GIVEAWAY: VIRGINIE MILLEFIORI
Heya Everyone, pretty excited about this giveaway cos it come from one of my fav stores from the very onset of my Etsy fascination. Shop owner Virginie Millefiori is a friend in my head and on email. We’ve been meaning to get this together for you guys for a while now but there were so many unexpected delays. I can only thank her for being so patient with me. It’s time to meet Virginie Millefiori and to make a statement with her unique, minimalist jewelry.
Do you have a workspace? If so, please share (see pics above).
Yes I do have one and a very spacious one I especially appreciate after having lived in a small studio with my husband and welcoming always new guests friends from France visiting Big Apple! I have several working stations: computer, enamel spot, metal smithing bench, assembling station… I try to keep organized but since it’s not a natural virtue for me it rarely looks like on the pictures.
When did you start selling on Etsy and Why Etsy?
I’ve been browsing Etsy since its beginnings in 2005 when I was still living in Paris. At the time I was playing with polymer clay (yes, hence my artist name Millefiori) and was amazed by the techniques people were using in the US while it was barely existent in France. I’m a slow mover, I only opened a shop in March 2008 and then only put up my very first listing last summer when I actually decided to do it full time, being now settled in NYC and having my business registered.
What I like about Etsy is the great traffic I get on it and the energy plus the seller advice their team brings. It feels like we (the sellers) are all evolving at different speed but making progress together and when you have your own business you work most of the time alone so it’s good to share experiences and find a like-minded community.
Is this a full time gig for you? If yes what do you love about it?
Yes my jewelry business is my full time job and has been so for a year and a half now. I love absolutely everything about it, of course especially realizing an idea into a tangible piece and seeing the sparkle in the eye of my customers discovering it. The only exceptions are the administrative aspects and the fact to be alone most of the time. By the way I’m looking for an intern so if one of your readers is interested, I’d be happy to receive an email :).
Your personal fav item in your shop right now?
Call me a masochist, I’ve always had as favorite the last piece that took me the most time and effort. Right now for my Etsy shop it’s the Peter Pan scalloped collar. You can see on the last picture (see below) of my listing the different steps involved. I love to put stress on the handmade labor, I think that is what people look for when buying on Etsy, at least I hope! Peter Pan collars are very popular and you can find them in a wide array of prices and qualities of course. Since most of my pieces are quite dainty and delicate this is kind of a statement piece for me so I wanted it to be very elaborate. I spent hours sketching over and over and sawing it off. Then in my e-shop it’s my reindeer necklace; that was technically super challenging as well!
What was first piece you ever made/sold?
My first pieces were made out of polymer clay and were most of the time necklaces you can see pictures above: three dimensional orchids or millefiori beads were my specialty.
My first pieces were made out of polymer clay and were most of the time necklaces you can see pictures above: three dimensional orchids or millefiori beads were my specialty.
What are your plans for the future?
Last year I’ve had a craft show almost every single week end, I’ve managed my Etsy sales, the orders on my e-shop and the wholesale orders for boutiques around the world. I finished the year exhausted. I can’t realistically hope to grow as a person and as a business doing all that at once and myself. At some point I would need either to have someone working with me or at least to focus on one main activity for my business: online versus shows versus wholesale. I will soon sit down, breathe and figure this all out, this is in my 2013 resolutions list!
Last year I’ve had a craft show almost every single week end, I’ve managed my Etsy sales, the orders on my e-shop and the wholesale orders for boutiques around the world. I finished the year exhausted. I can’t realistically hope to grow as a person and as a business doing all that at once and myself. At some point I would need either to have someone working with me or at least to focus on one main activity for my business: online versus shows versus wholesale. I will soon sit down, breathe and figure this all out, this is in my 2013 resolutions list!
Where else can we find your goodies?
I have an e-shop (http://www.virginiemillefiori.com) on my website which also lists my current retailers. I am also on most major social platforms: Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter.
Any advice for women considering starting their own business ?
The first thing is to be sure you are truly passionate by the field in which you want to start your business because you will spend a lot of time talking, reading and thinking about it. It’s not a fairy tale, simply because you have the heart and the ideas for it, will not mean overnight success. This means you must be financially able to survive until your business grows enough to make a living out of it. This is also vital to stay focused on your core business, which means to remain true to yourself and your unique identity that will meet the needs of a niche market loving your products for their added value. Eventually you will need a lot of determination and positivity to turn any failure in a learning experience and to evolve stronger and stronger rich in knowledge and accomplishments.
