Celebrating 15 years on Etsy
Hi, I’m Hazel of mommawhazelsquilts, and I’m celebrating 15 years on Etsy! What a time it has been.
My very first sale was sold to someone in Canada. I was so excited to ship my first item internationally. Soon after, I listed some homemade Buckeyes (or peanut butter balls as we call them) “just for fun,” and to my surprise, they sold immediately. For a while, I was making hundreds of Buckeyes every Fall and Winter, until I eventually decided to focus more on quilting and crafts.
My best moment on Etsy might have been in November of 2013 when I received a request to make 50 of my felt star ornaments by the Texas Quilt Museum. Seeing them on the museum’s Christmas tree was such an honor.
Today at almost 90 years old, I still run three Etsy shops and a booth at a local venue. Staying creative keeps me active and brings me joy. Over these 15 years, I’ve faced challenges, including the loss of my son in 2018 and undergoing cancer treatment in 2020. I love being on Etsy and truthfully, I feel what I do here has a lot to do with not only my physical health but also my mental. I just don't know how to quit "making" and "doing."
As I celebrate 15 years on Etsy, I invite you to share your shop successes and milestones with me. I look forward to reading them!
VeroCraftsCommunity
Congrats!
no3handmadeau
·10 months agoHow inspiring, I have been on Etsy since 2020 and I love creating with fabric. I never thought I will be selling handmade bags one day but here I am. I am so grateful to have found Etsy as its perfect for my needs and it gives me so much flexibility. I hope I can continue creating as long as you have.
FencyshopDesign
·10 months agoCongrats on your 15 years on Etsy.
BloomCycleStudio
·10 months agoCongratulations, Hazel! 15 years on Etsy is such an incredible milestone. Your story and dedication are truly inspiring. It’s amazing how creativity keeps us going through life’s toughest challenges. Wishing you many more joyful years of creating and sharing your beautiful work!
JBeaudetStudios
·10 months agoCongrats on 15 years! Your story is very inspirational and I'm happy you're still doing it! I'm at 16 years here and it's hard to believe it! Time goes by so fast. But looking back to then, a lot has happened and it's hard to remember the highlights. I remember getting on the front page and gift guide. Those were good times! Etsy has changed but I am still able to sell my paintings so I stay.
DragonFireGlass
·10 months ago@mommawhazelsquilts Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. It is very inspirational and congratulations on 15 years
lagracewaxmode
·10 months agoCongratulations!
Very very good inspirations for us
Stay blessed
ZurevoTemplates
·10 months agoCongratulation! so inspiring!
gingerbakedco
·10 months agoWow, Hazel — what an incredible story! I truly hope I can stay as creative and passionate as you are when I reach your age!
My own Etsy shop is just about a month old, but I just celebrated my 40th sale of my gingerbread house templates & my husband’s cheering me on with every single one, which is very touching! And hearing stories like yours makes me more motivated for the years ahead
Wishing you continued health, happiness, and endless creativity in all that you do. Congratulations on 15 wonderful years!
NuzaimGems
·10 months agocongratulation !!!!!!!!!!!!
MilanChicChandeliers
·10 months agoso inspiring! thank you so much for sharing!
BrooklynStVintage
·10 months agoCongrats on your successful shop. You have my admiration for surviving all the changes and challenges Etsy throws at us.
ShakilExport
·10 months agocongrats on your 15 year with etsy
MOEteacraft
·10 months agoCongratulations on your 15th anniversary! That’s truly inspiring.
I’m a beginner here — my shop is still very new, and honestly, I haven’t had much time to learn all the details yet. My store has almost zero views, even though I insist on making my products very healthy and i really believe my products are full of potential.
I was feeling discouraged and even thought about giving up, but after reading your story, I’ve decided to keep going — to learn, adjust, and try my best to grow my shop step by step.
Thank you for sharing your journey. Your experience gives me courage and hope.
Wishing you continued success and many more beautiful years on Etsy!
MOEteacraft
·10 months agoCongratulations on your 15th anniversary! That’s truly inspiring.
I’m a beginner here — my shop is still very new, and honestly, I haven’t had much time to learn all the details yet. My store has almost zero views, even though I insist on making my products very healthy and i really believe my products are full of potential.
