To celebrate Earth Month, we talk with Devi Chand about how she transforms magazine pages and newspapers into beautiful beads for her jewelry shop, Papermelon. Devi left her office job with no safety net to pursue a creative career in 2009, and since then she’s built a sustainable business inspired by her colorful surroundings in India and connected with both like-minded customers and eco-conscious Etsy sellers. Devi shares how she carved out a routine that helps her balance work and family, how she’s gotten her daughter involved in her work process, and how she handles challenging times in her business.

For more tips on bringing sustainable practices into your shop, read Why You Should Weave Sustainability Into Your Brand Story. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Running Your Shop During COVID-19 for shop management strategies, emerging shopping trends, and small business resources during this challenging time.