Etsy Seller Interview with Jen of BlueRoomGems

How BlueRoomGems got started

Introduce your Etsy shop and tell us your story. How did you begin and decide on what to sell on Etsy, and how do you create your products?

I began my Etsy shop in 2009, shortly before my husband was set to deploy to Iraq for a year. In the beginning, it really was more of a hobby business and something to keep my hands and mind occupied in the evening after the kids went to bed. But as I learned more about online business and perfected my craft, I realized I could make a serious income that would still enable me to stay at home with my kids. There was a lot of trial and error and much to learn (which I enjoyed), but when I began offering personalized birthstone gifts, things began to take off. These were simple and understated pieces that came on pendant cards printed with a blessing or other special sentiment.

Favorite items

What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?

I really love my Irish blessing necklaces. The Irish Blessing has always been one of my favorites, and as it turns out, a lot of other folks love it too. The necklaces are sweet and simple, personalized with the wearer’s initial letter. I think they are so popular because they are a beautiful reminder of the giver’s love for the receiver.

Getting sales on Etsy

How long did it take for you to earn your first sale and how do you currently attract customers to your Etsy shop?

I earned my first sale pretty quickly from a friend. But other customers soon found my items, and I began making a few but consistent sales. My patience and persistence paid off, and by year five, I was grossing five figures in sales annually. I currently utilize Etsy ads to a small degree to help generate traffic. I have also found that well-selling items appear higher in Etsy search, and this is where the majority of my traffic is generated. I don’t currently use any social media for my Etsy shop.

Managing BlueRoomGems

How do you manage your shop? Are you running solo or do you have any team members? What tools or services do you use to run your shop and how do you handle fulfillment?

I am a one-woman show! I design, make, and ship everything from my home studio. I run a very streamlined and simple business. Blue Room Gems has also always been a debt-free business.

The future of BlueRoomGems 

What goals do you have for your shop in the future?

My business is in the middle of a transition. I have just opened a new jewelry business called Marsh Creek Jewelry, and in 2023 I will be changing my Etsy shop name from Blue Room Gems to Marsh Creek. This new brand features collections of casually elegant gemstone and pearl designs, inspired by the natural beauty of my home here in the LowCountry. I am very excited to share these new designs with my Etsy customers.

Advice for new sellers

What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?

I would advise you to keep in mind that many Etsy shoppers are gift givers. If your line of products doesn’t have at least a few things geared towards gifting, I would definitely consider including some. Gift givers really like personalization and meaningful sentiments, as well as having gift wrap included. Think of the things you enjoy buying as a gift giver and incorporate that into your line of products.