Etsy Stories: the Fox and the Spoon

This week I'm shining the spotlight on Etsy and I have blog interviews lined up with two creative Sydney-based Etsy shop owners.
Etsy is a vibrant community.  I myself, am thrilled to be part of the fun and it sure has helped me to express and nurture my creativity.  I'm also a keen Etsy buyer and it's always my first stop when Im looking for gifts and unique items.
There are so many wonderful items on Etsy!

First off we have Maria from the beautifully curated shop 'The fox and the spoon' which sells rustic vintage decor, kitchenalia and props for events, styling and the home.
Hi Maria!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I grew up in the seaside town of Kiama. It was very small when I was little. The main shopping centre was closed on Sundays and you couldn’t buy bread on the weekends – that sort of thing; but it was a very beautiful place to grow up and I was free to go and play outside all day.
My family owned a small Motel there so I learnt about customer service from a very young age. That’s what I enjoy now most about my shop, talking with my lovely customers and just making sure they have a positive experience through my shop and of course, Etsy.

When did you discover Etsy? 
Early 2010. I hadn’t heard of Etsy before but a girlfriend mentioned it to me as a place to start selling my vintage wares. I remember I couldn’t believe my eyes. Everything was so beautiful and there were so many shops! I still love getting lost in Etsy!

What inspired you to start selling on Etsy ?
I’ve always loved old things – collecting them, displaying them, using them and of course giving them away as gifts. When I decided not to return to work after our 2nd child was born luckily a very good friend told me we should open an Etsy shop together .
Even though she never joined me because of her work commitments she has been such a huge part of my experience on Etsy and our conversations about our vintage finds (and baking!) continually inspire me.

What is the meaning behind your Shop name? 
Her surname is Fox which is such a cool name but my surname is not as exciting. We were in her kitchen trying to think of something that would go with, “the fox” and her husband says, “and the spoon!” I love to cook so it just seemed to fit.

When you initially launched your Etsy shop, did you ever think that you'd be able to make a living selling your beautiful vintage finds?
I had not had an online shop before and I was worried that my photos or my descriptions would not be good enough for selling them to someone who can’t reach out and touch the item.
I don’t know what I was so worried about - people who love vintage are lovely! I thank all of my customers, people who add me or one of my pieces to their favourites or people like yourself who include me in their blogs, magazines, websites and treasuries.
All of these lovely people give me the spirit to keep pursuing this beautiful dream.

Why does the Etsy marketplace work for you? 
I think people visit Etsy for a visual feast. They like to come here for ideas, inspiration and to find that individual piece. You may have someone looking for inspiration for their wedding. They can visit Etsy and see donuts sitting in birch holders or vintage chalkboards used as menus or even personalised laser-cut cake toppers. No matter what you trade on Etsy, we all seem to fit together into this cohesive circle of individual retailers which is a thrill to be part of.

How has the freedom of having your own Etsy Shop impacted your lifestyle? 
When I returned to work when our first child was 9 months old I felt nothing but guilt.
When I was due to return after our 2nd child was born I knew I couldn’t go through leaving another child at daycare all day. Running my shop has given me something to really strive for and make my own but being there for my children has been priceless.
I can work during the day while they are at School and then pick them up in the afternoons and meet friends at the park or take them to an after school activity or even help out in reading groups . I think we are all so much happier now that we have time for each other and Etsy has allowed me that freedom.

Thanks so much Maria!
To see Maria's stunning shop and current listings head on over to 'The Fox and the Spoon'  

If you are a creative maker, a creator or like Maria, have a passion for unique Vintage, then the Etsy Marketplace might be perfect for you!
Its so easy to open an Etsy shop and right now Etsy are offering 20 free listings for any new shop
head on over to the Etsy Promotions page and use my special code AnastasiaEDA to get started!