Interview with Amity Roach

Recently Jay, of Red Road Design and Ziggy and Friends, interviewed Amity Roach, Etsy's UK Community Manager, for the McEtsy blog and here is the result. Thank you to Jay for arranging this addition to our blog and a big thank you to Amity for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.

Amity Roach

Describe yourself in five words and how would your friends describe you (in five)!!
1 - A little weird but nice. 2 - You'd hafta ask my friends!

How did Etsy come about?
Six years ago a woodworker, painter and artist, Rob Kalin, was looking for a place to sell his work online. When he realised that there were few good options for him and his creative friends, Etsy was born. It was created by artists for artists, and I think you can feel that.

What do you love most about being with Etsy and is there a down side?
Etsy has an amazing vibe and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it. The exciting thing is that we're very passionate about helping people do what they love. The wider ramifications of that have the potential to change to local, and global, economy. In other words, we want to support people in changing their lives on a personal level, which, in turn, has the potential to empower communities, countries, and perhaps even the world.
The only downside is that I don't always have time to do everything I want to! My mental to-do list is a long one.

In your portfolio what are you most happy with?
My Etsy shop actually worked as a portfolio in itself - it got me several jobs in the fashion industry before I decided to focus on my business full-time. From starting on Etsy as a photographer trying to sell prints, all the way to becoming one of the top UK sellers with my line of recycled silver jewellery, I'm really proud of the way it took off. I feel like that in itself was the really big achievement, more so than any one particular design.

Nature Tags by Amity Roach

Of course a job at Etsy was an offer I couldn't refuse and the timing was great. I needed a break from jewellery (my shop is currently on hiatus) and was ready to take on other adventures. I'm really happy with many of the articles in the UK Edition of the blog. There are some journalistic pieces which I think have been helpful to the community and some shopping-focused trends articles which I know have gotten sellers some fantastic attention from outside of Etsy as well.

I'm feeling good about the "Beginner Seller Boot Camp" workshops I've created. They're not perfect yet, but it's super rewarding when newbies tell me how beneficial they are. I also love that I get to teach myself new making skills so that I can lead craft nights.

What’s your ideal working day?
At the moment, my ideal working day gives me some time to get crafty in the evenings! It's all about getting a balance for me, I find time for cooking and exercise - which are both really important to me - pretty much every day. But occasionally I'll find myself curating collections or writing an article in the wee hours. Working for Etsy can be incredibly addictive in a very positive way, and sometimes I feel like shouting "BINGO!" when I know I've nailed a particular piece of work.

Who influences you creatively?
Hands down, the Etsy community first. Corny and predictable but so true. Inspiration comes from many other places and people too, but right now I'm feeling very inspired by architecture and graffiti artists.

Craft Workshop at the Craft Fox Pop Up Market

Is there a PLAN B?
I don't think I've ever had a plan so much as just trusting whatever path feels good to me at any given moment.

Where’s your favourite place to work?
Home, surrounded by nature.

Coffee or tea
Tea fo sho.

Music on or off when working?
Definitely off when writing, I need the closest thing to silence. When crafting, music rules. I've been slightly obsessed with Everything Everything for a few months.

Any new personal creative adventures on the horizon?
Yes! It has to do with a new found love for embroidery. I'm hoping to do something outrageous and contemporary with it.