Pregnancy & Infant Loss, Infertility, Adoption, & Home
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Another Awesome Scavenger Hunt
PCF Team on Etsy is having a great event for May! It is called the May Flowers Scavenger Hunt! This hunt will run exactly the way the April Flip Flop hunt was ran; so if you joined in on all the fun of that one, you are one step ahead of the competition….woohoo!
PS...a heads up..our next scavenger hunt will begin on July 21st..and we plan on holding another in September, November, and December...so get your Christmas shopping hats ready, and join us for spectacular handmade items, and some awesome deals! ♥♥♥
Monday, May 14, 2012
Shades Of Awareness Interview
Yet another AMAZING shop on esty that features infertility related merchandise. Shades of Awarness is a beautiful shop that offers products for a variety of illnesses and causes. You can find pieces that speak to most anyone's life with over 300 products featured. Her products are beautiful and reasonably priced. This shop is a must visit at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShadesofAwareness
**What inspired you to start your etsy shop? I opened my Etsy shop after I was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme in July 2010, at age 34. I had been sick for over 3 years, I went to every specialist you could imagine, no one knew what was wrong with me. When I was finally diagnosed, I wanted a bracelet to wear. I thought that somehow it would make me feel better, like ‘look at me, I know what's wrong with me...FINALLY!’ When I didn't find any that I really liked, I figured I would make myself one. That's when 'Shades of Awareness' was born. My goal is to let people know that they are not alone!
**How long has your shop been open? I opened my Etsy shop in November of 2010
**What types of products do you offer? We have a big selection: Bookmarks, Sterling Necklaces, One Of A Kind Resin pendants, Wine Glass Charms, Charm Bracelets, Wire-Wrapped Bracelets, Pandora-Style Charms and Pendants, Inspirational Bracelets, Gemstone Bracelets, and Earrings. All in every Awareness color. Custom pieces are always welcome!
**How do you come up with the designs for your pieces? Trial and error!
**What helps keep you motivated to make new products? I have become an Awareness Activist, I want to raise awareness for everyone. I love being able to make a difference in other's lives, no matter how big or small.
**What inspires you creatively? I have become an Awareness Activist, I want to raise awareness for everyone. I love being able to make a difference in other's lives, no matter how big or small.
**What do you enjoy most about etsy? I love Etsy, everything is so unique. It is exactly what I need, it hits a big audience. People who shop on Etsy want quality and something different.
**Why did you decided to make infertility related items? I make jewelry for every Awareness. Making Infertility Awareness jewelry is special to me, because I know it touches peoples hearts. Everyone's story is different and it means a lot to me that they share that with me.
**What advice could you give to someone who is facing infertility? Don't give up! Do what you feel is right, not everyone around you!
**Any advice for loved ones of someone who is struggling with infertility? Be patient and understanding. This is a huge issue, not only emotionally, but physically.
**One thing you should never say to someone facing infertility? Why don't you just adopt!!
Some of the beautiful infertility pieces featured in this shop:
Check out her other amazing products here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShadesofAwareness
**What inspired you to start your etsy shop? I opened my Etsy shop after I was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme in July 2010, at age 34. I had been sick for over 3 years, I went to every specialist you could imagine, no one knew what was wrong with me. When I was finally diagnosed, I wanted a bracelet to wear. I thought that somehow it would make me feel better, like ‘look at me, I know what's wrong with me...FINALLY!’ When I didn't find any that I really liked, I figured I would make myself one. That's when 'Shades of Awareness' was born. My goal is to let people know that they are not alone!
**How long has your shop been open? I opened my Etsy shop in November of 2010
**What types of products do you offer? We have a big selection: Bookmarks, Sterling Necklaces, One Of A Kind Resin pendants, Wine Glass Charms, Charm Bracelets, Wire-Wrapped Bracelets, Pandora-Style Charms and Pendants, Inspirational Bracelets, Gemstone Bracelets, and Earrings. All in every Awareness color. Custom pieces are always welcome!
**How do you come up with the designs for your pieces? Trial and error!
**What helps keep you motivated to make new products? I have become an Awareness Activist, I want to raise awareness for everyone. I love being able to make a difference in other's lives, no matter how big or small.
**What inspires you creatively? I have become an Awareness Activist, I want to raise awareness for everyone. I love being able to make a difference in other's lives, no matter how big or small.
