Monday Must-Have

Today marks a new installment of my Monday blog series titled Monday Must-Have. Each Monday I will feature a fellow talented Etsian and his or her phenomenal work. Each featured artist will have his or her own online Etsy shop where you can peruse and admire his or her one-of-a-kind body of work. Hopefully you will find new favorite artists and artisans whose work you MUST HAVE. :)

Today's featured artist Elena of FashionTouch.
Who are you (actual name/and or shop name)?

Hello, my name is Elena and I have an online boutique named FashionTouch.

What do you create?

I consider an accessory a simple way to add a perfect touch to any outfit. In my store you will find a large variety of knitted, crocheted and beaded accessories, like scarves and scarflettes, capelets, hats, bracelets and earrings.

Where are you located?

I live and create in the center of beautiful Regional Municipality of Niagara. The region of Niagara is a peninsula located between Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and The Niagara River. This region offers year around fun including visits to Niagara Falls and trips to award winning wineries, so the location is very inspiring.

When did you start creating?

I have been creating for as long as I can remember. As a child I knew my grandmother was a very creative person, I have lots of memories of her that always inspire me.
Why did you choose your shop name?

Since I have planned to create accessories, I was thinking what does it do. The first answer was – it adds a Fashion Touch. This phrase was chosen as a best fit.

What inspires you?

Many things inspire me however my main inspiration is my family. My husband is eternal support and inspiration, my parents, my little puppy, my new garden, the place I live at, my friends and just random people I may meet.

What is the most time consuming part of your craft/art?

My work in general is very time consuming. I have plenty of ideas and they are realized quickly enough, but it takes time to knit or crochet and to do the job right. I wish I could have more than 24 hours a day.

What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown and why?

We are just 15 minutes away from Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake. These 2 places are always welcoming visitors and I love them. It is like a small adventure every time we go. I also like to visit local flea markets.

What is your most popular item that you create (and why do you think it is so popular)?

Harmony in Peach Blush Bracelet is my best selling design. The picture is worth a thousand words. See it to believe it… I have sold this bracelet in many different colors and I am very proud that some of my customers even picked it for many important events in their lives, like weddings and prom dresses.

How do you acquire new clients?

My main focus is to create new items so my clients would have options to choose from. Thankfully I have friends who put my link on their website. I do have some followers on Twitter, so if someone would like to follow my updates please feel welcome to do so at: www.twitter.com/fashiontouch

What's your next project going to be?

I have just started a new type of capelet, so it will be coming soon, in beautiful mermaid colors. I consider the capelet is one of the most feminine accessories and it adds a nice vintage touch to any ensemble.

What types of things do you do to turn first time buyers into repeat clients?

I am offering discounts on any additional purchase for each customer. I also offer combined shipping and was blessed with repeated customers. Communication with my customers is the key point as well. I am always welcome to the special orders, including wholesale orders and I am willing to negotiate.

What do you do when you are not creating?

I recently became a big fan of gardening. I also enjoy fishing with my husband and long walks with my little puppy.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I am very glad to have the opportunity to be featured on this blog. I am inviting everyone to visit my online boutique FashionTouch and I am sure you will be able to pick something for your self or someone special to you.

Happy Mothers day to everyone!

Be sure to check out Elena's shop! If you're interested in being featured in future Monday Must-Have segments, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or email me. Have a wonderful day!