Local artistic entrepreneurs have embraced Etsy to expand their enterprises. Here are some locals who have gone global.
Michelle Acri
CharlesIslandDesign.etsy.com
Facebook: @charlesislanddesigns
Michelle Acri is a native Milfordite inspired by our shoreline. “Milford’s beaches are a part of who I am; my husband and I both grew up on these beaches,” she says. “The sea glass, driftwood, shells, and more that I use in my coastal creations are natural beauties.” Her favorite spot? “Of course, we like to walk out to Charles Island—thus my shop name,”
Acri gushes. “I truly love the simplicity and the purity of the treasures we find at the beach. It amazes me what beauty the waves can create.”
Fashioning artful items is in Acri’s DNA. “I’ve always been a ‘maker,’ she recounts. “My childhood was spent crafting everything from candles and crocheted Afghans to shell necklaces and loopy ’70s potholders with my mom and my grandmother.”
“It was the hundreds of starfishes found washed up on Laurel Beach after Hurricane Irene in 2011,” that really got Acri’s creative juices flowing. “I cleaned and preserved them then gussied them up and they became my first official ornaments for sale. My creations have since been featured in various Milford boutiques, and I began selling my pieces directly through my Facebook page.” Michelle put her designing into high gear last year. “This past Christmas I made more than 100 ornaments out of driftwood and sea glass.”
“I think that people appreciate knowing the stories behind the pieces they purchase,” she says. “I like to include a tag with each piece I make that tells the story of where it came from. I get ridiculously giddy over the idea that something that I’ve designed can bring joy to someone’s day however far away they are from me.”
Kathy Swenning
RozPetalzStudio.etsy.com
Facebook and Instagram: @RozPetalzStudio
“Buyers on Etsy appreciate handmade, unique items and set out in search of exactly that. It’s also a very affordable platform” says Kathy Swenning. “I began selling on Etsy after hearing about it on social media about 15 years ago. I had been selling my handmade polymer clay beads on Ebay and was getting frustrated.”
“My inspiration has changed over the years as my art has evolved. Recently I have found inspiration in spring and summer flowers—most of which bloom in my yard,” Swenning says. But she discovers new concepts everywhere. “I’ve always loved the boho, retro vibe. This can be found all over my shop, mostly in my earring and bracelet designs. I’ve also created many holiday ornaments and a few jewelry pieces that have a steampunk inspiration. This concept intrigues me, and the results have been very popular.”
Currently Swenning’s work has made its way around the globe. “I’m proud to say that I’ve had sales all over the world since selling on Etsy, from Iceland to Spain! The Christmas season is, of course, the busiest time of year. I have clients that custom order holiday ornaments and jewelry for their loved ones every year.”
The flexibility of her online shop is a plus. “I love selling on Etsy, because I can make my art on my own schedule and list it when it’s ready. I also really enjoy the fact that people shop Etsy to find one of a kind and personal gifts for themselves, friends, or loved ones. I consider it a great compliment when someone chooses something from my shop and when they return, it’s even better!”
Lori McKenna
SoftCrochetByLoriAnn.etsy.com
Lori McKenna learned her craft when she was a child. “I’ve always been an avid crocheter,” she recalls. “My Aunt Patty taught me when I was 12. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing. I have five daughters it helped me to de-stress at the end of a busy day,” she says.
Her foray into business wasn’t exactly planned. “I had developed a chronic pain issue and I crocheted to keep myself busy. My husband came across information on Etsy and asked me if I’d ever consider selling my crochet. ‘I could sell the things I love making to people who actually want to pay me for them?’ I was blown away by the idea.” McKenna started small. “I took my favorite family gift item—soft chenille slippers—made a few pairs in a couple different sizes and colors, listed them, and my shop was born. I made my first sale within the first week.” Since then she has expanded her inventory and racked up close to 1,000 sales. No wonder she laughs when she says, “Etsy had me at ‘Cha-Ching’.”
Natalie Scherbaum & Tamara Gonza
NEFarmhouseDesign.etsy.com
Facebook and Instagram: @newenglandfarmhouse design
Use code MILFORDLIVING15 for 15% off
Natalie Scherbaum and Tamara Gonza are best friends and entrepreneurs. They began New England Farmhouse Design in 2019. “We have a passion for all things creative,” explains Gonza. “Handmade custom designed wood framed signs and home décor are created and crafted by us in our home studios.”
Together the duo has been quite successful on Etsy. “With over 5,500 sales on the site we are truly blessed for having such supportive customers both locally and worldwide,” says Gonza. And now you can purchase NEFD designs at Milford Pharmacy. Or look for them this summer at The Milford Oyster Festival on August 21 and at the Walnut Beach Arts & Crafts Street Festival on September 12.