**What do you enjoy most about etsy? I love Etsy, everything is so unique. It is exactly what I need, it hits a big audience. People who shop on Etsy want quality and something different.
**Why did you decided to make infertility related items? I make jewelry for every Awareness. Making Infertility Awareness jewelry is special to me, because I know it touches peoples hearts. Everyone's story is different and it means a lot to me that they share that with me.
**What advice could you give to someone who is facing infertility? Don't give up! Do what you feel is right, not everyone around you!
**Any advice for loved ones of someone who is struggling with infertility? Be patient and understanding. This is a huge issue, not only emotionally, but physically.
**One thing you should never say to someone facing infertility? Why don't you just adopt!!
Some of the beautiful infertility pieces featured in this shop:
Friday, April 27, 2012
Win some AWESOME prizes
Hey there everyone! Do you want to win some amazing prizes? If so, keep reading..we have over $800 in prizes during this event...8 prize packs will be awarded to hunters at a value of at least $50 each, and 1 super duper prize pack with prizes from all 37 shops in the hunt will be given to the person who spends the most money at PCF team shops during this week-long event; this is valued at over $400! Read on for details........
The PCF Team on Etsy is having a great event for April! It is called the Spring Tracks Flip Flop Scavenger Hunt! There will be 37 shops, and all will have a hidden picture that you will have to "hunt" through their shop items for (HINT- the picture is the image in this listing)! Each shop has donated a prize worth at least a $10 value; that is a total of $400 plus in prizes...woohoo!!! There will be a total of 8 prize packs given out (winners will be chosen at random, based upon number of entries correct and complete entries we have)...each prize pack will consist of 5 prizes..so each winner will get a prize pack of at least an incredible $50 value..how about that? The contest will begin at 7:00 EST on April 23rd, and will run til midnight May 3rd: all entries and PC shop purchases must be submitted by midnight May 3rd...and no entries will be accepted after this time.
Please check out the link to the start of the scavenger hunt here PCFteam Flip Flop Hunt My shops AlwaysWithMe is a participating shop!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
The Fertile Garden Interview
Here is a continuation of the series on my interview with amazing etsy shops that feature infertility related products. I have really enjoyed getting to hear of the stories behind the shops. I think that's one of the really interesting things about etsy, you get to meet the people behind the products you buy. I am very thankful that these shop owners have been willing to so openly discuss infertility and to share their stories. I always find that I have so much in common with these women. I see my story mirrored in theirs. Today's special guest is the The Fertile Garden. Check out this awesome shop HERE
What inspired you to start your etsy shop? My personal journey with infertility!
How long has your shop been open? Since April 2010.
What types of products do you offer? Fertility bracelets, necklaces, relaxation aids such as sage smudge sticks, meditation stones and note cards and prints of my original paintings.
How do you come up with the designs for your pieces? For my jewelry, the first step is researching which gemstones help which conditions. I play around with the beads until I like how it looks together. For my original artwork, it all comes from within. I created much of that art immediately after some acupuncture sessions I had done. It was like art therapy for me, I got my emotions out in my artwork.
What helps keep you motivated to make new products? Purchasing new gemstones...or for a painting, just a rush of creativity!
What inspires you creatively? Hearing from people who need some positive influence in their lives and hoping that I can help them. Also my daughters, even when I have a rough day, I think about how lucky we are to have them :)
What do you enjoy most about etsy? I love what I do, and being able to work from home and do something I enjoy. I love when I get a nice message from a customer who has had success! I also think it is so nice when someone purchases for a friend as a surprise gift. That makes me smile.
Why did you decided to make infertility related items? I made a bracelet for myself! It helped me feel better and keep positive. Whenever I was stressed, I would reach down and play with my bracelet. I modeled the Butterfly bracelet after my own original! I wore it up until I had my girls and I still have it :)
What advice could you give to someone who is facing infertility? My natural tendency was to hold everything in at first. This was not healthy. Find a friend to talk to, or a creative outlet, etc. You need to get your frustrations out, or you will feel eaten alive by your negativity. I know that is easier said then done, but it does help. There were times that I just wanted to curl up in a ball and shut everyone out.
Any advice for loved ones of someone who is struggling with infertility? Offer to listen to them vent...they will appreciate it!
One thing you should never say to someone facing infertility? "Relax, and it will happen"... or "just adopt and you will get pregnant"! GRRRRRR.....
