Welcome to 100: What I've Learned on My Etsy Journey

Toni L.
Jul 16, 2015
3 min read

Hello there. I’m not sure we’ve met. I’m Toni Lipsey, of TL Yarn Crafts, and I have a very important announcement: I just hit 100 sales on Etsy! {Queue: happy dance, confetti, fireworks, and parade.} I’ve been at this gig for almost two years, and I just can’t contain myself. If you are a seller, on Etsy or otherwise, then you know how it feels to finally hit a milestone, and I’ve just reached my first. Knowing when and how to toot your own horn are just two things I’ve learned on this weaving road to this sales milestone. If you’ll indulge me, I’d love to share a few more (self-proclaimed) gems.

I feel blessed to own my business in a time when handmade goods are so coveted. I truly feel that, when someone buys my product, they look at it differently than something they can buy in a chain or big box store. And that’s precisely why I do it. I’m going to crochet all day, regardless. But knowing that my hard work is going into the hands of someone who will appreciate it motivates me all the more.

Not to say the road from concept to execution has been a walk in the park. No-sir-ee! But, no matter where you are in your handmade-business journey, here are a couple pieces of advice from one friend to another:

Go With Your Gut: When I was first starting my shop (and even today!), I did my research and was bombarded with information on what makes a shop successful, how to take the best photos, what to make, and who to listen to. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to find simple solutions to your very practical questions. Knowing yourself is a skill that will only help you in growing your business. Start out by taking time to understand your goals and resources. From there, establish your foundation and build upon it. Don’t be scared to take risks and solicit guidance from others. But when it’s all said and done, you should feel confident in the choices that you make.
Connection is Key: None of us live in a vacuum, and neither should our businesses. Luckily, there are dozens of avenues to create the connections that are right for you. Remember to develop ways to not only connect with your customers, but also with your colleagues (read: other business owners). Message boards, meet-ups, and membership groups are great sources of inspiration and knowledge. Networking brings you into a circle of like-minded makers, who are also looking for ways to expand their businesses. Who knows, you might even find your creative soul-mate.
You. Can. Do. This! This is probably the one nugget that floats into my consciousness about 20 times a day. Like many small business and e-commerce sellers, I’m guilty of lurking on the profiles and websites of my successful contemporaries, wondering how the heck they do it. But before I buy my ticket to the Pity Party, I remember that there is not just one path to success, and that my path may look vastly different that someone else’s. As a young business, you’ll have to put in the work and earn your stripes. NOTHING will be handed to you. But that makes attaining your measure of success all the sweeter.