Get to know Troy Stengel

 

 

Today's Featured Shop Owner

 

Troy Stengel

 

Owner of California Mermaid

 

Etsy Shop

camermaidjewelry
http://camermaidjewelry.etsy.com

I am so excited to be interviewing Troy. She had done a feature on me a few month ago. Troy has a wonderful blog http://camermaidjewelry.tumblr.com. Please go check it out!

Here we go!!!!!

 

Get comfy....

Sit back with your coffee and enjoy getting to know Troy!

 



Q. What do you sell?

 

I sell custom, made to order, one of a kind (OOAK), and vintage jewelry and accessories. My Pink Diamonds line of jewelry is made with Swarovski crystals.

Source: etsy.com via Kate on Pinterest

 

 

Q.  How did you get started with Etsy?

 

I believe my sister introduced me to Etsy about 1-1/2 years ago. I was in awe (and still am) by the amazing talent and originality of so many artists of all crafts. As someone else termed it, I fell in love with the sheer "creaminess" of all the products and beautiful photography!

 

Q.  When did you get interested in making your Art/Craft?

 

I have an artistic background in mixed media and have always loved crafts of all kinds. I didn't start beading and making jewelry, though, until my (now) 6-1/2-year-old triplet girls were toddlers - about four years ago. My Etsy About Page discusses how California Mermaid came to be (long story short, I created the Pink Diamonds line of jewelry after my grandniece came up with the name for an abandoned clothing line).

 

Q.  When did you get interested in Vintage items?

 

I have always admired to quality and beauty of vintage and antique costume jewelry. I became interested in cleaning and repairing vintage pieces within the past year as I started to discover lots for sale.

Source: etsy.com via Kate on Pinterest

 

Q.  Where does your inspiration come from?

 

I simply love creating things! Currently, I'm offering a wide variety of styles of jewelry and accessories because I am interested in learning so many different techniques with different materials and finishes. With vintage pieces, I love the idea of restoring something to it's original luster or "upcycling" it into something new and beautiful.

 

Q.  Who taught you or how did you learn your art from?

 

I am completely self taught. I've learned from books, YouTube videos, articles and instructions on the Internet - you name it - plus countless hours of practice! I am very new to the vintage jewelry scene - this is a real work in progress and learning experience for me!

 

Q.  Where do you see your Shop in 5 years from now?

 

Some of the things that have occurred in my life during the past few years have made it difficult for me to plan more than six months in the future. However, I would love to have a successful shop with daily sales that provide a real income. I am hoping and expecting that in five years I will have honed my craft a lot more and defined a real personal style that is distinctive. Right now, I'm in a phase of experimentation.

 

Q.  How do you manage your time between Etsy and the rest of your life?

 

It's a challenge for me to manage my time between Etsy and everything else. I am currently a stay-at-home-mom (SAHM), but that will be changing in the new year. I will be looking for at least a part time job to help support my family. My goal is to respond to convos and emails during the day, as I can, and focus on making, listing and promoting items in the evening and during the weekends.

 

Q.  Is this a hobby, part-time job, or full-time job?

 

Currently, my Etsy shop is almost a full-time job, because I am still in the learning and experimenting phases. I could work on my Etsy shop 24/7 if time allowed!

 

Q.  Do you make or stock items you love, or what will sell?

 

I make and stock items that I both love and think will sell. I would to say that all my ideas are completely original, but when I see colors, patterns, materials, etc. that I like and that are popular, I can't resist dabbling in that area to make my own items.

 

Q.  Where else can we find you online?

 

Website: http://www.california-mermaid.com

Blog: http://camermaidjewelry.tumblr.com

Twitter: @camermaidjewelr

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/camermaidjewelry

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/camermaid/

Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/camermaidjewelry

Instagram: @camermaidjewelry

Rebelmouse: https://www.rebelmouse.com/camermaidjewelr/

California Mermaid and Pink Diamonds products:
http://www.cafepress.com/californiamermaidlogowear

 

Q.  Did you always want to have your own business?

 

Yes. My first business idea came to me when I was about 12-years-old. I wasn't able to get a real job during summer vacation, so I ripped off a slip of paper on a street lamp that said something like, "Earn $500 a week stuffing envelopes!" My journey in that direction didn't work very well, obviously, but I did embark on my path of slowly learning what doesn't work!

 

Q.  Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

 

I'd like to share my personal philosophy that, sometimes, it is necessary to fail in order to succeed; each failure has a lesson in it for us and leads us closer to reaching our goals. Don't be afraid of failure - there are famous successful people that failed hundreds of times before they succeeded. Keep at your craft, keep improving and keep being inspired.

Here is a Sample of Troy's Shop!
Make sure to pop over to her shop and find your favorites pieces!

Enjoy!

 

 

 

Come by my shop & find yourself something to love!