Name of your website?Mizz Moxie Designs
Your name?
Jo Moxie
Your Location (city, etc)
Ottawa
Please give us a short summary of your website?
My website consists of one-of-a-kind (OOAK) items that have been handmade by myself. I have listed many beautiful beaded jewelry itemsfor everyday and special occasions such as weddings, clothing items - such as my flowy scarves- and vintage items. I am adding new items everyday!
What inspired you to launch your own website?
I have been creating and designing my own jewelry since the age of nine. After a close friend suggested Etsy, I knew I had to create enough items to open my own shop! It has been so much fun and very exciting for me to finally be able to have the world looking at my jewelry!
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
I first launched the website very recently- May 2009! It is a special month as it is the month my son was born. I wanted the birth of my shop to coincide with the birth of the most important person in the world :)
How did you decide on a name for your website?
Oh gosh! I don't really know. I suppose it is because when I first started to use MSN Chat in 2002 I needed a screen name. I love the name 'Roxy', but it was pretty common at the time so I chose MOXIE. Then I added the "Mizz" to it and I suppose "Designs" just fit into the mix! Thank you for asking!
What makes your website different from other, similar offerings?
I ask myself the same thing often and think "What can I do to make myself stand out more?!" I think the answer lies in the way I take my photographs and how I present my listings. I love humour and try to create listings that could make anyone smile, no matter what your level of humour. I also create some pretty unique jewelry items that I know are not common. In fact, I have only ever seen one other item like mine on the internet in all my searches!! Also, I beleive that all of my items are truly beautiful and beauty stands out ;)
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
My goal is to maintain the site and create a steady income for myself. Not necessarily enough to support my family but enough to give me some spending money for fun things for my family. Trips, clothing, more beads ;) At this point in time, I hope to ALWAYS have my website!
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
So far, I have invested more time and money that I have achieved success. And I don't mind! Maintaining my website is really fun and I LOVE to create. I could sit around and craft all day and I never tire of it. Although my family does get a bit fed up with the clutter I can accumulate.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I would offer lower shipping prices. I find that shipping items costs SO much money! That bothers me. I feel like I'm stealing from my customers when I have to charge for shipping. Also, I would either pay for a professional photographer or buy a nice new, top of the line camera so that my pictures are uber brilliant.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
At this point in time-YES! I am a stay-at-home mom and my son is full-time in grade school. I have plenty of time in the day. It is my dream to stay home creating and taking care of my family.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
So far-none! I have been very lucky. I know that I will have to deal with shipping at some point and I do worry about the cost of that. Also, listing each item takes a lot of time and patience but it's not really a significant complaint. I'm pretty happy!
What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge was in the creating! It took me over 2 years to aquire enough handmade items to fill my online shop. I wanted my customers and window shoppers to have a good amount of items to view. I also wanted to have a good selection so that potential customers can get an idea of what I have, will have and what I can make for them in the future.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
So far I havent really had much luck. I have been advertising but they are so fresh and new I have yet to see how well that works out for me. I have a Flickr account, Twitter and a Blog but who reads those!? I have however, been able to get a few followers to my shop thru the Etsy Community.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
It's a lot more fun than I thought it would be! I had no idea I would like it this much. The anticipation I wake with each morning to see if anyone new loves my site, if I made a sale or the excitement of listing a new item has been wonderful.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
I have only been up and running for one month, but I am hoping this will be a permanent website. I imagine myself as a Grannie and still listing my items. Although by that time I may just be listing handmade dishclothes and knitted socks. But hey, everyone needs socks!
What is your favorite past-time when you are away from your website?
I love to spend time with my family. My son is hilarious and my boyfriend is incredibly supportive. We have a lot of fun together be it watching tv ( which we love to do! oh no!) or playing outside with dangerous childrens toys-like those toss and catch games-, we all have a good time together. Our home is full of laughter all the time. We are a happy bunch:)
What is your website address?
Mizz Moxie Designs