Any other things you would like to share about etsy, your shop, or infertility? I love what I do! My shop has brought me more joy then any job I have ever had (I am a former graphic designer) Please do not hesitate to message me with any questions, or to chat! :)
Some awesome products from The Fertile Garden Each of these products is fertility related. Learn more about them HERE:
The photos below are featured individually on pendants. I love them!
Below is a MALE fertility bracelet. This is the first time that I have seen one like this. I believe I could get my husband to wear this one :-)!
What inspired you to start your etsy shop? My personal journey with infertility!
How long has your shop been open? Since April 2010.
What types of products do you offer? Fertility bracelets, necklaces, relaxation aids such as sage smudge sticks, meditation stones and note cards and prints of my original paintings.
How do you come up with the designs for your pieces? For my jewelry, the first step is researching which gemstones help which conditions. I play around with the beads until I like how it looks together. For my original artwork, it all comes from within. I created much of that art immediately after some acupuncture sessions I had done. It was like art therapy for me, I got my emotions out in my artwork.
What helps keep you motivated to make new products? Purchasing new gemstones...or for a painting, just a rush of creativity!
What inspires you creatively? Hearing from people who need some positive influence in their lives and hoping that I can help them. Also my daughters, even when I have a rough day, I think about how lucky we are to have them :)
What do you enjoy most about etsy? I love what I do, and being able to work from home and do something I enjoy. I love when I get a nice message from a customer who has had success! I also think it is so nice when someone purchases for a friend as a surprise gift. That makes me smile.
Why did you decided to make infertility related items? I made a bracelet for myself! It helped me feel better and keep positive. Whenever I was stressed, I would reach down and play with my bracelet. I modeled the Butterfly bracelet after my own original! I wore it up until I had my girls and I still have it :)
What advice could you give to someone who is facing infertility? My natural tendency was to hold everything in at first. This was not healthy. Find a friend to talk to, or a creative outlet, etc. You need to get your frustrations out, or you will feel eaten alive by your negativity. I know that is easier said then done, but it does help. There were times that I just wanted to curl up in a ball and shut everyone out.
Any advice for loved ones of someone who is struggling with infertility? Offer to listen to them vent...they will appreciate it!
One thing you should never say to someone facing infertility? "Relax, and it will happen"... or "just adopt and you will get pregnant"! GRRRRRR.....
Any other things you would like to share about etsy, your shop, or infertility? I love what I do! My shop has brought me more joy then any job I have ever had (I am a former graphic designer) Please do not hesitate to message me with any questions, or to chat! :)
Some awesome products from The Fertile Garden Each of these products is fertility related. Learn more about them HERE:
Please be sure to visit The Fertile Garden on etsy. There are so many unique products offered there.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Thank You Thank you! Blog Award
I WAS HONORED WITH THE LIEBSTER AWARD!!!!
The Liebster Award!
Today, I was awarded the Liebster Award!!!!!!!
The what??
Yeah, that's what I said too. I had never heard of it before today. My friend did some research on the Liebster award, and the following is the information she found:
Yeah, that's what I said too. I had never heard of it before today. My friend did some research on the Liebster award, and the following is the information she found:
"Liebster' means 'favorite' or 'dearest' in German. This award, which originated in Germany, recognizes up and coming bloggers with less than 200 followers."
In accepting the award, the recipient agrees to:
1) Thank the person that gave the award and link back to their blog.
2) Copy and paste the award to your blog
3) Reveal the 5 blogs you have chosen to award and let them know by commenting on their blog.
4) Hope they pay it forward by accepting and awarding it to bloggers they would like to honor.
This is a very special award, and I am very excited to have been awarded this honor today! I love blogging, and work to be the best person I can be, keeping my blog positive, and family friendly. It is important to me, that my blog and my personality follow my wholesome and family-oriented values and ethics; and I am very happy that these shine through, and I have received this award.
I gladly accept this award, and would like to humbly thank my wonderful friend who thought enough of me to include my blog in her list of people to pass this award onto, so a huge thank you is going out to:
I gladly accept this award, and would like to humbly thank my wonderful friend who thought enough of me to include my blog in her list of people to pass this award onto, so a huge thank you is going out to:
Theresa, owner of TAK Unique Jewelry Designs on Etsy. You can find her blog here:TAK Unique Designs Thank you for thinking of me!!!!
