Interview: SF Etsy Team Captain Rebecca Saylor

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We recently had the SF Etsy team visit the San Francisco CreativeLive offices for a viewing party to watch Marlo Miyashiro’s Etsy classes. It was so much fun to hang out with this group of creative ladies for the entire day.

I got to sit down with SF Etsy team captain, Rebecca Saylor, and ask her a few questions about community, making, and her own creative work.

How long have you been a member and Captain of SF Etsy Sellers?
I’ve been an active buyer on Etsy since 2007 and upon moving to San Francisco in 2010, I opened up my own shop and joined the SF Etsy team in 2011. After service as the Community Manager I became the team Co-Captain in January of 2014.

What do you make?
I am the founder, designer, and owner of OodleBaDoodle, a line of whimsical home decor pillows made primarily from reclaimed materials. I have been know to say “I want to hug San Francisco” so my “huggables” are a manifestation of that sentiment.

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What has been the most rewarding part of being a part of SF Etsy Sellers and helping to lead the group?
I find it truly rewarding to see a person develop a business and grow that business from an idea to really launching themselves into the the maker eco-system. There are few things in life that compare to creating something and then having someone not only admire your work but actually give you money and take your work to their home for display. Every time I see someone sell their product for the first time, it reminds me of that feeling and re-energizes me to keep our community going.

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What is the importance of community for creative people?

Finding a community of like minded people that have similar goals can help you think in new ways, create innovation for what you do and also help you filter and edit the things out that are holding you back. Community can teach you, connect you to opportunities, and provide deep friendships that enrich you for life.

What do you recommend for people who are looking for creative communities where they live, where should they start looking?
If you are looking for other Etsy teams, you can begin by searching on the Etsy teams pageMeetup.com, Eventbrite, Brown Paper Tickets and Facebook are also great places to search for community meet-ups. Taking a class or workshop is another great way to connect with the creative community.

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What was your favorite thing about the SF Etsy event at CreativeLive?
I really enjoy getting out of my studio and spending dedicated time learning. I often listen to podcasts or watch CreativeLive broadcasts while I’m working but being there in the studio, dedicating myself to the content was extremely valuable. It’s also always such a treat to spend time with our team and to meet new people.

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Your favorite or most recent Etsy purchase?
I buy a lot of gifts on Etsy! I purchased this ceramic necklace for my sister in yellow. She loved it so much and kept talking about it, I had to get one for myself in white! They are made by a local ceramic artist, Rossella of RossLab, in her studio in Santa Clara. She’s an SF Etsy team member and we see each other out at shows quite a bit. I love absolutely everything she makes, but these little bow necklaces just put my heart over the edge!

You can follow Rebecca on Instagram and facebook and you can keep up with the SF Etsy Team here.

Christina Loff FOLLOW >

Christina Loff is the Channel Marketing Lead for Craft, Photo, and Design at CreativeLive. She's a crafter, book spy, and Jersey native.