NC Triangle Etsians

All the way from Hong Kong to Etsy, Waiyi is making her mark at Name That Candy.
Waiyi's purses are adorable and you can see the international influence in all of her products. She also caters to brides and any other party that needs personalized trinkets. Here is her story and how she is making her success happen day by day!

Tell us about yourself..kids...hubby...favorite things.
I grew up in Hong Kong, then I studied in Australia for a year and half, then I moved to Texas. About 5 years ago, my hubby's company relocated him to Raleigh. I am a "Pet Groomer" and "Licensed Esthetician". I work 3 days a week at pet grooming shop. The rest of the week, I do crafts. I don't have any kid, but I do have 3 cute chihuahuas. Hmmm.... My favorite things are "Craft", I like all kind of crafts, I always like to try new stuff, coz I get bored easily. I like crochet, sewing, needle felting and jewelry making.
When did you get started with your craft?
First I started to learn how to crochet about 4 years ago, then I stopped until about 3 months ago, I crochet again. And recently I learn how to sew by reading books.
Since this is for etsy readers mostly---
How do you price your items?
I try to price it affordable, my formula is Materials Cost x 3. For big items, like handbags, I will add labor cost, it takes me several hours to make one. I am definitely not making a lot of money though, since I am slow sewer! But I enjoy sewing, and it make me feel good that someone like my bags.
How often do YOU list?
I don't list every day like most ppl do. In the beginning, I do list every day or every other day, it did bring me some traffics, but NOT SALE. It costs me too much and make no money. So now, I list twice a week, sometimes I list more if I have new items.
How do you promote on etsy?
In the beginning, I go to forum on my day off for 4 or 5 hours. It left me a little time for doing crafts and myself. So after one month or so, I cut back the time on forum. Only couple hours on my day off. I do get some sales on the "promotion forum" and a lot of "Hearts". But I enjoy talking on "Craft and Business" Forum more, I learn a lot from there.
How do you promote off etsy?
And how long before your sales were steady?
I carry my purse every day, if someone compliments my purse, I will give them my business card. Also, I have mini on "FaceBooK" and my blog: http://namethatcandy.blogspot.com/
I have Flickr account and I post my new items (they may not for sale, just my new craft that I want to share with someone) on "Craftster" (www.Craftster.org), I like Craftster a lot, it is a good channel for me to show off my craft, I'm mostly there to have fun. They don't allow to advertise your store, but you can put you Etsy website on the signature. I think I got couple sales from there.
How long did it take for your first sale on etsy?
I think about 3 weeks.
And how long before your sales were steady?
My sale is not steady yet, but I hope in 6 months, I will have a steady sale.
What is the number one advice you have for etsy sellers?
Have Fun. When you first start, go to forums and introduce yourself, especially, "Craft and Business Forum". You will learn a lot from all the veteran etsians. But don't get too addicted, leave yourself some times for craft and your family. :)
Anything else you want to tell us?
I really enjoy having "my little business". I am going to add more different variety on my store next year. My New Year Solutions are to learn how to "Wet Felting", "Soap Making" and make "Cloth Menstrual Pads".