Etsy Germany Steet Team Sellers: Swagg Jewelry

Name: April McGee-Riess
Location:Cologne, Germany
Country of origin: USA, Los Angeles, California-
Etsy Store: Swagg Jewelry
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Swagg-Jewelry-Designs/117403752870?ref=ts
Twitter: http://twitter.com/swaggjewelry

Tell us a little bit about what you make?
I make modern style jewelry. I love to use semi-precious gems with beautiful facet cuts and then sometimes mix them with things from nature, like wood, raw stones, shells, etc. The balance to create something wearable and appealing can be tricky, but it's my signature for design, from the day I started creating things as a hobby, which quickly became a business after I met a sales rep that helped launch my jewelry into the American Specialty Market.

What are some goals for your Etsy store?
To generate a following for my work and of course, to sell as much as I can.
I also like being part of the European Teams on Etsy, which creates supportive friendships and provides knowledge you can't get anywhere else. I've made some nice friends from all over the world, being a part of Etsy.

What item has been a ‘best-seller’ in your Etsy store?
Well, I have a couple. One is a ring that I've sold over and again on Etsy and elsewhere. It's a black onyx faceted ring nested in gold wire. The other one is a fairly new design I just made in the past 2 months. It's a pair of earrings made with a bright green colored faceted jade drop that is wire wrapped and has a swirl type earring hook.

How would you describe your style?
Modern style jewelry with a funky, earthy, edge.

Is this your full time work?
Yes, it's full time, but I'm not as busy as I would like to be. When I lived in the USA (Los Angeles, CA), I was selling wholesale, retail, artisan markets and custom designs for private clients. I'm just discovering more places to present and sell my work here in Germany and all over Europe. I still sell most of my pieces to USA customers.

Where do you do your work?
I work from home in our little artist loft. In an area of Cologne, Germany called Ehrenfeld. It's small, so my work space has a double purpose, my design space and the dinner table.

How would you like to see Etsy develop in Germany?
I hope it becomes as big as it is in New York and the rest of the States. Europe has so much creative talent. It just needs a venue like Etsy to get the word out.

What do you see as some of the benefits/potential benefits of being part of the German Etsy Street Team?
I think the benefits are that all of us are able to support each other, make friends and provide knowledge for all things Etsy and the creative world.