>> I've always enjoyed expressing myself artistically, but I've never before focused in one area alone (like creating things for babies). I get bored easily, so I'm always looking for new and original things to create. I dabbled in painting, computer design, felt crafting, sewing (which I am horrible at!), scrapbooking, etc. But making baby gifts for friends and selling them on Etsy is the first thing I've really 'stuck' to and been really passionate about.

>> My business started when I made a diaper cake for my friend's baby shower, and I loved doing it! I started selling diaper cakes on Etsy, where I had been a buyer for over a year. When my anti-frilly, no-pink-or-I'll-kill-you colleague Dejah was pregnant, I knew I couldn't show up at her shower with a traditional diaper cake. She introduced me to sushi and it was her favorite, so I worked really hard to make a diaper gift that looked like sushi. She absolutely adored it and everything just flowed from there!

>> I do document formatting and graphic design for a few select consulting clients, but my 'day job' is being a mother to my 2.5 year old daughter.

>> Lots of money!! Just kidding. :) I want to continue to expand my line of sushi items and baby gift items. I love doing collaborations with other Etsy sellers (like http://luluswoobies.etsy.com/ and http://oliverlane.etsy.com/ to name a few), and am always looking for a new way to work with other talented and amazing Etsy sellers. I am so inspired by Etsy!!

>> My cousin Heather (http://letterstoelise.etsy.com/), who is ridiculously talented and crafty, told me about Etsy. She inspires me all the time!

>> Make your items unique! Take a good look at what's available on Etsy and try to push yourself to be as inventive and creative as possible to make your items unique and original and only available in your shop! And only charge actual shipping rates, and REALLY refund shipping overages to customers. Really.