I Opened an Etsy Shop - Chicago Artist Beaded Bracelet Stacks MaederCo January 2020

I opened an Etsy shop called MaederCo!

I think it was getting ready one and looking at my jewelry thinking I could make some of these pieces about 2 years ago. I asked Lex what he thought and he agreed I should go pick up some beads. It took 2 years of making my own bracelets and selling a few bracelets here and there on my Instagram to finally create a shop.

Its a vulnerable thing, being a business owner and artist. Putting your work out daily into the world hoping that it will connect with just one person, hoping someone hires you or buys your work. Every time I share that I have made a new stack I feel that rush. A mix of excitement and nervousness.

When I launched my shop in the beginning of November 2020, I was hoping just one person would buy a stack. And I nearly sold out of my original inventory and made back almost what I spent the entire year on supplies. Which is amazing!! This has allowed me to continue to buy new supplies and create new work.

My sister and I used to make jewelry and sell it to the neighbors growing up. We made those awful swatchesโ€ฆdo you know what I am talking about? The beaded bands you would hook to a watch head? We had several orders for those and would sell some pieces at garage sales. So it has been so much fun to continue this jewelry making journey!

One goal for the next year would be to get a booth at an art show! Fingers crossed art shows can happen this year and I can try selling at these shows I love going to so much :)

Check out my work here and stay tuned! I have been working on several new stacks that will get added very soon! I also take custom orders!