Featured Friday: TheMemoryCafe

Tell us about yourself:
My name is Suzy and I live in Oregon. I have 3 boys. I am a member of ScrapBiz.Com. I'm not a member of any Etsy teams yet.

Other than Etsy, what do you do?

Previous to owning The Memory Cafe, I was the owner of a successful wholesale company. I sold that business and worked for the company that bought me out. I felt like my talents weren't being utilized there so I left to start my own retail business. Other than Etsy, I am a mom and love to be with my kids.

What made you first want to become an artist?

I believe I was a born an artist and have always enjoyed sitting down and creating things. I come from a long line of creative, talented people. I remember being in the 4th grade and deciding that one day I would own my own business.

Describe Your Creative Process

My creative process begins with an idea or inspiration. I may sketch the idea out first but not always. I design on the computer. Sometimes an idea takes me 20 minutes, sometimes an hour. Many times I have to redesign if it doesn't cut right or seems a bit "off". I have a machine that cuts out my designs. I've gotten the best cutting results with Bazzill Smoothies, so that's what I use.

What is your most prized handmade possession?

My most prize handmade possession isn't something I made myself. My mom passed away in February of this year and anything I have from her is cherished much- blankets, burp rags, clothes. It all screams of how talented she was. I am grateful I get my creativeness from her.

Top 5 Websites Besides Etsy:

Besides Etsy I visit: ScrapBiz.Com, 1CreativeBug.blogspot.com, Oldnavy.com, Target.com, Twopeasinabucket.com

Advice for new Etsy users:

I'm still new to Etsy, but not to owning a business. Have Patience! A successful business doesn't happen overnight. Find ways to work with other businesses to promote each other.

Favorite Features of Etsy, and any improvements or changes you'd like to see:

Treasuries, Forums, Ease of Use, The feeling of Community- other Etsy owners helping each other. I can't think of any new features I'd like to see....

How do you promote your shop?

I promote my shop through the forums on Etsy, through Twitter, blogging, and word of mouth.

Where would you like to be in 10 years?

It's hard to think 10 years ahead! Scrapbooking changes so fast so it's hard to know where it will be even a year from now. I hope to still be creating and having fun with whatever I'm doing.