Etsy Business Profile: Sparkles and Sass

Today we're chatting with Michelle, owner of Sparkles and Sass on Etsy.

Hello, my name is Michelle and I am 40 years young :) I’m the owner and photographer for SPARKLESandSASS, my Etsy shop full of vintage finds.

I live and work in Garden City, Michigan where I’m incredibly lucky to work with autistic students right here in the city I was born and raised. Although this is a fulfilling and rewarding job, with the economy money always seems tight.

I have a large wonderful family, and God is my hope, without my faith I would not be the woman I am today. I am the mother to 16 year old twins Jake & Nick, and a lovely daughter Chloe who is 18. I am also a twin!!!! My twin sister has 2 sets of twins, and also works for the same school district as me.

One of my sons is special needs which can be very stressful and worrisome, thus began the therapeutic antiquing. It is the thing I can do alone, which brings me much joy! The hunt to find special vintage items was an outlet for me. I so enjoy searching for and finding special items that hopefully will bring back cherished memories for someone!

Milk glass lamp - Hobnail lamp

While Etsy is not my full time job, it is a full time passion! I have met so many beautiful people and artists on Etsy, I feel blessed just to be part of such a big wonderful family, and the new friendships I have made are priceless! The name of my shop (which I am not to fond of anymore) but have put too much work into, came about when I started crafting and making jewelry with my autistic students, and my maiden name was Sparks... "Sparkles" and who doesn't have a little bit of SASS...or in my case a lot :)

Brass deer figurine - Brass unicorn figurine - Brass mouse figurine

I do not have a favorite era. My tastes revolve and change so much! I love everything vintage. Mid century is a favorite of mine, as is Art Deco, Vintage Bohemian, lets just say I am an old soul and love it all! I collect all things vintage! I am always a little sad when wrapping up a sale, because all my purchases are special to me and are something I would have in my own home, but the happiness I get in feedback and messages make up for it, making others happy is my goal.

Vintage girls figurines - Vintage poodle figurine - Vintage parrots figurine 

I’m also proud of the fact that I am able to support other small entrepreneurs through Etsy. When you are a small business owner yourself, there is nothing more meaningful than supporting someone else. The most inspirational feeling is being around passionate, productive, enthusiastic, loving people. My dream will be to one day quit my day job and put all my time and efforts into my Etsy shop, until then my spare time is spent hopefully making my shop bigger and better while also enlarging my Etsy family! Loving God Loving people is my motto.