5.13.2010

Interview with Junghwa by Amy Stewart


Today It's Simple Love has the honor of hosting an interview with fellow blogger and creator Amy from Junghwa by Amy Stewart!  This is a blog that I read daily because of it's airy-light feel and its blissful images.  Junghwa by Amy Stewart highlights creations from her etsy, fashion trends, and exerts of her life.  Amy writes about her blog, "Some of it are useful tips, some just jibber jabber".  She has her own line of jewelry and gift supplies in which she sells on her etsy.  Her hand-made creations are also sold on Brooklyn Thread, an online store.  She has only had her etsy for a mere five months and it has had huge success and has been mentioned on various blogs from Bride Blu, a wedding tip blog, to redBungalow, a fashion and beauty blogger.  Her rope bracelets were also mentioned on Luckymag.com, find the article HERE.  It is no wonder why she has huge success, just sneak on over to her blog and etsy and instantly, you'll know why.
Here are some questions and answers for a sneak peak behind the successful creator and blogger Amy Stewart and her success


1. What got you into blogging?
I used to write in journals a lot.  It helped clear my head.  Then I realized that journals could be read of parents!  So, I ended up giving it up after several years.  My sister has her own business and told me that it would be a good idea to have a blog along with my Etsy shop.  That is pretty much how I started blogging again.  Of course this time around I'm not writing about my crushes in school and how upset I am for being grounded.  I think the many years off helped me fine tune my content and style of writing.  I write how I speak.  And I love having this connection with people from all over the world.  I have great followers and I follow some amazing blogs.  It's been so fun and I hope to keep blogging for a long time.  As long as people can stand to read about my stuff!
2. What makes a successful blog in your opinion?
I wish I had a really good answer for this, but I think many attributes make for a successful blog.  The first thing is to be mindful of your content.  What you write about usually determines the type of people you will attract.  I think that including any type of fashion is helpful, since many people can relate and definitely have a sense of humor.  I also think that being a gracious blogger is also very helpful.  If people are taking the time to leave you kind words, it is nice to return the favor.  Also, be courteous.  Free speech is one thing but trying to rip bloggers apart just isn't right.  It's alright to voice your opinion but do so with thoughtful words.  And hosting giveaways doesn't hurt either. 
3. How long have you been creating jewelry and what got you into that?
I started my Etsy shop in January, because I love designing.  Since as far back as I can remember, I have been a creative person.  I've always wanted to share that with the world, but just didn't have an outlet.  Then lack of time played a huge factor.  I saw how successful my sister had become and so with her help I started my shop.  It had been a long time since I had a hobby of my own.  It feels good knowing that even one person out there likes what I do.  I'm still learning and I make mistakes, but that is part of the fun or at least that's what I keep telling myself. 

4. What is your favorite piece in your Junghwa line right now?
I'm probably suppose to say "I love all my pieces, because I think they're all wonderful."  But, actually I really love my custom linen drawstring pouches.  I have made so many of those and they turn out so lovely each and every time.  I usually make them as wedding favors or shop bags.  I custom stamp each pouch with whatever the customer wants.  I also coordinate the drawstring with the ribbon by the color the buyer chooses.  I love knowing that my hard work is being enjoyed by someone.  I would have loved to have had these at my wedding.
5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from people around me and also from myself.  I like to create things that I would wear or use.  It's hard to promote something if you don't believe in it.  I back all my pieces.  I look at different colors and textures around me and think about how I would like to incorporate them into my work.  That said, I get inspired by others, but I don't copy them.  I've had some trouble with people copying my pieces, but I've been taking it all in stride.  I just think about all the good things in my life and then I stop trying to dwell on the negative.  Don't dwell!
6. Any advice on how to start up your own Etsy?
I say that if you have an idea, then go for it.  You don't have anything to lose.  If it becomes successful, that's great.  If not, then start over with something new.  But do something you enjoy, because who wants to sit there creating something they hate over and over again?  Also, don't get too caught up in whether or not you've sold something that day.  You can drive yourself mad thinking about it too much.  Even the most successful shops have their downtime.  It's also a good idea to have everything ready pre-opening.  Meaning, have all your pricing, shop policies, packaging, photography, and such ready so you don't have to stress about it later.

Thank you Amy for shedding some light into your own life and in the etsy and blogging world.


Items Shown:

36 comments:

Unknown said...

This is so sweet! I am blushing. Thank you Racheal for all the kind words. I just adore you and your blog. Thank you!!!!!!!

