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Etsy Insights: Empowering self expression
Hello everyone!
My name is Ade Ogbomo and I am the owner of GabeJade Accessories, an African accessory line where I sell neckties, bowties, head wraps/scarves, and pet bandanas. I started my shop because my nephewson (lol he lives with me) wanted bowties to match my African print skirts. I originally checked online but couldn’t find any that I liked, so I decided to make something for him at home. Everyone loved it so I decided to share my designs and sell on Etsy.
I shared how GabeJade began because I want to show how the power of self-expression can have a huge impact on your shop and potential customers. When I was searching online for bowties, everything I found was basic, over-priced, or both. High prices wouldn't have been the issue had the products been high quality and had personality.
Buyers want to see and feel personality in your shop, they want your shop to evoke emotion and tell a story; they want you to create products that resonate with them.
For my shop, I wanted people to feel love, happiness, and even a feeling of playfulness. I am from Nigeria, and we are always very happy, and always celebrate even the little things. So, for a lot of my photos, I have people laughing or smiling. To help people feel the love, I show people bonding with their kid(s) and/or significant other.
I hand pick my fabrics and have different fabrics for different feelings and moods ranging from colorful to serious, for buyers to choose from.
Self-expression is very important as it helps buyers get to know you, feel comfortable, and also get in touch with a different side they do now know they have!
What do you do to empower YOUR self expression in your shops?
Gluckspilzgifts
·5 years agoLovely post and topic. I get so much joy and happiness creating my tiny Baba Yaga houses. It feels like I am celebrating my Slavic background and brings me closer to my ancestors. It really IS noticing and celebrating the little things in life that make all the difference. Bless you, my friend
RaulacheDesigns
·5 years agoTotally agree And by the way, your shop and products are amazing! Such good vibes they reflect!
JewelryByOri
·5 years agoLike you, I create what speaks to me and often times, these designs cannot be found in your typical shops. I try to stay true to my roots while making sure each piece is created with intention and love.
TheCeramicAttic
·5 years agoYour page is so colorful, everything is so cute! Your photos are amazing! I favorited your shop as an example of excellence on Etsy!
WeeGemDesignbyCasey
·5 years agoI love your story, thank you for sharing.
ColetteHandmade
·5 years agoI`m doing my best to show product on person. Not always it`s possible, then I`m trying to make everything in one mood. I guess it`s very easy to feel which colors are my favorite in shop. I couldn`t make something what I`m not ready to wear myself. Special attention I pay to " shop updates". There can see more daily moments.
ValeriZm
·5 years agoHello! My name is Valeria, my shop is new, I sell my paintings in print https://www.etsy.com/shop/ValeriZm
ClassofGifts
·5 years agoGood morning
Very nice post and this was a good idea
originalKAW
·5 years agoI loved reading about your shop! I completely agree about the power of self-expression. When I decided to open my shop, I wanted people to feel the exact same way as you did for your shop. For my shop, I wanted people to feel happiness and positivity, and I wanted to provide people with apparel that is mood-boosting and feel-good. I create art and designs that are feel-good and upbeat, spread positivity and happiness, and make people smile. A blank t-shirt is my canvas and the finished product is my artwork. The art and designs that I create are meant to be worn and are made with one specific mission in mind: to give your personal style and aesthetic a voice and a personality.
I opened my Etsy shop back in July, and although it’s still quite early on, I can definitely see and feel personality in my shop, and that makes me so happy and proud. I’m looking forward to continue working on, and building, my shop, and I hope I can make a few people smile along the way
originalKAW | art apparel
https://www.etsy.com/shop/originalKAW
CDonleycottPaintings
·5 years agohttps://www.etsy.com/shop/CatherineDesigns4u?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
Your goal is very inspiring. Thank you! I also love sharing my view of nature and our natural world through my paintings.. hoping to bring some of the joy and comfort that it gives me to someone else.