I was feeling discouraged and even thought about giving up, but after reading your story, I’ve decided to keep going — to learn, adjust, and try my best to grow my shop step by step.
Thank you for sharing your journey. Your experience gives me courage and hope.
Wishing you continued success and many more beautiful years on Etsy!
mommawhazelsquilts
OP10 months agoGood for you!
nininacs
·10 months agoCongratulations on 15yrs!!! Let's Go!!! So Awesome!!
ChristmasQuiltCo
·10 months agoYour story is inspiring. As a Quilter, we need to hear stories like this! Congratulations on your 15 years milestone and the gift of quilting.
HanaPartyPrintables
·10 months agoFelicidades! Me encanta leer esto, eres un ejemplo a seguir de constancia y trabajo! Muy bonita tu tienda. Gracias por compartir.
OtherworldAromas
·10 months agoCongratulations on 15 years, wowee! Recently hit just over 200 sales, myself. Small steps, but ones worth celebrating, haha.
mommawhazelsquilts
OP10 months agoI want to thank each and everyone of your that responded to my post. I am almost at a loss for words and for those of you that know me, you know that doesn't happen often.
Thank you seems so inadequate but, Thank You All!
KelleyKreates4U
·10 months agoI've officially made 200 sales and 100 reviews in the two years I've been selling on Etsy, words can't describe the happiness I'm feeling right now
romaarellano
·10 months agoQuite the feat! You’re a testament to the power of creativity.
HaoiStore
·10 months agoCongrats on your 15 years
TweedherbsbyJackie
·10 months agoCongrats!Wow,you have inspired me.
ExshawQuilts
·10 months agoCongratulations Hazel! Fellow quilter 🥳
LowMountainBoutique
·10 months agoWow, Hazel — your story is truly inspiring! Congratulations on 15 amazing years on Etsy!
As a newer shop owner, reading about your journey and your passion for creating means so much. It’s beautiful to see how art and handmade work can bring joy and purpose through all of life’s chapters.
I opened my own shop Low Mountain Boutique not too long ago, focusing on personalized Labrador gifts and watercolor designs — and stories like yours remind me why I started. Thank you for sharing your light with the community!
Wishing you continued creativity and happiness,
Jess
MUSKAAN789
·10 months agoHi Hazel! Congratulations on 15 amazing years on Etsy . That’s such an inspiring journey — from Buckeyes to beautiful quilts! Wishing you many more creative years ahead.
TossyTDesignPatterns
·10 months agoHazel! Happy 15th anniversary on Etsy! Thank you for sharing your touching story!
DeronHelenFavorites
·10 months agoAWSOME
LEATHERFIED
·10 months agoHello Hazel,
Congratulations on your work, and your lovely Etsy Shop.
Thanks
LEATHERFIED
smartaicreator
·10 months agoCongratulations, Hazel!
What an incredible milestone - 15 years of creativity, resilience and inspiration. Your story is heartwarming, especially how you have continued creating through life's ups and downs. It is amazing how your passion for quilting and crafting has touched so many people over the years.
Thank you for sharing your journey. It is a wonderful reminder that creativity keeps our spirits alive no matter what age or challenges we face. Wishing you many more joyful years of making, creating and inspiring others.
DigiWhimsyArt
·10 months agoHi Hazel! Congratulations on your 15 years on Etsy — that’s truly inspiring! Your story and dedication are so motivating. I’ve been running my shop for about 7 months now and have reached 245 sales so far. It’s been such a fun and fulfilling journey, and hearing stories like yours reminds me why I started — to keep creating and sharing with others. Wishing you continued success and good health!
GenieVintageUK
·10 months agoWonderful Hazel, So inspiring
SingleRugs
·10 months agoCongratulations, Hazel! Your story is truly inspiring — 15 years of creativity, resilience, and passion is something to celebrate. The way you’ve turned challenges into motivation and continued to create with such heart is amazing. Your journey shows what makes the Etsy community so special. Wishing you many more years of joyful making and success!
PositivityStoreCo
·10 months agoCongrats Hazel and very proud of what you have accomplished despite all your challenges.
