I started my business in 2008 when I was laid off. Tired of working for other people I used my unemployment and got right to work. I started on ebay doing cross stitch only. After a few small orders I finally got my big break - a $1,000 box of kits! Took me just a few months but I finished and was able to move on from there. I tried listing on craigslist, amazon as well as ebay and didn't get very many bites. Finally someone saw my application for a web-code tester and debugger and I was introduced to etsy through the "back door". Did a few months working in the web development team and was told I should open a store. So, in September 2010 I opened my etsy store. This was fine at first but I realized I needed alchemy to make it happen. Well, they shut down alchemy and I went in search of a better location - I think I have found it! I am happy to join the artfire team and I look forward to being an asset to this wonderful group of artisans.