Ecoleeko- Etsy Shop

Read on to learn more about the Ecoleeko Etsy shop.  Sue creates some of the most adorable plush baby toys.  You will love how cute they are.  Check them out and let me know what you think/like about her shop!

-Green Mama

Introduce yourself.  What is your shop name/url?

My name is Sue and I created Ecoleeko. I live in Upstate NY in an old 1840’s historic home where I have my studio and create Ecoleeko. I also have 2 dogs, 1 cat and something like 22 chickens and 3 ducks. Besides Ecoleeko, I  volunteer as a Gallery Co-Chair a local Art Gallery, Head up the Cnyetsyteam, Love to do organic gardening and also make, paint or create other random things.

My Etsy shop is www.ecoleeko.etsy.com

How long has your shop been open on Etsy?

Ecoleeko shop has been on Etsy since July 2008

Is your Etsy shop a hobby or a career?

My Etsy shop started as a hobby with the intent to be a career. I knew I wanted to dedicate myself to Ecoleeko and hoped it would become a fulltime venture. It now is and I’m very pleased with how Etsy has helped me achieve that goal.

How did you get started?

My educational background is Textile design, so I knew I wanted to mix my interest in sustainable textiles that with my love of making dolls. At the time, I was making one of a kind Artdolls. There weren’t many brightly colored eco friendly options out there, so I set forth on creating some. At the time, my sister waspregnant, which also inspired me to create great kids items.

I had an Etsy shop once before, but created a new one to devote to Ecoleeko. I also created another website as well.

Do you sell your product(s) elsewhere? If so, where?

I sell them on my Etsy shop www.ecoleeko.etsy.com

I also have a website www.ecoleeko.com

I sell them on some other online sites as well such as-

• Wild Dill
• Kai Kids
• Bitsy Birdie
• Franklin Goose
• Polka Dot Patch
• WeeBGreen
• Green Little Beans
• And More

I also have them in retail stores across the US and in Canada listed on my links page on my website www.ecoleeko.com/links.html

Do you feel that Etsy has provided you with a supportive community to sell your products?

Definitely, it’s a great venue to sell on. I’m joined to 5 groups, one of which I started up here in Upstate NY. There are so many ways to meet other Etsians and learn from each other, cross promote, collaborate, etc. I do recommend joining any team that is relevant to your work.

Not to mention just your shop presence on Etsy will offer you opportunities to do some really interesting things you never would have had the opportunity to do and will market your work to people and editors who haven’t seen it. It’s a great networking site as well.

What is/are the product(s) that you sell?

I make handmade colorful eco baby rattles, plush toys, bath mittens and new snuggle blankees.  I hand dye and print all the fabrics myself in my studio and design and sew all the items, with some help with cutting from my husband, Tom.

What is the most popular item that you sell?

It changes from Season to season. Overall, I’d say The most popular doll would be Ellybo or Platywoo, Rattle would be seahorse, but now it’s the ladybug, bath mitt would be nelly or solar and the blankees are about even.

What materials do you use to create your product(s)?

The fabrics I use are organic cotton/hemp corduroy, organic Cotton French Terry and Bamboo Fleece. I am currently looking at new fabrics and hope to have them for the New Year in 2010. I use all natural fillings in the dolls such as kapok fiber, buckwheat hulls and walnut shells for bean bag weight in the arms and legs. I also use organic cotton thread to stitch everything and all natural blended yarns for the embroidered faces.

Do you create your product(s) with the environment in mind?

I definitely do. I am always seeking better materials and components for all Ecoleeko products. I use all 100% recycled paper in my packaging and tags. I sourced 80% recycled gift wrap and also offer that for holidays or occasions.

I plan on using all my recycled fabric scraps to create something, but haven’t figured out what yet. I try and make sure nothing goes to waste.

What makes your shop unique?

First fun to look at! Next I’d say it’s unique in the sense that there aren’t many eco friendly toy options out there, especially in textiles and plush, so Ecoleeko would be a great store to check out.

I also offer gift sets, gift wrapping and my profile lists extensively, all my information about materials, purpose, etc. Any purchase made gets sent out either within that day or the next. I pride myself on sending things quickly.

What do you love about what you do?

I think I love it all. I enjoy the changes in activity, so I really love to design, but then I get to go sew and see the finished dolls. Maybe the next day I’ll be dyeing fabric. It’s the cycle I appreciate and love.

How do you market your products?

I do different things. I have a mailing list that people can sign up to, for my newsletter that I will send out sometimes including discounts or info. on where I’ll be, what shows, new products, etc.

I also have a blog, where you can sign up for the newsletter of follow my blog posts at http://www.ecoleeko.blogspot.com

I also have done some local shows, that I will create a promo and hand out.

I have a twitter account at- http://twitter.com/Ecoleeko

And a facebook page at- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ecoleeko/44966611231

Why do you make and sell products through Etsy?

I started there, and I’ll continue there. It’s been a great venue for me, the community, the opportunities. We’ll see what the future holds!

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