Etsy Seller Interview with Floyd and Shantel of HelloWorldBusinessez

How HelloWorldBusinessez 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?

Welcome to HelloWorldBusinessez, a family-run Etsy shop founded in 2020 that blends creativity, craftsmanship, and heart. Every item we offer is lovingly handmade or digitally crafted with attention to detail and just a touch of magic. As the visionary behind the shop, Floyd Patt brings big-picture thinking and inspiration, while I, Shantel Patt, serve as the maker and customer service lead, also proudly holding the title of Apple Certified Teacher and long-time Texas educator.

Our journey began with crafting custom pieces for friends and family, and with their encouragement, we took a leap and opened our Etsy store. Since then, we've been fortunate to complete over 400 sales and receive glowing reviews from customers who love our unique offerings. At HelloWorldBusinessez, you’ll find eco-conscious hats—ranging from cozy fedoras to stylish city map designs—along with hand-blended fragrance body oils that are a customer favorite. We also create bold, easy-to-use digital coloring books, including our popular “Food & Snacks Edition,” perfect for all ages.

Everything in our shop is made or designed in-house, using ethically sourced materials like natural cotton, skin-safe oil blends, and high-quality digital assets. Whether you’re purchasing a physical item or a downloadable product, we take care to package and present it with the same level of thoughtfulness and professionalism.

We’re proud to be ranked in the top 13% of sellers on Etsy and to hold more than 60 five-star reviews. We often run generous sales—like 25% off sitewide—to show appreciation for our amazing community of supporters.

But for us, HelloWorldBusinessez is more than just a shop—it’s a space where creativity meets connection. Each purchase helps us build our dream, share joy with others, and leave a meaningful mark through small, handcrafted experiences. Whether it’s a beautifully scented oil, a wearable piece of art, or a fun and uplifting coloring page, everything we create is made with purpose, care, and community in mind.

Favorite items

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

Some of my favorite items in our Etsy shop are the ones that truly reflect our passion for creativity, wellness, and everyday joy. These are my top three picks that I absolutely love—and so do our customers:

This black fedora is one of my personal favorites because it blends everyday style with a touch of sophistication. It’s designed to be unisex, versatile, and easy to wear for just about any occasion—from casual outings to dressier moments. It’s been selling really well, and I think it’s because people are looking for fashion pieces that are both functional and flattering. The clean design, comfortable fit, and high-quality material make it a standout item in our shop.

These oils are another favorite—and a consistent customer favorite as well. We offer a wide variety of long-lasting, skin-friendly scents for both men and women. One standout is Sultry Coconut—a seductive and warm oil that offers the smooth, alluring scent of coconut. It envelops your skin in softness while adding a layer of irresistible allure. Customers love how luxurious it feels and how the scent lingers beautifully without being overpowering. I think they’re so popular because they’re made with care, feel indulgent, and deliver a little moment of self-care in every bottle.

This digital coloring book is pure joy to me. It’s bright, playful, and easy to use, making it a hit with all ages. Whether you’re a teacher looking for a classroom activity, a parent wanting screen-free fun, or just someone who enjoys a creative break, this download delivers. I love how accessible it is, and customers love how easy it is to print and enjoy instantly.

Each of these items reflects what HelloWorldBusinessez is all about—creativity, quality, and meaningful craftsmanship. I believe they’re selling well because they’re made with love, care, and the kind of thoughtful detail that customers truly appreciate.

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 made my very first Etsy sale on May 28th, 2020, and I still remember the excitement like it was yesterday. It was such a validating moment—proof that someone out there saw value in what I was creating. That first sale gave me the confidence and motivation to keep growing HelloWorldBusinessez.

To attract customers today, I focus on authentic branding, quality listings, and building genuine relationships. I make sure my photos are bright and clean, my product descriptions are informative and engaging, and that every listing reflects the care I put into my work. I also promote through **social media—especially Pinterest and Facebook—**where I share behind-the-scenes looks, product launches, and reviews. I run shop-wide sales and seasonal promotions to reward loyal customers and draw in new ones. Most importantly, I prioritize excellent customer service—fast responses, thoughtful packaging, and that personal touch that makes shoppers feel valued. I believe that combination of consistency and care is what keeps customers coming back.