This is the most difficult but also the best job I’ve had so far. It’s just been a year and a half and I still have a lot to learn but I’m already proud to look back and see the evolution my brand is going through and the wonderful people I’ve met along the way. This is a life experience not any regular job.
For fun: whats playing on your ipod, mp3 player, favorite book?
I could not work without music and it really helps me staying positive and never bored if I have to do a repetitive task like sawing off tons of identical shapes. I listen all day (and night) to Songza where I love the diversity and the ability to pick a style by the activity you’re doing. They have some really fun activity suggestions like “looking at pictures of your ex” which always makes me laugh. Then about books I must admit first I’m not a big reader and second I’m kind of a monomaniac: I read books about jewelry and about conducting a business… The most fun part of my day is watching episodes at night, lately Portlandia season 2 (I laughed again when they reused “she’s making jewelry now”) and before it was Louie CK, That Mitchell and Webb Look, thank you Netflix!
Also I’m a brunch fanatic- any local brunch recommendations please?
Since I’m sure you know way more than I do in that field I won’t disappoint you by stating the new underground hip brunch in Williamsburg, instead I will remain very french: I eventually tried Lucien after hearing about it for years now and it is actually true to its reputation. The food tastes just like in France so since I did not go back for the holidays it was a delicious ersatz for food at least! The location couldn’t be easier: 1st street and 1st avenue.
So that’s our giveaway of the week,
I hope you enjoyed going behind the scenes with Virginie.
As always entries using Rafflecopter to keep things easy.
Remember: Giveaways are open to Blog Followers only, so please FOLLOW. Thanks.
Jenny Oliver
Love the Triangle Rings!!!
siilenti
I really like the triangle bracelet ring! It's so unusual!
M.A.D.
MARY DEBORDE (M.A.D.)
zenrei57 (at) hotmail dot com
Her creations are GORGEOUS!! <3
And I really like the Pinwheel Earrings!
Anonymous
My favorite piece is the braid bracelet – navy knot – brass chain. Gaye M; rustysrambles(at)gmail(dot)com
Susan Audrey
I love the Jump rope player necklace. So unique!
georgiabloom at gmail dot com
bbrittbrat1398
peter pan collar necklace
Brittney House BBrittBrat1398@yahoo.com
blew415
I like the Snake ring – sterling silver 925 – tiny ring – peacock feather
Samii Alexxis
I love the Silver peacock feathers necklace – samii meyer
M.j.
I love this necklace……..http://www.etsy.com/listing/110879750/circle-necklace-triangle-necklace.ciao4now64 at yahoo dot com.
Samantha Oh
I am in love with the peter pan collar necklace
sammybigtoesure at gmail dot com
facebook.com/samanthaohphotos
Maegan Morin
I love the Sterling Silver Pixel Heart Ring: http://www.etsy.com/listing/93091541/pixel-heart-925-sterling-silver-ring
Beth Gallinger
1 Tiny triangle ring- dainty ring- stackable ring- mini geometric ring
Candice
Beautiful shop and pieces! I love the braid bracelet and the Peter Pan collar
thank you
sandyandcosmo
My favorite is the Above the knuckle ring, very unique!
john hutchens
Silver peacock feathers necklace
Ledford Land
I love the adorable little Pinwheel earrings in mint enamel!
Jessica Eaton Ledford
cherriesjessilee at gmail dot com
AlisonBraidwood
I really love the silver bracelet ring.
Kelynnma
I love the Silver Bracelet Bracelet Ring Triangle 🙂
Anonymous
Flower short necklace
leia617 (at) hotmail (dot) com
Leenburke
I love the pinwheel earrings
http://www.etsy.com/listing/87240449/pinwheel-earrings-925-sterling-silver
Eileen BUrke
jcwega27
pixel heart earrings
jessicawedwards@gmail.com
Ashley
I like the Chevron earrings.
mrs.marcus2 at yahoo dot com
Aimee Correa
http://www.etsy.com/listing/87509602/silver-bracelet-ring-triangle-mint-white
I am loving the ring bracelets….so unique!
Sam Nazari
The flower bracelet!
