We recently connected with Lizzie Darwin and have shared our conversation below.

Lizzie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

Regardless of the issue, taking advantage of your creativity when a problem presents itself is important. A year and a half ago, I realized I had not updated any of my designs, causing my sales to slump. I needed a fresh, new idea. I kept getting Vogue magazines sent to my house, so I thought, what if I cut butterflies from the paper in the Vogue magazines instead of the regular paper I use?
I went for it. I posted the piece I made on my Instagram, and fifteen minutes later, I had over ten people in my DM’s asking if they could order one. My “vogue” pieces are, to this day, my best-selling piece. I even started sourcing vintage/other magazines I like and use. I will always keep the name “Vogue” because that is where it all started.
I love the story behind these pieces because it shows that instead of stressing out or getting frustrated, it is essential to look around you and ask yourself, “Am I utilizing all of my resources every way I can?”

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

I graduated during the pandemic. I did not have a job, but I was planning on getting my master’s, so I planned to take some time off to figure out where I would go to school. During that time, I started selling some of my graphic designs to make some extra money. I only took custom orders, so one of my friends asked me if I could make a 3D butterfly piece for her. Even though this was not a digital piece, I still wanted to try and make it for her. After much trial and error, I made my first shadow box butterfly piece and fell in love with it. I was so proud of it, so I made more, and just like that, they were flying off the walls. I’ve come a long way since that first piece, and I have been doing everything I can to improve this same craft while staying creative with it.
The products I provide now are 3D shadow box butterflies, but I really advertise my custom work. That’s where a lot of my designs originate from. I love working with clients and designing exactly what they have envisioned for their space. What sets me apart from other artists is that I give my clients a lot of freedom with the customization aspect of it all.
When I first started making my butterfly pieces authentic, it was a word that stood out to me. I want to deliver designs that reflect my client’s style and taste and allow you to be your own muse. This is why all of my designs are #authenticaf.

How did you build your audience on social media?

It is so important to put yourself out there. People want to know the person they are buying from. I used only to post pictures of my art and never myself. I recently started involving myself more on my social media, and let me tell you how much that has blessed me. It’s more common than not to struggle with filming yourself and publishing that on social media. I have struggled with this. Remember, it’s only cringe until it is not.
I used to get so embarrassed or worried about what others would say or if someone would judge me if I posted a video of myself, but I have realized it does not matter, and I promise you no one is thinking twice about it. Anyone judging you wishes they could do what you are doing.
As a small business owner, you represent something you have created, which is AMAZING. Embrace that so hard.
I still need to work on my social media presence. I am still working on this, but it all comes down to not caring. I have found so much freedom in that. What helps me is to think of all the influencers I follow – if they can do it, so can you.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Two things: Make your current clients feel you care about them and your social media presence. People talk, whether they are leaving a review or telling a friend. As a business owner, it is important to focus on who you currently work with before, during, and after sending out their order.
Yes, it is important to maintain a presence on social media to get your products out into the galaxy of technology blah, blah, blah… More importantly, it is important to explain everything about your products and how you can help the customer clearly and concisely on your social media/website.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/modernmusebylizzie?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernmusebylizzie/

Image Credits
All images are mine.