Sintwister: Let’s see – some basics about myself: I’m 34. I’m married to a fantastic man – we’ll be celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary this coming February (hopefully in Ireland!). We have one dog, Hanna Jane, a black and white border collie, who is the smartest creature I know, (sometimes I think she is secretly smarter than me!) and two cats: Santiago and Satchem. All three are total camera hams (see An Interview with Santiago, The Office Assistant and Dog Day Afternoon).
I live in this gorgeous rural historic town in Georgia that often reminds people of Gone With the Wind, due to an extensive collection of antebellum homes. That’s pre-Civil war for anyone who is not up on their architecture terms. I’m legally blind in my left eye, which gives me some sort of lopsided view of the world, which I like. In addition to photography, I am also a graphic designer and a copy writer, mostly for travel/tourism related companies and small business retail or anyone looking for more of a fluffy/dreamy kind of presence.
I’m currently working on a novel about a woman in her early 30’s struggling to find herself. Keep your fingers crossed that it makes its way to a publishing house this winter!
My most favorite book is The Great Gatsby. My most favorite movie: The Red Violin. I love to cook, love to laugh, love to travel. I enjoy a glass of wine with my girlfriends after yoga. My socks never match. I like to sing (although I’m awful at it). I collect bird art, love anything made out of paper, absolutely love vintage nightgowns. My music taste runs towards Adele, Andrea Bocelli, moody alternative and much to the jest of my friends, Herb Alpert.
Rachelle: I like to know how some shop names came about. So How did you name your shop?
Sintwister: Sintwister was a nickname my mom gave to my sister and I, who are only 18 months apart. We were so much alike growing up and practically inseparable so she thought we were more like delayed twins then siblings. Sintwister was her take on twin sisters. Apparently we were a tad devilish – hence the “sin” part!
Rachelle: How would you describe your work/shop? Who should definitely stop by? Or, who would you like to see your entire photography process?
Sintwister: Hmm…I guess I would describe my shop as a daydream since it’s full of quiet, glimpses into thoughtful subjects. I think my shop might appeal to anyone who is romantic at heart, anyone who is curious about back story and anyone that appreciates subtlety.
Rachelle: What keeps you motivated?
Sintwister: My husband for sure. He’s my most encouraging (and loudest) supporter. Imagining a voice and perspective for photo subjects that have neither also keeps me motivated. You know that saying “if these walls could talk”…I’m constantly looking for what they would be telling me.
Rachelle: Do you have any advice for those who are new to treasury making? Any advice to those who are new to Etsy?
Sintwister: Regarding treasury making, my advice would just be to have fun with it. Treasuries are like continuously blooming flowers. They showcase other people’s items and shops while also intuitively defining your own likes and dislikes. Everyone benefits! I have had a few of my treasuries make it to the front page which is always thrilling. I don’t think there is any one equation as to why and which some treasuries get more attention than others, but I think if you have a consistent theme throughout your collection and you communicate that theme with the participating shops in your collection, then it has a better chance to resonate with more people. Worse comes to worse, you have exposed 16 new people to your shop by creating one treasury. So that’s not bad!
As for newbies to Etsy, my advice would be to share, share, share. Etsy will only be as great as you make it. So get out there and embrace the thousands (or is it millions by now?!) of Etsy artists at your finger tips and build up your network of support by participating in treasury groups, circles, and forums. The more you connect with others, the more exposure you have and the better chance of sales. Take compelling pictures of your shop items and tell people why they will LOVE that item as much as you do. And finally, be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was a successful Etsy shop. Everything comes in time as long as you are persistent, stay involved and keep an attitude of gratitude.
Rachelle: What inspires your treasuries?
Sintwister: Lots of things! Colors, a great title, pop-culture, a dream from the night before, song lyrics, the weather, calendar dates, books, an issue I’m trying to work out in my heart or sometimes it is just a fabulous item that spawns the collection of 15 other fabulous items.
Rachelle: Please name 3-5 of your favorite Etsy Shops.
Sintwister: There are so many favorite shops of mine and new ones popping up everyday. Narrowing it down to 5 is tough but these are ones I often find myself returning to day after day:
1. FrickandFrackScraps
Rachelle: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Sintwister: Hopefully with my husband, settled in a house that we absolutely adore. Santiago and Satchem will be there of course. And Hanna, who will beat the record for the oldest living border collie. Presently the record belongs to a dog in Ireland who lived to be 27 on a diet consisting soley of turnip greens. Hanna is 14, enjoys all foods except turnip greens, and is still every bit as sassy at 14 then she was when she was 4. Who knows what the future will really hold though. All I can wish for is peace, health, and happiness for everyday in front of today. After living in New York and experiencing the awfulness of September 11th first hand I have learned that, while it is commendable to make future plans, the only day we can really count on is today. So I just try to make each one count and hope for the best for as far as the future.
Love the interview! Thanks for sharing a little bit about yourself. I hope your novel makes it to publication. I think I may have a little of your lead character in me :-)
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The cat picture is one of my all time favorites! Great interview.
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