Lisa Marie Anctil
peacock feather bracelet for sure!!
MsJudwah
The item that I would love to have is: Pinwheel (red color) necklace gold.
Anne W
I love the pinwheel earrings!
Elizabeth Weiss
I love the pixel heart sterling silver ring!
http://www.virginiemillefiori.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=109&products_id=227
Elizabeth
MIMIBUNNY11@aol.com
Anonymous
I like chevron mint and gold earrings.
Kelly
miamibaby01 @ yahoo com
jess
i love the triangle rings and then golden chevron ring!
Becky Dykstra
Love the Jump Rope Player Necklace! 😀
Shani
This ring is lovely! http://www.etsy.com/listing/91865653/butterfly-ring-sterling-silver-ring
Terri.
I love the butterfly ring
spock7005
I LOVE the Peter Pan scalopped collar!
monicaandrew
pinwheel earrings
Katie Contests
I wish she had more pieces in SILVER!!
I love the pixel heart earrings http://www.etsy.com/listing/93091541/pixel-heart-925-sterling-silver-ring
Demetria Reed
Loving the Chevron ring and the two hands-golden curb necklace!
Paula Michele Hafner
I like the Flower bracelet -silver bracelet -filigree flower -handmade bracelet
AmandaSue
I like the Silver bracelet ring – triangle -navy blue.
terri142
I really like the Triangle necklace – silver – mint
tderosa142 at gmail dot com
Anonymous
I love the Butterfly ring – sterling silver ring
morganowl28 at gmail dot com
B. Wilson @ Windy {City} Wilsons
One bird bracelet is beautiful!
ckorando
I love the two hands – gold curb chain necklace!
Anonymous
Love the mini pixel heart ring!
Thanks for the chance to win!
–Liza
ejm6x (at) yahoo (dot) com
Mandy Jean
I love everything but this is my fav!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/94923607/electric-love-gold-necklace
Take Care,
Mandy Jean
mandyjeanchic@gmail.com
Erica Eisenhauer
I love love love love love the two hands – gold curb chain necklace!
shinedownfan360@aol.com
Robin
I love the Triangle necklace – peak mountain – gold – tangerine enamel
Thanks for the giveaway!
rg86 at nau dot edu
Megan Parsons
I like the Pixel heart – sterling silver 925 earrings
Follower via GFC: MeganP
Anonymous
I love the braid bracelet – navy knot – brass chain
kannw27 at gmail dot com
deniseyweesy
New Years Resolution reminder bracelets, FOCUS, adjustable, black cord, silver charm is my favorite
jaylee
I just love chevron! The gold and mint studs are my favorite.
ferriz
i love the romantic gold plated headband.
dani marie ferriza2(at)yahoo(dot)com
Lori
The double butterfly ring is beautiful!
misschris2025
Love the Peter Pan necklace!
Amber
I think the Jump rope player- mint- gold- long necklace is my favorite!
Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
Christina Carattini
Electric Love Necklace
Alison King
Peter Pan collar necklace
Christy Ann
I love the Silver bracelet ring – triangle – mint!
llinda29
i want Circle necklace- triangle necklace- minimalist necklace- vermeil- black rhodium
Irene (Josslight089)
I LOVE–> The braid bracelet – navy knot – brass chain
SO gorgeous!
lines2005(at)hotmail(dot)com
Ashley Morrissey
Love this: http://www.etsy.com/listing/74373369/two-hands-gold-curb-chain-necklace
-Ashley Marie Morrissey
ashummz05(at)yahoo(dot)com
Lynn
I really like the Electric love – gold necklace!
rawrms at gmail dot com
Kim Bartlett
I like the Silver bracelet ring triangle in mint http://www.etsy.com/listing/89932002/silver-bracelet-ring-triangle-mint
kitblu
The 3D reindeer is exquisite. I would love it as a necklace (as it is) but also larger to sit on my bookshelf, table or verandah. Would those sizes be possible?
Serenap95
I love the http://www.etsy.com/listing/107910182/chevron-earrings-gold-mint-vermeil-studs
Kirsten De Jesus
I love the triangle rings! Such beautiful colors 🙂
dejesus.kirsten (at) gmail.coma
JennTRC
I love the Windmill ring rotating pinwheel silver ring with teal blue enamel 🙂
jrerwin6 at gmail dot com
BlackAsphodel
I like the Peacock feather bracelet.
