Top 50 Etsy Moms of 2011
We work on a lot of "best of" features here at Babble, but we can truly say that our annual Top 50 Etsy Moms piece is one of the most inspirational, pleasurable writing experiences of the year. The chance to meet these incredible women - some of them life-long artists, others former 9-to-5 corporate workers, all of them devoted mothers - and hear their stories makes us realize how much we're all capable of. It's also a reminder of just how important the handmade community is, most specifically Etsy.com. Etsy has given these women a chance they may otherwise never have had to explore, develop, and share their art and craftsmanship through a larger-than-life network. It's also given them the opportunity to work from home, to set their own schedules and raise their kids the way they want - and that's incredible.
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That being said, this piece is also one of the hardest features to write. Etsy is by no means solely for moms - there are incredibly talented dads and singletons and students as well - yet the flexible, creative community is the perfect environment for mothers. That's why we consider this just a small sampling of the most successful, talented, inspiring moms on Etsy, and it's why we update this list year after year. (Although we try and highlight different shops each year, we do have two repeats from our 2010 Etsy Moms list. When you read their write-ups, you'll understand why.) So if you know an incredible Etsy Mom that you'd love to see featured next year, nominate her here. And in the meantime, support the handmade revolution!
- Michelle Horton
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Blue Hour Designs | Alysia Sanchez Melnikov
Who: Alysia Sanchez Melnikov, mother of two boys (ages 3 and 5 years) in Boulder, Colorado.
Why We Love Her: According to Alysia, parenthood is the foundation on which her business is built. This husband-and-wife team fully supports their family with this 2-year-old jewelry shop, whose items are all designed and made by Alysia. Although it took a lot of hard work and balance to build the business, Blue Hour Designs is a fast-growing Etsy shop, with over 80 handcrafted items for sale. Beyond all of the success, Alysia says that her business allows her to be a present and active mother while still being professionally and artistically fulfilled.
Shop Here For: Clean, modern, impeccably crafted jewelry made with eco-conscious materials and practices.
Signature Item: Amethyst Burst Ring, $75