So here are my nominations:
1.
Beadscrumptious- Blog
2.
Cherub's Garden-Blog
3.
Onuava- Blog
Sewhavok+Art+Designs- Blog
5.
Once Upon A Party- Blog
These are all really awesome Blogs and Etsy Shops!!! Please take a minute to check them out. I am sure you will find something you love!
Once again, a BIG thanks to TAK Unique Jewelry Designs for nominating me! Please take the time to check her out as well, I promise you won't be disappointed.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Interview with Melody from HopeOfMyHeart
Here is another interview leading up to National Infertility Awareness Week. I had the pleasure of interviewing Melody from Hope Of My Heart. She has a lovely little shop on etsy www.hopeofmyheart.etsy.com She offers a variety of jewelry ranging from adoption, infertility, loss, and recently medical alert. I was lucky enough to learn about the inspiration behind her shop and wanted to share her story.
What inspired you to start your etsy shop? How long has your shop been open?
I started my business in February of 2005, and opened the Etsy shop in September 2007. The whole reason I started the business was I wanted to offer something to be an encouragement for women as they faced infertility. My husband and I were diagnosed with our infertility issues just 4 months after we were married. I was desperate to have a baby, even though it hadn’t been that long at the time of our diagnosis. A couple years later, we adopted our son, but I still struggled with all the emotions that accompany primary infertility. We faced primary infertility for 6 years.
I had made myself a bracelet when we started the process of adoption – simply a reminder to be patient – and people started requesting those bracelets. That’s when I opened it as a business. I had seen plenty of adoption jewelry, but none for infertility. I wanted to provide that for women. Then ladies started requesting jewelry for miscarriage and loss. . . .and as time went on I started adding other products as well.
What types of products do you offer?
I offer a variety of products, from necklaces and bracelets to rings, earrings, and even guitar picks. By far the biggest selling category is the memorial jewelry. There are infertility and adoption designs, and since so many women do go on to become mothers eventually, I also added a mother’s jewelry line. A new line of designs I’m working on at the moment is medical alert jewelry – which was started by a special request.
How do you come up with the designs for your pieces?
It varies. Sometimes I’ll see something that I like, and I’ll take those ideas and try to create something different with them. Sometimes I’ll look through my supplies and think, “What can I make that’s totally different today?” Many times though, the ideas come from a saying or an emotion – and I try to take that and make it into a piece of jewelry.
What helps keep you motivated to make new products?
Probably the biggest thing that keeps me motivated is the desire to offer designs that really speak to women – to encourage them, and to be as beautiful as they are encouraging.
What do you enjoy most about etsy?
There are so many neat things there! The sense of community is nice, but I love to just look and window shop.
Why did you decided to make infertility related items?
During my own struggle with infertility, I was a member of a forum called Hannah’s Prayer (www.hannah.org). There I learned that I wasn’t the only one going through infertility, and I wasn’t the only one who wished there was infertility jewelry available.
What advice could you give to someone who is facing infertility?
Let go and let God. Don’t let your life get completely wrapped up in the pursuit of a baby. Yes, it hurts to go through infertility, and it hurts a lot. The pain is excruciating. But don’t get so absorbed that you let life pass you by. I look back at how much I just sat on the sidelines because I couldn’t handle the pain of infertility, and I missed a lot of life because I was dwelling on my own pain too much.
Any advice for loved ones of someone who is struggling with infertility? One thing you should never say to someone facing infertility?
Be supportive, but don’t pester them about if or when they’re ever going to have children. They’re probably more sensitive about it than they let on, and don’t need you to remind them of what they don’t have or how long it’s taking. Instead, offer to listen if they need to talk, but be understanding if they don’t want to. Don’t give them advice about how to have a baby, or about so-and-so that you know that did xyz and magically got pregnant. And please, DON’T tell them to just adopt. Adoption is not a lesser option or a second choice, and it will not cause someone to become pregnant, even if you know someone who conceived after adopting.
Here are some of the beautiful pieces she creates
What inspired you to start your etsy shop? How long has your shop been open?
I started my business in February of 2005, and opened the Etsy shop in September 2007. The whole reason I started the business was I wanted to offer something to be an encouragement for women as they faced infertility. My husband and I were diagnosed with our infertility issues just 4 months after we were married. I was desperate to have a baby, even though it hadn’t been that long at the time of our diagnosis. A couple years later, we adopted our son, but I still struggled with all the emotions that accompany primary infertility. We faced primary infertility for 6 years.
