5.07.2011

a story...and maybe a tiny weep



Ok, so for some it may not be a big deal....well, for most really. But, for me, it is the biggest of deals...

that people-all of whom I do not know and will never have the pleasure of meeting, forked over their hard earned cash for something that I made.

The Bananafishstudio etsy shop started in my bedroom in 2007...but I didn't know what to make...(I was thinking I didn't know what would sell) So, it lay dormant until July 2009. I was in Atlanta...far from my beloved West Coast, my family, my friends and in a completely new environment for the first time in 36 years. Two friends came to see me. Monica and Jillian...the same two that visited me here in Seattle when I first arrived. Two amazing women that never failed to inspire me...and I was inspired-to enjoy my surroundings and not waste time. So with a little (lot) of help from my husband, my family and my amazing sister, I realized...I'll just make for others exactly what I make for myself and I won't worry about selling anything.

Well, I sold something. 1000 somethings...more than that by now...and I have you to thank...you and this lady. If she visited me she would find all her books and maybe a little shrine...(no shrine:) but I do have her books. If it wasn't for her tweets that reach far more people than I will ever know...it would have taken me a lot longer to get to this point.

The reality: my shop is still teeny and my ambitions are still rather small. I have a definite plan forward that will always include making things that I love and hoping others just might love them too. My focus is to enjoy NSD, fill a bunch of orders, restock the shop and eventually come up with some new stuff...but right now...I'm gonna drink a nice hot cup of tea.

thank you. my heart is full today.

cue the tiny weep

9 comments:

Diana said...

Yay you!
I'm curious, what exactly did Ali say that sent you so much business?

bananafish said...

she just said she liked my stuff on twitter and facebook. That's all it took. Crazy huh? I guess this social networking thing isn't so bad. HAHA

elizabeth rosemond said...

so fantastic and very well deserved!!!

Anonymous said...

I found you through Ali's site and love your stuff! Congrats on selling so much!

Malou said...

Me,too like Michelle said that I found you through Ali's blog and I love,love your mini album!

Ali said...

I'm totally a fan! You just keep doing what you're doing.

Leslie said...

I once read that "the only kind of marketing you need is an amazing product. If it's good, people will spread the word for you." I'm one of the many that initially found your store via Ali E. However, it is your personal touch... from the cute packaging to the great quality of your items that has kept me coming back to order more and more. Whenever someone asks for Etsy recommendations, you're at the top of my list :) Congrats on being featured... it is well deserved and keep those products coming! :)

2 Hearts B 1 Designs said...

Congrats....Happy to be a part of the inspiration. You are not only worth a thousand but a million in my book! So excited for the success of Bananafish. You continue to awe me with everything you do! So blessed to have your friendship.

dianna said...

Wow! Congrats!!!
I can say I *knew* you when...
; )

You just keep the awesome coming lady!!!