Hello!
I hope you are all enjoying your week!!
Today I wanted to share an interview with the sweet and talented Sara Duckett of Sadie Olive with you....And she is rather gorgeous as you can see : ) I am in love with Sara's unique beautiful style....
I will also be giving away a 600.00 gift certificate to Sadie Olive...
The winner will be allowed to use the gift certificate on design services or it can be used in Sara's shop....
Giveaway details will be at the bottom of the post.
Sara designed my shop website as well as my blog....
I can't tell you how happy I was with how everything turned out, I love Sara's work and highly recommend Sara's design services....
Sara truly is an inspiration to me in so many ways, that is why I am so excited to share her inspiring interview with all of you today... I hope you enjoy the interview and don't forget to sign up for the 600.00 Sadie Olive gift certificate giveaway if you wish to do so.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to start your design business, Sadie Olive.
I was always inspired by the small boutiques my mom and I used to frequent to buy home décor and knick knacks while growing up. I often dreamt of owning my own shop and imagined how much fun it would be to purchase inventory and stage the products that I sold. One weekend in 2007 I was reading a magazine about women entrepreneurs and I was literally compelled to jump up and make a go of it. I decided an online shop was the easiest way to start, so I filled for a business license, registered a domain name and the rest is history. It was supposed to start as a part time venture, while I worked full time in the mortgage industry, but a few short months after I started the business, I was laid off from my underwriting job. I was devestated thinking I had to give up on my dream, but after I was unable to secure another full time job, I started offering design work to my blog readers. Much to my surprise and delight, several of them hired me to help with their own blogs and soon I had fairly steady stream of clients coming my way.
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I love the name Sadie Olive, is their a story behind the name of your business?
Sadie Olive is the name Josh and I picked for a future daughter while we were struggling with infertility. When I started my business, I was terribly depressed, and the business was a perfect distraction from all of that heartache. I thought it was fitting that I use the name for my new venture.
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Sara and Josh recently adopted a beautiful baby boy named Finn.
What type of design work do you specialize in?
(You can read more about Sara's blog designs here)
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On an average how long does it take to have a website built such as an online shop?
About a week. Most of my clients with online shops use a ready made site from Pappashop.com, the website and shaping cart are already built in and ready to use when I start my "design" process. So my job is to style the site and create a look that reflects the business and the owners message and personality. All of my designs are custom made for each client.
I will send a series of questions over along with instructions for signing up for their website. I usually ask for color preferences, font choices, and design notes on anything specific they might want. Then I will use those notes to create a first draft and let them critique the design. And once I received their comments, I will use those notes to make revisions until we get the site just right.
I have some retail products that I stock in my main shop on sadieolive.com. I mostly sell linens, small home décor and some paper goods.
It's just a small collection of items that I hand pick to keep in stock. Our Etsy shop focuses on vintage home décor and accessories.
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You also have an etsy shop, what are the benefits to selling on etsy and what are the benefits to selling on your own website?
My main shop is really just new items, while the Etsy shop is all vintage. (Although some of the linens that we sell, do appear on both sites, as they are made from vintage fabric). I find Etsy is great for selling vintage. I love that there are always people on Etsy searching for vintage items, so I am able to reach some of those people just by being a seller there. Of course, with Etsy you do pay fees for each transaction, and with your own website you do not. However, the amount of money you can spend just trying to drive traffic to your own website is far more than any fees you pay to Etsy. With your own website, you can obviously customize much more than you can on Etsy. Like the size of your images, the layout, the categories, and more.
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How do you keep from getting burned out creatively with all that you?
I get burned out ALL the time. But I try to switch my focus from one job to another when I get too burnt out. For example, I will focus on my photography or my vintage shop when I am tired of design work, and vice versa.
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Do you have a favorite place you like to go to for inspiration?
Etsy is a big source of inspiration for me, as are blogs and magazines. I find inspiration all over really, other websites, at Anthropology, from a business card or a photograph. It doesn't take much to get my creative juices flowing.
Thank you Sara for taking the time out of your busy day to do the interview!
Now for the giveaway information!
