Etsy Houston Profiles - Sandy Ervin of Robot In Bloom

Name: Sandy Ervin  Shop: Robot in Bloom

Where are you from? I was born and raised in Florida, but have lived in Houston since 2004.

Where do you live? I live in Pasadena. So far, my lungs have held up, but we'll see!

What types of things do you make/sell? I make paper flowers for any and all special events - weddings, parties, corporate events, gifts, home decor, get-well arrangements... Anything!

How long have you been crafting? I've been doodling on, painting, gluing together, ripping apart many things all my life, but I think I started really focusing on designing and creating pieces of art when I was in college. I think having a place of my own, being creative, and being cheap really changed my focus.

When did you decide to open up a shop? I decided to open my shop in 2009. My wonderful husband and I talked about how I was wasting my natural talents in jobs that didn't make me happy (or make enough money to warrant all the dreck) so I quit and jumped into the creation industry with both feet!

Do you prefer to sell your crafts online or in person? Or both? I've only done one craft fair so far, so I'm not quite sure yet... It was a really fun experience and I can't wait to meet even more excellent people at my next one!

Do you have a second job?  If so, what is it? Not anymore! I used to be various types of secretaries and even tried my hand at substitute teaching (History major. What can I say?)

What inspired you to start crafting? This might be silly, but I think I have to honestly say that it was the tv craft boom of the late 90s/early 00s! I watched a lot of TLC and Martha in college, and it suddenly seemed like my eye for art and design became valid; that legitimate art-things can be created by anyone who wants to create them. You don't have to have a PhD in Art History to buy oil paints - you just have to love art! 

Have you learned anything along the way, as far as your business is

concerned? Um.... Yes, but nothing specific enough for this question. Mostly I've just been learning how to build a successful business, and, damn, there's a lot to know!

What other hobbies or interests do you have? I dance, I sing (mostly in the car, these days), I read a lot, and I watch way too much Netflix.

Who inspires you? [blogs, etsy shops, etc]  Oh my goodness.... I get soooo many ideas from all over Etsy and from reviews on Unanimous Craft. I love all the variety found over at Offbeat Bride. Bridal Snob, Apartment Therapy, and Perfect Palette never let me down. And I really admire the business acumen of Princess Lasertron (not to mention her awesome clothes!)

Do you have any tips to share with newbies? Man... I still feel like a newbie, so I'm gonna just sit back and see what tips everyone else has to share! Oh, hey - that could be my tip! "Sit back and learn from others' tips."