TinyTailsandFeathers
·10 months agoCongrats!
WadadliCherish
·10 months agoCongratulations
SewInspiredByJapan
·10 months ago@mommawhazelsquilts Congrats! And as someone who plans to move to North Carolina, I had to google your town LOL! Keep on sewing!
OlsenTrademarks
·10 months agoCONGRATULATIONS, Hazel! You are such an inspiration for so many reasons! I am celebrating 16 years of being on Etsy and it has been wonderful for me. I started when my kids were in grade school. Now they have given me 3 grandchildren and two amazing "children-I-won" ( I hate the term "in-law" lol) and they all live close by.
Because of Etsy, I have sold items in Harrods of London, the Vesterheim Museum shop in Iowa, stores in Poulsbo, WA, Montana and Iowa, and have sold to 16 countries around the world. I absolutely love what I do (definitely a workaholic) but I consider it an honor and a privilege each day to get up and get to do what I do! I am losing my eyesight, unfortunately, due to a condition called keratoconus but until there is a better fix or I go blind I am not stopping! I turned 56 in May and I can only hope to be as active and inspiring as you! Thank you for sharing your story!
GlassyFields
·10 months agoThank you for sharing your wonderful Etsy story. It's very inspirational and fun to hear about.
TheyInspireMeByRobin
·10 months agoCongratulations on your 15 years. You are such an inspiration to all of us. I’m almost 65 and I’ve been on Etsy for about 5 years. I opened my shop while I took care of my mom at home. It gave me something to pass the time with. When she passed away at 98 years old I kept sewing. I have her picture hanging over my sewing machine. As we grow older we can continue to grow in the creativity that God has given. That we are so valuable in His eyes.
MacrameAtelierByNes
·10 months agoCongratulations on your 15
PiecesofMeCardsnMore
·10 months agoCongratulations Hazel! I always enjoy seeing your comments in the forums.
I opened an Etsy shop in 2009 to sell my daughter’s handmade jewelry (she was 11 at the time). I had never heard of Etsy until an online friend mentioned it. The shop didn’t do well and my daughter lost interest so I closed it. In October 2012 I reopened and renamed the shop to sell my own paper crafts (handcrafted cards, die cuts, tags, etc). In 2019 I changed directions slightly and started selling my own printed cards. My shop took off after that and I’m still designing, printing and shipping cards from my home office. I also work from home as a graphic designer for my day job.
That all being said, my card shop is 13 years old this month. What an adventure it’s been! I’ll be 65 in a few months but I have no plans to retire from Etsy or my day job.
mommawhazelsquilts
OP10 months agoHere it is 7 AM and I just finished reading and re-reading all the wonder posts from Etsy sellers. To say that I am overwhelmed is such an understatement. I wish I could reply to each and every one of them - let me just say I truly appreciate the good wishes and will remember the good feeling I had while reading them for as long as my memory lasts which could end any day now (couldn't resist that old age joke).
I am happy to be of sound mind and (almost) body. I have finally started using the cane my son bought me about 8 or 9 years ago and I am thinking of removing all the fabric from my lovely little red walker (I got it right after the cane and have never used it) and taking it with me on our upcoming (this week) trip. I just renewed my drivers license (to my surprise, I had no trouble passing the eye exam) and while I won't be doing any driving on this trip, I can still make my runs to the grocery and fabric store.
SeasideStitchedStore
·10 months agoHow wonderful! My son read somewhere that people who quilt live to 100 so I hope you have many happy years ahead. XXX
SeasideStitchedStore
·10 months agoHow wonderful! My son read somewhere that people who quilt live to 100 so I hope you have many happy years ahead. XXX
mommawhazelsquilts
OP10 months ago@SeasideStitchedStore I love your quilts.
Lots of color, simple patchwork..just like the ones that my Mom (and later I) made.
I am piecing 2 of those right now for great-granddaughters.
WorkTables
·10 months agoEtsy'deki 15. yılınız kutlu olsun.
adelafinejewels
·10 months agoHello,
I hope you are well. Congratulations. At 90 years old, I think your determination inspires the entire marketplace. I don't hear many stories like yours. Reading your story made me realize how less I strive to live. You reminded me that sales volume and profitability are not what matters most. I am grateful to you for what you have given us. Stay healthy and happy.
