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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Crimson Hill Soaps & Scents, a shop specializing in hand-poured bath and body products. The owner Angie writes in her profile "I take great pride in creating my handcrafted soaps and select bath and body products by only using the finest and highest quality cosmetic-grade ingredients. I truly enjoy the artistic process that soap making is!" Her soaps are beautiful! I recently purchased from the shop a bar of the Moisturizing Milks Soap-Goat, Soy, Buttermilk & Coconut Milks. The description of this soap explains that it "is made from naturally derived ingredients including glycerin and natural oils and is SLS and Paraben-free! It combines Goat Milk, Soya Milk, Coconut Milk and Buttermilk to provide the ultimate pampering your skin has ever felt! These FOUR milks will leave your skin wrapped in divine moisture and nourishment while the nutrients and vitamins go to work regenerating skin cells, improving elasticity and restoring softness. This will quickly become your new everyday soap!" Well, I loved it so much I've ordered 2 more bars! The soap comes as pictured here, was quickly shipped and is absolutely wonderful!
