Etsy Seller Interview with Patty of FernvilleCreationsCo

How FernvilleCreationsCo 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?

In 2020, I purchased a Cricut machine to venture into new crafting mediums. From there, I learned about sublimation (a heat process that transfers permanent ink to different substrates). I was immediately hooked. In order to finance my new hobby, I decided to try selling on Etsy. I started out with t-shirts, tote bags, garden flags, and kitchen towels. I quickly decided to narrow my niche and focus on towels. As sales started to come in, I added ceramic mugs, and I've recently added wine bags. I purchase my materials and supplies from U.S.-based companies and use small businesses when possible. I also use eco-friendly packaging as much as possible.

Favorite items

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

My favorite items are always changing. However, I am currently fond of this floral border towel. The colors are stunning, and the design is elegant.

I’m also proud of this popular towel. Simple, yet stunning.

My best seller is this set of fingertip towels. They are very popular for the winter holidays, yet appropriate for year-round display.

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 opened my shop on February 24, 2021, and made my first sale on March 6, 2021. I now have over 3,400 sales and have made over $85k in sales. I confess I’m not great at social media and have been intermittent with posting to Facebook and Instagram. I do, however, post every item on Pinterest, which is driving business to my shop.

Managing FernvilleCreationsCo

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-person shop when it comes to product sales. My husband manages the finances and works side by side with me at in-person events. I rely on Canva.com to create my listing photos and Etsy banners, Bitly.com for condensing listing links, and QuickBooks for managing the finances. I ship all items through USPS via Etsy.

The future of FernvilleCreationsCo 

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

I would like to retire from my 9–5 job sooner than originally planned. The income earned on Etsy is helping me reach that goal. I have started participating in in-person events and am planning to grow that part of the business as well.

Advice for new sellers

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

Go for it!  Don’t wait until you have all the answers. You will learn as you go, and every day is a new adventure. Take your passion and turn it into an income. Most of all, have fun!

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

Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: $3,500 on average

Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: 40%

Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: 3.4%