#lexalex

ARM-KNIT INFINITY SCARF a micro guide by Alexa Klopfenstein on How.Do

How old were you when you started blogging and running an Etsy shop and how do you manage everything!?

I started running an Etsy shop, Lexalex, when I was 15 years old. Since I was under 18 when I started, my store had to be under the supervision of my parents. A few months later I decided to start a blog to share my creative ideas and promote the knitted accessories I sell on Etsy. Since then, my blog has expanded from just knitting to my other passions, cooking and photography. When I started my Etsy shop and blog, I had just begun homeschooling so I had more free time than other teenagers. As I've gotten older, it's definitely gotten harder to juggle everything! Probably one of the main things that helps me get through my day and stay organized is list-making. I always start off my day creating a check-list to help keep me on track! I'm also a major multi-tasker. I often knit and do my online classes at the same time.

Have you always been an entrepreneur and wanted to start your own business? Any tips for other teens looking to sell their products online? 

I suppose I've always been into selling things. When I was 7 I remember selling lemonade on the side of the road with my friends. When I was 9 I sold bracelets and things to my friends and family. When I was 12 (and living on a small farm) I sold bunnies that I bred. When I learned to knit at the age of 13, I knew that it was what I wanted to do. In my early teen years, I began to dream of having my own business. I was absolutely thrilled when I discovered Etsy. To other teens wanting to sell their products, I would say: Get yourself and your products out there for the world to see! Take advantage of online social media and promote your stuff on popular websites. Also, make sure to do your research. Don't just wing it!

Do you create other crafts aside from knitting or does that take up most of your creative time?

Though knitting takes up a majority of my creative time, I am also really into oil painting, photography, and cooking. When I have a free day all to myself, I love to spend most of it oil painting landscapes. I also love to create delicious coffee drinks like lattes and mochas. I often post original recipes on my blog.

What are your plans for Lexalex now you've finished school? 

I recently finished high school and I'm currently working on a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing online. I'm hoping to use this degree to expand my Etsy store. In the future I would love to offer a wider variety of products. If things go as I hope, I would also like to own my own 'brick and mortar' store. My dream would be to sell coffee and my knitted items in a little shop.