082 - Cuddle Bug Kids | Etsy | Arts & Crafts | DIY | Ecommerce | Handmade | Crafting | Online Shopping | Entrepreneur Interviews | Internet Business | Online Business

I love communicating with folks that listen to the podcast and when I ask for feedback and guest suggestions I honestly want it. This week's guest is a direct result of this... I got a request from a listener via Twitter asking for an episode with an Etsy seller that specializes in selling downloadable patterns. I was thrilled to get this very specific request and set out on a mission to fulfill it. I'm truly grateful to my guest Maria, she runs the Etsy shop and has done so since 2009 and she responded to a request I put out on the Etsy Conversations Facebook page and group. Thank you Maria! ...and ShoutOut to Karen of Etsy shop for introducing Maria to the podcast back in 2014! :) Maria is a veteran Etsy seller and she opened  as a way to sell toys and sensory tools she had designed for children with ADHD and autism.   She started designing products she thought would help children who were diagnosed with ADHD and autism with input and ideas from an occupational therapist. Initially, she started out selling her designs locally in the occupational therapist's office before she moved to selling them online.  Maria said she chose Etsy because she loved the marketplace, loved the forums, and felt like it was an encouraging place to grow her design skills and business. And grow she has... Hear how Maria used YouTube to learn advanced skills that helped her expand her product line and how that led her into the world of patterning. We also discuss the benefits of local Etsy teams as well as those that are not primarily focused marketing and shop promotion. I think it's a great discussion about the importance of connecting in a constructive way and how that can help you grow as a business person both on and off Etsy. Resources mentioned: Etsy teams: , , , and Local Etsy teams:  and Helpful podcasts:  (Jennifer Ackerman),  (Amy Porterfield), (Pat Flynn), and (Natalie Sisson) (I also find all these podcasts beneficial as well) :) Best ways to reach Maria: Etsy convo: Instagram: Please take a minute to subscribe and leave an honest review of the podcast in and . That really helps to get the word out about the show. Connect With Me: Twitter: Follow Facebook Group: - This is where I'm connecting with you after the podcast. Lots of fun convos here too! Facebook: Like the Pinterest: Instagram: Google+: Email: Use the OR interview [at] convome [dot] com