Etsy Insights: My Etsy Design Awards Story

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Hi everyone,

My name is Maria and I’m the owner of Marigaby Designs. I sell handcrafted bags and accessories made out of leather alternatives like cactus vegan leather. I'm so proud and happy to be the 2023 Grand Prize Etsy Design Awards Winner, an unexpected and life changing experience. I deeply enjoy making pieces of art in the form of handbags and small accessories.

It all started about 10 years ago when I made very simple fabric totes for myself. Everyone around me loved them so much that I decided to give it a try and started to sell them to help me with some college expenses. Once I had my engineering degree, I opened my Etsy shop and haven't done much of anything else besides this; always learning, experimenting and improving my skills as a self-taught handbag designer.

My favorite product would definitely be my “Emma” mini bag. This bag embodies my signature style and has been my lucky charm with every new client and opportunity I've had since creating it. I felt so proud to enter it in the 2023 Etsy Design Awards.

When I heard about the Etsy Design Awards, I was amazed by the previous winning items and designs. Honestly, my business wasn't doing very well back then and I thought the Etsy Design Awards would be a great opportunity to put my bags in front of a bigger audience and receive real feedback about my shop items.

If you’re thinking of applying to the Etsy Design Awards, just do it! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Here are a some of my top tips for entering to keep in mind:

Try to showcase your product in the best way possible with good photos and videos. Do not underestimate the power of a product or process video. I had to work slowly but consistently using the few resources I had instead of waiting for everything to be perfect. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from other sellers either! There is a peer-to-peer listing critique happening now. This is a great place to engage with others for feedback on your photos.
Take the time to talk about how and why your item is so unique and special in the application. Consider weaving your incredible story into your About section. This can really help you connect with your buyers!
Lastly, I want to emphasize this again - you literally have nothing to lose. It just takes a few minutes to change the course of your year or maybe your entire life.

Winning the Etsy Design Awards was like a sign from heaven to not give up on my dream and to keep working even harder. I never ever thought I could win. This has definitely been a dream come true for me and my family. I'll always be so grateful to Etsy and the entire team for being so kind, supportive, and awesome.

I can now show my daughter that it is really possible to make a living and be successful by doing what you love, no matter where you are, where you come from or your circumstances.

I encourage you all to take that leap of faith, get out of your comfort zone, work hard, show the world your gifts and see what happens. Submit your item today.

What steps have you taken so far to prepare your application? Whether you’re just thinking about applying to adding the final touches to your application, share with us in the comments below so we can cheer you on! Best of luck to everyone this year!

MarigabyDesigns

Posted 2 years ago · Edited 2 years ago·Last reply 1 year ago

30 comments

KemeridouDesigns

·1 year ago

Congrats, Maria! That's a wonderful story!

112CandleStudio

·1 year ago

@MarigabyDesigns wow, incredible designs https://www.etsy.com/listing/1671177960/ernaa-sumka-erez-pleo-malenkaa-sumka?ref=shop_home_active_11&pro=1&frs=1&logging_key=a79032f190435d04f676c7ccf24988cbc324f826%3A1671177960 is my favourite now. If you have 3 minutes, could you please check my store and give me some piece of advice what to improve ?

CatarinaBattista

·1 year ago

Congratulations Maria,

Beautiful Shop, and beautiful work. You deserve the ETSY Design Award.

You are very talented. Your handbags and accessories are so beautiful. Very original. And as you present your Shop also is so inviting. Congratulations Again. Very inspiring.

Wishing you more and more success.

Catarina

HeartlandsLeather

·1 year ago

good luck

ShayleeGirls

·1 year ago

It was very nice. Thank you.🥰

JustBecauseArtwork

·1 year ago

Oh wow!! Thank you so much for sharing your story. 🥰 It’s so inspiring to read testimonies like this because it encourages others, myself included, to keep pushing forward. That accomplishing your dreams is possible!!! Congratulations on all your success!!! I’m so happy for you 🥰🥰

JustBecauseArtwork

·1 year ago

MarigabyDesigns

OP1 year ago

It is possible! Please don't give up on it. I'm rooting for you

Thank you for your kind words,

Maria

JadauIndianElegance

·2 years ago

Wow Marir, great. I am from India ,where the love symbol the Taj Mahal,visit India with ur beautiful bags thanks.soumya ,my shop ." JadaindianElagence

LizAnnFlorals

·2 years ago

Hi Maria: congratulations on winning the grand prize. I read in the tips for entering the contest that the item that I submit must be placed on hold because if it sells during the judging season, my application will be void. What does etsy mean by putting the item on "hold"? Do I deactivate it or reserve it. I would appreciate your help as I don't know where else to get my answer.

