It's been a little while since our last giveaway and I'm so happy to finally have one with Junghwa. I can't stop wearing her necklaces since I got them and I know you guys would love her jewelry too. Let's meet founder, designer and all around amazing lady, Amy Stewart of Junghwa.
When did you start selling on Etsy and Why Etsy?
I opened my etsy shop January 2010. I have been designing for most of my life and always knew that someday I would be doing something in that arena for a living. I just didn't know when. My sister (Myra Callan of Twigs & Honey) had been pushing me to do something for sometime and I finally went for it. It was really nerve wracking to put my personal designs out there for the public to see but they took to it well and so here I am.
Is this a full time gig for you? Yes, I do this full-time. What I love the most about being self-employed is the schedule. I am generally very busy all the time but I can usually make time to take off a day when needed. Also, there is no clock to punch which is good for people who tend to run late like me. The drawback is that I don't have a schedule so those days that I start late I usually end up working until 2 or 3am.
If I could only buy one thing from your shop right now, which would you recommend?
My favorite piece is my
initial tags necklace! I made one for myself and have been wearing it everyday for months. I made one for my sister and mom and we all wear them together. My favorite statement piece is my
gold spike necklace. I also wear that constantly. I know you asked for only one but that's too hard.
What was first piece you ever made/sold?
The first piece I ever sold was a set of satin cord bracelets with charms. I thought they were so sweet and cute.
What are your plans for the future?
My future plans are to expand my business to include a clothing line. I've been sewing for a long time now so it only seems natural to go in that direction.
Do you have a workspace?
My main workspace is my home office. It has a masculine feel but with some girly touches. I would love something an ultra luxe space but with having a 2 year old running around I have to keep everything up high.
(pictures would be very appreciated) I will have to get some photos to you. I don't have any right at the moment.
Where else can we find your goodies? (website, FB, stores etc)
My Etsy shop is currently the main place that you can buy all my items. I have a website that is under construction. It will be relaunching in a few months and I will have online shopping available there as well. I have retailers around the world that carry my pieces. A few current favs of mine are Haven Style House in Chagrin Falls, OH and ByEmilyB in New London, New Hampshire. I also post lots of sneak peeks on Facebook and Instagram.
Love women starting their own businesses. Any advice for those thinking about starting their own business?
My best advice is set high standards for yourself and your brand. I see so many people out there who skip all the hard work and just copy the work of designers. I feel that those people may start off strong but quickly fizzle out. You have to do the work if you want to be around for the long run. And do what you enjoy and are good at. If you don't enjoy it, it'll just be another job and not a career.
For fun: some fill in the blanks
I can't get through the day without ...... giving my son a million kisses. I know that someday he'll be embarrassed by mommy so I'm trying to get them all in while I can. Oh and Instagram. I'm always on it.
I'm currently reading....... its terrible but I don't read a lot of books. The last one I read was Twilight... I think. I would love to get back into reading but I get easily distracted by work and family, so I end up reading the same page over and over.
My favorite song is ........ Black by Pearl Jam. Its always been and always will be my favorite song.
I'm lusting after ...... the Celine trapeze bags. They are just gorgeous! I told my husband that I will be treating myself to one of those when my website relaunches.
My dream vacation would be ...... a month long trip to Italy. After I learn some Italian.
a Big
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