Thank You Feature on Sygnet Creations

I am on what seems to be the most friendly team on Etsy, the EtsyFriends Team! We are quite chatty and so supportive of eachother on a business and personal level. It was my first, and right now is my only, team (: The leader of this team is Amanda, at Sygnet Creations! I've seen her called our "resident computer genius" on more than one occasion, so when I wanted my blog to have three columns (instead of the standard two), she was the one I went looking for (: I gave her author admin permissions, and she did all the work herself, which made it super easy on me! I wanted to "pay her back", and the only appropriate way was to do a feature of her as my first post with my new blog layout!So, without further ado... here is a feature all about Amanda and her wonderful creations!

(1) Who are you?
My name is Amanda. I am the owner of Sygnet Creations. I am also a mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend.

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?
My shop is called Sygnet Creations. Cygnet is the name for a baby swan. My husband grew up being the sygnet of his household (his last name is Swan) and when we married I took on that name.

(3) What do you create and sell?
I specialize is 'Unique Fabric Needs' to suit the individual personality and style. I sell fun neck pillows, blankets of all sizes, aprons, and more.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?
My family plays a big part of what I make and sell. The travel neck pillows were created when I could not find one to fit my son's neck. Blankets of course are my very first creations and there is nothing more special than a blanket made especialy for YOU!




(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?
Ohhh there are so many but I really fell in love with the fabrics I used to make the monkey twin blanket. It is ultra soft and the perfect size for snuggling on the sofa or curling up in bed with a good book. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9245085

(6) Is running your shop your only job?
It is my only paid job.. but not my ONLY job by far. I also run a military household and raise 4 beatiful children. On occassion, I have been known to plan and organize events.

(7) When did you start your business?
I started Sygnet Creations in April of 2007 but I didn't open shop on Etsy until Aug 2 2007

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Just over one year.




(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?
Yes I also sell in person and through my website http://sygnetcreations.com

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?
I love the community feel. I enjoy the way others work together and answer questions when needed.

(11) Do you belong to any teams?
Yes I am a member of the Homefront team made up of Military spouses and loved ones. I am a member of Team SASsy where we help mentor young sellers with all the aspects of selling on Etsy. Last but not least I am the Team Leader and one of the founding member of the EtsyFriends Team. This team is by far one of the closest groups and I am very proud to know each and everyone of our members by name.

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop?
No I only have the one as I love to be a one stop shop... I often think about opening another for woodwork but that will be further down the road.




(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?
Right now I am included in The Spotted Box, and The Little Black Box. These are boxes filled with samples from companies like myself where consumers can get an idea of what we sell before buying a fullsized item. I also use project wonderful, craigslist, craft forums, and directories.

(14) What do you do in your spare time?
Lol, Hmmmm Spare time... That is a word I do use often but when ever I can grab a moment to myself I like to bowl with my family and sometimes we even join a league.

(15) What is your blog or website url?
http://sygnetcreations.blogspot.com is my main blog but I write for many =)
http://sygnetcreations.com is my business website.

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?
I follow a couple of my friends and try to keep up with new tips and tricks for selling online.. There is no one specific blog that I read regularly.




(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?
I keep my eyes on my ladies from the EtsyFriends and I try to keep up with some of the soap makers... I just love sooo many that it is hard to keep up with just one =)

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers?
Be friendly and personable with your customers. When talking in the forums keep your wits about you and only comment in heated discussion when the words you use are those that a child could read.... you can't take it back no matter how much you wish you could. Although online selling can be done in your PJs it is better to act as though you are in your office.... This is your business.. Make sure you opperate as a business no matter where you are online!


And so you have it... Everything you need to know about Sygnet Creations and owner Amanda (: Don't forget to browse around on her blog, her website, and her Etsy shop!

THANK YOU AGAIN, AMANDA, FOR ALL YOUR HELP!

I hope you enjoied this feature as much as I do and Thank you for reading!
♥Mannie