Leo
dollydifferenttoggs
·10 months agoCongratulations on your 15 years on Etsy. I absolutely agree with you on the mental health aspects of being creative and running an Etsy shop to showcase it. I say this on my bio because creativity has saved my life and I think that those who buy from me are also having mental health benefits. I make fashion dolls clothing for doll collectors. Thank you for sharing your life challenges and how your business helped you get through them.
AditiKrafts
·10 months agoHazel, your journey is truly inspiring.
Fifteen years of creativity, resilience, and passion — what a legacy! Your story touched my heart. Wishing you many more joyful years of making and sharing.
Please take a look at my store and share your valuable insights!
Crochetlovemelbourne
·10 months agoCongratulations and well done on such a milestone, you’re an inspiration!!
HelioCreativeStore
·10 months ago15 years is truly a long and meaningful journey. Congratulations, Hazel. Your story touched me; it reminded me of my grandparents and made me think about my own future.
This is my first year selling on Etsy. I currently offer digital products, and I’ve been thinking about expanding into physical items. But with the current challenges around tax policies and purchasing power, plus an unsuccessful attempt to open a second shop here, that plan is on hold for now.
Reading your story made me pause and reflect while typing this. Remembering past losses helps me appreciate what I have today.
This month, I earned my first Star Seller badge and reached a modest milestone of 100 sales. I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep this journey going for 10, 15, or 20 years, but I know I need to keep working hard and learning every day.
Wishing everyone good health and the motivation to reach new milestones.
ShinoraMinimalist
·10 months agoMy 3-Month Etsy Success Journey
https://shinoraminimalist.etsy.com
When I first started my Etsy shop just three months ago, I had no idea where this journey would take me. I began with a small collection of handmade pieces, created with love, passion, and a dream to share my craft with the world.
The first few weeks were full of learning — understanding SEO, improving product photos, creating detailed descriptions, and connecting with customers. Slowly but surely, the hard work began to pay off.
Within just 3 months, my little shop grew beyond my expectations — I successfully delivered over 300 orders to happy customers around the world! Each sale reminded me that creativity, dedication, and authenticity truly make a difference.
This journey has been a mix of excitement, challenges, and pure joy. From my first sale notification to packaging hundreds of orders with care, every moment has taught me something new about business, art, and customer trust.
Today, I’m more motivated than ever to keep growing, introducing new designs, and spreading happiness through every handmade piece.
Here’s to many more milestones ahead — and to all the amazing customers who made this possible. Thank you for being part of my story!
BrightKidsPress
·10 months agoyou guys are amazing, i have only been in the community for a few months and have been selling for over a month now, it will be a new start, once again congratulations on your achievements, it is great!
ThePaintedCellarCo
·10 months agoCongratulations to you on your anniversary with Etsy! Awesome you have three shops.
BluKatDesign
·10 months agoCongrats Hazel! It has been 15 years for me too!
DollHeaven
·10 months agoCongratulations, Hazel, you truly are an inspiration. I am glad you were able to post this before the Forum had a break so we can all celebrate with you. Enjoy your holiday.
And to everyone else who has been here for 15 years, congratulations as well. You all inspire us to keep on keeping on.
treasureChest7777
·10 months agoCongrats HAZEL! I can relate to so much of what you said as well are both around the same age and life experiences similar as well! You have done great!
Hertfordweaver
·10 months agoI often wonder what the age demographics are for Etsy sellers. Congratulations hazel. I'm only here for 10 years and love what I do which makes it so much easier.
ThePurplePuppy
·10 months agoHazel, a big congratulations. It has been 15 (this shop) and 17 years for my two shops and we are the same age so seems we have been "crafting" along side by side!
My motto is that I will have to live to age 200 to get all done that I want/plan to do! Hope we can take that trek together!
Keep on quilting!
ThePurplePuppy
·10 months agoHazel, a big congratulations. It has been 15 (this shop) and 17 years for my two shops and we are the same age so seems we have been "crafting" along side by side!
