Beth Cummings was looking for a way out of cubical nation when she came up with the idea of selling her designs on Esty. Beth started her shop, DiffractionFiber, as a part-time venture and within six months had surpassed her income from corporate America. Beth designs whimsical pillows, mouse pads, and fiber art for her shop. In this interview, learn how Beth went from cubical nation to living the creative entrepreneur’s dream of making a living from her crafts.

What brought you to become an Etsy shop owner?

I was working in a cubicle, and hating it. I would dream of being able to be my own boss, make a living off of what I actually enjoyed doing– you know, what most cubical rats dream of. But it was hard to quit, it was a good paying job, that in actuality required very little real work from me, it was really ideal except the whole having to go there every day thing. So I decided that if I could find a way to make the same salary that I’d have no excuse. I dabbled in a few ideas before setting my sights on Etsy. And for me Etsy is perfect. I don’t have to muck about in programming language, or worry about my site going down. They provide a perfect platform for me to sell what I make without all the hassle of a standalone site. So in June of 2009 after only six months of having my shop open I was making my cube salary and then some! I quit and never looked back.

How do you market your business?

I really use only three methods anymore. 1) Getting my products and info to blogs, newspapers and such and letting them tell their readers how cool I am. 2) A ‘fan’ base of previous customers, people who might be future customers, people who signed up for a mailing list after seeing me in person, and so on. 3) Professional relationships teaching, lecturing and the like.

How has social networking helped your business? What have you found works best for your store?

Social Networking is tricky, because for the most part it’s hard to gauge your success. I use Facebook primarily to connect with people who have signed up to hear about new products and things. I am way over Twitter, it used to be cool, now it’s just marketers marketing to one another. It’s obnoxious over there.

What is your favorite part of being an Etsy store owner?

Currently not having to wade through eight inches of snow to get to the train! But really, just being my own boss, having a user friendly way of getting my products to the people who want them and truly making a living off my own creativity.

What are some of the ways that you find Etsy helps in your success as a store owner?

Etsy gives you the tools; it doesn’t do the work for you. People expect to list something and become stars … well, that’s just not how it happens. It takes work. Like I’ve said, Etsy is a platform, it’s the vehicle to get your work to the consumer, but it doesn’t drive it there for you.

What advice would you give new Etsians just starting out?

Do what you love. Don’t worry about the trends or about what other people are selling. Create based on you and your personality, your quirks, loves and interests. Make it unique, and make it something you are proud of. If you approach it as a get rich quick scheme you will be sadly disappointed.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I had another shop, Diffraction, that was photography based, and so I wanted a sister site, so it became DiffractionFiber. In all honesty, in retrospect I regret it. But now people know me this way and there’s no turning back.

How do you brand yourself to make your shop unique?

My shop is unique because it’s me, it’s absolutely my personality. But marketing wise, my logo is on everything, and everywhere I can stick it. I think the quirkiness of my products make my brand stand out. I mean, where else are you going to get Peanut Butter and Jelly pillows?

Do you feel a sense of community among the Etsy shop owners?

It’s there, but there is also a lot of competitiveness. Some people don’t understand that there is room for everyone to succeed. I’ve stopped going into the forums almost entirely, there is just too much complaining about what Etsy isn’t doing for them and too many people fighting. But then again, that’s a problem in most public forums. That being said, some of my best friends are Etsy shop owners, and I love when they succeed! It is essential for me to have friends who are going through the same ups and downs.

How do you connect with your buyers?

I am obsessive about answering convos right away, I hate waiting and so I certainly don’t want to make others wait. I also customize almost all my pillows at no charge; it’s nice to be able to give someone exactly what they want!

For more information on Beth and her designs visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/diffractionfiber.

Julie Barnes is a Freelance Writer focusing on her passion of entrepreneurship. Julie published “So You Want to Start a Business…Now What?” (Available on Amazon) in December 2009. Julie lives and works in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, KS with her husband Ron and lovable dog Hank. You can visit her site at www.onewhowrites.com. Follow Julie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/onewhowrites.