How RowanGate 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?
I am a crafter at heart and dabble in many things, but working with fabric is my favorite! I started selling on Etsy in 2009 to support my hobby. At the time, I was selling doll clothes. They were not selling well, so I found a job outside the home. I did this for several years, but my heart was not in it; I wanted to create. I quit my job in 2018 to start a small business. My family are gamers and suggested I make and sell game accessories. It sounded fun, so I pivoted from doll clothes to dice bags. With my love of sewing and embroidery combined with my gaming family, I found my niche. This is how Rowan Gate came to be.
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
I love this rose tray. It is so rich and beautiful, and even more so in person.
This Sea Creature bag is another one I enjoy. I love the vibrant colors, and the tentacles are just so cool.
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?
It took about two months for my first dice bag sale. I do have several social media outlets; I use Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I opened my own website with Shopify in 2019.
Managing RowanGate
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?
Right now, it is just me managing my shop! I usually use Etsy’s fulfillment and labels for my shipping. I also recommend PirateShip.com for shipping. I use Mailchimp to keep track of my email lists. The spreadsheets I purchased from PaperandSparks.com have been a huge help to me. These help me keep track of inventory and sales.
The future of RowanGate
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
Keep moving forward and creating. I am still working on my monthly take-home income goal of $2,000 per month. I am closer, but not there yet.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
Few people are able to make a name for themselves on Etsy right away. It takes work, dedication, and the right product. What "you" want to make might not be what people are looking for. I was enjoying making doll clothes, but the market was saturated and the demand was going down. When gaming supplies were suggested to me, I had to research the niche and find my audience. When it comes down to it, you have to fulfill the needs of the buyers. What problem are you solving for them? What is your brand going to look like? Will your brand's colors, mood, and style appeal to the audience of your niche? Look for a good mentor, book, or coach. To succeed on Etsy, you must actively work your shop and find your audience. You cannot make a shop and sit and wait, because waiting is what you will be stuck doing. Remember, it can take up to five years before you really start paying yourself. I don’t say this as a discouragement, but as an encouragement. Don’t give up; keep your goals in sight. Write down why you want to run this business, and remember that goal when it feels too difficult. You can do it! Find people who support and encourage you.
Some sellers really get inspired by hearing numbers. Feel free to share these if you like.
Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: 2.3
RowanGate
Deluxe role playing and board game accessories.
