Etsy Spotlight Interview #21 with Harley Cro Studio

 

Many thanks to Rachel for taking the time for our Etsy Spotlight Interview!

How did you come up with your business/shop name?
Harley & Cro Studio is a shoutout to my favorite dogs – Harley and Cronus (Cro for short). They inspired some of my early paintings and hey, it rhymes!

Tell us a bit about your logo…
I rebranded often in my first year, but I’m super pleased with this version. My shop has evolved quite a bit since it began, and I’ve landed in the wedding décor space. I wanted my brand to embody something casual, a little romantic but lighthearted.

When did you open your Etsy Shop?
September 2014

What has surprised you the most since launching?
Honestly, that people buy my things! I was fully prepared to shutter the project within the first few months. I launched the shop on a whim, feeling a need for a little creativity in my life. I was shocked when my first order came through. I mean… that cha-ching sound – I literally jumped out of my chair! It has slowly built over the past year, and I’m excited to see where it goes.

Please tell us about your shop and the items you sell…
My shop specializes in custom, rustic signs and gifts. I paint each sign by hand, so I really spend some time with every project. I love creating one-of-a-kind the pieces for each couple, especially when it is something totally unique they have envisioned. It has been the most fun experience and something I’m really proud of.

Do you have a “Top Seller” or a personal favorite item?
I’d say I have two best sellers. The original save the dates were the first wedding item to really take off, and they have been popular ever since. Meanwhile, the “better together” chair signs have been a big hit for the 2015 wedding season. It’s been so fun to be just a little part of a couple’s big day.

Where can we find your work?
Browse: Harleycrostudio.etsy.com
Instagram: @harleycrostudio

Where are you based?
Virginia

Is this your full time job?
I spend the week working in communications. But my shop has my evenings and weekends pretty booked these days, too!

Where do you get your inspiration?
My studio. I recently reorganized a spare bedroom and fully dedicated it to all things Etsy. It’s nice that my projects have a place to live, and the organized space helps to clear my mind.

What are you favorite books or blogs?
Besides limefishstudio? 🙂 Honestly, mostly wedding sites. It qualifies as research, I suppose, but there are few things more beautiful than love.

You cannot live without…
blankets – I don’t do cold weather well!

You’re not a fan of…
mornings

We wouldn’t guess that…
my husband hates when I use the power tools. I’m a bit clumsy…

You have the silly habit of…
Adding things I’ve already done to my to-do list just so I can cross them off  🙂

Do you have advice for other Etsy shop owners?
Believe in yourself. I know, I’m rolling my eyes too – but it’s something I really struggle with. Having family and friends who support me has been my biggest blessing.

Other Etsy shops you love…
Brown & Nash Designs – I happen to know these ladies personally, and they are as lovely as their signs are!

One day, you hope to…
Grow Harley & Cro Studio into a full-time gig

Rachel also wants to give a special shoutout to her husband, Matt, who’s “a huge help in times of stress. He constructs the larger signs and sands, stains, and preps for shipping when I need a little extra help!”

I hope you loved learning about Harley Cro Studio as much as I did!

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