craftypod.com/2009/08/02/craftypod-97-a-top-etsy-seller-downsizes-with-ryan-mcabery/ The podcast & blog all about Making Stuff. Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:00:42 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: eve http://www.craftypod.com/2009/08/02/craftypod-97-a-top-etsy-seller-downsizes-with-ryan-mcabery/comment-page-1/#comment-73160 eve Fri, 14 Aug 2009 05:49:47 +0000 http://www.craftypod.com/?p=1288#comment-73160 I understand what she is saying. I sold collectibles on eBay for three years and just got burnt out. Although I was doing really well, it got to the point where I as looking for items for eBay every where. I no longer enjoyed garage sales, or thrift stores. At antique shops I was looking, always looking for items to sell on eBay. I lot the fun of just shopping for my own home. <br>I finally just gave away boxes of things and cleared my house of mailing boxes. It was such a relief. Now life is fun again. <br>I will always love collectibles but now I shop for fun and when I make money off the crafts I do now, it's all good. I understand what she is saying. I sold collectibles on eBay for three years and just got burnt out. Although I was doing really well, it got to the point where I as looking for items for eBay every where. I no longer enjoyed garage sales, or thrift stores. At antique shops I was looking, always looking for items to sell on eBay. I lot the fun of just shopping for my own home.
I finally just gave away boxes of things and cleared my house of mailing boxes. It was such a relief. Now life is fun again.
I will always love collectibles but now I shop for fun and when I make money off the crafts I do now, it's all good.

]]> By: eve http://www.craftypod.com/2009/08/02/craftypod-97-a-top-etsy-seller-downsizes-with-ryan-mcabery/comment-page-1/#comment-67789 eve Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:49:47 +0000 http://www.craftypod.com/?p=1288#comment-67789 I understand what she is saying. I sold collectibles on eBay for three years and just got burnt out. Although I was doing really well, it got to the point where I as looking for items for eBay every where. I no longer enjoyed garage sales, or thrift stores. At antique shops I was looking, always looking for items to sell on eBay. I lot the fun of just shopping for my own home. <br>I finally just gave away boxes of things and cleared my house of mailing boxes. It was such a relief. Now life is fun again. <br>I will always love collectibles but now I shop for fun and when I make money off the crafts I do now, it's all good. I understand what she is saying. I sold collectibles on eBay for three years and just got burnt out. Although I was doing really well, it got to the point where I as looking for items for eBay every where. I no longer enjoyed garage sales, or thrift stores. At antique shops I was looking, always looking for items to sell on eBay. I lot the fun of just shopping for my own home.
I finally just gave away boxes of things and cleared my house of mailing boxes. It was such a relief. Now life is fun again.
I will always love collectibles but now I shop for fun and when I make money off the crafts I do now, it's all good.

]]> By: Chris http://www.craftypod.com/2009/08/02/craftypod-97-a-top-etsy-seller-downsizes-with-ryan-mcabery/comment-page-1/#comment-67776 Chris Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:32:20 +0000 http://www.craftypod.com/?p=1288#comment-67776 This is a really cool episode. I will always think of Ryan fondly as one of the first sellers I ever purchased from and someone I admire so much for allowing us the tutorial to her scrabble tile pendants. I have gifted several of her little accordion journals, which I am now going to have to figure out how to make myself (!?), and a couple of her pendants, and I admire her willingness to be humble and accept when she's only one woman.<br><br>She sent me some washi papers that I am rationing out like gold! Buying more just doesn't seem genuine!!<br><br>oh, I must go now, because I'm getting emotional.<br><br>Chris<br><br>p.s. Can I have Ryan's number? This is a really cool episode. I will always think of Ryan fondly as one of the first sellers I ever purchased from and someone I admire so much for allowing us the tutorial to her scrabble tile pendants. I have gifted several of her little accordion journals, which I am now going to have to figure out how to make myself (!?), and a couple of her pendants, and I admire her willingness to be humble and accept when she's only one woman.

She sent me some washi papers that I am rationing out like gold! Buying more just doesn't seem genuine!!

oh, I must go now, because I'm getting emotional.

