Wendy T. Gibson: How did you learn to make jewelry?

Linda Harrell: A couple of years ago friends really encouraged me to offer my designs online. So I started a small business "on the side." Jewelry skills were from the school of hard knocks, trial and error, hanging out with other creatives throughout the years.
I just love the design process!

WTG: How many online shops do you have?

LH: I have tried a lot of venues - some reviewed on my blog. Right now my main shop for handmade is iCraft.ca and I have a few handmade items on Etsy.

WTG: Do you sell in the real world?

LH: I would love to sell in the real world but I have to be realistic with my energy and time....so no. I do not even do craft fairs. Each "venue" requires a whole different process that has to be planned out - craft fair, farmers' market, home shows, etc.

WTG: You’re in Florida; why iCraft, which is to my mind, primarily a Canadian venue?

LH: I love iCraft because it has a different demographic. I find that my jewelry does not really click with the major demographic of Etsy. You can go to www.quantcast.com and see demographics for venues. Very important. Plus, the iCraft admin are so great and easy to work with. And, I love their Sellers Bootcamps!

WTG: Very interesting! You have sold more on iCraft than Etsy?

LH: Yes I have made more sales there - even with my paltry time investment (because of working).

WTG: Have you written an article about rating venues on quantcast on IndieCeo?

LH: Yes I have. You can find it on my blog.

WTG: I make things and I happen to be an entrepreneurial type.

LH: I love that!

WTG: But many many crafters are just that ....they make things....they aren't business people.

LH: I know and THAT is why I started IndieCEO. I married my love of handmaking stuff with my street-smart marketing strategies. Unfortunately, the fun part - creating - is only about 10% of the entire job. The rest supports that 10%.

WTG: What advice do you have for someone who's passion for making things is more than a hobby but is completely intimidated by the tech side of crafting a business?

LH: Good question. Really good question. There are two ways to approach a craft business - online and offline. Many are successful at both. If someone is really not comfortable with the online, there are many ways to sell now locally, in stores, craft/art fairs, etc.. and make money. HOWEVER, I do encourage anyone trying to develop their own business to pursue the online. Take classes, get a friend to show you Twitter, Facebook, how to list items in a shop, etc. If someone is comfortable just getting on the Internet, there are volumes of good info about selling online. The forums of the different handmade venues are rich with information, how to's and resources.