One lucky winner will receive a $600.00 gift certificate to Sadie Olive.com
The winner will be allowed to use their gift certificate on design services and or
can be used in Sara's online shop...
The winner will be chosen by random.org
The giveaway will end at midnight on July 24th.
Giveaway Rules!
1. All you have to do to be entered in the giveaway is a leave a comment stating how you would use
your 600.00 gift certificate to Sadie Olive if you were to win....
OPTIONAL
If you would like to receive additional entries.....
(in order for additional entries to count please leave a separate comment for each additional entry)
2. Share the giveaway on your blog (optional)
3. Post the giveaway on facebook (optional)
4. Post about the giveaway on Twitter (optional)
5. Post about the giveaway on Pinterest (optional)
Thank you Sara!
Take Care,
Maria
548 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 548 of 548I Would definitely buy in her shop. We are gearing up to build our first house, so I would enjoy using some of her linens and specialty items. I also would love to buy gifts for my family who have been so supportive and helpful during this process.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Jennifer Smothers
smothers_jennifer@yahoo.com
ooooh goodie! not only do I love giveaways, but I LOVE Sadie Olive! (and I love the story behind the name!) If I won, I would start my shopping spree with some french signs! eeep!
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/janamelinda/status/227264270390407168
How great to have some guidance with my blog and on line shop!
I pinned about the giveaway!
http://pinterest.com/pin/36028865739705727/
What a lovely giveaway! Sadie Olive is a constant source of inspiration. I love Sara's style and her customer service and packaging are impeccable. I love her unbleached red stripe linens, and most everything in her etsy shop. Merci!
It would be the most amazing dream come true to have her make my blog pretty! She is so amazingly talented! Pinned on Pinterest!
It would be the most amazing dream come true to have her make my blog pretty! She is so amazingly talented! Posted on FB!
It would be the most amazing dream come true to have her make my blog pretty! She is so amazingly talented! Posted on my blog!
It would be the most amazing dream come true to have her make my blog pretty! She is so amazingly talented! I have been looking at her design services lately and just wishing... Thanks for hosting such a fun giveaway, Maria!!
What a wonderful gift that you are giving. I think whoever wins will appreciate your generosity.
If I won I would use Sara’s design services for a website and or blog. I am excited for who ever wins this generous gift. Good luck to all.
Angel Daniels – danielsangel@sbcglobal.net
Hi Maria,
Such a fun and generous gift.
My poor tired old blog of 4 years now, is in need of a face lift and I could really use Sara's help. I would love her design expertise in creating a new look. I will keep my fingers and toes crossed! :)
Thank you for hosting such a thoughtful giveaway.
Have a sweet day, Elizabeth
Dear Maria & Sara,
Thank you for hosting this giveaway.
I would most likely use it for a Wordpress blog.
Thanks again,
SSM
Such a hard decision...everything in Sadie Olive is wonderful. And a chance to have some design work done would be awesome! Thanks for a fantastic interview.
I really could use such a personal designer to renew my website.
It has a fantastic shop, I love this atmosphere, and the rear.
I'm in love♥
Information on my blog, in the left sidebar, at the top :))
http://magicznyzakatek.blogspot.com/
Let me add my luck!
Wow, what a fab gift!!! I would probably spend most of the gift certificate on linens!!!
Thank you for the opportunity to win!!
I love Sara's great eye for good design. If In won I would definitely get her help with my blog; there are so many blogs she has designed that I just love. Wishung her and her perfect little family all the best.
B X
Love this!! Love Sadie Olive! I would shop 'till I drop...
wow, lovely give away! I would definitely use it on some design work for my photography business.
xx
To be honest, I don't know what I would do if I won! Cry, I know that! I would love to get a site up and running but I would love some new gorgeous items for my home!~Melanie (Rustic Farmhouse on fb)
What a great giveaway! As a paper artist I absolutely love all the vintage paper items: scrap journals, holiday cards .... The paper weight owls and plume pen would look nice in my craft room ;)
Wow! What a cute shop. Would really have to think about where to begin!!
The finial set and hemp placemats! Love everything!!!
