Etsy Interview & Giveaway with Koko Candles

(Psst... you only have a couple more days to enter the giveaway from The Daily Pincushion!)

So, you'll probably learn that yummy foods tend to catch my eye. That's what first drew me into Paoling's candle shop. Some of the candles at Koko Candles look good enough to eat! I can just imagine how wonderful they smell. Why can't Etsy add that as a feature: scents through your computer screen?! I guess we'll just have to take Paoling's word for it...

Etsy Shop: Koko Candles
Website: Koko Candles

Tell us a bit about yourself, Paoling.
I am a single gal in the LA world trying to make art & change theworld. I'm a full time web/graphics designer, partner in a designcompany, wannabe artist, social butterfly and lastly a candle-maker.Wax is my #1 medium of choice for creative expression. I have beendoing my craft for about 10 years on & off now, starting with myhigh school years. My inspiration mostly comes from daydreaming andlying on my bed on lazy Sunday mornings, which unfortunately nowadaysis becoming a rare luxury. Usually my best ideas come to me when I'mdoing absolutely nothing.

What 5 words would you use to describe yourself?
fun
artistic
social
witty
LA

Tell us a bit about your Etsy shop.
I've had my Etsy shop for about a year now. The power of internet andthe beauty of Etsy has really motivated me to work harder on my items& my shop. Its a place where I open myself up to the world, where Iexpress my creativity & personality, and what I'm passionate about.

What 5 words would you use to describe your shop?
conceptual
pink
dessert
indulgence
vibrant

Give your 5 favorite websites.
Regretsy
Smashing Magazine
Toxel
Dustin Curtis
Paoling Che

Give your 5 favorite Etsy shops.
sunbasilgarden
Neon Canvas
Karen's Soap Co.
Dirty Ass SoapsLoveLeeSoaps

What advice would you give other Etsy sellers?

I would say the number 1 thing is to have unique items that reflect theabsolute essence of yourself. Having unique items really paid off forme, getting me into magazines, books and sites. Don't ever stopcreating, and don't ever stop solving problems. Take care with thelittle things, like packaging and how you present your business. Fromthe way you word your confirmation email to the box your packagearrives in to your business card design, every touch point is anopportunity to stand apart and be memorable.

Anything else you would like to share?
Stay tuned with www.candle101.com, soon to be home of candlemakingtutorials on various original projects, articles and useful resourcesfor starting your own candlemaking adventure!

Follow kokocandles on twitter.

GIVEAWAY!
Paoling is so kind to offer a...
**LOVE CANDLE GIFT SET**
Gift Set Includes:

(1) LOVE Chocolate Scented Soy Jar Candle

(1) Bite Sized Cupcake Candle with Pink Frosting & Real Sprinkles

(4) Exclusive Mini Heart Candles

Thanks so much, Paoling!

Here's how to enter:

Visit Koko Candles and leave a comment on this post
mentioning your favorite item.

For more chances to win, leave a separate post for each of the following:

*Become a Follower of EtsyInterviews.
*Subscribe to EtsyInterviews via RSS.
*Tweet about this giveaway (please leave link to tweet).
*Follow B.Inspired Mama on Twitter.
*Become a fan of B.Inspired Vintage on Facebook.
*Share the giveaway on Facebook.
*Blog about the giveaway (please leave the link)
*Add EtsyInterviews to your blogroll.
*Submit to be Featured on EtsyInterviews, too!

The winner will be chosen via Random.orgon Sunday, February 21th at 9PM EST. The winner will be emailedwithin 24 hours. Please make sure your email is in your profile or inthe comment. GOOD LUCK!