I had made myself a bracelet when we started the process of adoption – simply a reminder to be patient – and people started requesting those bracelets. That’s when I opened it as a business. I had seen plenty of adoption jewelry, but none for infertility. I wanted to provide that for women. Then ladies started requesting jewelry for miscarriage and loss. . . .and as time went on I started adding other products as well.
What types of products do you offer?
I offer a variety of products, from necklaces and bracelets to rings, earrings, and even guitar picks. By far the biggest selling category is the memorial jewelry. There are infertility and adoption designs, and since so many women do go on to become mothers eventually, I also added a mother’s jewelry line. A new line of designs I’m working on at the moment is medical alert jewelry – which was started by a special request.
How do you come up with the designs for your pieces?
It varies. Sometimes I’ll see something that I like, and I’ll take those ideas and try to create something different with them. Sometimes I’ll look through my supplies and think, “What can I make that’s totally different today?” Many times though, the ideas come from a saying or an emotion – and I try to take that and make it into a piece of jewelry.
What helps keep you motivated to make new products?
Probably the biggest thing that keeps me motivated is the desire to offer designs that really speak to women – to encourage them, and to be as beautiful as they are encouraging.
What do you enjoy most about etsy?
There are so many neat things there! The sense of community is nice, but I love to just look and window shop.
Why did you decided to make infertility related items?
During my own struggle with infertility, I was a member of a forum called Hannah’s Prayer (www.hannah.org). There I learned that I wasn’t the only one going through infertility, and I wasn’t the only one who wished there was infertility jewelry available.
What advice could you give to someone who is facing infertility?
Let go and let God. Don’t let your life get completely wrapped up in the pursuit of a baby. Yes, it hurts to go through infertility, and it hurts a lot. The pain is excruciating. But don’t get so absorbed that you let life pass you by. I look back at how much I just sat on the sidelines because I couldn’t handle the pain of infertility, and I missed a lot of life because I was dwelling on my own pain too much.
Any advice for loved ones of someone who is struggling with infertility? One thing you should never say to someone facing infertility?
Be supportive, but don’t pester them about if or when they’re ever going to have children. They’re probably more sensitive about it than they let on, and don’t need you to remind them of what they don’t have or how long it’s taking. Instead, offer to listen if they need to talk, but be understanding if they don’t want to. Don’t give them advice about how to have a baby, or about so-and-so that you know that did xyz and magically got pregnant. And please, DON’T tell them to just adopt. Adoption is not a lesser option or a second choice, and it will not cause someone to become pregnant, even if you know someone who conceived after adopting.
Here are some of the beautiful pieces she creates
Monday, April 2, 2012
My Cyber Chat With Danielle shop owner of Onuava
I had the pleasure of cyber chatting with Danielle. She has an awesome fertility related shop on etsy
Check it out here.... http://www.etsy.com/shop/Onuava?ref=pr_shop_more
I really enjoyed speaking with Danielle I am sure that you will enjoy her interview below:
What inspired you to start your etsy shop?
My husband and I have been suffering with infertility for over two years now. About 6 months ago we had the devastating news that medically our only option would be IVF but due to funding we would have to wait 4 years for this to become a reality. After feeling that I had been cheated by Western medicine I decided to look more into alternative therapies. It wasn't long before I stumbled upon the benefits of crystal therapy in treating infertility. With an already strong creative side and a passion for jewellery it wasn't too much of a surprise when I decided to put the two together and create pieces containing crystals specifically chosen for their links to fertility.
Realising how taboo the subject of infertility still is I wanted to reach out to other women in my situation and show them that they were not alone in their struggle and more importantly I wanted to try and help them realise that dream of parenthood. Thus my Etsy store was born!
How long has your shop been open?
My shop was started on the 20th November 2011 - it is still a fledgling store and I still have a long way to go. I have greatly enjoyed the learning process of it all and feel that even in a few short months my skill base has improved vastly.
What types of products do you offer?
I offer mainly necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings but I am hoping to expand this to include hair ornaments, brooches, even more key-rings. Although a lot of my shop items are aimed at women suffering with infertility, there are also a few pieces of pregnancy jewellery and memorial jewellery - something very close to my heart.
How do you come up with the designs for your pieces?
