Interview with a Star - Yelena (Lazo)

Today, we are sharing Yelena's story who runs Lazo shop on Etsy.com

Please tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Yelena. I was born in city of Khabarovsk, Russia. I am married and have 2 kids.


How long have you been creating? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?
My mother showed me how to knit and crochet when I was about 12. I always loved flowers, and the first projected I've finished was gray pullover with white roses. Over the years, I've made small items. I came to USA in 1998 and got married. I discovered many different patterns and my interest had grown from doilies to children pullovers, cardigans and then to crochet jewelry with wire.

I found Etsy from the cashier at yarn shop. I started with hats, children pullovers and crocheted jewelry. After a year of learning and trying to sell on Etsy I received a request for just a flower from the hat I was selling, and that how I became a shop supplier .


What items do you carry in your shop?

Because of my love for colors i offer crocheted flowers in different colors. I have new line of multi color 1.5 inch flowers made from 100% Egyptian cotton by Lizbeth thread. Plus I use hand dyed cotton thread from Canadian seller on Etsy Lizbeth dyed by CustomCottonEtc.etsy 

What items in your shop do you most enjoy making and why? Do you take custom orders?
I enjoy making flowers and working with colors. Flowers variegated or multi color threads may look so pretty in the ball but when you make a flowers they could look so different from the thread it like a mystery. I do take custom orders for flowers.

What is the most important about your work?
Work with the buyer till they like they color and shade of flowers.Present as many different colors as I can to my buyers.

What are your main sources of inspiration?
I like shopping at the yarn stores or online and I am always looking for new colors that hand dyers offer. Inspiration could come from a TV series. Colors are all around our daily life.

Do you have a favorite item you have made?
My children cherry blossom t-shirt embellishment.I had that idea for many month i look at the real trees to get an idea for the branches .When i was making small flowers my son (5 years old)come up to me and put light pink flower on top of pink flowers and said i like it this way and i like that to.


Do you use any special techniques or tools?
My tools are my hook and my needles.

Any sales or promotions?
For repeat customers I offer free shipping.I have discount section in my shop.

Name 3 things you can’t live without?
I love yarn, flowers, colors.

What are your best marketing tips?
Use tags (color of your work, what or by who it could be used or where, etc).