use coupon code TED15 for 15%off

FABULOUS FRIDAY FINDS: RETROROCKINGCAFE


This Guitar Hero-OOAK Necklace is from Leah from RetrorockingCafe, a truly creative lady and a fantastic crafter. What do you like about this necklace? We’d like to hear from you!

 

 

1.     Tell me a little about yourself.

I guess I am like a lot of people here on Etsy that I have met. We get a lot of joy simply from the people we meet and who cross our paths one way or another. Also like me, I find it a place of joy,comfort and therapy.

2. Where does your inspiration come from when crafting?

I would say it started when I was very young. My grandpa was a self taught craftsman, furniture make and woodworker. My mom is an artist. She always had wonderfully fun and creative things for us to do. Always something creative even when it may not have seemed that way. Housework, chores, baking, reading, gardening etc all were adventures in some creative form or another. I also used to love to write and take photographs. I guess I did a lot of creative things when I was young. I would embroider, macramé, rug hooking, all kinds of things.Just never really thought of myself as a crafter or artist. Ultimately I earned a degree in Art Education. It came to me a little later in life than most. While I was always creative and still looking for a creative career, it wasn't until I was majoring in Photography, then had a life and death illness. When I went back to college after that I had no idea what I would do with a degree in photography but so much wanted to still pursue the arts. It was a wonderful and truly an epiphany for me when it occurred to me what I was SUPPOSE to do and be-an Art Teacher.
I really NEVER would have thought in my wildest dreams that I would be a teacher at all. Let alone an art teacher or a "real" artist. But I was and it was probably the best thing I ever did with my life and I miss it a lot. I really didnt get the chance to explore that for as long as I had planned and hoped for.

 

3.     Who taught you and how did you learn to craft?

Again, my grandpa and my mom. I took a lot of art classes and went to summer camp art programs, after school. Anything I could do I did. I volunteered for many things and taught arts and crafts even when I was very young. But never really did think of myself as an "artist or crafter" I was going to major in Fashion Design when I first began college because I wanted to create fun and cool clothes for Tall and Plus Size. When I was growing up there were no cute clothes. I sewed a lot which I taught myself at first. The in Middle school we had Home Economics Class which gave me other ways to learn how to create. I also really enjoyed Shop class as my grandpa was a self taught furniture maker and wood craftsman. I am pretty sure my mom got her creative genes from my grandpa. I loved going to his store/shop. The smell of the fresh sawed wood, even today brings back vivid and happy memories.

4.     Any Specific Tips you have for newbie crafters starting a business in Etsy?

RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH. EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING YOU CAN THINK OF AND ANYTHING YOU DON’T

 

5.      Name 3 websites you couldn’t live without.

Etsy of course : ). As not only am I a Shop owner, I am also a patron. I have learned a lot from Etsy.
I have to have a great search engine to do research. Not sure if I'd call it a website but gotta have my google. The USPS. As that is where I go to get shipping estimates, free shipping materials, schedule package pick ups and lots of other helpful information for my shop and personal uses. I must also have dictionary/thesaurus as well as Wikipedia. They help me a lot with my research too. Funny thing is, before discovering Etsy, my answer would have been facebook....

 

6.        What are your 3 favorite shops and why.

I'm not going to name any specifically as I have found so many wonderful shops and owners here on Etsy. People who I have and have not purchased from. I love to see all the creativity and fun supplies that people offer. I love to learn from people and help them when I can too. I really enjoy seeing peoples creations and THEIR inspirations. As that inspires me probably more than anything else.


 

7.        Where do you see your crafting business in 10 years?

I cannot answer a question like this for me or anyone. While time does really go by so fast, it also has a longevity as well. 7 years, even 1 year I cannot say. I have had a lot of life experiences. All I know is that it is ever changing and moving. I hope in much less time than 7 years to have some of my more personal works of arts and crafting to showcase in my Etsy shop as well as the fun things I am learning about and doing now.

 

 
Visit her etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/people/leahsemporium2013

28 comments:

  1. Thank you for the honor and wonderful opportunity to share some of my story with you today

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. you deserve it leah! thank you for your creativity andd desire to help new crafters =) Something that has always puzzled me all my life is why, when I am in special need of help, the good deed is usually done by somebody on whom I have no claim. you truly have a beautiful soul!

      Delete
    2. Thank you again Mary Ann. Not sure everyone would agree with that, lol.
      But I'll take it :D

      Delete
    3. Sarah of SweetConceptDesignsOctober 19, 2013 at 10:43 PM

      Leah and Mary Ann, I very much enjoyed reading the blog tonight. Leah does have a good soul!! Tweeted the blog for you!
      To everyone else, check out Leah's ETSY shop!

      Delete
    4. Thank you Sarah. You however are the one with the Sweet Concepts ; D

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. thanks cat! Leah is truly a wonderful person to work with . it is a pleasure interviewing her =)

      Delete
    2. Thank you Cat. I am deeply honored that Mary Ann choose me for this.

      Delete
  3. That necklace is so unique! New follower from Etsy :)

    www.infinityampersand.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i agree Brittany! this one of a kind necklace sure makes a bold statement =)

      Delete
  4. Thanks for inviting me here, Leah! Great interview, and I love the necklace!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you brandy! Leah was kind enough to regale us with this interview, truly one-of-a-kind!

      Delete
  5. Great interview and an even better shop! Love the necklace too! I have never met a more generous or kind person than Leah and I love browsing through her shop on Etsy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. WOW Carrie, you really are far to kind. Thank you for the very sweet words and encouragement!!!

      Delete
  6. Thanks for dropping by Brandy.
    Mama you are far to kind!

    ReplyDelete
  7. To all the necklace fans, it is for sale. You could admire it right up close and have it admired on YOU lol
    Check out my coupon codes for savings on all items @ RetroRockingCafe.Great holiday gift ideas with much more being added daily. So keep checking back.
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/RetroRockingCafe

    ReplyDelete
  8. Leah, thanks for sharing about your life. Wonderful to get to know you better! You have a wonderful shop!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Theresa for stopping by. I love your shop too :)

      Delete
    2. thanks Theresa! it is amazing to learn that we have an art teacher amongst us!

      Delete
  9. I really enjoyed learning more about Leah and how she got started crafting. I'm a new follower from Etsy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Brenda. I am also a new follower thanks to Mary Ann who is the inspiration behind the interview and blog.

      Delete
  10. Thank you Terri. I really appreciate you stopping in and your support as well!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have been with etsy for 3 years, and am always fascinated by the amazing talented people I meet. It is a real treat to learn more about Leah and her passion for crafting in her great interview with mama chei!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have only been here coming up this week, my 1 year Anniversary. I have met so many wonderful, kind and talented people in such a short time. Etsy has become my second home and extended family :D

      Delete
  12. You are so loved Leah! I'm so honored to know you =)

    *hugs*

    ReplyDelete
  13. I cannot believe all the wonderful responses and kind words from everyone. Thank you all. And thank you again Mary Ann. I am the one who is truly honored and very humbled as well : )

    ReplyDelete