Introducing Dana Designs

I was recently looking for a new makeup bag for my purse.  I wanted something different and totally cute.  It also needed to be the perfect size; like 3 bears status, not too big, not too small.  As I was looking around I found Dana Designs on Etsy.  I spoke with Dana about partnering and she jumped on board.  Dana was so kind to send me two of the cutest makeup bags to feature.  They are great quality and add the style I wanted to my purse.  They are a great size because they hold all my girlie items that I carry with me every day.  Dana Designs carries handmade items including makeup bags, dog collars, crossbody bags, coffee cup sleeves, ebook covers, clutches, and more.   Please check out Dana's shop because you won't be disappointed. 

Shop:
Check out Dana's shop on Etsy.

The following photos are adapted from Dana Designs:

Meet:

Please tell us a little bit about your company and how you got started: 
My Etsy shop was started in order to fulfill by creative needs (I love being artsy/craftsy), and to have an income of my own. My husband is in the Air Force and we move nearly every 2-3 years, and for a while he was deploying frequently, so finding/keeping a job in my field was difficult, if not impossible ( I have a degree in Biochemistry) especially when my children were young. Having a shop on Etsy allowed me to work anywhere, and work around my family’s schedule. 

What has been your greatest lesson in running your own business? 
Consult a tax professional. My shop took off before I really knew what I doing…I am still learning 5 years later. 

What’s your greatest tip for entrepreneurs?
Just go for it…you won’t know if you don’t try. 

What does your normal day look like?
Once the kids are off to school, I head downstairs to my office/craft room. Depending on the workload that day, I try to respond to any Etsy emails or questions, then I send “Thank you” emails to customers for any new orders. Once all that is finished, I print out my orders that I can sew that day, and spend the rest of the day sewing and getting items ready to ship. My goal is to have all my Etsy stuff finished before the kids get home from school. Some days go smoother than others…you just never know.

Who inspires you?
I don’t know, I guess I am just self-motivated. I purposely do not look on Etsy at other shops that make/sell items similar to mine, because I don’t want to be influenced by someone else’s designs…I like to be confident that my designs are my own.