Etsy Seller Interview with Maria of Majoyoal

How Majoyoal 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?

Hello, my name is Maria and I am the owner of two stores on Etsy. The main one has been operating since 2005 and is called Majoyoal. I make handmade ceramic components for the manufacture of jewelry. In 2009, I opened my shop on Etsy because in Spain it was very difficult to sell this type of product and this platform seemed like a unique opportunity to get my designs to the whole world.

I have always had an inclination for art, but while my children were little, I did not have much time. When they began to grow in the few moments I had free towards my own jewelry, Although it was impossible for me to get components for my designs that were original or of quality, I also received ceramic classes for beginners, and one day it occurred to me to combine my two hobbies and create my own ceramic components. I began to accumulate a large stock and, at the same time, I kept looking for inspiration on Facebook. There I began to see Etsy ads. When I entered the platform, I was amazed at so many unique and wonderful products! I had found a way to market my designs. 

I have a ceramic workshop in a small forest on a hill. It is a peaceful environment, perfect for inspiration and creation. That is why almost all my designs are influenced by the nature that surrounds me. I also have another small space at home with my computer and an area to take photos and pack my orders. I take care of everything from design to manufacturing, photography, SEO and management, contact with clients and shipping. Is it a lot of work ? Yes, but it is a matter of organization and this is achieved with practice.

Favorite items

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

My favorite products are:

I am very fond of this pendant. It was one of my first creations. I have made this same product in countless colors, but I always go back to the original.

These charms are a tribute to the honeycombs of bees that are in the forest of my workshop.

I really love floral patterns. It is one of my most versatile designs and it is also very appreciated by my clients.

My bird charms, of course.

This design is always available in my shop in multiple colors. In winter, they are usually more earthy colors, and in summer, they are lighter colors.

Lastly, all round charm. According to the comments of my clients, this shape is easier for them to use, they integrate it better into their jewelry.

All these designs have something in common, they are inspired by nature, and my clients like this very much. They also have another advantage for me. With the same design, I can make many variations simply by changing the colors of the glazes, so I can adapt to the needs of all customers. Perhaps they like the design of a product, but if the colors do not match what they need, they will not buy it.

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?

The truth is that I was very lucky and it only took me two days to make my first sale, to a client from the United States. Frankly, I don't know how she found me because my SEO was horrible and my photos too! I can perfectly remember the emotions I felt with that order... and the nerves before the shipment !! How was my package going to get from Spain to the USA without breaking? My designs are made with porcelain, and it seemed impossible to me that they would arrive well. I put a huge amount of bubble wrap around it. I imagine that it took the client hours to open the package with so much wrapping!

Currently, I try to publish new listings every day, or at least alternative days. I also replenish the best-selling listings and I try to publish on social networks, but not as much as I would like because my time is limited.

Managing Majoyoal

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?

The truth is that I alone manage the entire store, and in my workshop I also currently work alone. In the past, I had a person who worked for me, but the COVID ended that. I may hire someone again later.

For the day-to-day of my store, I only use Google Translator since I do not speak much English (yes, you can have a successful store without knowing English) and the Etsy mobile app, which allows me to attend to my clients on the weekends that I am not at home.

I send all my orders via the national shipping company, unless a client wants an express delivery. In that case, I use DHL. I go to my post office two or three times a week, but I manage shipments from my virtual office. It is very comfortable and allows me to create labels quite quickly.

The future of Majoyoal 

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

Right now, I want to focus on growing my new store; www.etsy.com/shop/AlwaysDreamJewels. I created it during the pandemic, when there were fewer sales and it seemed like a good idea to expand my sources of income.

Later, I intend to open my own online store. Although I know it is a great job and that it will take me time, this will allow me to reach more customers. All this without neglecting my current store.

Advice for new sellers

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

There would be several tips. First of all, find your ideal client! Until you know who you are going to sell to, you will not know how to reach that person. Is it a man or a woman? Does he live in the city or in a rural area? How old are you ? What are his interests and hobbies? What needs will your product cover?

Second, study your most direct competition (but not by copying them; doing the same thing as they will not result in the same results). See what they are doing well and how you can apply it in your store. Is there anything you can offer your clients that they do not have?

Thirdly, photography is becoming more and more important. Keep in mind that your client cannot touch your product, so offer quality photos and all the details of your product. You have to make them fall in love with your creations at first glance.

Fourth, be the best at what you do. To stand out on Etsy, where there are thousands and thousands of shops, you have to have an excellent product in every way.

And finally, research SEO, learn to use keywords and long tail keywords, use tags that contain the most powerful words in your title and other complimentary words that describe other qualities of your article, that the sections of your store include your best keywords, and study very well the title of your store, because that part is what tells the algorithm that you sell and, consequently, where it should show your creations. And above all, try to publish listings whenever you can. That will keep your store and give you visibility.

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

Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: It depends a lot on the time of year, but they range from $4,000 to $6,000 a month with one store, plus the income generated by the other.

Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: 60% off both stores

Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: from 1.5 to 2.5, also varies from one time of year to another