Etsy Seller Interview with Vicky of Blueskyscreation

How Blueskyscreation 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’m Vicky Daves, owner and founder of Bluesky’s Creation on Etsy. I design and sell personalized cards, gifts and stationery. I started Bluesky’s Creation after my Grandma put the idea forward that I should sell some of my cards (she got me into crafting in the first place and was my main inspiration). After doing a few local fayre and gaining positive responses from friends and family, I started on Etsy and have never looked back 

My product lines come from what I love. I'm inspired by beautiful, delicate watercolour designs but also love designing items that are a little more unique and love working on custom items too. I’m always open to a challenge and love the response when I can provide exactly what people are looking for.

I design everything myself and work from a little room in our home. My meaning is that I’ve been able to be there whilst my three children have grown up.

Favorite items

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

My favorite products for our wedding items are our Mr. & Mrs. Paddle Fan Games. These are best sellers and we get lots of photos and reviews from customers saying how much fun they were.

Our motivational quote stickers are another top seller, and these are perfect to make anyone smile. We've sent them to schools, hospitals, and businesses, as well as individuals, who all say they love sharing positivity.

Our top selling card is our Rose Gold Birthday Card, which we fully personalize by adding any name, age, and we also add a message inside if required.

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’m not sure how long my first sale took. I think it was about a week and it was an exciting moment (I still love the kerching sound of a sale) 

I now attract most of my customers with social media (Instagram and Facebook) but also through SEO, Pinterest, and Etsy search. I have also been lucky to have been shared by a few influencers too, which also helps.

Managing Blueskyscreation

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 run Bluesky’s Creation on my own. I can often be found at my desk at 6 am, starting work as my husband and kids start their work and school days. (now old enough to take them themselves and no more school runs to do. I do have the company of our Shar Pei Fudge, who loves to sit under my chair or in front of the fire in winter.

I'll keep an eye on the stock. Everything has its own place (and I'm ever expanding storage). I love finding new papers and cards to use. As I work from home, I can only hold so much stock, so I order lots of stock for invitations as and when it is required rather than bulk stocking it. I always have a mountain of packaging available, though, so that everything gets to my customers in perfect condition.

I have several machines I use as well as various apps that keep my business running. Some of those include:

I use Adobe Photoshop for all my photo editing, allowing me to see my photos better after taking all the shots of them. This is a new addition and I’m still learning, but product photography is a must when selling online.

I use QuickBooks for accounting, expense tracking, and occasional non-Etsy invoicing for other customers. This means when it comes to submitting my taxes, they are all correct.

This is where I design all my stickers and vinyl, which are then sent directly to print and can be cut on my cutting machine.

Adobe Illustrator: This is used to design all our stationery and cards 

As far as shipping and fulfillment, I love the personal touch. I pack and post everything myself. I love going into my local small post office (where all the staff now know me!) It also gives me a little human contact when I’ve been sitting in my office all day.

Most days, I finish work when the kids get home and it's time to be mum again. I always take the weekends off to spend time as a family before they have all grown too much.

The future of Blueskyscreation

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

I would love for my website to take off (it’s just in its infancy). I will never leave Etsy, though, as it brings in such a wide client base and I have lots of returning customers. I’d also like to keep as busy as I am now (isn’t that the hope for every business?)

Advice for new sellers

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

Enjoy the journey; starting on Etsy isn’t a race. It does take time for it to grow, and the more listings you add, the more exposure you will get.

Start with clear photos showing what you are selling in several different ways, making sure your images are clear and light. Make sure you use titles and tags that match your item. Think of what you would search for if you wanted your item (ask friends and family), then use those in your description.

For descriptions, give as much information as you can remember. You need to describe the item as if they can’t see the picture. (always add sizes, colors, textures).

As you grow, you will find items you no longer wish to sell but will come up with new ideas or changes to current items that suit you more. It's all about evolving.

Good Luck!