Jewelry & Sweet Treats

*Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.

We're from Northern California, the Golden State! My name is Kim and I'm the mom of four great kids - 2 boys, 2 girls. We're a family of six, with kids ranging in ages from 1 year to 15 years old. The two older kids help out the most and LOVE creating! We've always been a crafty family. Arts & crafts is a great way to spend quality time together and have fun. We started giving our handmade gifts to family and friends, and they were big hits. I found Etsy and thought, "Why not?"

*How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?

Our shop name came from the idea that our handmade creations are pieces of personality. People (and especially kids) are always told to "be yourself" and what better way to express who you are than with something fun and handmade?
We started the business as a hobby, actually. We also started selling because of inspiration from MY mom. When I was little, she had a gift/candy shop, and I worked there ALL the time! It was so much fun. She taught me how to make jewelry and candy. It's great to do something you love, and she had such a passion for it (that rubbed of on me and my family).

*What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your product?

1. justByou
2. Affordable
3. Self expression
4. Fun
5. Handmade

*What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?

There's no way we could pick just one! We like all kinds of things! The list could go on and on and on and on! If it's crafty, we usually love it.

*Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?

For me as the mom, I have to say that I love our shop section HANDMADE by the KIDS. The kids make more than just what is in this section, but the items here are hand-picked by them for all proceeds to go directly into our family's scholarship fund for education. Saving for their future education goals can never start too early, and with this section, they're working for their earnings (which I think is really important).

*What keeps you motivated?

My kids keep ME motivated (I do all the online stuff), and we ALL keep each other motivated. That is what is so great about doing this together as a family team. We're always there for each other and have a built-in support system.

*If you could give a piece of advice to a new shop - what would it be?

Have fun with it! If you're not having fun, you need to sit down and re-think your goals. When you're having fun, it will show in your work and people will notice.


*Are there other places on the net we can find you?
There are so many places you can find us!
Blog: http://2justbyou.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/shopjustByou
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShopjustByou
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/justbyou/
StumbleUpon: http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/justByou
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/justByou
Wanelo (this one's new): http://www.wanelo.com/justByou

COUPON CODE: Good from 3/11 - 3/18
ILUVPCF for 10% off anything in our shop for our team blog readers! =)