Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a full time blogger, writer, and handmade business owner of {Acute Designs}. I am from the Midwest but I currently live in San Diego with my husband and two crazy dogs.

How did your blog & shop get started?
I was sitting in a cubicle {working for a contractor to the U.S. Navy} hating every moment of my working day and counting down the minutes to the weekends. To say the job was undemanding is an understatement, so I sent my days reading blogs and online shopping. I love to cook {I even spent a year in Culinary School after I graduated college…} so I started a food/recipe blog called taste. A few months later I started my lifestyle blog which is now called {Acute Designs}, and a month after that I started my Etsy shop, which also goes by the name {Acute Designs} .

I started the Etsy shop as hobby and creative outlet but within a few weeks of creating it, I knew I wanted it to become my full time job. So, I planned, and saved {and convinced my husband that this was all a good idea :)} and I quit my job a year later. I gave a consistent and decent paycheck and stability, but I have never been happier in my entire life. The past year and a half of working for myself has taught me that one can find true happiness in their working life.

What inspires you the most?
A good book, movie, or tv show {I am especially partial to period dramas}, browsing blogs and handmade shops, and stories of other small businesses who have “made it.”

What advice do you have for anyone who is looking to open up their own etsy or online shop?
If you want to make money, treat it like a business, not a hobby; be kind and generous; treat every customer like they are your first; and don’t copy – find your own style!

What are your future goals & plans, where do you want to be in 5+ years?
I would like to move back to the Midwest {I think I am the only person alive who would want to leave San Diego for humid summer and harsh winters….} and I want to continue to grown my business as much as possible. I also have plans to expand my writing. I currently have one e-book completed and am working on two others plus a real {non e-book} book. And if all goes according to plan, I want my husband to work for me. I do like to be in control =).

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