Let me introduce you to @NatialiaKhon

Hey guys, let me introduce you to Natialia Khon.  She makes some lovely jewelry, and you should check it out.  I have recently got to know her better, and loved her story.  Now it is here for you to enjoy.

What is your Etsy story?
I am "writing" it just now :) I am a stay at home mom of a little baby, and finally have time to work on developing my Etsy shop.


Why did you start blogging?
I started my blog to be a lively part of my website. The website is a great gallery, but it is hard to give it some life. I did not update it often. Last year, however, I decided to create a beautiful and inspiring virtual space for myself as well as my visitors.


Where does your inspiration come from when writing articles?
It comes from my daily online activities. I like finding beautiful art objects that are made for home decoration and either can be used in everyday life or just be the eye candies for their owners. This is how I started my "Virtual Wish List".

I am also one of those people who make lots of treasuries every month together with some friends. This is how I started publishing a Gift Guide once a week (made by one of my friends) and a Home Decoration Guide, also once a week (made by my another friend).

I have a collection of great unique stones that I hope to use for some special jewelry pieces. I would like to give an option to my customers to order a piece of jewelry with those stones. So, once a week I show one of my gems, and my virtual gem collection is growing.

Some jewelry that I make is very unusual. Perhaps, many people do not know what to wear it with... They might think they need a special outfit. I am trying to show how my jewelry can be worn, not necessary with a special outfit at all. This is how I started making polyvore collections.

DIY projects did not escape my attention :) I am a handmaker and I like DIY projects. Once a week I find a project that I like and add it into my DIY collection.

This is such a fun sounding blog, lots of great things included in it. You should all go check it out.


Who taught you or how did you learn to use a blog?
In order to learn to write you need to just start writing. The more I write for my blog, the more ideas I am getting. There will be other inspiring projects added soon. There is something happening in my blog every day right now, sometimes even twice a day.



How do you build a community around your blog?
I visit forums for the bloggers in Etsy and go to other people's blogs, looking for new blogging friends :) Another great way to find interested people is "Google+" communities.


How do you use social media like Twitter and Facebook?
I announce new blog posts there. I cannot stay there for long time every day.


Do you have any tips for newbies?
If you want to start, just go for it! More ideas will come the more you work on your blog.


What is one thing you do that drives the most traffic to your site?
I would say, Google+ is the best source of traffic for me at the moment.


When and how did you become interested in making your craft?
This is a funny story... When I was 16, I ordered a handmade beaded necklace for my prom. When I got it, there were many things that I did not like about it. I carefully looked at it, figured out how it was made... and ended up not wearing that necklace even once :) I took it apart, made another one and was hooked forever!


How did you find Etsy, and why did you start selling there?
I do not remember exactly how I found it... I think, I learned about it from other crafters, as they write their Etsy shop addresses in their business cards. Just wanted to try selling online too.


What was your first sale on Etsy?
It was an unexpected sale. I did not do much promotion and did not believe much in being able to sell anything... when a silver pendant with purple sugilite got sold. I think, I should be thankful to the unusual stone in the pendant :)


What are your tips for good photography?
Good camera and a photobox :)

I agree!  Get those Photoboxes!


What tools do you use for your craft that you can’t live without?
That would be all sorts of metalworking tools: saw-frame, torch, hammers, flex-shaft, files, etc.


Do you make what you love, or what will sell?
In order to find out what sells, you need to start with what you love making (I think). If you do not sell it, you will have what you love. If you do not sell what you do not love also... That will be twice as sad :)


Where else can we find you online?
 nataliakhon.com