We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jen Beaton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jen , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

One of my best customers (she lives in India) sent me a large package full of beautiful Indian jewelry, tapestries, and more! What a pleasant surprise! We have been good friends ever since!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started my first Etsy shop in 2008 after getting laid off from my part time job as a 401(k) recordkeeper (a job I loved!). My daughter Lindsey had been selling her jewelry on Etsy at that time, and encouraged me to try selling antiques and vintage, since I had such a passion for antiques!

My first Etsy shop had a variety of vintage, including barware, china, silverware, home decor, jewelry, books, etc. After about a year I opened a second Etsy shop selling vintage milk glass. And…after another year, I opened an Etsy shop specifically for vintage dinnerware (teacups, dinner plates, salad plates, teapots, etc).

I was one of the top 100 sellers of vintage on Etsy (which I am very proud of)!

I think what my customers appreciate from me is my fast shipping, and great packing so that the precious fragile vintage items arrive safe and sound!

I taught myself photography, which I ended up loving! I also love social media (great platform for promoting my shops). My favorite right now is instagram. You can also find me on facebook, twitter, and pinterest.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My first experience with social media was soon after I opened my first Etsy shop, in 2008 (twitter was fairly new at the time). I gained over 24,000 followers after a bit of time (although it may be about 17,000 currently (I don’t use twitter as much any longer).

I also opened a facebook account, which was primarily for personal and family posting. I just recently have been posting on my Jenscloset facebook account.

My main reason for opening my pinterest account is for inspiration. I have created a ton of boards there, some to promote my Etsy shops, but most for things I am passionate about, since as parties, home decor, baking, and more!

Instagram is definitely my favorite! This is also a great platform for inspiration! I have recently started watercolor painting, and started following some of my favorite artists. My instagram posts are a mix of family, home decor, cooking, and, of course, antiques and vintage!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/jenscloset?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
• Instagram: jenscloset
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jensclosetvintage
• Linkedin: jennifer beaton
• Twitter: jenscloset