Chris

p.s. Can I have Ryan's number?

]]> By: Tammy http://www.craftypod.com/2009/08/02/craftypod-97-a-top-etsy-seller-downsizes-with-ryan-mcabery/comment-page-1/#comment-67610 Tammy Sun, 09 Aug 2009 22:37:33 +0000 http://www.craftypod.com/?p=1288#comment-67610 Great podcast again, really makes you think about the idea of making sure you want what you wish for! I don't know if I would be as brave as Ryan, though, walking away from such a successful business. Great podcast again, really makes you think about the idea of making sure you want what you wish for! I don't know if I would be as brave as Ryan, though, walking away from such a successful business.

]]> By: Eileen http://www.craftypod.com/2009/08/02/craftypod-97-a-top-etsy-seller-downsizes-with-ryan-mcabery/comment-page-1/#comment-67597 Eileen Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:52:06 +0000 http://www.craftypod.com/?p=1288#comment-67597 Great interview and good food for thought. It was so nice to get to know Ryan a bit. Thanks to you both and best of luck to Ryan in her new venture(s).<br><br>It's funny. I have gone just the reverse direction. I used to do all the craft fairs and trade shows but got physically exhausted by all the packing, unpacking, setting up and then standing all day to try and attract/welcome people to my booth.<br><br>Now I have a craft website and am just loving setting my own hours, working from home, etc.<br><br>I guess anything gets stale after a while and, as Ryan said, you need to get the balance right - for you.<br><br>The interview is really making me think more carefully about next steps (expand, stay where I am ...). Great interview and good food for thought. It was so nice to get to know Ryan a bit. Thanks to you both and best of luck to Ryan in her new venture(s).

It's funny. I have gone just the reverse direction. I used to do all the craft fairs and trade shows but got physically exhausted by all the packing, unpacking, setting up and then standing all day to try and attract/welcome people to my booth.

Now I have a craft website and am just loving setting my own hours, working from home, etc.

I guess anything gets stale after a while and, as Ryan said, you need to get the balance right – for you.

The interview is really making me think more carefully about next steps (expand, stay where I am …).

]]> By: Dread.Full FuFu http://www.craftypod.com/2009/08/02/craftypod-97-a-top-etsy-seller-downsizes-with-ryan-mcabery/comment-page-1/#comment-67546 Dread.Full FuFu Fri, 07 Aug 2009 05:57:15 +0000 http://www.craftypod.com/?p=1288#comment-67546 Thank you both for doing this interview. You've really brought to light the same sort of process I've gone through. While I wasn't a top seller, I did come to the conclusion that fear of my designs being stolen was keeping me from creating anew and creating merely for the sake of creating. I was so caught on protecting one single idea that I couldn't let go to create anything new. There was no space in my heart and mind for new ideas to flow - and I'm an idea woman! <br><br>The stuff for my store just sat around in my cabinet for months and selling had become quite disheartening. I have done festivals, but theft & rude people really put me too much on my guard. Plus, mentally, those things were dragging me down. I felt I had to sell them because I made them. When actually, I didn't. They're lovely & I've donated them to someone who will love them. Best part? I've been able to begin creating again. <br><br>I don't sell anything in my stores anymore. It's quite liberating. In fact, it's given me more time to write/blog. Which I'd rather do. I don't care to make duplicates of anything. In fact, I've even stopped making clothes for friends because it too felt like a job that if I didn't finish by X time, then they'd be disappointed. It's much better for me, at the moment, to be spontaneous & allow myself the freedom to create and make as many mistakes as I want without someone being disappointed in my art.<br><br>We should all free our minds a bit more. Create, share, dream, love, pour your emotions into your creations - let them live and breathe as they will. <br><br>Thanks SisterDiane. I've been thinking on this one quite a lot! Thank you both for doing this interview. You've really brought to light the same sort of process I've gone through. While I wasn't a top seller, I did come to the conclusion that fear of my designs being stolen was keeping me from creating anew and creating merely for the sake of creating. I was so caught on protecting one single idea that I couldn't let go to create anything new. There was no space in my heart and mind for new ideas to flow – and I'm an idea woman!

