Saturday, March 1, 2014

Time to add some bling to the Classy Sustainability series, honoring Earth Day 2014.  Get ready to feel transported back in time to the "high glam look," days and WWII era as you read about Roxie's vintage jewelry journey and her shop sobejeweled.etsy.com.  

Two stunning pieces of more than 500 listings in sobejeweled.etsy.com.  Listing links are below photos and Roxie's interview begins.  


Teal Rhinestone Bracelet $60 plus shipping

Brooch Pin/Earrings $75 plus shipping

Q.  What prompted you to become an Etsy seller?
A.  I was a seller on Ebay since 2000. After so many changes to their seller treatment practices and higher fees, I decided to review other website options. After looking at Amazon, my own website, and other smaller websites (many popped up after the Ebay changes) Etsy came up as one of those sites an option. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/181118887/vintage-aqua-teal-blue-rhinestone?ref=shop_home_active_2
https://www.etsy.com/listing/119193105/vintage-bedazzling-teal-aurora-borealis?ref=shop_home_active_4

Q.  You have been open for almost 4 years. How would you describe your success so far? 
A.  For my success, I would say I have gotten out of it what I have put into it. The more effort I have put into my shop, the better the sales. Some of my customers are re-sellers and don't leave feedback/reviews hence the discrepancy ratio for reviews to actual sales. Those are repeat buyers and know my success is based on their complete satisfaction in my jewelry offerings. 

There is a vast market for vintage jewelry. The younger shoppers are looking for a wedding or special occasion piece that you can't find in today's shopping malls. The younger and older shoppers are looking for something to bring back a memory of their Mom or a special relative. I had a woman who's Mom had a faux pearl fur clip and never saw another like it until she browsed my shop. She was so happy to find it and now has it keep a memory alive. I've had some buy pieces that were perfect matches to their own brooch, earrings, or necklace to make a full set. It's rewarding to hear to their reasons and happiness.


Authors note: Roxie has over 900 sales, more than 600 stellar reviews and 3252 admirers.  Speaking of weddings.  Check out this stunning wedding or Mother's Day gift piece. Wow
1950's Waterfall Rhinestone Front Clasp Necklace - $125 plus shipping

Q.  You sell mostly jewelry. What made you decide to put your focus there?
A.  I played dress up as a girl and never didn't have vintage jewelry in my life. My Mom and Aunt were from the 40's and 50's era. That's all they wore. Another huge driver is their history. My passion went to pieces made from wood and Lucite. I found they were made during the 30's war era due to a restriction on metals. I couldn't believe the workmanship in these pieces. Even today I have trouble parting with those particular pieces because they are so beautiful. 

I also worked in a retirement area so many of my customers wore vintage costume jewelry. I just loved it because the pieces were unique, not expensive and gave a high glam look. I bought a book, then another....and built an extensive collection of both books and jewelry. I would buy jewelry in lots at auctions just to see what I could find. These lots were sold by the pound and I would search through thousands and thousands of pieces to find just one piece that might be valuable. Once you've done it, you're hooked.



Rare Lucite Reversed Carved Brooch $125 plus shipping


AB Rhinestone Clip Earrings $17 plus shipping

https://www.etsy.com/listing/154002399/vintage-ab-rhinestone-soft-pink-white?ref=shop_home_active_22
Q.  How do you connect selling vintage with sustainability or going green?
A.  No doubt wearing vintage jewelry keeps in line with going green. The jewelry pieces are already manufactured and not in a land fill. 

Q.  What advice would you give someone who wants to start an Etsy shop?
A.  Be patient and be unique. Don't go with the same style as everyone else. Do your homework and be sure you have all the information you can have on whatever you sell. Customer service is always #1. I always thank everyone for a sale, even after the automated response, using their name and when I'll ship their purchase. (Be sure to read their notes if they put them in the invoice). Thank them after they've left you feedback, telling them how much you appreciate their business and any response to their comments. If someone is less than happy, know that everyone deals with an issue sometimes. Do not take it personally and learn whatever you can from it and go on. 

Author's Note - I am a customer of sobejeweled.etsy.com and highly recommend Roxie's jewelry.  She has a wide range of items and lots of pricing points.  

23 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. I removed my old ID, this is SoBejeweled and so honored to be featured here Julie! Thank you so much!!!

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    1. you are welcome. you did a great interview. my pleasure

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  3. Love this blog and love SoBejeweled's Etsy Shop!

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  4. what a fabulous blog post about a fabulous person!

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  5. Have really enjoyed reading your sustainability series, Julie. Another great interview!

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  6. Thanks for the positive comments, Cheryl, Lin and Pheinart. They are encouraging

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  7. Bravo to you both ! Great blog Julie ! Roxie, you're a pro !

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  8. Beverly, thanks for reading and commenting.

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  9. What fun to read all about Roxie! I love her beautiful shop with all the sparkling jewels, she presents so well too, so it's no wonder she is so successful! Beautiful blog Julie.

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    1. Thanks for you kind comment. It's a fun series

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  10. I love Roxie and her her shop! Great blog piece!

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    1. thanks Elida. she is a hoot and that shop is something else.

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  11. Love the pieces in her shop. A good statement piece is always fun!

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    1. you are right - statement pieces are so much fun. i need more of them.

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  12. Great interview!! This shop has some wonderful items. And I agree that vintage is great for many reasons!

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    1. Ishje, thanks for stopping by and commenting. I love this shop and the owner is really Etsy savvy

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  13. Beautiful shop with beautiful pieces. I was reading the interview and something struck me when she said that her feedback is way less than her sales. Mine is too, and I often wondered why. Her answer has intrigued me, and I am not sure I want resellers selling my stuff. So, now I have to ponder this and decide what to do.

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  14. Melissa thanks for reading and commenting. Throughout the series the Etsy shop owners have shared lots of valuable insight. I can't even get my friends and family to comment when they buy something and I know they aren't reselling. Probably lots of reasons why folks don't and I know the forums talk about it a lot.

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  15. Lovely feature. That brooch pin and earring set is amazing!
    Visiting from All About BlogSpot.

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    1. she has some stunning pieces, that's for sure. thanks so much for commenting.

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  16. Finally getting time to read through your interview series ~ I know Roxie from Epsteam, but have learned a lot more about her and about vintage jewelry and her process--thank you, Julie! I agree: a wonderful piece about a wonderful Etsy seller and leader on Epsteam!

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    1. Kris, glad you did and thanks so much for the comment.

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