How LeatherFamilyUA 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?
Six years ago, we were looking for creative fulfillment and additional income at the same time. The husband left his job in journalism. We started to try to work with leather. The husband has a huge collection of journals that he wrote during his work in the media. And he wanted to learn how to sew them himself. learned from YouTube videos. taught me (but we still remember our first crooked seams). Then we learned about Etsy. We decided to try.
We opened a store and called it "Leather Family UA." At first, we worked at home. Then I rented a small workshop. There we cut leather, sew notebooks, engrave them (there are machines), and send parcels by mail to buyers around the world. My husband comes up with designs; he is responsible for engraving, and I am responsible for tailoring.
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
I love our guest books with pretty vintage corners and puffy closures.
And my husband loves notepads. He especially likes the large, 600-page A4 cookbook. It weighs almost 3 kg and really makes an impression when you pick it up!
These listings are selling well. We think this is because they are original in their segment and are seen by buyers due to promotion tools.
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?
We waited two weeks for our first order. We still remember the first customer, Zach from Texas, who was not afraid to buy two journals from newcomers for his children.
Our development and sales growth have been gradual. At first, we didn't use ads at all, then we started using them and other tools provided by Etsy. For example, we began to send the buyer a discount for a repeat purchase. or a discount coupon for those who change their minds about buying. But most often, it is a discount and direct advertising with the necessary daily budget. At the same time, we remember that you need to advertise a product that, in our opinion, is both beautiful and competitive.
Managing LeatherFamilyUA
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?
Administration, communication with clients, designs, photography—this is my husband's responsibility. My job is journal sewing. If there are many orders, we connect our adult children to tailoring.
By the way, about photography: we are sure that the role of a photo in a listing is very important. In fact, on virtual marketplaces such as Etsy, we do not sell a product, but a photo. A product photo is what gives the first impulse for a purchase. It should cause an aesthetic experience. Proper photography is one of the main prerequisites for successful sales.
One day this summer, we saw a huge flowering bush of yellow roses on a walk. The next day, we already did a photo shoot in roses for one of our listings. And these photos were appreciated by buyers.
The future of LeatherFamilyUA
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
We do not set far-reaching goals. The main goal and dream for us today is the end of the war in our country. And a return to pre-war sales. We are working on it.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
Today, competition on Etsy is very high. not like 5–6 years ago. Therefore, you need to have an interesting and eye-catching product. It must be special and unique in its segment. You need to take beautiful photos. Then these photos (listings) need to be promoted, that is, using advertising and other available tools.
It is also important to understand and respect the buyer. And believe in yourself and your talent.
