Well, I just returned from a very exhausting week from Vegas. It was a refreshing getaway from the daily monotony and stress of the working students' life but now I'm back.
I had actually prepared a good week's worth of blogposts to upload automatically while I was gone but it didn't work. Blogger...you failed me.
Ah well, making up for lost time, here's a feature on ...well...time!
As the first of (many many many!) TNT features, I should probably explain what it is.
Pioneered by the lovely ladies (and gents) of the DIYscene Etsy Street Team, the TNT sale is open from noon to midnight for anyone and everyone! From free shipping to percents off, each participating shop is sure to offer irresistible deals.
Come join our lively CHATS.
Promote and scope out deals in our threads: ETC , PROMOS & Teams and Events
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ReddHynes: Free worldwide shipping tonight on everything except knit wear, that's right WORLDWIDE. Either wait for a revised invoice or I'll refund your Paypal after you pay.
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BellaMiaBeads: 20% OFF EVERYTHING IN THIS SHOP! If that weren't enough, From now until February 14th, I'm offering 15% off your entire order.
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HeartSizedCrush: Today I will be offering 25% off of everthing in the shop! You can let me know what you would like and I can adjust the cost, or I can refund the 25% through paypal. Offer excludes shipping.
Indescretion sounds naughty. How did you come up with it?
I wanted a new name when I decided to open up an eBay store a few years ago. My husband and I strolled through a dictionary one night, just for fun. We kept trying out really silly words, and then he came upon "Indiscretion." Once he said the word, I knew that's what it should be!
How would you describe your style?
Ah, that's a tough one. I've tried to describe my clothing using terms such as "street wear", "goth", "hint of the 80's", etc. It's hard for me to give them those names because I like to merge many different styles to create whatever design pops into my head. Although one needs key words in order to be found online, I would hope that people view my clothing and decide for themselves where it fits in with their lives.
What's the best thing about selling online and having your own business?
The best thing about selling online and having your own business: you call all the shots! Selling online gives you a chance to reach a broader audience, and there are less things to worry about than if you had a brick and mortar business. You can do it from anywhere. Having your own business means you do not have to answer to anyone. All decisions are made by you, and you have complete control over every step, from designing, creating, photographing, etc.
Conversely, what's the worst thing?
Well, the worst thing is that you ARE doing everything. Sometimes you just want to be the person who designs and sews, rather than the photographer, wardrobe stylist (when working with models), writer plus all the advertising and promoting that you have to do if you are on your own. Sometimes you end up doing things you never thought you'd have to do! But they are all learning experiences, and if they help your business, then you must do them.
Sounds like such a pain. How do you stay motivated?
It is a lot of work, but nothing worthwhile is easy. I've learned a lot about these other areas and am glad that I am able to do them now without as much struggling. I have a routine now and that minimizes any angst I might feel when I'm doing these other tasks and I can't get back to the sewing machine right away!
A routine! Do tell!
LOL Well, I usually design and create things in batches. That way if I have to photograph them myself, I pick a specific day when that's all I'll do. Or, if a photographer and a model is available, I save my goodies until I can meet with them. However, most times when I'm shooting with models I add extra stress by making my own accessories. I might have a thing for anxiety.
After everything is photographed, whether by myself or someone else, I go through all of the photos and pick out the ones that will work best, fine tuning them in Photoshop. I put these photos in a folder on my computer, corresponding with the month, so I can find them easily when I'm ready to list. Once I start listing, I take each item one at a time; measuring, describing and explaining what's so wonderful about this item! I find the writing part hard - it's a fine line between a description and a novel. Once I finish listing, I start promoting and advertising all over the internet on various sites. And I don't just do it one time, I do it as many times as I can remember until the next time I list.
Last one, promise! I'm wearing.......
I'm wearing a funky vintage 80's sweater and a pair of black leggings with skulls on them.
Get more of Mara Franklin at her two shops:
Indiscretion & HauteIndiscretion
Check out her blog!
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