Thank you,

LizAnn Falcone

LizAnnFlorals

ZenCreationsJewels

·2 years ago

Congratulations Maria! I think you are very creative and have made some beautiful and unique handmade bags. Your words are inspiring to someone like me who is new to the craft of designing handmade jewelry. Wishing you continued success in your creative endeavors!

MaineUniqueSweets

·2 years ago

Agreed a very unique handbag!! Great work!! I am not that great at Etsy and do not understand how to work the site promoting, marketing, listings and the like. Let's just say I have gotten by. I also take my chocolate off the listings for the summer months. This question is not even about any of that. But I couldn't even manage to find where I should ask this question so here I am. How long before you know if you are a finalist in the Etsy awards? Also I think I entered correctly but do they let you know this as well? TIA

RoCarrStudioShop

·2 years ago

Awards

OomeApparel

·2 years ago

Thank you

JackrabbitFeltsWA

·2 years ago

What is cactus leather? Is it actually made out of a cactus? If so... that's so stinkin' cool!! I just adore cacti.

Thank you for sharing your creative journey and for sharing these tips. I will be entering one of my felted wool pieces very soon!

JackrabbitFeltsWA

·2 years ago

What is cactus leather? Is it actually made out of a cactus? If so... that's so stinkin' cool!! I just adore cacti.

Thank you for sharing your creative journey and for sharing these tips. I will be entering one of my felted wool pieces very soon!

MatricariadesignShop

·2 years ago

Hi Maria, your artworks are amazing! I am trying to participate in the competition, I have a little time left. I have a little daughter and I want to teach her this, just like you. I hope I can make it on time. Wish me luck thank you for being an inspiration

JanisColorArt

·2 years ago

Unfortunately, I've only just got around to applying for the event. Sadly, there's not enough time now and my artwork probably wouldn't arrive in time. Nevertheless, I wish you all good luck

LittleGemsJewells

·2 years ago

Owner, Maker and Designer

I love the etsy design awards and the fact that it's etsy rewarding and giving recognition to the people who make etsy well ... ETSY.

Thanks Maria for sharing your story and your tips it is truly inspirational you never thought you would win but you did and someone has to.

I look forward to seeing all the finalists and their submissions and to have my vote on my favourite.

Good luck to everyone who enters.

LittleGemsJewells

·2 years ago

Owner, Maker and Designer

I love the etsy design awards and the fact that it's etsy rewarding and giving recognition to the people who make etsy well ... ETSY.

Thanks Maria for sharing your story and your tips it is truly inspirational you never thought you would win but you did and someone has to.

I look forward to seeing all the finalists and their submissions and to have my vote on my favourite.

Good luck to everyone who enters.

MarigabyDesigns

OP2 years ago

Thank you so much, means a lot.

Can't wait to see this year's finalist too!

Wishing you all the best

MynaCollectionShop

·2 years ago

Bonsoir Maria

Vous avez une très belle boutique et de jolies créations. Vos produits sont magnifique.

Merci pour vos conseils. Vous nous inspirez.

Bonne continuation

MynaCollectionShop

·2 years ago

Bonsoir Maria

Vous avez une très belle boutique et de jolies créations. Vos produits sont magnifique.

Merci pour vos conseils. Vous nous inspirez.

Bonne continuation

MarigabyDesigns

OP2 years ago

Aww thank you so much!!

Makes so happy to be able to inspire you..

My best to you too.

With love, M

ChillwolfArt

·2 years ago

Hi Maria, Lovely Unique, Handmade Leather Bags and Accessories. Congratulations on being the 2023 Grand Prize Etsy Design Awards Winner; well deserved! Thank You for your tips and inspiring story. Wishing you continued success!

ChillwolfArt

·2 years ago

WavesByMarigaby

·2 years ago

Thank you so much Wishing you the very best too!

Kattyoosh

·2 years ago

Maria, you are inspiring. I enjoyed reading your story. It's fun to hear about a creator who received recognition. I'm glad you didn't give up and continued. The store draws you to creation and more creation. As a jewelry maker I understand you. Thanks for all the tips. I'm always debating what to present to the competition. Good luck in the future. Katia

MarigabyDesigns

OP2 years ago

Dear Katia,

I reallu appreciate your kind words.

You have amazing pieces! Pick that one that is different, unique and meaningful (even if it has no sales at all). Take awesome pictures and you're good to go

Good luck!

TemplatedezinesFL

·1 year ago

Hello Maria, Congratulations on your win. I loved your story, and you inspire me to keep pushing forward in my journey to get better and educate myself through experiences.

I wish you all the best in your journey! Keep up the great work!