TutusWreaths
·5 years agoI get my items out the same day I receive the order unless it is after hours. I do have a problem with Etsy in regards to issues that can't be resolved if you can't talk or email an issue to one person. I cancelled a shipping label within 45 minutes after Etsy issue it when I realized it was through USPS. I use UPS and I cancelled it immediately but in reading all the verbiage on the website I only saw where it takes 5 to 30 days to resolve the refund and in the mean time Etsy notifies the buyer that their item is in transit when in fact it wasn't and not with USPS. It did go out yesterday but through UPS with obviously a different tracking number. I DID NOT USE THE SHIPPING LABEL AND HAVE IT STILL WITH ME. I need Etsy to do something about how one gets back to a person that decides not to use a label and the ball stops right there. This is not happening. Also, I am still showing that I have this sale when in fact I tried to change the tracking number and also add UPS instead of USPS but to no avail. I have spent over two hours writing to the buyer and trying to see if I could find out what to do on your website and again to no avail.
Sheila Plate (TuTu's Wreaths)
OwnDesignOnline
·5 years agoThank you for sharing your experience, it has been really inspiring for me!
EnjoyGrooming
·5 years agoHey, everybody! My name is Olena and my shop is EnjoyGrooming. I am a dog groomer and I design and produce dog grooming apparel. I was happy to give bright mood and comfort for groomers until my ex-worker opened the store on etsy, stole my models and even description word in word. How can I deal with it? Thank you!
ClassofGifts
·5 years agoGood morning
Nice post
I will enjoy bringing more new products to my online store. And look forward to the new year.
ArtbyIliyana
·5 years agoHello, the post you share is true for me. It is so nice to work with love to be felt by people. I paint on sneakers and T-shirts /https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtdesingIliyana/and when I do I feel so happy my soul fills. While painting, I rest mentally, and also many beautiful things come out. I am grateful!
KristinaMWoodShop
·5 years agoOh I am so happy I have read this. Thank you for sharing your story. I am just at the point where I am thinking about how to level up my store and you really got me thinking. So in 2021 I have to invest in photography with models, faces, people, to show how I can empower women with my wooden jewelry.
I have looked at your store and it really is so happy, beautiful photos and I actually admiered your products when doing research a few months ago So, thank you again and have a lovely holyday.
CeyCraftsCorner
·5 years agoThank you. This usefull
EngawaJapan
·5 years agoWonderful post! I like everyone's stories and shops. I am Yoshie, living in Japan. As many people know, Japanese vintage kimono are made by beautiful silk and carefully woven by craftsmen, but tons of them are dumped everyday. I realized that I had to share them to the people in the world who love and need kimono. Currentry I am busy and selling, but I would like to create accessories to share my love for kimono!
JuanCarlosGordillo
·5 years agoHi! This is Juan Carlos Gordillo. I am fascinated by your very inspiring post. Well I try to make my creations reflect my philosophy: "Upcycling and Recycling" focused on my passion for "Denim". I am an independent designer and well 2020 was the year that prompted me to focus on
my Etsy store. They are rare and strange times but as long as there is creativity in us, we can all together continue to create magic with our creations and provide beautiful and unique products to the Etsy community.
With love
Juan Carlos Gordillo
GabeJadeAccessories
OP5 years agoThank you so much! I love your philosophy and your creations are great! 2020 has been crazy but it definitely has brought out the creativity in many people!
YillowBrijj
·5 years agoThank you so much for the advice. I totally agree with you.
GlassyFields
·5 years agofor me self expression came first and the shop was and is an outlet for that.
Annenguyenartist
·5 years agoYour shop reflects that.
You are right to the point.
For some moment I was searching through etsy what others do and was always comparing, and complaining...
But from the moment I realised that what I love to do is valuable and that I have to explore that , it seems that some creativity begins to flow..and with that , serenity , and hapiness ! yesssss !
GabeJadeAccessories
OP5 years agoThat’s really great to hear! I’m glad you found what works for you! Art is very important, keep sharing!
Annenguyenartist
·5 years ago@ thank you
GrandmaChicGoods
·5 years agoHey Ade!
