This week's artist is a creative and macabre spirit from sunny California. If you are still looking for that great addition to your Halloween wardrobe you need to visit agonysdecay's shop.Who are you (actual name and/or shop name)? My given name is Jenny Mae Boothe! My alter ego and my alias is Jade Haven. My shops name is actually different than my business name because when I started out on Etsy I thought I'd only be there to buy! So, agonysdecay which is my username on tons of other sites, became my shop name ultimately ;) My business's name is Creepy Crafts....for now. I plan to hold a contest for the person who can rename my business name.
Where are you located?
The Armpit of the Valley---Fresno, California
What do you create?
I create all sorts of spooky items. From hair accessories, to one of a kind rings and pendants, to cameo pendants, to X-Ray art, to stunning jewelry, to spooky soap, to paper goods.
Have you ever visited North Carolina (if so, what was your favorite part of that trip)?
I have not made it to NC yet!
What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown (and why)?
To some this may sound disturbing but my favorite places to visit in my hometown are all the Cemeteries. One of my favorites is the Pet Cemetary. Why? I feel a lot of serenity in cemeteries. I also studied Photography in college and I love to photograph the treasures and things I find when I am there. I'm surprised they have a website.
What is you most popular item that you create (any why do you think that it’s so popular)?
Currently the most popular items I create appear to be my spooky soaps and my rings and pendants. I believe that the spooky soaps are popular not only because it is almost Halloween but it gives the spooky folk something unique to dress up their bathrooms with. I also know that a lot of my customers use them for gifts for their friends. My rings and pendants sell well because they are mostly one of a kind adornments for the body. People like one of a kind items, thats for sure.
How do you acquire new clients?
I believe a lot of my new clients come from word of mouth and keeping new items rotating on Etsy constantly. I try to keep one item of mine on the front or second page of each tag as often as possible. If someone types in 'gothic' for instance, I want one of my items to be on the first page! I also promote myself on Myspace, Livejournal, Blogspot, Swap-bot, and in town. Promoting, although time consuming, really does work.
How do you find the time to create and still take care of your family?
Creativity is crucial in my life. I've been creating things since I was a child. While my family is away for the day, either at work or at school, I get my hands busy as soon as possible. I also include my family in my creations, this way they don't feel like I'm being consumed by my crafts :P
What is your next project going to be?
My next projects are going to be two coffin jewelry boxes, adorned with images and macabre items. I also plan to incorporate a heart jewelry box, adorned with something terrifying, I'm sure:P
What types of things do you do to turn first time buyers into repeat clients?
I have a lot of repeat customers. I don't expect that first time buyers will come back but I've always sent out freebies with each order. This helps, indeed. I also have met many great friends on Etsy through my sales. I keep in contact with my clients on a daily basis. I believe this helps bring them back because they feel comfortable with me.
What a neat shop! Never seen x-ray art before :)
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