Etsy Seller Interview with Tiina of englaCharlottaShop

How englaCharlottaShop 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 am the owner of the EnglaCharlotte shop, and I opened my shop in 2012. Etsy came to my knowledge when my daughter was in school; she wanted to be an artist, and the teacher told her about Etsy. I was already sewing children's clothes for special occasions and thought I could give the clothes a try internationally. The funny thing for me when it comes to creating is that when life is hectic and orders keep coming, customers are visiting my workspace, etc., then my creativity is at its best and all kinds of designs come to me. So for me, you could say that work feeds work.

Favorite items

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

My favorite item is my off-white linen ruffle dress; it is my own design and has been copied very much. I began with that dress, which was my best-selling item for many years. Why it is my favorite: well, I like to work with linen fabrics and see how my hands can make something unique from just a piece of cloth. I think the dress sold well as I was the only one making something different in linen.

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?

It took me six months to get my first sale on Etsy. I have Instagram,  Pinterest, and Facebook, where I add pictures.

Managing englaCharlottaShop

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?

Yes, it is only me in my little company, no employees nor manufacturers. I use the Etsy seller app and a computer. I have sewing machines, fabric, buttons, elastic, and everything else you need to make clothes in my workspace. I keep my turn-around time up to date, so I have time for sewing and packaging.

The future of englaCharlottaShop 

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

Of course I would like to have more sales, but I am grateful for every sale! After 2 years of Covid, when no one needed baptism outfits, flower girl dresses, or ring bearer suits, I am so happy for every sale.

Advice for new sellers

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

If you have a passion and are willing to work long hours, go for it!

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

Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: That varies a lot

Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: 30 euro/ outfit

Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: Varies too