My motto is that I will have to live to age 200 to get all done that I want/plan to do! Hope we can take that trek together!
Keep on quilting!
mommawhazelsquilts
OP10 months agoAbsolutely we will take it together. Neither one of us are the type to leave things undone.
I still have quilts to make, things to do and places to go.
200 might do it for me but it might take a little longer as I get distracted easily...lol
SimpleSouthernMommy
·10 months agoCongrats! We celebrated 11 years this summer and were about to celebrate 75,000 items sold!
SHOPBAYANE
·10 months agohttps://www.etsy.com/shop/SHOPBAYANE?ref=dashboard-header
Congratulations on reaching 15 years of creative excellence—and on the impressive milestone of running three beautifully reformatted shops! Your dedication and evolution are truly inspiring.”
artbyjocelyn
·10 months agoCongratulations to you and thank you for sharing your shop history with us!
HandmadeCraftsZahra
·10 months ago"Congratulations on 15 years on Etsy! Your story is inspiring and full of achievements. Wishing you continued success and joy in your creative journey!
RamblinRoseSoaps
·10 months agoCongrats, Hazel! Your story gives me so much inspiration to hang in there and keep going.
SaltwaterStitchesNL
·10 months agoCongratulations Hazel! 15 years is quite an achievement. You are an inspiration and I hope one day to be able to say the same.
boygirlboygirldesign
·10 months agoCongratulations!
vintageNCtreasures
·10 months agoCongrats Hazel on 15 years and wishing you many more years of "making and doing".
vintage4creations
·10 months agoCongratulations Hazel! You're an inspiration. I'm also in the 15 year club. Here's to many more years of creating, laughing, loving and enjoying life.
WindyCityPrintShop
·10 months agoThank you for sharing your wisdom about how a purpose-driven life and finding an outlet for creativity can keep you going strong! You're a great role model. Congratulations! Keep on keeping on!
TheIDconnection
·10 months agoCongrats! Selling here since May 2008 and still going. https://theidconnection.etsy.com Happy Sales!
MomentCreate
·10 months agoCongratulations for the 15years, For this original intention, for this persistence
UniqueGemsUsa
·10 months agoCongrats Hazel, lovely shop! I agree, as we get older, it helps to have a creative outlet. I also have been on Etsy 15 years.
https://uniquegemsusa.etsy.com
CoastChimes
·10 months agoCongratulations! I'm in the 15 year circle, as well. Times have changed on the internet (a lot!), but the creative process remains as enjoyable as ever. Hearing from happy customers also uplifts the heart just as much as ever.
MainlyBirdsofMaine
·10 months agoThis is such an inspiring post! Congratulations on your incredible 15-year milestone, and thank you for sharing your story of resilience and creativity—especially enduring loss and treatment and still finding joy in making.
My name is Celina, and I run Mainly Birds soaps. My shop started back in 2012, so I'm celebrating 13 years this year! My product is a bit unique: all-natural glycerin soap where I embed an image of my own bird photography, taken in beautiful Harpswell, Maine.
My biggest "win" isn't a museum feature (yet!), but it's something just as valuable: consistent sales and a perfect 5-star rating for over a decade. To know that every single day, people are choosing my handcrafted soap and that they love the quality enough to leave outstanding reviews—that's the real measure of success for me.
Like you said, the joy of "making and doing" is essential. For me, creating something that merges my passion for photography and nature with a simple, functional product (soap!) is what keeps me going.
Wishing you many more happy, healthy, and successful years ahead!
Best, Celina
MainlyBirdsofMaine
·10 months agoThis is such an inspiring post! Congratulations on your incredible 15-year milestone, and thank you for sharing your story of resilience and creativity—especially enduring loss and treatment and still finding joy in making.
My name is Celina, and I run Mainly Birds soaps. My shop started back in 2012, so I'm celebrating 13 years this year! My product is a bit unique: all-natural glycerin soap where I embed an image of my own bird photography, taken in beautiful Harpswell, Maine.
My biggest "win" isn't a museum feature (yet!), but it's something just as valuable: consistent sales and a perfect 5-star rating for over a decade. To know that every single day, people are choosing my handcrafted soap and that they love the quality enough to leave outstanding reviews—that's the real measure of success for me.
