Featured Diva Interview ~ with Rose Anne from Redhatlady

*A Note from DDIB: The ladies from the Red Hat Society are among the sweetest, friendliest people you will ever meet. We had the pleasure of meeting several members last summer at a local mall and were touched by their kindness. (We loved seeing their gorgeous red hats too, by the way.) Hope you will enjoy meeting one of their very talented and creative members. Her name is Rose Anne...

***Introducing our Featured Diva***

Name: Rose Anne
Shop: Redhatlady
Shop url: www.redhatlady.etsy.com

Tell us a little about yourself:

I am married, mother of two and grandmother of three. I love everything about life! I have lived long enough to have developed an appreciation of the beauty in all things and I like to think I contribute to it in my own way.

Give us a description of your business and the items that you offer:

My shop features a little bit of everything! I like custom designing accessories for Red Hat Society members in their signature shades of reds, purples, pinks and lavenders, but that is not all there is. I have a line of vibrantly colored and fashionable magnetic bracelets and anklets. And, as I think jewelry should be something you should wear and enjoy everyday, most of my bracelets, pendants and earring are done in classic styles. I leave the trendy stuff to those who have the talent and eye for those designs. I very much like seed beads, glass beads from around the world and crystal. I am currently in the process of beading porcelain and resin face cabachons, giving each a character of their own based on the ladies in my family. Each has a name and different personality.



What are your bestsellers? Your specialty? Most popular items?

No bestsellers yet, but I am working on it!

Are your items targeted toward a specific age group?

I think you can find a little something for a wide range of tastes and ages in my shp. I have beaded wine bottle tassels, decorative door hangers, and a group of Anywhere Angels, along with the usual things.

What inspired you to start your own indie business?

I started making different things for the girls in my Red Hat Chapter because everything available for us was all the same. I ended up falling for beading in a big way and made much more than my daughter and I could wear. My daughter owned a small botique at the time and her clients began asking if I would make a few things for them. That was the beginning. But, clearly I do not bead to sell, I sell so I can bead!





As an independent business woman, what keeps you motivated?

I have this never-ending need to learn all that I can about whatever I get involved in. My Etsy shop has enabled me to garner a new respect for all types of art expression. All that wonderful talent in one place keeps me striving to evolve. I do not consider myself to be an artist, but a "beader" who hopes one day to become an artist.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement thus far?

The greatest achievement in my life is having raised two children who have become responsible adults with a good work ethic, are good citizens and appreciate the beauty in the world. My other accomplishments pale by comparison.

What has been your biggest challenge as a business woman?

Promoting my product and staying true to my own style. It is hard not to give into trends just to sell. I always have remind myself that I do this because I truly love it. Selling is secondary, but it is hard not to use sales as a yardstick to measure your success and the quality of your work.

What do you believe makes a business successful?

Hard work, constant promotion and dedication.

Do you have any specific goals/plans for the future?

I want to build my shop into one that will be successful; that is my goal right now. I'm not doing a lot of shows or putting a line our on consignment. I do plan on doing an open house for the holiday season, however.

Do you have any words of encouragement or advice for women out there who may be considering starting their own business on Etsy?

Yes...... by all means give lot's of consideration to the name of your shop because once you pick it you cannot change it. If I had to do it over again, I would not be Redhatlady. It pegs me as selling one kind of item, when really I have so much more.

Tell us the best way to relax after a busy day of work..

If I am not beading, or designing or printing business cards, or shopping for beads or attending bead shows, I am doing laundry, grocery shopping and balancing the checkbook. I must admit to being a TV junkie, however. And I read novels about forensic anthropology.

While growing up, who was your role model? Who impressed and inspired you most?

An American History teacher in high school really showed me that learning could be fun and exciting.

Give us three (3) words that best describe YOU:

Energetic.
Confident
Creative

Give us one (1) word that best describes your business:

Growing

What is your favorite quote, line or saying?

I have two:
"Imagination is more important than knowledge". (Albert Einstein)
"You can't legislate common sense". (anon)