{sponsor feature + giveaway: Evy’s Tree}

This giveaway is now closed.

Enjoy the interview and be sure to enter the giveaway at the end!

My name is Amy and I am a 35-year-old mother of two amazing kiddos, Jacob and Evelyn, and wife to a youth pastor named Brandon. I am a 4th grade public school teacher by trade, but just under two years ago made my first hoodie and posted it on my family blog… shortly thereafter Evy’s Tree was born. We make embellished clothing for men, women and children, specifically hoodies and tees. I am told often that Evy’s Tree hoodies are unique because we have taken something as plain and practical as a hoodie and made it a statement piece… something you can wear lounging around the house or even dressed up to work or dinner out. My husband calls them “The Happy Hoodies” because I am told all the time that they make people happy.

How Evy’s Tree came into my life is completely by accident; definitely what I would consider a God thing. When I decided to stay home with Jacob, money was VERY tight. In October of 2009, I was inspired by many wonderful and creative stay-at-home moms who could whip up these beautiful items for their family with practically no money. So I borrowed my mom’s sewing machine and attempted to learn. In fact, I did a big post on my family blog regarding my feelings about being crafty right after I brought the machine home. The post is a bit of a joke now as I complained how I wasn’t creative, and yet here I am- creating for a living! You can read about that here.

Anyway, I started sewing a little for myself and then I took on the task, with some help from some do-it-yourself blogs, of embellishing some hoodies from my closet for a trip to Disneyworld that my family was taking in December. I got gobs and gobs of compliments while in Florida, and my nieces begged me to make them some for Christmas. When I returned home I made them all The Hoot {now retired}. My sister in law, whose nickname is Brilla, asked me to embellish her favorite hoodie for her and give it to her for Christmas. I made her the original Brilla, which is now my staple style. I took pictures of all the hoodies and put them on my blog after Christmas. Almost immediately I started receiving emails from people asking if they could purchase one. A couple of weeks later I put up a PayPal link on my blog and sold 15 in 30 minutes. And my business was born.

I am proud of the whole Evy’s Tree thing, actually. I would NEVER in a million years imagine myself doing something creative like I am doing. But I LOVE it. Absolutely love it. So I am proud that I overcame my doubts in myself and have developed something as great as it has blossomed into what it is today.

When I opened my Etsy shop, I was so disappointed that I didn’t sell one thing off etsy for about 3 months {I sold mainly in person and off my blog}. I think the first piece of advice I could give anyone starting an online shop would be don’t be discouraged. It does take time. Also, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. I sell often at markets, church ladies conferences or retreats and the first one I went to was a three-day overnight trip and I sold ONE hoodie the entire time. I was so discouraged and almost gave up. But the next one I went to I was the busiest booth out of all of them. My second piece of advice would be don’t give up.

Lastly, create a community of people who will support you. I know it sounds crazy, but I have some of the best friends that I have never met in person, but communicate with weekly. They all have online shops and have been so helpful to me. Also, don’t be afraid to hire help. It might cost you in the beginning, but it will come back to you in the end. It’s so important that you are good at what you do… if you are too overwhelmed or too tired to do it well, you will never succeed.

G I V E A W A Y: Amy is offering ANY in-stock item {yeow!}, to enter simply leave a comment below. *This lavender + grape ruffled hoodie is totally calling me.* Not only does Amy offer hoodies in her shop, but tees, cardigans & wraps, but accessories and more! *Share this post via your blog, Twitter or Facebook page* for extra entries. Be sure you leave a comment for each entry!

This giveaway is open to the US only and will end in a few days from now. I’ll announce the winner here and email them directly. GOOD LUCK!

PS. enter code GUSSYSEWS at checkout for *free shipping* on your order.