Etsy Seller Interview with Diane of Embrostyle

How Embrostyle 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?

Hi, I am Diane from Embrostyle. This is my Etsy shop that I started in 2017 after I saw some people talking about Etsy on Facebook. In the past, I worked as an embroidery designer here in my country, Romania, and in 2016 I decided to buy my own hobby embroidery machine at home. I was making embroidery for my family and friends when I decided to sell them online in 2017. I did not have any experience with that, but I had to try. And like that, Embrostyle has been born. At first, I started making patches that I learned how to make by playing at home as a hobby, and I think in October 2017 I had my first sale.

Favorite items

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

I have always been a person that wanted to bring value into other people's lives, so in 2018 I decided to make some personalized name patches that I am so proud of... My favorite items are Rion on Name Patches that are selling really well, and I like that I do not make the same item over and over again. They are different all the time. Also, they are selling really well because people use them for all kinds of things like Christmas stockings, backpacks, lunch boxes at school, etc.

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?

My first sale came after 3 months, I think. In 2018, I ran some Facebook ads and had some Etsy ads for a few months. But now everything comes organically as I have repeated buyers and my offside ads are selling very well for me.

Managing Embrostyle

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 make everything myself. From products to packaging to shipping, etc. I used to help in the first years with Etsy Rank, but now I do not use it any more. As for shipping, I use standard shipping from my country and DHL Express when the customer needs it.

The future of Embrostyle

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

I want to make new products, unique products like my name patches.

Advice for new sellers

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

To do research about Etsy first, to learn how it goes, to make their shop complete, and to have patience. I think the best thing they can do is to think about how they can help the customer and how to bring value to their lives with their products. also to produce unique and high-quality results 

Some sellers really get inspired by hearing numbers. Feel free to share these if you like.

Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: 30%

Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: This year 2.7%