12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Day 11: Leah Pellegrini

Welcome to the eleventh day of Meylah’s Twelve Days of Christmas Giveaway!  Today, we are so lucky to have Leah Pellegrini back with us at Meylah!  We featured Leah in our Glitter and Gold Stars category back in November and now she is here again to share with us more about her glass artistry and celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas Giveaway!  In this interview, we decided to focus on her online business and how she manages that side of the things so enjoy and be sure and leave a comment to be eligible to win a glass mobile that Leah is giving away today!

Meylah:  How has having an online presence (Your Etsy Store, Flickr Page and Blog) impacted your business?
Leah: My online business really allows me to connect with a target audience.  My website is like an interactive business card.   Not only can customers learn more about my work, but they can go online and pick out custom colors and order installations for their homes and offices.  This makes my business possible!  Also many of my students find out about classes online.  The power of the web and social networking is really incredible.

Meylah:  What challenges have you found while trying to share/sell your artwork online?  What successes?
Leah: I have never been very good at advertising and I struggle to find ways to reach my customers.  Finding your target audience is key to utilizing different online marketing tools (like ad words and paid banners).  Using statistics has helped me greatly, and also just trying different things always keeps the ball rolling.  Sending out press releases for new designs, using Project Wonderful to put ads on other blogs... even small inexpensive efforts seem to help!  Collaborating with other artists is a great form of marketing - this cross of audiences will bring more business to both artists, I love that!

Meylah:  In addition to your glass mobiles, can you tell us about the other glass products that you make?
Leah: I first started my little business selling glass rings that I make.  Jewelry and other small sculptural pieces have always been a pleasure for me to make, and I continue to sell them.  Little trees and ladies doing yoga.  These miniatures are simply fun and beautiful.

Meylah:  We know that you sell many of your products offline at the Portland Saturday Market and other events, what tips would you give to artists wanting to sell at these types of venues?
Leah: Selling at craft venues is a great source of income; it can also be a great source of stress!  The best advice I can give is that the more inventory you show up with to an event - the more you will sell!  Seems obvious, but it’s very true!  I also believe in having a bright beautiful setup.  Draw people in by the beauty.  And if the show is juried - read the instructions for submission!  I have been on many jury committees, and the easiest way to get thrown out is if you didn't submit the right number of pictures or the right information.

Meylah:  Do you have any upcoming events where we can find you?
Leah: Next year you can find me at Urban Craft Uprising and Crafty Wonderland...stay tuned on my blog for more info on where to find me!

Meylah:  What do you do when you’re not surrounding yourself with hot, molten glass?
Leah: I love to hike and play outdoors.  Cooking is a passion of mine.  In my Flickr account you can see my antics and regular mini adventures around Oregon.  I try and find time to play each week.  A girl can work too hard! :)

Anyone else like to find time to play each week…I do!  Thank you for sharing all the great information Leah!  Today, Leah is giving away one of her mini glass mobiles shown above to the best comment, so get creative!