No time like New Year’s Eve to meet Katy Larson of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Kate’s shop on Zibbet is called Kakers. You’ll find crocheted and knitted crafts. She has lots of scarves, gloves and hats to keep you warm, blankets to snuggle under to keep the cold January chill away. Ever see a round afghan? She has this beauty for sale in her shop.Kate loves cats and she knows what they like. Check out her unique cat toy inventions.Please enjoy the interview, leave Kate a comment, and then use the Share Tools so others can read it, too. Please spread the Zibbet Love!
My name is Kate, or I also go by Katy. I am 30 years old and I have a wonderful husband named Eric. We do not have children, we have cats instead. My shop is mostly crochet, though I sell some basic jewelry at times and am working on building a selection of knit items as well.
I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, which means I use the science of behavior and my job specifically is with children with autism and Down Syndrome. It’s such a rewarding job, and really helps with learning patience and problem solving.
Creating, whether it’s crocheting, knitting, making jewelry, or tie-dying, relaxes me. It’s a great way to wind down after a rough day or week. My inspiration for items I create varies and is typically just things that come up in ever day life. For example, I started making wallets because I got a new purse and needed a better wallet for it, so I figured out how to make one. I make a lot of things that I love and that I personally use myself on a regular basis.
I look up to my sister, because she is awesome. She is very dedicated to everything she does and can always manage to come up with a great idea or a better way to do something.
So many! I am lucky in that I am truly passionate about my job but also I am passionate about my family. I am passionate about swing dancing, it’s such a blast. Also I am passionate about gymnastics! Not just watching it, but as a great way of getting some exercise.
There is so much that I love about Zibbet. Of course I love that there are free shops offered, for people who are just getting their feet wet or don’t yet have the revenue to go Premium. Though I have had a Premium shop for over a year now, and enjoy the customization I can do, the option for free shops is a great way for people to see what to expect here. Another thing I really love about Zibbet is the community, after experiencing some seller communities with some brash attitudes I really appreciate how supportive both the sellers and the Zibbet staff are. Whether it’s in the community section or in Faceook groups related to Zibbet, the people involved with Zibbet are always positive and supportive!
Guest checkout I think would be the biggest improvement.
I do a lot of online promotion on my shops Facebook page, on twitter, I more recently started a blog though it is more about my daily adventures, which often involve creating things for my shop, rather than about promoting the shop. I pin things on Pinterest every time I list them. I carry my business cards with me everywhere and hand them out especially when someone comments on something I am using or am making in public. I crochet all over the place, including at McDonalds on my lunch break or in the airport and on an airplane when traveling. That gives the opportunity for people to approach me to comment on what I am doing and opens the door for me to hand them a card. Also, I like pages with my shops Facebook page and try to comment or like from there, so people can stumble across me that way.
Put in every bit of energy you can into your shop. Take some data on what sells when, or on what promotions bring the most views and sales to your shop so you know what to do again and what is a waste of your time. Have a poll to see what people want to buy, and listen to it! It took me a year to finally make more fingerless gloves even though it was the most requested thing on my poll, and a pair sold faster than anything I’ve listed once I finally added them. Also, really utilize the community. Chat in the forums, or the chat room. Join Facebook groups related to Zibbet. You will find a lot of tips and suggestions and strategies or just a great listening ear.
Older, and a better knitter. Maybe a successful west coast swing dancer. Overall in the future I’d like to be just like I am now but more awesome.
Tags: Featured Zibbeters, Kakers