My e-mail: blackasphodel(at)yahoo(dot)com
Marija
My favorite is the circle and triangle necklace!
marija.majerle at gmail dot com
mellyrox
My fave item is this:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/98007112/flower-bracelet-silver-bracelet-filigree
Thanks,
melly66@sbcglobal.net
Amy Peschel
I love the braid bracelet – navy knot – brass chain!
Natasha Dythia
Being a huge gamer and geek I love the pixel heart ring and earrings – but I also like the gold plated headband
crystal
I like the Pixel Heart Ring and the Silver bracelet ring – triangle -navy blue
Jennifer R
My favorite item is the Silver peacock feathers necklace.
Erica F
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the chevron stud earrings in gold and mint!
Stephanie
It is between the windmill ring, and the gold knot bracelet
Ashley
I love this – http://www.etsy.com/listing/77849223/silver-peacock-feathers-necklace
Kristin Aquariann
Simply stunning jewelry! My favorite is http://www.etsy.com/listing/77849223/silver-peacock-feathers-necklace
stephanie c
i am in love with the pinwheel necklace!!
TopHat
I love the orange and gold triangle bracelet!
hrfarley at gmail dot com
Anisha Vasudevan
I loved the Bar gold necklace – mint rectangle – minimalist jewelry – rectangle tube
Natércia Magarinhos
I absolutely love the Peacock feather bracelet! Such a delicatésse on it! 🙂
Little Assembly Required
I love the braid bracelet navy knot!
brittany k
Lkay107
I like the Peacock feather bracelet
Chasity
I love the Silver Peacock Necklace!
kemi
Love the bar gold necklace!
Erika
I love the Silver Peacock Necklace! Thanks for the great giveaway!
Kylie Carlson
I love the Butterfly ring – sterling silver ring.
Allison
I LOVE the double knuckle ring.
allisoneatschinesefood@live.com
KBranscombe
I love anything pinwheel, the peacock bracelet, and the peter pan collar necklace.
Shooting Stars Mag
I really love this necklace. too cute-
http://www.etsy.com/listing/96217229/pinwheel-necklace-gold-mint-windmill
Leigh
I love these earrings! http://www.etsy.com/listing/87234111/chevron-earrings-925-sterling-silver
lie-ying
love ! http://www.etsy.com/listing/108442117/peter-pan-collar-necklace-scalloped
MaeveBe
http://www.etsy.com/listing/114981241/double-chevron-ring-snake-ring-gold?ref=v1_other_2
so cute!
jakiesmom
i like the jump rope player necklace
Cindy Loo
This chevron ring is fabulous! http://www.etsy.com/listing/107975199/chevron-ring-snake-ring-black-and-gold
claire
love this! http://www.etsy.com/listing/110876432/above-the-knuckle-ring-gold-filled
lisa l.
the braid bracelet is pretty.
Brooke
This is my favorite item! http://www.etsy.com/listing/87509602/silver-bracelet-ring-triangle-mint-white
Sarah
Everything is beautiful! I really like the butterfly ring.
Tory Bennett-Daggett
The Pinwheel Necklace is definitely my fav!
Mer
So many pretty things! I love the gold plated headband.
Jasanna Czellar
love the double arrow chevron ring!
Meg S
I love the double arrow ring!
Macy
I like the gold pinweel necklace!
Nie Yile
My favourite item is this ring!!! http://www.etsy.com/listing/112284008/mini-pixel-heart-ring-vermeil-ring
Rebecca
Her whole store is amazing but my favourite is the Peacock Feather Bracelet 🙂
wildcat32
My favorite is the Peacock Feather Bracelet.
•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥Kat F.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•
Two hands gold chain.
Brittani
The 1 Tiny Triangle Ring is incredibly beautiful!!!
Sarah
My favorite is the Silver peacock feathers necklace
Nicola D'Andrea
I absolutely adore silver and mint triangle bracelet ring. http://www.etsy.com/listing/89932002/silver-bracelet-ring-triangle-mint
Anonymous
Love Flower bracelet -silver bracelet -filigree flower -handmade bracelet
sonflower277 at gmail dot com
Stephanie Y.
My favorite item is the tiny peacock feather ring!
