Excited!

[Former_Member]

So, 5 months ago I quit my part-time evening job (I stay home during the day with my toddler and also manage our apartment building) so I could flex my creative muscles that hadn't been used in a very long time, and hopefully make money in the process. My husband was very supportive because I had not created for myself or been artistic since our son was born (doing crafty things with my son excluded). I hadn't sewn for months. :(
So, I began selling on Etsy in April. Business has slowly been increasing. Last month I profited what I did at my old job. Halfway through this month, I have already met that goal. I have been having some large-ticket custom orders and wholesale lots. I'm hoping that this trend continues. It's been a LOT of hard work... especially the promoting of my shop online and around town.... but it feels really good to pay some bills, buy groceries, or a special toy for my son with money I earned through my hard work.
I'm just here to say that your hard work doesn't always pay off right away... but it will. Just put the positive energy into the universe and keep plugging away!

[stitchntheattic]

Thank you for your encouragement. I have only been open since the end of June and things have been quite for awhile.

I hope that your shop continues to provide great sales for you.

[GretchenSmithJewelry]

Thank you for the encouragement. I've been selling since April and things have been quite quiet for me. I know I have to push more since the jewelry sector on here is so populated. It'll all come in due time with patience, perseverance and hard work.

[TreeCraftDiary]

Thanks Karly!
Your words are great motivations for sellers who are struggling over here.
Would you mind to share what are your methods of promoting your shop/business online?

[Former_Member]

Congrats, Karly!!! That is great news. I think your stuff would sell well in craft fairs too. You might want to consider seeing whether there are any juried shows in your area around Christmas time - it's a great way to sell inventory that's been sitting around. I find that the craft fair crowd usually buys different stuff than the etsy crowd, so it's nice to be able to do a little of both. What I don't sell on Etsy, almost always sells at an arts/craft fair.

[PAPERFLORISTS]

That's great. congrats!

[Former_Member]

I really, really needed to read this today. Very encouraging. Thanks!:)

[LovesYouCrafts]

Thank you so much for posting this, I need all the positive energy I can get and optimism too.

Congrats!!!!!

[Former_Member]

congradulations good for you. Any tips on how you got people to look at your shop?

[Former_Member]

Happy to hear you are doing well -- being a mom is a full time job it itself so it's awesome you are managing to balance that with a small business.

[Former_Member]

Cindy Kuo from TreeCraftDiary says

Would you mind to share what are your methods of promoting your shop/business online?
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Every day I spend time posting new things I've made or "Feedback of the Day" or special promos to Facebook. I use Twitter to Tweet new things I've made, or just random musings, and also post about other sellers (sharing the love on Twitter is a must. It gets reciprocated when others tweet about me. Just posting about yourself all the time isn't the way to go.)
I also use Pinterest to post my things and other people's items I like.

Around town (I live in Seattle on Capitol Hill, so there's a lot of funky fun places) I drop off business cards to all the coffee shops/ stands/ bars/ boutiques....my regular haunts where I've made friends with the owners/employees. I hand out business cards to Moms at the park where I play with my kid (if the subject comes up... not just forcing them on people. lol).
I advertise in free zines that friends of mine put out. I advertise on free blogs where people are asking for products to write about.

I've done a local craft/ food market which went well. Also handed out a ton of business cards there. :)

[ThePamperedGoddess]

Dear Karly,

You have given everyone who reads your post a gift today. You have reminded those of us whose sales aren't what we'd like them to be to have hope. And, you have offered encouragement, which everybody needs. So I thank you for giving me exactly the message I needed to hear today.

I hope your shop keeps growing and surpasses all of your expectations and beyond.

[LeeliaSupplyVintage]

Great positive news...we can all use it. It is easier to work on Etsy full time...I work a regular job and find it challenging sometimes to do all the promoting that I should. Congratulations on your continued succes...your items are gorgeous!

[Former_Member]

Good for you!! Thanks for the words of encouragement.