Bittersweet Announcement

[#1]

Dearest Etsy,

In 2007, I found Etsy and it changed my life. This cool new website gave me the platform to quit my day job and be a full-time seller in six short months. My life changed even more dramatically when I packed my bags and moved to Brooklyn to be part of the Etsy team. Each day since presented an opportunity to awaken possibilities within our community, and I made it my mission to motivate and educate in any way I could.

Now, I must move on and find exciting new challenges that will awaken my own possibilities. A quote from the movie Annie comes to mind, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

I leave feeling thankful for all the opportunities, friendships, and mostly for seeing first hand the change Etsy has made in the lives of so many. Today, more than ever, I know Etsy can change the world – this responsibility is in the hands of brilliant and passionate people behind the scenes here. And you, dear seller, you are doing your own very brave part, helping make the world a brighter and more thoughtful place.

My last blog post, How to Beat the Etsy Sale Addiction (and Make More Money!), is about being brave and asking for what you’re worth. This is something we must all do together. If we all take one big breath, settle on a big, audacious goal, and ask for what we need to get there, the marketplace will stay strong and together we can take over the whole, wide, world. I can’t wait to watch it happen.

Two inspiring women, Michelle and Nickey, will continue to share their wisdom. I couldn’t ask for two smarter, more talented, or more charismatic women to continue Etsy’s seller education. I will miss working with them every day – they have brought so much joy into my life!

If you have questions for me, you can ask them in this Etsy Success thread. I wish each of you all the success you deserve!

Big XO,

Danielle

Blog post: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2012/how-to-beat-the-etsy-sale-addiction-and-make-more-money/
Find Nickey here: Knickey.etsy.com
Find Michelle here: Heymichelle.etsy.com

[Former_Member]

Have fun on your new adventures Danielle!

[SesenDesign]

How exciting for you! New roads, new paths to conquer. You go girl! And thank you so much for all that you have given here. May miracles and wonders never cease for you.

[Former_Member]

Thank you for your words of wisdom Danielle!
You gave me inspiration.

Good luck!

[Former_Member]

I'll miss you!!!! But God bless you in your future goals and endeavors!

[TaraHandmade]

Good luck! All the best!

[Former_Member]

I learned a lot from all your posts. All the best! Hope your next journey is a successful one.

[Anthropologeek]

Good luck Danielle!!!

[SigalFJewelry]

Wow Danielle....I will miss your brilliant posts!
Thx for sharing your wisdom with us and LOTS of luck wherever you go!
Sigal

[nauli]

Dear Danielle,

Unbelievable that you are on the leave. For us, you have been the one who gave Etsy a face! We've learned almost everything we know about online marketing from you.
Had been very happy to meet you in person in Berlin at Hello Etsy last year.

We wish you good luck for your coming exciting journey!

[Former_Member]

Best of luck Danielle!!

I'm sorry to see you go, and I wish all the best wherever you'll go.

Thanks so much for all your great advices and help!!

Meital

[PICFiberArts]

Danielle,

Although I am pretty new I have been following you and I can only wish you the best! Thanks for the advice, tips and help!

Patricia

[Former_Member]

Good luck and be happy -:))

[Former_Member]

So sad to hear that you are leaving Etsy Danielle - for me too you have been the person I've learnt the most from and it was so lovely to meet you in Berlin.
Best wishes with whatever you are doing next - hope you will let us know so that we can keep in touch.
Rhiannon x

[ScrubHatStore]

Good luck Danielle in your future endevors. We will miss you.

[PaintTransferDesign]

Thank you Danielle, you have been a valuable asset here and I am sure your future is bright!

[CapitalCityCrafts]

Good luck Danielle, Thanks so much your help which was so important over the years!

[bhangtiez]

Danielle,

I don't really know you, but you have taught us all so much here on ETSY. You inspire so many to keep working hard for what they believe in, and hard work it is. You have made great contributions to ETSY as a place for sellers to learn and grow.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication here on ETSY!

[MunasTreasures]

you have been such an asset to the Etsy community--I just want to add my best wishes for your continued success and growth!

[Former_Member]

Such great words of wisdom! First I wish you much Success!!! Pricing can be the "Joy Robber" for a Shop Owner. We all come here starting at many different levels...As Danielle said "Know your worth and workmanship".

When I first started my shop I was a beginner and my prices reflected that. but the more i learn and better I got at my designs and skills; I had to consider raising my Prices. This was very hard, my local customers did not like it so they stopped shopping with me completely.....and said " who do I think I am some Top Designer". It took me on a emotional roller coaster where I wanted to give up,
and close shop (at home)

Then someone told me about Etsy... and I decided I'll show them (local customers) at first I did not sell anything for 3 months; well that only feed into what the locals were saying.

During all of this my designs were getting better and better; I kept my prices low knowing my jewelry was worth more than my price point. So one day I had a Good Cry and Prayed in humbleness "Please God teach how to not fear greatness" meaning stay humble and be confident to do what has to be done....RAISE THOSE PRICES WITHOUT FEAR OF ANY BACKLASH!!!!!

So, 1st here is what I found out,
Once I displayed my items in real unique way, they came (customers)
I raised my prices to the true value of my work, those who like my jewelry came
...and Thank God their are millions of people looking and loving Us Handmade Crafter here at Etsy....and they came!!!!

Etsy opened up a whole New World for me....8 months later someone saw my jewelry line; and Now I have my Own Space in a Retail Shop in my local Downtown area.....Go Figure!!!

Diva54

[wolfmansmummy]

Thank you, Danielle, for all the kicks in the ass you gave me when I needed them...

Much love to you and yours~

[1AEON]

Danielle,
it makes even more precious the last two days when I went to the BK headquarters and talked with you and other magicians behind this machine that virtually untouchable. The only way Etsy shows physical presents is you! ( besides us users of the website.) Thanks for being part of the magic, in a way I feel like i don't have a boss, but you guys are the parent company for mine.
Thank you!
Gabe/1AEON

[MelissaBrownCeramics]

I'll miss you, and your pearls of wisdom, here Danielle.

[HideaHeart]

You have been such an inspiration Danielle. Although we have never met, your posts and occasional encouraging responses to my comments have made me feel as if we share a warm 'virtual' association. Thank you for all the great posts, education and support! Sending you good wishes for success in future endeavors! Hugs Galore!

[LunaEssence]

Best of luck Danielle ♥

[ShellHawksCreations]

All the best of luck to you in your new adventure!
I really appreciate the time you took to write every post and to personally reply to the few emails I sent, asking for more specific advice. I don't know of any other selling website that has a member of its staff as accessible as you have been to myself and everyone on Etsy, nor someone as inspiring!
Thanks, Danielle! You'll be missed, but I know you'll be successful in your new venture!
Hugs,
Shell