I've recently been on a crafting rampage, armed with sharpie pens, watercolors, old fabric, and a much-abused sewing machine. I'm doing this mostly for myself, as a way to combat the stressed of chronic illness, but also for the not-too-distant future: my hope is to have an Etsy shop up and running by ________ date. Actually, I'm rather terrified of setting a date and then not being able to meet it for some unknown reason. So I'm keeping the goals small, for now. Stock first. Set date later.
I've been brushing up on online selling, and taking some cues from some of the successful shops I know of. I read interviews with these amazing sellers, and I've often come across the notion that if you are to open a shop, it should focus on just one or two things. I've narrowed mine down into the realm of upcycled/handmade garments and decor + one-of-a-kind watercolor illustrations. But I wanted to ask you all, out of curiosity: do you like when Etsy shops feature a variety of items, or just a few? What attracts you personally to a specific Etsy shop? And are custom orders a must for you? I'm just curious. I know that however I go about it that my merchandise is bound to vary from time to time, as I'm very keen on using what I have available, or in other words, making something out of nothing.
It's a strange feeling, to feel some opportunity and change on the horizon, but to not know exactly what that means yet. I suppose my only real hope for the future is to have a bit of variety. Living with pain every day is something that often feels insurmountable. I struggle daily with feelings of anxiety and uselessness and, sometimes, despair. Up to this point in my life I haven't felt very much in charge of anything, having no choice but to let my body dictate each day. It's taken me a while to find my footing, and to come to the realization that it's okay if I don't do or live like everyone else. I don't have to--it isn't required.
Sometimes it seems like everything I've been through until now has been practice and I'm only just starting to really live.
xo
Brit
so excited for you! And I'd love to have you be a part of my Made By Hand series once your shop gets going! xo
ReplyDeleteTo this, all I can say is: WHOA. That would be awesome. Thank you for all your encouragement. <3
Deleteyou are really talented, brittany. i love the concept of upcycling. as far as the things i look for in etsy shops, it's really a unique and quality product that is delivered with a high level of service. price and wait time (if your doing made-to-order) are worth it so long as those other things i listed are executed. it's also a nice touch when seller hand package the items and write notes. the little things, you know. ;) good luck, it's very exciting!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Lucinda! xo
DeleteI like etsy shops that have a theme that ties them together. Some might be art, so there's a variety of prints to choose from plus they offer iphone cases, pillows etc with their prints... it's cohesive variety. I hope that makes sense! I'm loving your painting/sketch :) good luck with your shop!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you have to live with pain daily.
Thank you so much for your advice. It makes sense and means a lot to me. <3
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