The stuff for my store just sat around in my cabinet for months and selling had become quite disheartening. I have done festivals, but theft & rude people really put me too much on my guard. Plus, mentally, those things were dragging me down. I felt I had to sell them because I made them. When actually, I didn't. They're lovely & I've donated them to someone who will love them. Best part? I've been able to begin creating again.

I don't sell anything in my stores anymore. It's quite liberating. In fact, it's given me more time to write/blog. Which I'd rather do. I don't care to make duplicates of anything. In fact, I've even stopped making clothes for friends because it too felt like a job that if I didn't finish by X time, then they'd be disappointed. It's much better for me, at the moment, to be spontaneous & allow myself the freedom to create and make as many mistakes as I want without someone being disappointed in my art.

We should all free our minds a bit more. Create, share, dream, love, pour your emotions into your creations – let them live and breathe as they will.

Thanks SisterDiane. I've been thinking on this one quite a lot!

]]> By: keysandmemories http://www.craftypod.com/2009/08/02/craftypod-97-a-top-etsy-seller-downsizes-with-ryan-mcabery/comment-page-1/#comment-67492 keysandmemories Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:05:55 +0000 http://www.craftypod.com/?p=1288#comment-67492 Great interview! I have always been a big fan of Ryans. I don't have her sales numbers but I can really relate to her comments.<br><br>Etsy can consume your life- I have struggled with this myself. My friend Bonnie ( Hello Crafty) helped me take a look around and step back. <br><br>I don't think some sellers understand what happens when you have Ryans success. It is all consuming and leaves no time for anything else. Noticing some comments on the Etsy thread, I see sellers saying they want the sales not realizing that everything else suffers. I know my husband has commented that my business is #1 in my life which I know I need to change. I think an online business is a 24/7 thing, always there, never going away, or having 9-5 hours.<br><br>I really can appreciate Ryans comments about no socialization running an online shop as well. I have recently considered doing some live shows just to get out of the house and see other humans. I am so glad I listened to this podcast. Best wished Ryan!! Great interview! I have always been a big fan of Ryans. I don't have her sales numbers but I can really relate to her comments.

Etsy can consume your life- I have struggled with this myself. My friend Bonnie ( Hello Crafty) helped me take a look around and step back.

I don't think some sellers understand what happens when you have Ryans success. It is all consuming and leaves no time for anything else. Noticing some comments on the Etsy thread, I see sellers saying they want the sales not realizing that everything else suffers. I know my husband has commented that my business is #1 in my life which I know I need to change. I think an online business is a 24/7 thing, always there, never going away, or having 9-5 hours.

I really can appreciate Ryans comments about no socialization running an online shop as well. I have recently considered doing some live shows just to get out of the house and see other humans. I am so glad I listened to this podcast. Best wished Ryan!!

]]> By: SisterDiane http://www.craftypod.com/2009/08/02/craftypod-97-a-top-etsy-seller-downsizes-with-ryan-mcabery/comment-page-1/#comment-67490 SisterDiane Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:08:41 +0000 http://www.craftypod.com/?p=1288#comment-67490 Thanks, Kirsty! I agree - Ryan's story is a beautiful example of how <br>important it is to step away and enjoy life. Thanks, Kirsty! I agree – Ryan's story is a beautiful example of how
important it is to step away and enjoy life.

]]> By: Clementine Cassie http://www.craftypod.com/2009/08/02/craftypod-97-a-top-etsy-seller-downsizes-with-ryan-mcabery/comment-page-1/#comment-67484 Clementine Cassie Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:59:39 +0000 http://www.craftypod.com/?p=1288#comment-67484 This was a great interview, thank you. I often struggle with the what-ifs of pushing my business to the next level, and come back to what Ryan discovered--being a top seller means making huge sacrifices, and maybe it's not the best goal for every maker/artist. Thanks so much for this, great food for thought. Thanks to Ryan for being so forthcoming about her experience! This was a great interview, thank you. I often struggle with the what-ifs of pushing my business to the next level, and come back to what Ryan discovered–being a top seller means making huge sacrifices, and maybe it's not the best goal for every maker/artist. Thanks so much for this, great food for thought. Thanks to Ryan for being so forthcoming about her experience!

