Handmade Artists Spotlight Feature

Several months ago Simply Katie’s was picked to be the feature on Megan Petersen’s website, Megan’s Beaded Designs and the day it was published was exciting because I’d never been featured before. I knew I had to add a Handmade Artists Spotlight Feature to SK Wire Jewelry’s line up also and I really wanted Megan to be the first spotlight feature.

Handmade Artist, Megan Petersen

So without any further a-do, let me introduce you to Megan, a long time crafter and beader with Native American style bead weaving roots. I first came to know Megan through our group connection on LinkedIn.com when my interest was piqued by an article she had written. I believe it was regarding the question; What Constitutes Art?” it was a great article and I’ve followed her ever since. I asked her about her background and what inspires her to create such lovely bead work, and this is what she said…..

: Handmade Beaded Necklace

Can you please tell us a little bit about your background, when and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?

I’ve been beading since I was pretty young. My grandpa used to be into Native American style bead weaving, and he passed on some beads and how-to books to me when I wasn’t much older than 5. I haven’t been able to stop since.

How would you describe your artistic style?

My jewelry is inspired by a mix of art, fashion, and randomness from the universe (or my own crazy brain – however you want to think of it.) I often have a billion and one ideas bouncing around in my head, so what I create are the few pieces I can physically manage, but there’s always a long line of necklaces, bracelets, and hair accessories waiting to be birthed.

And what inspires you as an artisan-designer?

I am motivated by a sense of accomplishment. I love executing a plan, and >>> actually implementing it. <<< I may create handmade, artisan jewelry, but I bring a very business-centered mindset to my operation.

: Handmade Hair Accessory

Do you sell your jewelry as a way to bring an income, if so what strategy do you use to market yourself and your designs?

As much as I love making my jewelry, I also depend on it selling to supplement the income from my day job. To ensure that the sales are coming in on a regular basis, I have to put just as much work into promoting my pieces as I do into creating them. This means filling out my marketing calendar with a strategic plan for blogging, social media shares, paid advertising, list building, and networking.

I celebrate my small wins, but I always keep my nose to grindstone. It’s by keep on keepin’ on that I’ve push my business forward.

: Handmade Bead Earring

What’s the one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring jewelry artist?

The one single element you have over your competition is YOU. By interspersing yourself into your brand, there is no competition, really, they’re irrelevant. When you establish a unique, one-of-a-kind brand, your followers buy from you because it’s YOU that’s selling to them, and that’s all that matters. Infuse your blog posts, your product descriptions, and your social media updates with your unique personality and brand identity, and your ideal customers will flock to your offerings.

Simply Katie’s Handmade Artists Viewpoint

Megan makes a powerful point stating that “YOU are the one single element your competition doesn’t have”. And she’s astronomically right you are the most important element of your business. It would not exist without you. Your business is all about selling YOU, how you sell yourself and your handmade product, so put your best foot forward and present your true and best character. Let your customers buy into you, let your product be a feature of the relationship you form with them which is in marketing terms, the mutually valuable benefit. Like Megan, injecting my whole personality Simply Katie’s brand identity, is the one most important item I constantly work at to improve on in my online shop, this blog, my social media network, and most especially my new customers I’ll have the pleasure of meeting on November 23^rd, at my first Etsy Team Holiday Market event in Tampa, Florida.

Megan Petersen
Website: MegansBeadedDesigns.com
Etsy Shops: MegansBeadedDesigns.etsy.com, Glamour365.etsy.com, SteampunkDream.etsy.com, MegansCreativeDesign.etsy.com
Facebook: facebook.com/megansbeadeddesigns
Twitter: twitter.com/Glamour365

Handmade Artist Spotlight Feature Giveaway

To one luck reader MegansBeadedDesigns is happy to offer a digital copy of her new ebook, Sell More Products with Blogging for your Crafty Biz: www.etsy.com/listing/161021596/ebook-sell-more-products-with-blogging . Post your comments below to be entered into the giveaway drawing and win your digital copy of Megan’s new ebook Sell More Products with Blogging for your Crafty Biz!