Thank you for offering this amazing, generous giveaway!
Choosing items from her store-oh my, it would be better than
Christmas!
I would start with that caramel grain sack runner and that
folding wire basket.....sigh
How generous! The bags and linens are my favorite items!
A fabulous giveaway! My kitchen table is in dire need of some fresh lovely linens!
hmm... love both your gals style.. I would def. stock up on a bunch of vintage goodies from her Etsy shop!!
xoHeather
Please enter me in the giveaway. I would use the gift certificate on linens, linens, linens! Thank you for a great site!
What a lovely giveaway!! I have enjoyed visiting Sadie Olive site and your post! Love the linens so I think I would start there!!
What a wonderful giveaway, you both so inspiring I love that you are doing this together!
I would start with that most adorable carpet bag and the gardeners gate thingy (forgot the name but it is adorable!)
And if she would let me, I would love to take one or both of her e-courses! Thanks for the opportunity and all the wonderful inspiration! karen....
I would definitely go through her shop to help decorate my new apartment. Some of the baskets and linens would be amazing.
Melissa - mehopel @ gmail.com
Sara took a lemon (the layoff) and turnedmitminto lemonade. She is an inspiration. I would love twin the giveaway and have her expertise with my website. I want to open a n Etsy shop and with the giveaway, I think that would be the final nudge to get me going.
I would like to enter the SadieOlive Give Away,
Thank you,
Pauline Blasena
pblasena@gmail.com
Oh my goodness how much fun would it be to win this and go on an online shopping spree! I love all her vintage linens and there is something about all the different finials that make me smile! Thanks for the chance to win!
~Trisha
WOW This is awesome! I would so hire for design service. My living room needs help and i lOVE her style!
Lovely items and interview!
Love the black and white candlesticks and the linens are wonderful. So I would probably shop my little heart out, very happily!!
Thanks for the chance to enter.
Stephanie
Sadie Olive is one of my favorite blogs, because it is the story of Sara's life. I love reading each chapter. She is also a master decorator, so if I won I would be like a kid in a candy shop.
shereepo@sbcglobal.net
Sheree Muhr Perelman
I posted the give away on fb as Sheree Muhr Perelman
shereepo@sbcglobal.net
I would give my family and friends some of the wonderful items Sadie Olive has to enrich our daily lives. I really appreciuate the simple beauty of Sadie Olive's blog, goods for sale, and words of wisdom.
I would love to use the gift certificate in Sadie Olive's shop!thanks, laura
shared on twitter :)
shared on pinterest :)
I adore the grain sacks and so many other great things! I might also go with a blog design. I have another blog I am eager to start and this would get me on my way much quicker! I love her design work. Fabulous! ♥ info (at) giveawaybandit (dot) com
shared on my blog! http://giveawaybandit.com/600-gift-certificate-giveaway-to-sadie-olive/ info (at) giveawaybandit (dot) com
shared on fb! https://www.facebook.com/giveawaybandit/posts/249030935214279 info (at) giveawaybandit (dot) com
shared on twitter https://twitter.com/GiveawayBandit/status/227455050946056192 info (at) giveawaybandit (dot) com
pinned on pinterest http://pinterest.com/pin/92323861081917213/ info (at) giveawaybandit (dot) com
4 bin cabinet love love love!
I would use the prize money to update my house with some nice things from this site.
I post your Giveaway on facebook, too.
LG Fränzi
What a great giveaway, I would go a little crazy in the Sadie Olive shop if I won.
What a sweet online presence she has! I love those grey-striped French napkins and the other linens in her shop.
I'd use the $600 to redecorate our families new house! We have much more space now and don't know how we want to decorate yet.
P.S. I don't know if I can enter with an anonymous commnet but in case I can, here is my info:
Daniel Smith
imunbltognto19hdormatn@hotmail.com
WOW - what an over-the-top more-than-generous giveaway. WOW. That's about all I can say. I have no idea how much she would charge me for making a blog, but I think I would like to start there and then see what/if any money is left. Thank you!
kosec@sbcglobal.net
So many lovely things. I would go for kitchen items- linens, silverware, etc., etc. -Bethany
I also sent a tweet!