]]> By: Linkpile http://www.craftypod.com/2009/08/02/craftypod-97-a-top-etsy-seller-downsizes-with-ryan-mcabery/comment-page-1/#comment-67482 Linkpile Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:33:23 +0000 http://www.craftypod.com/?p=1288#comment-67482 [...] A Top Etsy Seller Downsizes: Craftypod Podcast interview with Ryan McAbery , a top seller on Etsy who decided to walk away from it. [...] [...] A Top Etsy Seller Downsizes: Craftypod Podcast interview with Ryan McAbery , a top seller on Etsy who decided to walk away from it. [...]

]]> By: Allison http://www.craftypod.com/2009/08/02/craftypod-97-a-top-etsy-seller-downsizes-with-ryan-mcabery/comment-page-1/#comment-67485 Allison Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:52:10 +0000 http://www.craftypod.com/?p=1288#comment-67485 Fantastic interview! Thank you so much for following up with Ryan. It really made a lot of sense, and I think that you both touched on some very important, often not-talked about aspects of working for yourself and living by your own creativity.<br><br>Loved it, thanks! Fantastic interview! Thank you so much for following up with Ryan. It really made a lot of sense, and I think that you both touched on some very important, often not-talked about aspects of working for yourself and living by your own creativity.

Loved it, thanks!

]]> By: joannajorgensen http://www.craftypod.com/2009/08/02/craftypod-97-a-top-etsy-seller-downsizes-with-ryan-mcabery/comment-page-1/#comment-67471 joannajorgensen Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:21:21 +0000 http://www.craftypod.com/?p=1288#comment-67471 Ryan continues to be an insipration to me both with her previous success on Etsy & her determination to keep her craft true to herself & remembering what is truely important for your own personal meaning of success.<br>I continue to learn from her example. Ryan continues to be an insipration to me both with her previous success on Etsy & her determination to keep her craft true to herself & remembering what is truely important for your own personal meaning of success.
I continue to learn from her example.

]]> By: Kirsty Hall http://www.craftypod.com/2009/08/02/craftypod-97-a-top-etsy-seller-downsizes-with-ryan-mcabery/comment-page-1/#comment-67472 Kirsty Hall Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:48:18 +0000 http://www.craftypod.com/?p=1288#comment-67472 What a good reminder that we all need a life balance and that the best creativity comes from the heart. What a good reminder that we all need a life balance and that the best creativity comes from the heart.

]]> By: Kirsty Hall http://www.craftypod.com/2009/08/02/craftypod-97-a-top-etsy-seller-downsizes-with-ryan-mcabery/comment-page-1/#comment-67473 Kirsty Hall Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:17:42 +0000 http://www.craftypod.com/?p=1288#comment-67473 How funny, just last night I was listening to Ryan's earlier podcast again. Now I shall sit down with a cup of tea and my sewing and listen to this one. How funny, just last night I was listening to Ryan's earlier podcast again. Now I shall sit down with a cup of tea and my sewing and listen to this one.

]]> By: anneclarke http://www.craftypod.com/2009/08/02/craftypod-97-a-top-etsy-seller-downsizes-with-ryan-mcabery/comment-page-1/#comment-67474 anneclarke Mon, 03 Aug 2009 03:34:19 +0000 http://www.craftypod.com/?p=1288#comment-67474 AnneClarke<br> AnneClarke says:<br>Littleput,<br>That was a great interview. It is nice to hear someone talk about getting life into balance. It's too easy to get sucked into the 24/7 world of the internet. I've recently decided that instead of trying to become tech savvy (googlebase, blogging, etc. etc.) I am going to focus on selling locally. It feels like a relief in many ways.<br>Best of luck to you! AnneClarke
AnneClarke says:
Littleput,
That was a great interview. It is nice to hear someone talk about getting life into balance. It's too easy to get sucked into the 24/7 world of the internet. I've recently decided that instead of trying to become tech savvy (googlebase, blogging, etc. etc.) I am going to focus on selling locally. It feels like a relief in many ways.
Best of luck to you!

]]>