{featured artist :: kimberquinn}

Here at Gussy has a lot to say {and sew} we love to look at all things beautiful. Beautiful items to remind us of those we love, beautiful stories about finding joy and inner creativity…

Today is week #27 of my series on Featured Artists, which is a bi-monthly event showcasing fun and sassy handmade shops! I love searching for new wares to show the Gussy community. You can read all back Featured Artist posts by clicking here.

Please help me to welcome Kimber Quinn…

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What inspires you?

I would have to say my grandmother and children inspire me.

Name something unique to where you live.

We have waterfalls about 20 minutes from us. I try to take my children there on Sundays in the summer for a picnic and a hike.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.

I love spending time with my children, and I love to create.

How did you come up with your shop name?

That’s a funny one… I couldn’t think of a name so I went around to my family and had everyone try to come up with one. Then had them write them on paper. I put them in a hat and pulled one out… this is the one my daughter wrote. She came up with Kimber’s handmade bath & body.

Share a little bit about yourself.

My name is Kimberley. I am a single mother of two teens. I love making soaps, candles, and bath & body products. When I am not doing that, I love to go camping, hiking, spend time with my children, and ride on Harley’s.

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?

Inspired.

What made you decide to open up shop?

I have been making bath & body products for about 12 years. My children and I have allergic reactions to a lot of bath and body products, like cheap fragrances & soy products. My daughter also has eczema, so I did some research and started making my own cold-process soaps. Then that led into sugar scrubs, lotions, and more. I was making a lot of stuff then also giving to friends and family for Christmas and birthdays. They said my handmade items where great, that I should sell them online. About 3 years after that one of my friends told me about Etsy. I started on Etsy on June 17, 2007. I have come along way… People on Etsy are so friendly and quick to help. I am so glad I am a part of Etsy.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade?

I love the feeling I get when someone uses my products and comes back for more. I feel accomplished.

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?

Until about a month ago I was working two jobs. I was very busy with my online shop, my markets, and working two jobs. So I gave my two weeks notice at both jobs and took a leap of faith. Between my online shop and doing the markets I keep very busy.

Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.

I get up at 6 or 7 am and clean, make my children breakfast, then take the dog out. Then I check to see if I have any orders or convos from my shop. If so, I reply and start making orders. I do markets on Thursdays and Saturdays. It takes almost all day to make cold-process soaps; I’ll take another full day to make the candles.

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.

I have so many favorites on Etsy, it’s hard to choose. But if I had to pick one I would pick artbydonnarose. I bought this awhile ago and I absolutely love it — she has a lot of great items.

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.

When I was younger I stayed at my grandmother’s on weekends. We always did some kind of craft and baked. I loved it sooo much. I miss her now…. We used to make all kinds of Christmas ornaments, cards and floral arrangements.

Read any good books lately?

Right now I’m reading Advanced Aromatherapy by Kurt Schnaubelt.

What are you listening to right now?

Three Little Birds by Bob Marley

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why?

I would love to go to Italy to see where my grandparents are from.