I also sent a tweet!
Lets try this again, I would definitely use the gift cert for design services!!
I've long been an admirer of Sara's design work, her eye for lovely things, and her photography. Which is why my business partner and I knew she absolutely had to be the one to design our website logo for Duchess and Bird. I would use the money to buy Christmas gifts and personal lovelies for my own home. What a treat that would be.
I would head over to her shop and shop shop shop. It would be really hard to pick but aim sure Icahn handle it.
Nathalie
This is an amazing giveaway! I have followed Sadie Olive for many years. I come back to it often for inspiration and great products. If I won the giveaway it would be a hard decision between using it in the beautiful store to purchase items such as the painted stool and cake cover or using it for blog/store design services! Thanks for the chance!
I love Sara! she has amazing talent and style!! I'm entering at the last minute probably because I don't usually enter these things, but if I win I would start with a little shopping spree to decorate my home!! Sara has some lovely items!!
thanks,
Rosemary
Home decor. For every room!
marine.mom42@hotmail.com
Hello, my name is Jada. I am 19 years old, and i live in a log cabin, my dad has recently been having job troubles. My mother deserves the world and lately shes been upset about the money issues our family has been going through... If I won i would use the winnings to put a smile on my moms face, she has been talking about getting new stuff for the house to make it look nice.. so winning this would be the perfect way to brighten up her days! c: my email is iloveotters12@gmail.com
This would such a wonderful gift for my family. My husband and I would love to have an online shop selling his tote bags made from vintage barkcloth. He had an etsy shop, but without any of the frills that can get online shoppers excited when items are featured in a lovely manner on your own site. Crossing my fingers for some Sadie Olive magic.
Smiles,
Carol
I have loved the Sadie Olive website for years and have found some wonderful things there. I would love to win the $600 gift certificate! I would use it for vintage linens, vintage papers and ephemera, vintage tin ware, and I love the metal carousels and racks for pinning postcards, etc.
Laurie Davis
How can I choose? I love it all!
Oh my goodness, I have wanted to redesign my shop, f-o-r-e-v-e-r!! I feel I've become stale and know that Sadie would give my shop the boost that it needs, she's amazing!
Big hugs, Michelle
I have loved Sara's work from the beginning and would be HONORED to work with her to work on my website!!!! Oh, that would be divine!
Super giveaway. I would buy things in the shop.
I hope I win to use the money toward design services for items I hunt out from fleas and other finds! Best of luck to all on the drawing. Chris
Posted on facebook.
I love Sadie Olive. Oh... what would I do. Well I`d like to do a little of both help creating my own site- I make beautiful creamy soap, and I would love to buy some products for my studio.
Thanks, Susie
Sadie Olive has designed my Etsy banner, business cards, twitter account and more. I love her style of creating something that fit my personality along with my product line. I would be thrilled to have Sadie Olive create my next project a website. Thanks so much to both of you for this giveaway. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I win this giveaway. :)
I've always admited Sara's shops but would definitely use it for design work.
Awesome. I saw Sara on the Nate Berkus Show and was like, I read her blog! If I win I would buy things I could take with me when I move since I am a renter. Deana
Corinna - Boston MA
What a great way to redo my guest bedroom! I definitely need your style and gorgeous products to transform it from drab to fabulous! Thanks for the opportunity !
corinnamilliken@yahoo.com
I love the Sadie Olive Shop and I really enjoyed your interview with Sara here on your blog! You both have such a lovely, similar aesthetic in your blogs and shops. If I won the gift certificate, I would have such fun going shopping. I would start with the old silver tray and the framed Victorian fashion print that I've admired for some time - and I'd go from there! Thanks for this opportunity. -K.
I absolutely adore Sara,her style, her shops and her sweet personality. I have been pretty frustrated with the look/design of my own blog lately and would definitely put the money towards a redo! Thank you for this very generous giveaway!
alicewingerden@gmail.com
Just posted to fb!
https://www.facebook.com/alice.wingerden?ref=tn_tnmn
Fabulous interview and it was wonderful to find out some new things about Sara and see her with her family. If I won I know I would be doing some major shopping from her site, stocking up on her wonderful vintage finds. Seems to always be that special and unique item that I just drool over! Love her!