Like you said, the joy of "making and doing" is essential. For me, creating something that merges my passion for photography and nature with a simple, functional product (soap!) is what keeps me going.
Wishing you many more happy, healthy, and successful years ahead!
Best, Celina
mommawhazelsquilts
OP10 months agoOMG - it looks my upcoming vacation is almost in your backyard (if I am reading the map correctly).
Maybe you have some tips on what to see locally....LOL
BetterSuitedCrafts
·10 months agoThat is amazing! Thank you for sharing your story. I am just under a year on Etsy and have found it really fulfilling (most of the time). There are periods of highs (sales) and lows (no activity, wondering if it's the end of my shop). I am learning to use the quieter periods to get organized and create new product listings. Overall it has been a fun ride and I hope to continue doing it for many years to come! I set up the shop initially with the intention of getting a head start on my retirement plan which was to run and share my passion for sewing and crafting in my golden years. It is so great to hear and see you doing what you love!
PozitivShopStudio
·10 months agoCongratulations. I wish you physical and spiritual health.
BuffaloSoulDesigns
·10 months agoIt’s lovely to hear about your journey and experience! Do you mind if I check in from time to time?
ZEENATRUG
·10 months agoThat's a truly inspiring story, Hazel! Congratulations on 15 years—what an amazing milestone and legacy you've built. Keep making and doing!
KazaRugs
·10 months agoThat is such an inspiring story, Hazel! Congratulations on 15 wonderful years on Etsy! What an incredible journey of creativity, resilience, and success, from international sales and Buckeyes to being featured by the Texas Quilt Museum. We're so glad you're still making and doing!
ForeverHomeQuilts
·10 months agoCongratulation!!! 15 years, wow! You are a inspiration!!
SwiftVikingMart
·10 months agoCongrats Hazel
AMDESTUDIO
·10 months agoCongrats 🫶
JesusLightStudio
·10 months agoWell done to you.
MoonstruckCottage
·10 months agoCongrats Hazel! You are truly amazing and an inspiration to us all! Wishing you many more years of making and doing!
LelasStickers
·10 months agoI sold my first POD item in my handmade shop! Trying to scale up and giving POD a try, almost to my goal of 1,500 sales! Wishing the best of luck to everyone this Holiday season
https://lelasstickers.etsy.com
HoorayPartyPrints
·10 months agoCongrats on your first 15 years!!
SpiritualSHIMAYA
·10 months agoViva, Hazel -- what an inspiring story! Your creativity and resilience are truly beautiful. Wishing you many more joyful years ahead 🫶.
FantasyFungiFinds
·10 months agoCongrats on 15 years! You are such an inspiration, especially to someone like me who's only been on here for 7 months! My little milestone that I'm currently celebrating is that I hit 90 sales over the weekend
ColorSkyDesigns
·10 months agoCongrats on your 15 years on Etsy! I’m just 4 months into Etsy, and you truly inspire me. Wishing you good health, peace, and happiness.
Sanacreativerugs
·10 months agoWow, Hazel, congratulations on 15 wonderful years on Etsy! Your story is truly inspiring — the passion, creativity, and resilience you’ve shown are amazing. Running three shops and still creating at nearly 90 is incredible! Your journey reminds me that staying creative really keeps the spirit alive.
I’ve also been growing my own rug shop on Etsy, and reading your story motivates me even more to keep going and creating with love. Wishing you continued joy and success in all that you do!
️ www.sanacreativerugs.etsy.com
HomespunTales
·10 months agoCongrats Hazel! Here is to many more!
I have 2 shops here both at 16 yrs. (and sell other places too). Got enough fabric here to make it well in to my 100s! lol
CryzalisMasksUK
·10 months agoCongratulations @mommawhazelsquilts ! x
mommawhazelsquilts
OP10 months agoI am loving reading everyone's responses and congratulations to all you other 15 years or more on Etsy. Wish I could respond to everybody, but I am busy working on Etsy and also in getting ready for the long awaited vacation at the end of this week.
Etsy has such nice people!