(CNN) -- Heather and Michael von Quilich are still adjusting to life without a regular payday. They are makers of customized holiday stockings, party hats and baby bibs, and their profits come in large waves at Thanksgiving, Easter and Christmas. The periodic booms allow them to live off smaller orders the rest of the year, a huge change of pace from their previous jobs in the California construction industry. "You get into that mindset of 'go, go, go' all the time," said Michael, 42. "When Jack our son was first born, I feel like his first five years were on fast-forward."
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Heather von Quilich opened an Etsy store after she was laid off
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Sunshine Daydream offers customized embroidered hats, stockings and baby clothes
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Her husband joined after he was laid off, making the business their sole source of income
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Michael von Quilich: "We're not ... going to buy a Lear jet but we can support ourselves"
Christmas
In the months leading up to Thanksgiving 2010, Heather branched out into holiday products by offering sets of eight @placeholder stockings personalized in Sunshine Daydream's signature style of bright colors, fun font and personalized embroidering, at $10 a stocking on Etsy.
Etsy
In the months leading up to Thanksgiving 2010, Heather branched out into holiday products by offering sets of eight Christmas stockings personalized in Sunshine Daydream's signature style of bright colors, fun font and personalized embroidering, at $10 a stocking on @placeholder.
Michael von Quilich
Michael
During the busy 2011 holiday season, relatives from both sides of the family crowded into the @placeholder living room to sew, embroider and help out however they could.
Sunshine Daydream
In 2012, Michael estimates @placeholder earned 25% more than the couple pulled in during their best years working other jobs.
Heather
They mark progress with alerts from the Etsy app on @placeholder's phone.
Christmas
In 2012, the phone "cha-chinged" every day but @placeholder, they say.
Sunshine Daydream
And, wherever they go, the cash register ring reminds them @placeholder is alive and well.