Posted to Twitter too :)
@AliceWingerden
I am intoxicated by the beauty of the photos. It's everything I love. If i were the luck winner, I would love to shop for goodies as I just redesigned my website! Still tweeking it!
Thanks again! Just shared this on facebook as well! Rhonda...
A spree in Sarah's shop. Whoppee! Whale
T a wonderful give away.
I found your Sadie Olive site via my daughter's blog and always thought she had lovely photos and merchandise on Etsy. If I won, i'd spend it in her etsy shop, I know I would have to buy a few things for my daughter Alice too!!
Great interview of Sadie! I ♥ her Etsy shop and am drooling over the 4-drawer mercantile bin, which I would find it hard to pass up, if I should win. I could really use some help in logo design, if she could assist with that! Whoever wins this generous giveaway is one lucky soul!
This giveaway was tweeted at https://twitter.com/IowaFarmhouse
Oh my my!
I love so many many things in her shops!!!
I would just LOVE this special treat!
do I have to choose right now?! how about half and half!
I love everything in her online shop! The French linens are probably my favorite!
I love Sara and Sadie Olive!! If I won I'd probably scream real loud, squeal with delight and then finally shop for my home :) love all her vintage goodies!! her style is beautiful and timeless!
I will have to use this to start my online shop. to have Sara design my site would be a dream.
zee
zeelovejohn@gmail.com
post it on facebook! what a fabulous giveaway!!
Thank you for the very generous give-away...
If I find myself the lucky winner, I would invite my Mom and sister to pick something for their homes from the Sadie Olive shop. As for myself, I love, love, love paper and would therefore have to select the wonderful postcards and display them in my art room for daily inspiration.
Thank you :)
I'm so in love with this giveaway! Thank you for hosting and thank you to Sara for the generous giveaway! I posted it on my Facebook page. XO Laura at The Ironstone Nest
I just posted it on Twitter! Again - it's a lovely and generous giveaway. Thank you! XO Laura at The Ironstone Nest
WOw what a generous giveaway!!! I would probably use the $600.00 to update my website...or some print materials. Love Sara's work!!!
Facebooked!!
I would savor it and buy bits at a time, to spread out the joy!
I'm starting a jewelry & glass bead business, so I would go for the design services!
Not sure ...but I do love to shop. So much great stuff :)
Francine
Both of your shops have been very special to me these past few years and now I have my own Sarah (first daughter in law) and we such fun finding something special from you online! For someone who does not know the meaning of "downsize"--how fun to have another reason to find something special!
A website design would be amazing! I'm going to reopen my webshop with a new design soon, and some help would be amazing :)
I'll share this on Pinterest
I have seen many wonderful items in the etsy shop and I know I could find many lovelies for my home.
Sadie Olive is the epitomy of what i have in my own vision as my perfect world. Awesome things on this site to choose from would make me have sensory overload with $600 to spend, but I am sure I could eventually gain control and pick some really beautiful things.
Thank you for this great giveaway! I love everything in her shop and so want to win because we are moving into a new home and desperately need new linens and decor. I think I would get a little bit of everything!
sunnybrookdc1@yahoo.com
My husband and I are expecting our first child soon after having struggling for years from infertility. We are trying to re-decorate the living room (which has been on hold due to IF) and would LOVE to win so I could get some goodies to help spruce up the place :) The look she offers is so calming and beautiful too many pieces would be perfect :)
I blogged about the offer at amiralce4us@blogspot.com
i blogged about the offer at amiralce4us.tumblr.com
I've always loved Sadie Olive--what a fabulous giveaway! :)
Please enter me! I need a blog makeover REALLY bad. Thanks!
Thank you for the opportunity! I love your blog Maria. If I win the contest,I will use the got certificate for our home. Seems like it is so hard to get out with three small kids, and this would be an awesome chance to get some new things in the style I love....thank you
I love the french hen, the cow tea towels and the sprig jewelry holder...I would have a really hard time deciding!