Managing HelloWorldBusinessez

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?

Running HelloWorldBusinessez is a true labor of love. I manage everything from product creation and listing to customer service, marketing, and shipping. It’s definitely a lot of hats to wear (pun intended!), but it’s incredibly rewarding to build something from the ground up. While I handle the day-to-day operations, my husband Floyd plays a vital role behind the scenes as the CEO of our business. He sets the overall vision and strategy for HelloWorldBusinessez, guiding high-level decisions and long-term planning that keep us focused and growing. His leadership and support are a huge part of what allows me to pour so much creativity and care into our products.

To stay organized and efficient, I rely on a few key tools and apps. I use the Etsy Seller App daily to manage orders, respond to messages quickly, and track performance. I use Canva to create product mockups, design marketing graphics, and maintain a cohesive brand look across social media. Pinterest is a major tool for promoting products and driving traffic to the shop, and Google Sheets helps me keep track of inventory, ideas, and workflows. I’ve also started exploring AI tools to help brainstorm product names and polish up listing descriptions.

When it comes to fulfillment, I personally prep, pack, and ship every physical order, using Etsy’s built-in shipping tools to streamline the process. I always include a handwritten thank-you note for that extra personal touch. For digital products, Etsy’s automatic file delivery makes things smooth and efficient, allowing me to focus more on design and customer experience.

It’s a lot of work, but we truly love what we do. Every item in our shop is a reflection of teamwork, vision, and the joy of building something meaningful—together.

The future of HelloWorldBusinessez

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

Looking ahead, I have big dreams for HelloWorldBusinessez. One of my main goals is to expand our product line—especially in the areas of personalized items, seasonal collections, and new digital downloads that serve both creativity and everyday life. I’d love to introduce more items that reflect our values of purpose, quality, and uniqueness.

Another major goal is to grow our customer base beyond Etsy by building a branded website and developing a stronger presence on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. I want to reach more people who are looking for handmade, meaningful products and create a space where our community can connect more deeply with our story.

In the long term, I hope to collaborate with other small businesses and creators, offer limited-edition collections, and even create content that inspires and educates—like behind-the-scenes videos, product tutorials, or tips for fellow makers.

Ultimately, my biggest goal is to keep growing in a way that stays true to our values: creativity, connection, and care. Every step forward is about making something that matters—for our customers, our community, and ourselves.

Advice for new sellers

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

My biggest piece of advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop is: start with what you love, and stay consistent. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the beginning—trying to get everything perfect, comparing your shop to others, or waiting for that first sale. But remember, everyone starts somewhere. Focus on creating quality products that reflect your passion, and let your personality shine through your branding, photos, and customer interactions.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of presentation. Clear, well-lit product photos, thoughtful descriptions, and honest communication go a long way in building trust with customers. Take the time to learn how Etsy’s SEO (search engine optimization) works—using keywords in your titles and tags will help more people find your products.

Be patient, stay responsive, and always be open to learning. Etsy is a journey, not a sprint. Every message you send, review you receive, or product you ship is a chance to grow. Most importantly, enjoy the process—because your creativity has value, and there’s room for you here.

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

Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: Our monthly revenue varies depending on the time of year and promotions we’re running, but we've seen steady growth month over month since opening our shop. Special events, sales, and repeat customers have all contributed to a healthy and sustainable stream of income. We reinvest much of our revenue into materials, marketing, and expanding our product line to keep delivering high-quality handmade items.

Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: Our average profit margin typically falls between 45% and 55%, depending on the product. We carefully price our items to reflect the cost of materials, Etsy fees, packaging, and the time and care that goes into each creation. As a handmade shop, maintaining a healthy margin allows us to reinvest in better tools, higher-quality materials, and continued growth—all while keeping our prices fair and competitive for our customers.

Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: Our current shop conversion rate is around 17%, which we're incredibly proud of! It's well above the average on Etsy, and I believe it reflects the strong connection between our product offerings and the people visiting our shop. We focus a lot on making our listings visually appealing, writing clear descriptions, offering excellent customer service, and building genuine relationships with our audience. It’s rewarding to know that when people visit our shop, they often find something they truly love.