I didn't really need an excuse to visit Berlin but I decided to make one anyway by attending Hello Etsy, a summit for small business and sustainability, last weekend. It was Etsy's first go at an event like this and other than the insane lines for the elevators, the entire summit went off without a glitch. Since I used to run a shop on Etsy and am currently planning for another web store (off Etsy), it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get my creative and business ideas flowing again.

The two-day event was held at ewerk, Germany's oldest preserved power plant, built in 1885; it was so so so cool. The entire event had a very relaxed feel which was nice and extremely conducive to meeting new people from all around the world (hello to anyone who I met and is reading this now!).

Between sessions ranging from Finding Your Courage to Understanding Google Analytics and Secrets to Good PR, there were sewing stations sponsored by Marimekko, lots of drinks and snacks, and a pop-up book store with plenty of inspirational books to flip through. My favorite goodies came from Moo who gave out free customized business cards - how nice, right? The entire experience was all about exchanges - be it free products to help you get your name out or speakers sharing their stories and tricks of the trade. Everyone there had something to offer and truly believed that you can make a living working your passion and doing something creatively. Whether doing it solo or with a team - anything is possible.

I took a lot of great inspiration and practical information from the weekend and I want to share a piece of it with you by giving away a copy of the Hello Etsy Handbook given to attendees. It's filled with stories and words of wisdom from the summit's speakers to make you think of the why, who, what, and how of your business. It's reaaallyy good. If you want it, comment on this post (with whatever you want to say) and I'll pick a name at random then email the lucky reader for a shipping address. I'll take care of the postage, of course ;)

A big Thank You to Etsy, the speakers, and everyone involved in creating the event - a job well done!

Berlin really captured my heart - what an incredible place full of history and relevance. I went for business but wish that I would have had more time for play and exploration.

The free time I did have was spent enjoying drinks, eating proper German food, and making our way through Mitte via rented bicycles. While we didn't go into any museums or monuments, we got a great feel for the city's center by passing by the Reichstag, Berlin Dom, and Brandenburg Gate. What I would really love to do is go back with a purely historical agenda. I saw different parts of the Berlin wall around town and we drank our morning cappuccinos next to Checkpoint Charlie but I want to explore more. Joe's uncle was stationed at Checkpoint Charlie during the Cold War and us being there, just sitting, looking at it, was absolutely crazy. Berlin has so many stories to tell and I want to hear them all.

Oh, and their taxis are super comfy Mercedes.

For more photos, click here.