ETSY is a wonderful platform for handcraft artists to share their talents AND make a little money, maybe evening a living. But how about bringing a family together? That is just what Lisa, the owner and designer behind the online ETSY store “Powers of Love” is trying to do. Lisa, a proud owner of 3 “very spoiled” dogs and wife of 13 years to a wonderful husband, learned to crochet when she was just a pre-teen. A few years ago Lisa re-kindled her passion for crocheting when she discovered a love for making hats for family and friends. She credits her niece for fanning the flame, asking her to make her a “beanie.” When asked what her favorite items in her ETSY store are, she responded, “I like all the items in my shop, but if I had to pick a favorite I would say it is a toss-up between the slouchy newsboys and the black newsboy hat with star buttons. “ So why did Lisa decide to turn her hobby into an online business? And how did she decide on the Powers of Love name? Lisa and her husband have longed to have children but have struggled with infertility. After several years and a lot of research, the couple decided to pursue adoption through the foster care system. Despite the defrayed cost compared to infant adoption, the process is still very expensive. Under the encouragement of a family friend, Lisa opened her store to help raise money towards the adoption process. While discussing the store, a friend made the comment to Lisa that she “should not give up hope of having a family because one day the ‘Powers of Love’ will bring us together with a child or children and make us a family.” Lisa’s maiden name is Powers, and hence Powers of Love was born. I asked Lisa to tell me a little more about her desire to be a mom and the decision to pursue adoption. Her words on the subject are both moving and inspirational. Grab a tissue as you read why both she and her husband are pursuing this option for parenthood.
“We started out wanting 1-2 children, that changed to 2-3, and now we said we would take anywhere from 2-4. We would love a sibling group. We both desperately want to be parents. We love children, and know they would add so much to our lives. We know that it won't always be easy, that there will be tears, joy, sorrow, pain, and trials, but we know that we will get through them. We are here to love the children unconditionally, give them a forever home, kiss their scrapes, dry their tears, listen to their tantrums, help them through the hard times, and hold them tight. Hopefully someday we will be able to make a foster child/children's dream of a forever family a reality and they will be able to make our dream of having a family come true.”
Lisa reports that overall, selling on ETSY has been a great experience. She has made many new connections, met wonderful people, and joined several teams, such as Team Ignored on Etsy, Promotional Frenzy Team, Fun and Friends Promotion Team, and Etsy Promotion Forum to name a few. Alchemy was a friend to her business by providing custom orders, one that she misses with its discontinuance, but she continues to build her business and look to the future.
I asked Lisa for 5 random facts about herself to share with readers. Here they are:
1. I love ice water. The colder, the better.
2. I am a chocoholic, and justify eating it by saying there is milk in there so that makes it a dairy product.
3. I was a nanny in California for 3 years and miss San Francisco with all my heart.
4. I love to go fishing with my Dad, but am terrified of the bait and the fish. Crazy ... I know!
5. I love to spend time with my family.
So my wonderful readers, please spread the word, and let's help this would be mom (and dad) raise the money they need to bring children into their welcoming and loving home.
As part of this feature, Lisa is offering 25% off purchases in her store using coupon code YAY25 at checkout. Please be sure to check the store out today!
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This past week I’ve been writing out “Thank You” notes in response to all the generous gifts we recently received for our baby shower. It got me thinking, other than a birthday card, when is the last time I took the time to write by hand a meaningful note to someone? My husband and I often scribble each other little surprise messages to put in lunches, I write little “thank you” notes to customers with their orders, but these are all 1 or 2 liners. In an age of technology, were e-mails and Skype have taken the place of snail mail for communication, writing or receiving a handwritten note or letter has gotten lost. I genuinely enjoyed writing the thank you cards to all of our family and friends. I found that it meant a lot to ME personally to be able to express in INK to our family and friends how truly grateful we are not just for their generous gifts, but that they are in our lives. 
Angela of ASDESIGNS! (also known as Angelas Paper Art on ETSY). Congratulations to Angela! She has 48 hours to contact me or an alternate will be picked. 
I've been given the Versatile Blogger Award by Debbie of Sew Me a Memory Boutique, a fabulous fellow ETSYArtisan and Promotional Frenzy Team member. Debbie makes the most beautiful clothing for young girls as well as other accessories. This is my first blog award and it is a great opportunity to pass it along to other deserving bloggers. Thank you so much Debbie!
