Sabrina's Second Hand - Etsy

From the "Have a Heart" Collection

Ok, so I’m pretty excited to introduce you to Brina and her Etsy shop, Sabrina’s Second Hand (Repurposed & Vintage) as my first sponsor for this little blog! 

I’m excited about it for several reasons (all of which I will probably ineloquently describe) – but mostly because I truly admire her – and you’ll see why in the interview below. Ok nevermind! Ah! I have to talk about it too – she has this project called “Have a Heart” that you should check out.  It’s a completely beautiful and inspiring way that she is raising money to donate to different heart-related organizations in memory and honor of her brother, Trevor.  Now I’ll let you read more about it from her (below) but I know that it’s incredibly meaningful to her so I wanted to point it out...

And really…Brina’s shop is adorable and I love that making things and finding things for it gives her so much joy – and I love that she hopes that it gives just as much joy to the people who choose them. 

Cuuute Vintage Milk/Glass Snack set!

And now - an interview with Brina =)
(Because getting to know people is cool!)

(She also has a personal blog and wedding blog!)

1. What inspired you to start an Etsy shop? 

The moment I found out about Etsy, I wanted to open a shop. I'm very crafty and artistic and I thought it would be great to put a little bit of me out into the world! It was difficult at first, to find the time to do it, though, because I was going to college. This summer, I devoted a good chunk of time to blogging and setting up my shop. 

2. I know the "Have a Heart" Project is very special to you - can you tell us about it? 

Yes, "Have a Heart" is very special. Its sort of my chance to give back to the people and organizations who supported my brother, Trevor, throughout his life.

Trevor was born with a congenital heart defect and passed away in January at the age of 31. He had managed to live a somewhat "normal" life. He was married and had four children. He was my best friend. It saddens me that anyone should have to lose a friend or family member, especially at such a young age.

The "Have a Heart" Project was inspired by two other blogger women: Melissa of "Oh, My Darling" and Lindsay of "Pixies and Bears". Melissa had started a "Spread the Love" project. (You could link to her post here if you want.) Lindsay has been doing fund raisers for a while. She makes badges for her Etsy shop. I purchased her "Skin Cancer Awareness" badge, since that's something I really believe people need to be more informed about. So one morning, I was thinking about these two ladies and how I really want to be more like them, and make a difference.

I wanted to do something that I thought would make Trevor proud. I decided to use my craftiness to try and raise money for various organizations that I think he would have supported, starting with The American Heart Association. Ten percent or one dollar, whichever is more, of the proceeds from all of the items in my Etsy shop will be donated. In addition, I have a specific "Have a Heart" category in my shop. I will donate 100% of the profit from the sale of these items.

3. What is your favorite thing about blogging?

My favorite thing about blogging is the community I have built for myself. Before I started my blog, I was addicted to facebook. I guess the two are similar, only I come into contact with people I DON'T know through my blog. A lot of these people have similar interests as mine. People who live all over the country, and even in different parts of the world. I have made new friends. Even though we don't know each other very well, when something happens, whether good or bad, to one of your blogger friends you want to rejoice with them, or make them feel better!

4. What are 5 things that make you insanely happy? 

Five things that make me insanely happy are:
1. My fiancé, Kris, because he is such a good person, a hard worker, and supports me and my craftiness. (He is ALSO an artist!)
2. Hello Kitty I cannot help but smile whenever I see her.
3. Arts and crafts. I work in retail and deal with unsavory people every day. Creating something fun or beautiful makes the crankies disappear.
4. My nieces and nephew. Although I haven't seen Trevor's kids in a while, they make me smile and laugh. We always have so much fun together.
5. PUPPIES! I love animals, especially puppies and miss not having one. 

Brina's Blog * Brina's Etsy *Sabrina's Second Hand on FB * Handmade Wedding

Thanks for answering my interview questions, Brina!

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