Today’s Featured Friday Female is Deb DiSalvo of Artistic Flair.  The amazingly creative Deb makes beautifully crafted fused glass artwork pieces.   

Here is our Q&A session:

How did you get started working with fused glass?  

I actually started out making beaded jewelry about 10 years ago and did various art shows selling my work. About 4 years ago, I started taking ceramic classes that led me to coming up with my own line of ceramic jewelry pendants. I soon purchased my own kiln and was producing all my ceramic pieces from home. Fusing glass always peaked my interest and I took a fused glass pendant class. Once I realized that I could fuse glass in my own kiln, my creativeness took off. The possibilities with fusing glass are endless, and this is what intrigues me the most . Although I still like using clay and making ceramic jewelry, my focus right now is on making my fused glass artwork.

When did you open your etsy store?  

 I opened my Etsy store in January of this year. I needed another means of getting my glass artwork out to the public.

Besides etsy, where else do you sell your work?  

I do various art shows in the Columbus and surrounding areas and also do home parties.

When did you start your blog?  And why did you start it?  

I actually started my blog a couple months ago. I honestly didn’t know that much about blogging until joining Etsy. While chatting with other sellers through the Etsy forums, it seemed that lots of people talked about their blog. I didn’t get the hype. After looking into it and getting some great tips from a fellow Etsy seller and blogger, Timothy Adam (Timothy Adam Designs), who provides tips about getting traffic to your blog, among other great resources, I gave it a go and I must say, I really enjoy it! My blog is primarily about my artwork and my most recent creations. In a nutshell, if I can get people to my blog, I can get them to my Etsy shop, and thus, make a sale (or at least give me some great comments and/or advice about my business).

What type of marketing/promotions have you found works well with your product and store?  

Through blogging, I found several networks that I love and joined their groups (i.e., Divaprenuer, Posh Mama, Indiepublic, to name a few). I have gotten great response and ideas, especially from lots of women who stay at home, like myself, and are trying to promote their business as well. I have to say, its a lot harder than I thought when I started selling my things on Etsy. I literally thought my items would “fly off the shelves” within minutes from listing them (oh…if it were that simple). I had NO idea that you have to network and get your name out there, make contacts with people, and really promote your business through the Internet! There are so many people doing this – you have to find what makes your product different and unique and then sell, sell, sell. Its been interesting and I’m learning every day.

How do you balance family and business?  

Oh, you’re supposed to balance them?? I must have forgotten to read that in the “family handbook.” LOL! Actually, that’s a hard one. Since “going cyber” I have been on the computer.  A LOT! I am married and have a 5-yr. old son and coming up with my creations, making my artwork, promoting on the Internet.  AND spending quality time with the family.  yeah, its tough. My house doesn’t get cleaned all that often!!! I have a magnet on my refrigerator that says, “I’m creative..you can’t expect me to be neat too!”   So, I try and do my promoting and artwork while my son’s in preschool and when my husband gets home from work. Or, when my son’s off watching Star Wars or Spongebob Squarepants – thank god for TV! I don’t pretend to be the super mom – I’m lucky enough to have a husband who knows how “crazed” I can get when I’m involved with one of my pieces and he lets me do my thing!

Do you have a favorite piece?  

Yes, its actually my “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” piece – a re-creation of Audrey Hepburn in her famous pose in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I love her – what a true diva!

What is your creative process when creating a new piece?  

My inspiration truly comes from people, places and things that I am passionate about and I like to express my ideas through fun and colorful designs that are a reflection of me. I also love when I get the challenge to make a custom piece for someone. I like to research an idea, find out what the buyer’s interests are, get a feel for exactly what they want and BAM.  I’m off and running. I get excited making new things from other people’s suggestions – my Breakfast at Tiffany’s piece was also someone else’s idea that came to life! My whole creative process starts with an idea.

What does the future hold for Artistic Flair?  

The future – god, I can hardly even think what I’m doing an hour from now..I really like to stay in the moment and appreciate what I have. Although it would be nice to make it big in the art world and to be rich and famous from my art pieces, there’s always more work with that and right now this is fun for me. I would not want my art to be something I did not look forward to.

Do you have any tips or words of advice for people looking to start an etsy store or other new business?

 Just what I said before about really promoting your product as much as you can through other networks, blogging, joining lots of groups that have your same interests and to hang in there – a sale will come! I may have not made a ton of sales yet, but I’m meeting some fascinating people and have been receiving some great feedback. Its all a learning experience.

Is there anything you’d like to add?  

My favorite motto is “Do what you love.  Love what you do.”  Isn’t that what it’s all about?

If you are interested in Deb’s fused glass work, please check out her blog or etsy store.

Remember to live your life to aspire and inspire with HerBigIdea.com!