I opened my first shop ‘ecogeneration’ on Etsy, end of October 2008. I had no idea what I was doing and I certainly had no direction as to what I was going to sell and how much to charge. But I was so flabbergasted when I had my first sale – a set of “Plastic Bottle Cap Birds Nest Magnets”.
I couldn’t believe that someone actually liked what I made from something that I would have thrown away! I didn’t know terms like “reclaimed” or “upcycled” but all I knew was that those plastic caps weren’t recyclable so I decided to make functional items with them instead of throwing them away. I also didn’t know that there was a whole ‘team’ of Etsy sellers whose mission was same as mine – to reduce waste and take care of this planet.
I found Team Eco Etsy upon research on Etsy and couldn’t wait to meet other greenies like me. I immediately contacted the team leader, Kate. Disappointingly, she informed me that the team was closed to new members but it will be open within a month. I imagined the team being this ‘exclusive’ network of serious eco-minded sellers who didn’t just want anyone to be a member. So I worked diligently hard to make items that are carefully crafted, genuinely eco-friendly, functional and sustainable. So, when I received the official “Welcome to Team Eco Etsy” e-mail, I was so honored to be part of the awesome team.
Since becoming a member to Team Eco Etsy, I stayed active, contributing as much as I can, and being involved as much as my time allowed. I learned so much from the forums, blog tips and tutorials, and team promotions. Then, Kate announced in December 2009 that she was having a baby and that she needed to find co-leaders to take over her duties. I considered the possibility of becoming a co-leader but was hesitant because I had no idea how to lead a team, let alone, a team with a serious mission of eco-friendliness and preserving the planet. The responsibility seemed so ‘heavy’ to me. But then, I found a fantastic member who was motivated to lead the team and promote not just the team and its members but to make a difference in our environment through team’s work. She was already a contributing editor for the team’s blog and was thrilled at the idea of co-leading the team with me.
So, as of March 15th, 2010, Rikkianne Van Kirk of Chakrapennywhistle (CPW) and I will be co-leaders for Team Eco Etsy – the premier team of eco sellers on Etsy. Am I scared or what? I am also thrilled. And honored. And excited. All in one.
Two Birds Pillows by Chakrapennywhistle
We are excited to be leading this awesome team and I hope the team members will continue to support the team as they have in the past. A team is only as successful as its members’ contribution and the dedication of the leaders. I have utmost confidence that we will work tirelessly to help the team to the next level as we continue our work to protect this wonderful planet.
Aren’t you excite for me? and the team? I certainly am.
And please, let me know if you have any advice for me on leading the team. I’ll need it.