Liesl said...

I adore Amy and what a lovely interview post...love it and am so happy for her success thus far! :)

Liesl :)

Diana Mieczan said...

Such a great post! Amy sounds so lovely and I adore her work....
Hope you are having a happy day:)
Kisses

Laura said...

love all this stuff, great posst!

Joanna said...

I already follow her blog and heart her shop! She has such amazing things. :)

Mimi said...

great interview! i loved reading it. :)

http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Awww Rachael, you are so nice!
Great interview.


LOVE!

Ricademus said...

You did a great job on the interview! But I may be a little biased, I think Amy is wonderful. Her creativity is accompanied by kindness, grace and a great sense of humor.

Blair McLeod said...

lovely creations! cute interview -- cute gal!

Unknown said...

Awesome Rachael! Amy is one of my favorite bloggers, she is such a sweet and cool girl, and I'm so glad you highlighted her! XO!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Such a lovely designer and such a lovely person!

Anonymous said...

i adore amy's blog and shop! this was such a great interview! i really want to start up an etsy shop one day, but i need to become craftier and come up with something unique to sell!! =)

Amanda @ Life with A.Co said...

This is fabulous!

I'm a follower of Amy and when she mentioned she'd been interviewed by you, I had to come check it out for myself. It's awesome.

Today is my first day on your blog, but I can tell, I'll be back.

Keep up the great blogging! :D

A.Co @ A.Co est. 1984

lesapeamusings.blogspot said...

Thank you Rachael, I loved the interview, especially the part when she talked about being mindful of your content and what makes a blog successful. I will definitely be checking out Amy's jewelry.

Much Love.

Anonymous said...

nice post rachel. and i love her design, and thank you for the comment on my blog dear :)

Free Pretty Things For You said...

You are like the Sweetest!!
Thank you SO much for all the super lovely comments you left!
I cant wait to go through all your post! wonderful blog my dear! :)
XoxO
Keren

French Lover said...

I loved reading this interview.
You have a very cute blog, I love love it ! J'adore !

Rhiannon Bosse said...

Oh I love discovering new Etsy sellers so thank you for pointing me in Amy's way :) Wha hoo! Great interview xo

Anonymous said...

So nice to see 2 of my favorite bloggers on the same page! Great interview, love her! xo

p.s. I am having my first giveaway if your interested. xo

Shelley said...

wonderful interview! i think ive visited your blog before but now im a follower!!

Josie said...

I LOVE her blog and her Etsy store! I think I'm going to buy one of her pretty rope bracelets for summer -- so cute! What a fab interview, love!
xxoo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Jen said...

Hey Sweetie! Isn't she the best? I'm usally at her blog at least once a day! And great interview. Always love learning more about my favorite bloggers!

trishie said...

Great interview, Rachel!

Green Girl said...

fabulous interview! although a new blog, junghwa's already one of my favorites:) congrats Amy!

Hope Chella said...

Amy is awesome :D Just saying!!!!!

Anonymous said...

wonderful interview dear and I adore Amy's etsy. beautiful work. x

:: Lavender's Green :: said...

I love Amy's blog and Etsy shop! Great interview :D

x Jasmine

Couture said...

Great interview!!

Unknown said...

Great interview! Nice to learn more about the lovely Amy!

mel said...

wow, she is so inspirational and sweet! i must go see her blog and etsy i love those pieces:) amaizng interview.. hehe fairy bread, i white bread, butter and sprinkles on top - a party treat when i was little! yeah took the photos myself i love photography:) have an amaizng weekend rachel
xx

Cat said...

What a fabulous interview! I adore Amy, her blog, and her work!!!!!

xo Cat

ps. Thanks for the blog mention my dear :)

Unknown said...

what a great post! and blog!! thanks for leaving that sweet comment on my page! xoxox

Emilie said...

Great interview!
x

daisychain said...

what a fab interview, and I am in love with her creations!

Iva Messy said...

this is a super fantastic interview!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE blogger interviews!! so much fun!! always great to learn more things about them!

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend! :)

Myra - twigs and honey said...

YEAH! Great interview and thank you for mentioning lil me! Matt and I are writing to you from Paris right now! Love all your work. I'm so happy for you and your shop! :D

Find Maeberry Vintage Clothing Store online at maeberryvintage.etsy.com or at our Salt Lake City, Utah location 207 East Broadway (300 South) in the lower level of Now & Again.