Usually I will come up with a specific concept such as pregnancy and then seek out which crystals are most beneficial. After I have all my stones and crystals together I will use the visual aesthetics to inspire the design. Being a perfectionist usually means that the design will evolve several times before I am finally happy with the item. If it is a custom piece I will make a few designs, photograph them and send these images to the buyer. Working hand in hand with the buyer I will then create a design they are happy with.
What helps keep you motivated to make new products?
My main source of motivation is being able to wear all finished sample pieces. An ever-expanding jewellery collection is an absolute must for me. I like to have pieces to match certain outfits and moods, this ensures that I am constantly mentally designing new pieces.
What inspires you creatively?
Infertility has weakened my self esteem and self confidence. Being creative has strengthened this weakness and allowed me to express all my emotions in a positive and meaningful way.
My creativity has provided a much needed outlet from the stress and pressure that infertility creates.
What do you enjoy most about etsy?
My favourite thing about Etsy is the sense of community that goes with being a store owner. No matter what your level of selling experience there is always somebody available to help you out and assist in improving your store, whether through advice, critiques or sharing your items.
Etsy is a fun and social place to also just 'hang' out. There is something very rewarding about passing on advice that was given to me at the beginning of my Etsy career to help another seller in need.
Why did you decided to make infertility related items?
My husband and I are classed as unexplained infertility and like most people in this group I feel like one of the forgotten ones. I wanted something beautiful and functional that represented the struggle that we all face on a daily basis. When people ask about the origin of my jewellery I will proudly tell them what inspired it and if they enquire, a little background on our struggle. The world doesn't seem to want to acknowledge infertility and there have been many times I have felt like less of a woman because I am struggling to procreate. I wanted to make jewellery aimed at infertility not just to help other women but also to ensure that they do not feel alone on their journey.
What advice could you give to someone who is facing infertility?
Don't put your life on hold for the prospect of pregnancy and don't set yourself deadlines to fall pregnant. I wasted over a year putting things off or declining invitations to fun events because I was worried that accepting or doing them could be harmful for a perspective baby. Sadly I just missed out on life and there was no pregnancy or baby to take the sting out of this. These days if I want a drink or to go out for a relaxing spa day then I will do it, usually without a second thought. I think of this as my acceptance.
Making deadlines to fall pregnant by is a big no, no. I know lots of women struggling with infertility (myself included) that will state 'by this time next year I will be pregnant', Sadly you have no control over this and when your deadline comes and goes with no positive test you feel disappointed and as if in some way you have failed. Infertility is hard enough without putting unnecessary pressure on yourself.
Any advice for loved ones of someone who is struggling with infertility?
Please be aware that although you may feel you understand what your loved one is going through, infertility is something you cannot relate to unless you have suffered it. Be mindful of everything you say and realise that if they are having a tough day the last thing they will want to talk about is baby related topics. Be supportive and aware of all important upcoming dates relating to infertility such as specialist appointments or medical tests. Enquire how these went but be prepared not to pry if your loved one seems closed off - they may have had some bad news that they are unable to share just yet.
One thing you should never say to someone facing infertility?
Most importantly never say anything upon the lines of 'you're trying too hard' or 'just relax and it will happen'. Statically this theory has been disproved and it is like a slap in the face for someone struggling with infertility. It is along the lines of telling somebody to stop breathing, impossible not to think about infertility when it is something you are faced with on a daily basis.
Any other things you would like to share about etsy, your shop, or infertility?
Be strong and remember that you are not alone. Our struggle may be harder then most, but we will appreciate our baby that much more because of it.
Some of Danielle's beautiful piece:
Check out these awesome products here http://www.etsy.com/shop/Onuava?ref=pr_shop_more
Onuava
Gorgeous Jewellery Sprinkled With Healing Crystals
I really enjoyed speaking with Danielle I am sure that you will enjoy her interview below:
What inspired you to start your etsy shop?
My husband and I have been suffering with infertility for over two years now. About 6 months ago we had the devastating news that medically our only option would be IVF but due to funding we would have to wait 4 years for this to become a reality. After feeling that I had been cheated by Western medicine I decided to look more into alternative therapies. It wasn't long before I stumbled upon the benefits of crystal therapy in treating infertility. With an already strong creative side and a passion for jewellery it wasn't too much of a surprise when I decided to put the two together and create pieces containing crystals specifically chosen for their links to fertility.