Thank you for sharing your story! I’ve been going through a journey with myself and my art and I am now allowing my art to be more of me than it being catered to others. It was a long process that I’ve finally reach the top of. I’m the owner of GrandmaChicGoods and it fills me with joy everyday. I make weird earrings and now eyeglass chains for myself and when I’m roaming around in public people started asking me about it and I realized I could share my weirdness and my personality with others through just a simple cute chain.
Thank you for sharing your story it’s beautiful to hear other people journeys and how much heart everyone puts into their shops!!
GabeJadeAccessories
OP5 years agoLol I love how you are sharing your “weirdness” with the world. I think we’re all a little weird and there are people who appreciate the weirdness lol. Really great job with your shop, keep going!
FarmsukShop
·5 years agohi!!! thank you
HollisterBoutique
·5 years agoThank you and keep it up!
LUAGallery
·5 years agoHi Ade!
First, I love your shop! Your models are gorgeous, the patterns and colors are beautiful and all of your photos are aesthetically pleasing. I love that you are able to showcase your style and your culture!
My name is Ú-Leea, I am the shop owner of LÚA Gallery, I am from New York, this is my first day selling on Etsy! I'm so happy that I came across your shop, I feel so inspired seeing some one who looks like me on this platform and doing so well!
Thanks for sharing!
Ú-Leea
GabeJadeAccessories
OP5 years agoOh wow! Your items are absolutely lovely! I’m definitely going to have to purchase something (my mom loves earrings like the ones in your shop)! It’s so cool that you’re from NY, that’s my favorite place! I go every year.
Thank you so much for the compliments! Keep up the good work!
PabloQuestWatercolor
·5 years agoYou are an energetic and positive person indeed, and that reflects in your store. I sell watercolor prints and maybe I rely to much on the product and forget about building up certain warmth around them, like you do. I think I should try to do that a little bit so thank you very much for sharing.
GabeJadeAccessories
OP5 years agoYes! You definitely should try to show your personality through your shop/products. Thank you for the compliments!
VillegasStore
·5 years agoI agree with your point!
NuriartDeko
·5 years agoWonderful art and wonderful shop. I am from spain and try to bring my love for thr sea and for nature to my customers, this is why I love etsy and love people who give a part of their feelings to other people. Etsy shops are diferent and special just because of this persons like you that make us feel special and unique. Keep going on with your wonderful work and I hope that you will have a lot of success and thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Keep safe!!
PabloQuestWatercolor
·5 years agoMuy chula la tienda
GabeJadeAccessories
OP5 years agoThank you so much for your kind words and well wishes. I appreciate it so much!
alchemies
·5 years agoHi! I love African culture because I think it's more heart connected than intellectual west. I do paintings which is an emotional thing as well. I hope my paintings speak out feelings through colors and shapes. Lots of them are about happy people dancing or playing. Other, express pain or fear which are human feelings as well. But, usually, people have been telling me their perceive positive energy out of art and I am happy for that.
GabeJadeAccessories
OP5 years agoI love that! Art is sooo important. Keep creating and sharing with the world!
EarthSeedArtistry
·5 years agoYou have very beautiful work by the way, and great models too! (Even the dog haha)
GabeJadeAccessories
OP5 years agoYesssss! My doggy lol she’s literally my favorite thing ever
EarthSeedArtistry
·5 years agoI love this! People definitely love connecting with that human aspect, the story and the emotion behind it. I love your story and how your shop came to be. I feel like this is something I need to work on...being more personable in my shop so people feel a connection.
GabeJadeAccessories
OP5 years agoIt’s definitely something you have to continuously work on. I often draw inspiration from social media and I read lots of books to help me with connecting
LIFECREATORSSKIN
·5 years agoBeautiful, after reading this I am thinking about how I can personalize my shop and give it character. Thank you for sharing
ChillwolfArt
·5 years agoYou have a lovely Shop, Ade; Congratulations on your success!
