How long have you been a CafePress.com Shopkeeper and how did you "discover" CafePress.com?
I've been a Shopkeeper for a little over one year now. I first learned of CafePress from an old college buddy of mine. One of his friends had a premium shop that was making some money and I told myself "Hey, I can do that!"
In 150 words or less, what's the story behind your shop?
I'm known to wear my emotions on my sleeve. After the birth of my first child last year, I wanted to express my happiness through clothing. And since there are so many products out there specific to moms and babies, I felt that the dads of the world needed representation. So Proud Poppa Gear was born.
How do you find inspiration for your designs?
Everyday is a different day when raising a child. I'm inspired by my daughter. I not only think of how dads feel as new fathers, I also look to the future and envision how it will be when my kid is in school, or winning her first soccer game, graduation from high school, to even getting married. There's an endless amount of ideas I've yet to pull from my head.
How are you currently using CafePress (e.g. supplement website, raise funds for charity, creative outlet...)?
I'm using CafePress more as a creative outlet. I've always been artistic and creative. And I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit in me. Thanks to CafePress, I've been able to share my creativity with the masses and make some money at the same time.
Tell us what you do to market and promote your shop?
Most of my marketing is through word of mouth. Whenever I see new parents at the mall, I'll strike up conversation and give my business card, telling them how I've opened up a website dedicated strictly for dads. I've also ordered several items from my own shop to give to friends who are also dads. All I ask is that they wear my "gear" out in public.
What has been your biggest shop accomplishment since you've become a Shopkeeper?
My biggest accomplishment since I've become a shopkeeper is revamping my site by buying a premium shop template. As a parent, I did not have time in the day (or night) to customize my own storefront. I went the easy route and bought a template from designavatar.com. In just one Saturday, I made ProudPoppaGear.com look like a real legitimate web store.
Do you take part in the CafePress Community Forums and if so, what do you like best about it?
Like I mentioned before, as a parent I have very little time for myself, so I don't participate much in the community forums. I do read the posted workshops every time I have the chance. There's so much to learn from other shopkeepers, especially when it comes to SEO and promoting your shop.
What future plans do you have for your shop, or using CafePress?
In the future, I'd like to open up new shops, targeting other niches such as pet owners or sports fans. That's what's great about CafePress. Somewhere in the world, someone will be interested in your designs. I was amazed when I sold a mug to someone in Japan!
Is there another CafePress shop/Shopkeeper that you admire?
There's so many great shops out there that I can't name just one that I like. I can say that I admire the time and dedication that some shopkeepers take to make their shops look and feel like a top-rated e-commerce site. I find inspiration in such shops.
Do you have any "tips" to success or word of advice you can give to other CafePress Shopkeepers?
Yes, all I can say is constantly work on your shop. Add new designs whenever you can, take down or hide designs that just don't sell. And as with any business, constantly promote, promote, promote yourself and your shop. Don't just rely on the CafePress marketplace or even the internet as a marketing channel. Tell everyone you know about your shop and you'll get sales eventually.