Realising how taboo the subject of infertility still is I wanted to reach out to other women in my situation and show them that they were not alone in their struggle and more importantly I wanted to try and help them realise that dream of parenthood. Thus my Etsy store was born!
How long has your shop been open?
My shop was started on the 20th November 2011 - it is still a fledgling store and I still have a long way to go. I have greatly enjoyed the learning process of it all and feel that even in a few short months my skill base has improved vastly.
What types of products do you offer?
I offer mainly necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings but I am hoping to expand this to include hair ornaments, brooches, even more key-rings. Although a lot of my shop items are aimed at women suffering with infertility, there are also a few pieces of pregnancy jewellery and memorial jewellery - something very close to my heart.
How do you come up with the designs for your pieces?
Usually I will come up with a specific concept such as pregnancy and then seek out which crystals are most beneficial. After I have all my stones and crystals together I will use the visual aesthetics to inspire the design. Being a perfectionist usually means that the design will evolve several times before I am finally happy with the item. If it is a custom piece I will make a few designs, photograph them and send these images to the buyer. Working hand in hand with the buyer I will then create a design they are happy with.
What helps keep you motivated to make new products?
My main source of motivation is being able to wear all finished sample pieces. An ever-expanding jewellery collection is an absolute must for me. I like to have pieces to match certain outfits and moods, this ensures that I am constantly mentally designing new pieces.
What inspires you creatively?
Infertility has weakened my self esteem and self confidence. Being creative has strengthened this weakness and allowed me to express all my emotions in a positive and meaningful way.
My creativity has provided a much needed outlet from the stress and pressure that infertility creates.
What do you enjoy most about etsy?
My favourite thing about Etsy is the sense of community that goes with being a store owner. No matter what your level of selling experience there is always somebody available to help you out and assist in improving your store, whether through advice, critiques or sharing your items.
Etsy is a fun and social place to also just 'hang' out. There is something very rewarding about passing on advice that was given to me at the beginning of my Etsy career to help another seller in need.
Why did you decided to make infertility related items?
My husband and I are classed as unexplained infertility and like most people in this group I feel like one of the forgotten ones. I wanted something beautiful and functional that represented the struggle that we all face on a daily basis. When people ask about the origin of my jewellery I will proudly tell them what inspired it and if they enquire, a little background on our struggle. The world doesn't seem to want to acknowledge infertility and there have been many times I have felt like less of a woman because I am struggling to procreate. I wanted to make jewellery aimed at infertility not just to help other women but also to ensure that they do not feel alone on their journey.
What advice could you give to someone who is facing infertility?
Don't put your life on hold for the prospect of pregnancy and don't set yourself deadlines to fall pregnant. I wasted over a year putting things off or declining invitations to fun events because I was worried that accepting or doing them could be harmful for a perspective baby. Sadly I just missed out on life and there was no pregnancy or baby to take the sting out of this. These days if I want a drink or to go out for a relaxing spa day then I will do it, usually without a second thought. I think of this as my acceptance.
Making deadlines to fall pregnant by is a big no, no. I know lots of women struggling with infertility (myself included) that will state 'by this time next year I will be pregnant', Sadly you have no control over this and when your deadline comes and goes with no positive test you feel disappointed and as if in some way you have failed. Infertility is hard enough without putting unnecessary pressure on yourself.
Any advice for loved ones of someone who is struggling with infertility?
Please be aware that although you may feel you understand what your loved one is going through, infertility is something you cannot relate to unless you have suffered it. Be mindful of everything you say and realise that if they are having a tough day the last thing they will want to talk about is baby related topics. Be supportive and aware of all important upcoming dates relating to infertility such as specialist appointments or medical tests. Enquire how these went but be prepared not to pry if your loved one seems closed off - they may have had some bad news that they are unable to share just yet.
One thing you should never say to someone facing infertility?
Most importantly never say anything upon the lines of 'you're trying too hard' or 'just relax and it will happen'. Statically this theory has been disproved and it is like a slap in the face for someone struggling with infertility. It is along the lines of telling somebody to stop breathing, impossible not to think about infertility when it is something you are faced with on a daily basis.
Any other things you would like to share about etsy, your shop, or infertility?
Be strong and remember that you are not alone. Our struggle may be harder then most, but we will appreciate our baby that much more because of it.
Some of Danielle's beautiful piece:
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