Merci Maria and Sara for your generosity and inspiring work. I will definitely use Sara's design service to improve the visual of my blog www.lespritsudmagazine.com
Have a fabulous week!
Sandra
That's a tricky one... I'd have a tough time choosing between lovely vintage linens and other things from the shop, and help designing my own blog. I'd probably go for the blog help since I just use a boring old Blogger template.
Oh my.........how I would love to win! I would definitely use this to help me with my new blog!
Oh how can you narrow down what you'd decide upon? There's so much to love! My favorites are the caramel grain sack runner, french grey napkins, hemp placemats, wire nesting baskets, and the rustic tray just to name a few
I posted on Pinterest. http://pinterest.com/pin/29625310019620426/
I posted on twitter. @greybloomdesign
I posted on Facebook too. hlmackan
I am so inspired by all the women who are taking their passions and turning them into a business. I too have a passion for giving new life to all that is used or vintage. I want to start an online business and would be honoured to have her design it for me!! She has true talent in finding beauty in all things that surround her.
This gal would definitely spend it in the Sadie Olive shop. I love french hen, square ticket carousel, a couple of wire nesting baskets and clip stands have my name on them.
I would use the $600 all for groovy items to help my vast organization project, that I hope to finish in September.
I would love a blog or website re-design! I definitely need a new refreshing look. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!!
Shared the giveaway on facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/LisaAPetrillo/posts/365160480221883
I love everything!
The dishtowels, the french signs, french hen, French Bakery, etc.
I tweeted this!
1BuddhasMom
$600 giveaway!!! Sweet and generous!
I would use it for her design services.
I would like a blog design. I have been a follower of her blog for over a year and I love it!
What a great interview! Inspiring!! I would use the gift card to purchase something from her shop! Starting with the blue corduroy bag! Love it!!!
I would just SHOP! All those things can really make a difference. :)
If I were to win the gift certificate....first, i would feel incredibly blessed. Then I would proceed to find treasures for my daughter,friends and some for myself!:) On a side note...your creativity and site are such a gift. I am so happy to know your story now too! Congratulations on your little gift! Bless you all!
I am in the process of redecorating our master bedroom with a really really small budget. Winning this would let me make it a truly special space for me and my hubby. Thanks so much!
This is such an awesome giveaway! Thank you both so much! I have been wanting to start a blog forever. I have read Sara's blog for several years now and have followed her story of adopting, her shop and home and I adore her and her style. I would be honored to have her talents to start a blog for me. Thanks again--Kimberly
I love Sara and Sadie Olive. I used Sara's design services to develop my blog and my Bigcartel shop - she makes it such a breeze and I've loved everything she has put together. But, like most creative souls, I'm always feeling the need to change things up and I would love to be able to dive into Sara's etsy shop! Thanks for the lovely chance.
What a generous giveaway! My best friend and I drool over your website. I would share my loot with her and snag up some linens!
If I won this giveaway I would have Sara help me revamp my web-site "again" since we just closed our brick and mortar store in Temecula, CA. I want that clean yet vintage style she is so talented with...And I'm not sure that peeps out in blog land know but Sara does unbelievable photography. She photographed our family several years back at an old tractor museum, and they were some of the best family portraits we have ever had done. Love following Sara and her family through her blog, has helped so many with so much of life's bumps in the road, decorating inspiration, and design ideas...She's a joy and thanks for sharing her with others, their lives will be better for it!! Tracy at Madison's Manor
Wow, stunning items I can't decide as everthing is beautiful. Currently building a nursery after 18 years trying for baby. Now successful. I facebooked it Facebook.com/alisoncreamer. Tweeted @bzibee and pinned it Alison creamer (name) . Would love to win !!!!!
I would use this to finally launch my business website for my basketry business. Unbelievable giveaway!
Sue
I posted the giveaway on my blog
timewashed.com
Thanks!!
I put the giveaway on Facebook!
Thanks!!
I would use it to learn how to put such glorious designs together myself!
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