Introduction to you:

My name is Ivelisse Alvarez, but most people call me Ive.  In Spanish it sounds like, Ebay exept with the “b” is a “v” or “evay.” 

I am from the Dominican Republic.  I arrived to the United States with my family in July 2008 and we made Pennsylvania home for almost 5 years.   About five months ago we decided to move our family to Indiana because of a better job opportunity for my husband.  I am married to a wonderful man of God.  We have 2 boys and 1 girl.  I love my family and one of the things I enjoy the most is spending time with them.  I studied graphic design and I love to decorate.  I received an Associate in Arts and applied Sciences.  I have also received many hours of academic instruction and hands on training in drawing, painting, photography, jewelry creation and design, and interior design.  I love to decorate especially for events such as weddings and sweet sixteen.   I enjoy nature very much particularly in the autumn because of all the beautiful textures and colors. 

How did you get your start on Etsy?

In 2011 my English teacher saw some of the pieces I had created and suggested I place a few of them on Etsy.  After brainstorming with my husband on a name, I immediately opened it without much knowledge or training on how to use the website.  In the first five months there were no sales and very little visits to my page.  It wasn’t till March 2012 that finally I had one sale, then in August of the same year another sale.  As you can see for me it was a slow start, and if it wasn’t for my husband’s support and encouragement I might’ve given up and thrown in the towel.  One morning I woke up inspired with a prayer on my mind.  I decided I would put it on an art piece and designed it subway-art style in Spanish and placed it on my Etsy store.  A client wrote me an email that morning requesting something similar with verse 1 Corinthians 13, but in English.  At that moment I felt things would turn around in a marvelous way, and they did. 

At that moment I decided to learn more about how Etsy functions and ways I can improve my store.  It has been amazing to see how the whole online world can help you reach millions of people all around the world with a simple click.  After many months I now can see the results of slow and steady growth.  I give all the thanks and glory to God.   My focus has been bible verses and quotes incorporated on burlap inspirational designs for wedding décor, signs and accessories. 

I love what I do whether it sells or not, but I especially love when people feel happiness and joy with a piece I’ve created.  Each review or comment about my art inspires me and motivates me to continue creating art.

How did you choose your shop name?

My husband and I started brainstorming name ideas for the Etsy store.  One thing we concluded long ago in regards to naming a business is the simpler more organic the name and relative to the business, the better.  So he said to me you will not only be creating everything but you’ll also be doing all photography, placement, publicity, customer service and finally handling the shipping process.  It will all be done by Ive.  Why not just name it, “ByIve?”  And voila!

What does a typical day look like for you?

I am a night owl therefore I prefer to be up all night and sleep during the day.  Again, that is my preference and I do it when I can because it is with the quiet of the night I get most inspired and creative ideas.  But I’ll give you “typical day” when I am up with the sun.   I wake up around 6:30 a.m.; send my kids to school, my husband to work and with a cup of coffee on one hand I read my daily devotional.   After my morning prayer I turn the music on nearly all day, I love listening to music while I work on a project.  I then take a look at my agenda for the day and prioritize what needs to be done first.  I continue with pending orders and work on what needs to be printed, recorded or glued, packaged and shipped out.  I then get in my car, run any necessary errands and make a stop in the post office to drop off anything that needs to go out.   I try to finish everything I have pending for the rest of the day but most days I cannot so I just try to do as much as I can, what I can’t finish goes on the next day.  By this time it’s almost time for my family to come home so I make dinner.  After the kids are all tucked in bed on some nights I love to sit next to my husband and watch a romantic movie particularly those with happy endings.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?

I would love to visit Paris, Italy, Mexico and many, many more countries.  But if I have to pick just one place to be right at this instant I’d like to be in one of the warm beaches of my Caribbean country, particularly in Punta Cana or La Romana. 

What is your favorite Bible verse?

I have several favorites, but I particularly love the one below,

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-8

What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?

This article never loses its relevance, and has so much meaning to me, because I love, as love is defined here.

Where else can we find you on the Internet?

Find me on facebook

Or Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/byive