Etsy Seller Interview with Kristīne of KamisYarns

How KamisYarns 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?

We are a small shop in Latvia that offers quality yarn, needles, and needlework accessories. I had the idea of a store for a long time, as I am a passionate knitter myself. The needle is definitely the first thing that goes into the suitcase to go on a trip. I always came back from each trip with a new ball of yarn, which added to the already existing collection. In 2017, I decided to take a risk and create my own Etsy because it is a platform where creative people shop very often. The store name KamisYarns is a very apt name for yarn buyers. The hamster (Latvian Kamis) is an animal that is characterized by pulling supplies into its cheeks, which can be stored and transported. Knitters are also like that—they will always buy some extra yarn for an unmet need. The store only offers products that I myself would like to work with. I'm looking for yarn and needle brands to complement not only my collection but also that of another passionate knitter.

Favorite items

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

This summer I fulfilled an old dream. I went on a trip to New York. Of course, a yarn shop was also visited. I fell in love with the Gusto Wool Echoes yarn. The small skeins of yarn and the charming colors are perfect for knitting socks. I am an avid sock knitter. Arriving back in Latvia, I fell into work. My New York purchase was tucked away in a corner and forgotten. In November, I went to Barcelona, where I visited the Barcelona Knits exhibition. I am very happy to see that Gusto Wool is also participating in the exhibition. Already at the exhibition, the first order was made, which arrived after a short time, and I was able to offer this charming yarn to my buyers. Some shades were sold out in less than two hours. The Gusto Wool brand is still relatively new, but I think this yarn will definitely become very popular among knitters.

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?

Our first purchase on Etsy caught us off guard. It was the exact day the shop launched on Etsy. I hadn't managed to assemble all the goods yet. The first buyer was from France. We pack each order in the manner in which you would like to receive it. Each purchase also comes with a small handmade surprise that will come in handy for the crafter. Every purchase of yarn is a small celebration, and gifts are appropriate for the celebration. To promote the store, we use Fiverr, which is very beneficial for small businesses that cannot afford to hire people for advertising purposes.

Managing KamisYarns

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?

Although the store is small, I could not handle it alone. I have not only a very good assistant but also a talented marker maker. The markers and row counters she makes are popular purchases in our shop.

The colleague's duties are more related to sending orders and placing goods in the store. I am more responsible for the product range for the store and accounting matters. Knowing how important each yarn purchase is, we try to process orders as quickly as possible. They are delivered by post. Fortunately for us, the Latvian Post works very quickly. Orders are frequently sent to the destination country in the morning or evening. 

The future of KamisYarns 

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

One day I would like to turn my little online shop into a nice little shop.

Advice for new sellers

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

The main thing is not to be afraid to try and expect big profits in the first years. It's better to try and fail than to be afraid. When I opened the shop, I thought it would be like a little hobby for me. In parallel, I worked my main job, and in the evenings, I took care of the few purchases I had. Over time, the need arose for a colleague who could help process orders, and I was able to switch to part-time in my main job. I'm hoping to be able to start working full-time in my yarn shop soon.