Sometimes when you find a Fresh Shop, it’s like a beam of light coming down to show you something you haven’t seen before. I happened to bump into TheSecretNest a few weeks ago and was thrilled at how unique their items were (and how lovely their photos were too!). So I asked a few questions to learn a bit more about the maker behind this shop…
Can you tell us a little about the people behind TheSecretNest?
The person behind the Secret Nest is Karina Kalvaitis. I live and work on Vancouver Island – on the west coast of Canada. I’m an artist-of-all-sorts and a (sometimes) theatrical props builder. I’ve made and shown my art in galleries across Canada for about 12 years now. Just recently I threw out my extremely lucrative and high-powered career as an art-store clerk to try my hand at making things full time. I like making all sorts of arts and crafts, but I imagine that Etsy itself may guide me to a specific niche (or two, or three?).
What inspires you as a creative person?
Plants, animals, life underwater, and all things teeny-tiny. I love mysterious natural places where I can imagine some creature or other living — hidey-holes or green leafy places. Gardening is a good inspiration — flowers and plants are quite otherworldly the closer you get to them. I like things that aren’t spelled out, which is perhaps why I like animals so much. I like imagining what they are thinking – and I suppose imagining I have some special connection to them. I use animals as stand-in for humans I think — especially for those awkward or uncertain moments when we are faced with our own vulnerability.
I think the things that inspire me all have something mysterious that resonates in them. And the things I make are all glimpses into something that is enigmatic. I can always tell when a piece works because I feel like it is a mystery, even to me — it has a life of its own that is unknowable. That gives me a real thrill, and it keeps me making artwork. I think this idea of secrets is also why I like making blank books — because people will fill them with their own secret plans and ideas.
How do you like Etsy so far?
I’m really impressed by the size of the audience on Etsy; it seems like a fantastic place to reach people.
I’m still finding my way around in Etsy — I feel like the new kid at school and I don’t yet know where all of the hallways lead. However, unlike high school, all the kids here are really nice! I really thrive on feedback, and people have been kind enough to convo me with compliments — I feel like I’ve been noticed, instead of lost in the crowd. I have high hopes for Etsy!
What are your favorite features of the site?
Well, as a fledgling shop owner, I’ve been especially drawn to the features that give me reassurance and hope. I love the Quit Your Day Job and Success Stories. I’m grateful for Hearts Me — I was overjoyed by how many people said they “hearted me” after only a few days. I’ve been included in a couple of Treasuries too, and I think that is what got me the most traffic so far.
And as a newbie, I’ve consulted the Etsy Seller’s Handbook many many times. I guess I absorbed a good deal of it — since I got kudos in an Etsy Success email as Exemplary Listing of the Week for following all the tagging suggestions!
Oh, and I like the Shop Local feature too — I’ve checked out all of the other shops from Victoria. Is that too many favorite features? Apparently I’ve found a lot to like!
Anything else you’d like to add is also welcome! (Your blog, etc.)
I had some drawings in a gallery in Toronto and they are now on their way to The Secret Nest. If you heart manatees (and how could you not!) you’ll want to check them out.
Looking for more Etsy newbies? Check out our previous Fresh Shops coverage!
41 comments
yaelfran said 11 years ago
how cute!!!
HomemadeZen said 11 years ago
the submarine is very unique!
Vanessa said 11 years ago
I love hidey-holes too.
dogties said 11 years ago
Amazing!!! It all looks so fun.
Krystyna81 said 11 years ago
great shop! lots of luck!
heidiburton said 11 years ago
what a lovely fluffy shoppy!!
BernieBeads said 11 years ago
Such a cute shop. The little felt-scapes are so clever and inspire so much imagination.
bubbletime said 11 years ago
I just found thesecretnest recently, it's FANTASTIC!
JustFeltHungry said 11 years ago
Very original and aesthetically pleasing!
SpaGoddess said 11 years ago
fun stuff!! thanks for sharing:)
OffTheHooks said 11 years ago
great shop- it makes me so happy to see so many fellow canadians showing off their talents on etsy. I especially like the Victoria work- them bunnies are legendary!
raegunfabric said 11 years ago
how cool
funktionslust said 11 years ago
I'd like to live in one of your secret nests! :)
tanisalexis said 11 years ago
hooray secret nest! I'm so glad to see you spotlighted! you know I'm a huge fan of your work. heehee.
LegendaryTigerHero said 11 years ago
The nests are too cool!! Very unique!
courtneyannedesigns said 11 years ago
Great Shop!
tortillagirl said 11 years ago
Very unique and creative pieces! Thicket and Submarine...wow.
LuLusMeltShoppe said 11 years ago
Very, very cool! Great article, read it twice to take it all in :)
nfall2rt said 11 years ago
Love the shop! Interesting work
EJPcreations said 11 years ago
I dearly love her shop!!! Her pictures are amazing!!! Good job!
RubyRougeJewellery said 11 years ago
So gorgeous!
WingsDove said 11 years ago
This shop is already a favorite of mine and it's wonderful to see more of Karina's work. A wonderful talent with a quirky and lovely imagination.
Selkiemoonlight said 11 years ago
I just want to curl up in the thicket and take a little napper. . .
KnitKnit said 11 years ago
Your work is magical :)
westcorinthstudio said 11 years ago
Wow, love your work!
TheKnottyPine said 11 years ago
So incredibly cool!! Way to go for Canadian talent!! :) WOOHOO!!! And I am waiting to check out the manatees! I love them sooooo much :)
autumnsarrival said 11 years ago
Best of luck! Very creative ideas- I like that! Very original!
BluCille said 11 years ago
Nice. Very expressive.
Salzanos said 11 years ago
Awesome simplicity with perfect amount of flair!! I admire you work, and photography of products.
MadEarth said 11 years ago
oooooohhhh! I plan to stare at Submarine just before I go to sleep. What a dreamy little collection.
amysfunkyfibers said 11 years ago
These are so beautiful and dreamy
JessesMess said 11 years ago
Adding my 2 cents - lovely little fairy lands, divine!
dragonhouseofyuen said 11 years ago
Beautiful ethereal works which captivate your eyes - I looked all over each one first, seeing just what was (wasn't) going on. Wintering is so special, inviting yet untouchable. Karina I had one of your little grey rabbit books in my treasury a short while ago! very special! thanks
lavalleygirly said 11 years ago
You are SO right....this is a very fresh shop!
VintageDivas said 11 years ago
Beautiful!
soulyluna said 11 years ago
soooo cute! happy to find these lovely little treasures getting some lovely attention!
craftedbyteri said 11 years ago
ohhh, I am so inspired! Thank you for sharing.
orsinimedici1951 said 10 years ago
Otherworldly!! I'd be very surprised if you did not have a background in biology, or marine biology! Who, but you, could have imagined the aesthetic union of science and textiles? Extraordinary!!
beadlove2211 said 10 years ago
I really like the submarine!
RubyStudios said 10 years ago
Wow, look at that gross misuse of Etsy (above). Does anyone actually fall for this stuff??! ANYWAY..... Yay for The Secret Nest!!! One of my all-time favorite Etsy shops! Karina's art is the best. Colors, lines, technique, photography--all tops!