I love expression on my creations; and as you said, something which will evoke emotion. For me, faces are the most important part of each piece (the body is important as well, but if the face doesn't really grab me, I don't care about the rest). Every piece needs to have an expression which is quirky, fun, scary but not gory. Customers have often expressed the same, and it makes me so happy to hear that. I've accomplished what I set out to do.
I wish you continued success throughout the holidays!
GabeJadeAccessories
OP5 years agoThank you so much! Nothing like amazing customer feedback
miapersonalized
·5 years agoI also make timeless designs so that they can express their feelings with a letter, a name or a date. I love my job and I think this energy is reflected in my personalized jewelry.
GabeJadeAccessories
OP5 years agoYour shop is lovely!
ThreeBredEwes
·5 years ago@GabeJadeAccessories LOVE your fabrics. Your shop is beautiful, photographs are top notch. Thanks for sharing your story! You are a true inspiration.
GabeJadeAccessories
OP5 years agoThank you so much for your kind words
CDonleycottPaintings
·5 years agoUsing my writing skills to find ways to make sentences or phrases out of the key words that need to go into titles... and using a few that may be unusual but more descriptive!
MYDIGITALPLANNERco
·5 years agoVery good post. Self expression means a lot and especially for your products which are beautiful.
We as sellers have to identify us with our shop and see our personality reflected in our products and our shop!
That is also what we are trying to do with our shop at the moment https://www.etsy.com/de/shop/MYDIGITALPLANNERco?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
GabeJadeAccessories
OP5 years agoI love your shop! Digital planner downloads! Wow! What a great idea!
modestly
·5 years agoYour work is joyful! So wonderful! I agree totally with your idea that your work is self expression. I came to my work by a similar route - I had been expressing myself writing a blog for a few years, when I decided to put my love for words and images together to create my handmade books. A friend had bought me a blank handmade book which I looked at, loved and decided I wanted to create something similar but with content. My books are such a reflection of me - and the connection I make with customers all over the world has enhanced my life, and my creative life so much. My Etsy business is so much part of who I am now, it is difficult to articulate how grateful I have been for the opportunity to create something meaningful , not only to me but to the customers I meet. They often return and request something specific - like asking me to create a book to propose with! Special - I will never forget that one!
GabeJadeAccessories
OP5 years agoI agree! I’m forever grateful to have the opportunity to work as a teacher and also share my creative side with the world. Etsy makes it so easy. I’m so happy you were able to turn your blog into handmade books. That’s really awesome!
writeawfully
·5 years agoThis is amazing Ade. I have just opened my shop of hand painted acrylic art greeting cards too. The brand name "Write Awfully" reflects who we are, to embrace imperfection, encourage trials and enjoy what we do!
I like your idea of spreading happiness, which is much needed among many of us especially in this year...
Thank you and keep it up!
Love,
Jann
GabeJadeAccessories
OP5 years agoYes, spreading happiness is my main goal in life! I love to help people any way I can. Best of luck with your shop
RosenfeldCrafts
·5 years agoThank you! Great insights!
DFloydArt
·5 years agoI agree with your point!
Dayallure
·5 years agoHi, Ade
Absolutely agree with your point! My name is Tanya, I am from Russia, but currently live in India ( my husband is Indian).
It's so true that our creations are not just product, it's huge wave of positive energy, it gives FEELINGS, transfer emotions!
I make doll clothes and home decor for kid's bedroom (my shop is MiniFashion ). While working I always thinking, that all my stuffs one day will be in a room of some child, some cute girl will play with her doll and bedding sets I made.... . It's so warm FEELINGS, and I always try to do my best. Bcs I know: my little work is a bit of light for this world, good vibes, someones smile, joy, 1 min of happiness... It is meaning.
So, I do my work as a mission. My own contribution to bring more kindness and positivity in this World.
Thank you, Ade for your post
GabeJadeAccessories
OP5 years agoOmg you live in India?? Indian food is my favorite lol. I looked at your doll clothes and I absolutely love the idea! When I was a kid, I was always taking my doll’s clothes off and losing them Best of luck to you