Interview with a Star - Yana (WineCountryLife)

I love to see new sellers and their creations on Etsy. Etsy is full of very talented artists and every time you see one you want to know more about him/ her.

When I came across WineCoutryShop I loved the greeting cards and lovely jewelry which is offered there. So I contacted Yana, the shop owner, and ask her some questions to share with you on my blog. Hope you will like her creations as much as I did!

Please meet Yana at WineCountryLife!


Q: Please tell us a little bit about yourself

A: My name is Yana. I was born and grew up in Novosibirsk, Russia. I graduated from Novosibirsk State University where I studied linguistics. Ever since I started studying languages I’ve been fascinated by words. I love thinking about how forms and meanings of different words are shaped through the culture of people that speak the language. Did you know for example that the word “family” comes from a Latin word that means “servant”? Isn’t it ironic?

While linguistics is still one of my interests it’s no longer my everyday profession. My day job is called “orientation and mobility specialist”. This fancy title means that I teach people with visual impairments how to get around independently and stay oriented with limited or no vision. It’s a very narrow specialization within the vision rehabilitation field. I feel privileged to be able to provide a service that changes people’s lives and makes them more independent. I would not change those occasional smiles of achievement for any other job.


Q: How long have you been creating? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?

A: I think I’ve always been creating. I’m grateful to wonderful people around me who’ve encouraged me. When I wanted to go to children’s art school, my parents took me to the art school without doubting my decision. When I cut flowers out of the curtains in my room, my Mom smiled and said that the curtains looked even prettier that way. When I wanted to sew, my Mom offered me her sewing machine and admired every single thing I made, even the first crooked pillow cases.


When I moved to the US I found out about scrapbooking and got hooked on it immediately. My wonderful mother-in-law who always inspires my with her creativity shared some of the scrapbooking supplies that she had in storage. She was the same person who got me into jewelry making by giving me a toolbox full of beads and tools. My creativity takes different forms through time but I feel that making things is integral to who I am.


Q: What do you sell and what is so special about your works?
A: At this moment I only sell handmade cards and jewelry. Everything I make is one of a kind. Every single item has its own inspiration behind it and is made in the moment with a lot of love and care. Even if I make something similar later on, it’s going to be different in shape, color, or something else – because the moment will be different. So when you get something from my shop you know it is special.


Q: Do you use any special techniques or tools?

A: I love experimenting with techniques and trying new things. One of my current favorites is iris folding technique for making cards. It involves folding strips of paper to form a design. I love the way it looks and the texture it gives to any design. While traditionally iris folding is done with paper, I often use ribbon which makes it even more beautiful.

Q: What are your best marketing tips?

A: I think it is very important to be open and friendly, to share your story and connect with your customers on personal level. I believe that if you wish well and do good, it comes back to you. So my best tips are: be out there, don’t be afraid to share who you are, support your colleagues, help people, and be kind.