T.E.S.T. interview: CandiWare

We hope to introduce you to all the great etsy sellers to be found right here in Toronto. Here at the T.E.S.T. blog, we plan to interview them all. This is the 22^nd in our series, an interview with CandiWareJewelry of Candiware.

First, tell us a little about you and your shop. What prompted you to open up an Etsy shop?




CandiWare is a one-stop shop for delicious miniature food jewelry that is scented! After making my own jewelry for years, I finally decided to open my own Etsy shop because whenever I went out wearing the jewelry I had made people would always ask me where I bought my fun jewelry. At that point, it was simply a matter of time before I wanted to share my work with the public and bring a sense of fun to their lives.

How did you become interested creating such uniquely crafted jewelry?



As a child, I always loved small toys such as Polly Pockets. In addition, I have always had a knack for crafts. When I began creating my miniature food pieces, it just perfectly fit my style! 



Other than your shop, do you have another occupation or a ‘day job’? If so, what is it? Do you have a background in jewelry design or business? 



Yes, I actually do have a day job, I work as a background painter for a Disney children’s show. I’m lucky because I thoroughly love both my work with Disney as well as my Etsy shop. In terms of my background, I have degree from the advanced animation program at Seneca College.




Through your shop, CandiWare, you offer not only jewelry pieces, but also items for both men & women as well as some seasonal pieces. Do you find that this makes your shop constantly grow & reach diverse markets?



Yes, I do think that having a variety of different items in your shop is a big plus. In terms of seasonal pieces, I find it is very helpful to keep your shop new and fresh! Seasonal items can also draw in buyers and hopefully, keep interested in returning to check out new items or find a new purchase.



I love the whimsical & fun aspect of your designs, why is this an important feature of your shop?

I really believe in what I’m selling! I have found that my pieces are able to provoke laughter and enjoyment from customers or even when I’m out wearing it or at craft shows. I also meet some individuals that think my jewelry is odd or “gaudy”! I actually had a women say that to me at a craft show! I just think people like that don’t know how to have fun!



You mention in your shop’s announcement that your food themed jewelry actually contains scent, which is almost too delicious to resist! Can you describe how you create your jewelry & how they become scented?



When I create my jewelry, I make my pieces called, little minis, out of fimo then I add the scented oils to the clay as it’s baking. Trust me when I say they really do smell good! : D



What is your biggest inspiration for your pieces?



My biggest inspiration for my pieces comes from cookbooks if you can believe it! I have a lot of recipe books that are all about tarts, cakes, cookies, and other sweets. For inspiration, I simply flip though the recipes and find a sweet treat that I would love to make in a miniature form.




Do you have a favourite piece or one you enjoy crafting? If so, which piece?



I do have a lot of favourites! Currently, I am really in love with my teapot necklace. 




In what ways do you, CandiWarejewelry, promote your business? Are they any current promotions on your Etsy shop, CandiWare? Other than your Etsy shop is there anywhere else where readers can find out more about Candychick?



I promote my business through various social networking sites which include Twitter, Facebook, Tumbler as well as my CandyWare Blog. For Etsy promotions, I currently have a big sale going on in my shop in order to make space for my new stock. To visit, go to the “Sale” section in my shop to see the special items on promotion.

To someone considering opening his or her own Etsy shop, do you have any advice for him or her?



My advice to new sellers is to make sure you read the Etsy Seller Handbook and go through all of the Etsy Online Labs too. They are incredibly helpful! My main goal with my shop is to always update whether it be through my blog, Twitter, Tumblr, or Facebook. Just get yourself out there!



You can find more of CandiWareJewelry in her Etsy shop, the Candiware blog, the Candiware Tumblr, the CandiWare Facebook page or follow CandiWare on Twitter. She was interviewed by Meg of FrameBoutique in September, 2011.