Roaming Foam
I love the pinwheel necklace's. Probably the red one. But all of her stuff is way cute!
jackeline
LOVE the jump rope player mint gold long necklace.
sweetsue
I am crazy about the Jump rope player gold.
Anonymous
i love the Peter Pan collar necklace
blackcat7002000@yahoo.com
-jennifer
Aly C.
The triangle necklace arrow (mint gold) is my favorite!
Jus and Kat
Love, love, love the Electric love – gold necklace!!
Brooke T.
Such a lovely giveaway!! Thank you so very much.
My favorite item has to be the Jump rope player necklaces!! So very cute 🙂
0brooketaylor0[at]gmail[dot]com
Eloquence0
Bar gold necklace~
Anonymous
I'm in love with her work!
Laura Lee
the arrow bracelet is beeeeyooootiful!
Brooke
LOVE the Triangle Arrow Necklace!
Heather Dowley
I love the 'bunting necklace'. So cute!
kiddo
I love this item:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/107974816/arrow-ring-filigree-ring-chevron-ring
eclairre
1 Tiny triangle ring- dainty ring- stackable ring- mini geometric ring
Lala H
love the arrow rings
Courtney B
i like the arrow ring
http://www.etsy.com/listing/114985852/arrow-ring-filigree-ring-chevron-ring
vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com
Celeste
the peter pan collar necklace is so stunning!!!
The Clines
I like the peacock feather bracelet!
Lulu
I love Double arrow ring, chevron ring, gold, mint: http://www.etsy.com/listing/107906560/double-arrow-ring-chevron-ring-gold-mint
Janelle Andrea
Such pretty pieces! I love the Electric Love necklace.
WadziWadza
Love the Peter Pan scalloped necklace
Brittany
I am impressed with the process of making the peter pan necklace, but I love all of those little dainty triangle rings.
Windy City Mama
I love the navy knot bracelet!
Francivusk
I love these earrings: http://www.etsy.com/listing/87234111/chevron-earrings-925-sterling-silver
Lori Hart
I like the Flower bracelet –
rugerpuppies at hotmail dot com
abbbby
I love the "Tiny triangle ring- dainty ring- stackable ring- mini geometric ring"
Brittani
I love the braided bracelet. So cute!!!
Amber
I adore the Pinwheel necklace – gold – mint – windmill necklace!
Peanut
My favourite piece is the headband.
(I also like the Peter Pan necklace, just sayin')
Carly H.
The Braid Bracelet is cute.
Ijeoma
The Chevron snake ring in black and gold and the knuckle ring/double ring/dainty double triangle ring are my two favorite pieces! That Peter Pan collar is absolutely fantastic, I appreciate the pictorial of how much work went into it because I would've never guessed.
Lab geek
I love the Bracelet ring – arrow – triangle
vetty
I really like the Chevron rings. Simple and cute.
Consider Me Lovely
I've been a fan of Virgnie Millefori for a few weeks now, so I am happy to see the shop and learn about the owner here! I'm crushing hard on the Double Arrow Knuckle Ring http://www.etsy.com/listing/110273344/knuckle-ring-double-ring-triangle-ring
Cindy
Thank you for offering such a lovely and generous giveaway. My favorite is the butterfly ring: http://www.etsy.com/listing/91865653/butterfly-ring-sterling-silver-ring
clogzilla(at)yahoo(dot)com
Eat.Style.Play
I'll be honest every piece is my favorite piece but I love all of her neckalces more than anything.
Eva
I am in love with the Bracelet ring – arrow – triangle – mint – gold
sarah
I love the Silver Peacock Feathers Necklace
Beautifully Human
i absolutely love the scalloped collar. it would be so cool to win it!
Ju
I really like the jump rope player necklace! (Pinwheel earrings are a close second.)
meandmypassport
The Bracelet ring – arrow – triangle is so delicate and beautiful! LOVE.
Davina916
My favorite is the pixel heart ring. Thanks!
rachel
Oooh, the gold and mint chevron earrings are my fave
Sheri Blades
The Double Arrow ring is really pretty and simple.
brenda
I love the peter pan collar necklace
TrollopCM
My favorite item is the Chevron ring, so pretty, feminine and modern!
tmars034 at yahoo dot com
Shana
I love the braid bracelet!!
shanahattis at gmail dot com