Osha Shealey Etsy Community Market Interview

Osha Shealey Etsy Community Market Interview

Etsy is teaming up with payments provider, Square, to warm Winter around Australia with a showcase of the best of the Etsy's community of designers, makers and curators on Saturday, 29th of July, in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide.

 

 

Interview with Designer Osha Shealey

Question: Can you tell us about what you sell on Etsy?

Osha Shealey: On my Etsy store you can find quirky yet elegant women's wear that I screen print and hand make, out of my Byron Bay studio.


Question: Why did you choose Etsy?

Osha Shealey: Having experienced the wonderful handmade community from being a regular Etsy shopper and lover myself prior, I chose Etsy as a selling platform when I decided to start Bilboa, because of all the support, information and handy hints the community and staff offer, which is really invaluable for a new business. Also having stumbled upon some of my now favourite brands on there by accident, I knew that opening an Etsy store would allow a wider range of people to come across my work, and give a stronger connections to my customers.


Question: What should we expect from the Etsy Community Market?

Osha Shealey: The Etsy Community Market is one of my favourite markets to participate and attend (when there's a chance to duck off and explore!), so be prepared to get wowed by an amazing array of locally made and designed stalls, ranging from ceramics, illustration, clothing and jewelry. Word of advice: get there early and try and score yourself a little one off something!


Question: Why are you grateful that Square is on board for the Etsy Community Markets?

Osha Shealey: It's great to have the support of a company who are offering a service and product that is super convenient and beneficial to small business.

Question: What are your goals for the next financial year?

Osha Shealey: For now I'm aiming to get an extra pair of hands on board to help out, and setting myself a bit of a challenge working on incorporating some new techniques into the next collection.


Question: Can you explain the term 'slow fashion movement"?

Osha Shealey: To me, the slow fashion movement encompasses the widening awareness that people are having towards their clothing, where it comes from and how it's made. It's about making considered decisions when buying something new, and wanting to know that all about the aspects that go into producing that piece, both from both an environmental and ethical view point.


Interview by Brooke Hunter