Etsy Seller Interview with Vanessa of ScaleGrail

How ScaleGrail 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 Vanessa Huggins, the founder and designer of the Scale Grail. The Scale Grail is a company that specializes in creating realistic miniatures for collectors, designers, DIY enthusiasts, and other artists. My business began as a personal hobby, using 3D printing technology to create accessories for my own toy collection and to recreate iconic scenes from popular media. Over time, the Scale Grail has evolved into a professional design and production company, with a current focus on realistic replica miniature animal skulls and skeletons.

At the Scale Grail, we use a combination of software such as Blender and photogrammetry to create our products, which are then digitally edited for 3D printing. Each design undergoes thorough testing before being painted and photographed for listing. In the past, I personally handled all aspects of the process, but I have since trained my partner to assist with some of these tasks to keep up with the growing demand.

Our wide range of products come in two different finishes: fully painted and unfinished. The fully painted products are ready to use and display immediately after opening. They have been carefully painted by us to ensure a high-quality finish that will last for years to come. On the other hand, the unfinished products are for those customers who prefer to paint the products themselves. These products come in their unfinished form, allowing customers to add their own personal touch and create a unique piece that is truly one-of-a-kind. This option is perfect for those who enjoy DIY projects or want to match a specific color scheme. Both options are available for purchase and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of our customers. As the business has grown, we have had the pleasure of working with a diverse group of artists, which has provided valuable insights into how others utilize our products. This feedback has been instrumental in expanding our product line and offerings. As such, our inventory is continually growing and expanding on a weekly basis.

Favorite items

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

It's really difficult to pick favorites, but I'd have to say the American bison skull, the Raven Skeleton, and the conjoined cat skull. These items represent significant accomplishments for both my shop and my personal development as an artist. The American bison skull is a particularly noteworthy piece, as it is one that I take great pride in creating. The conjoined cat skull was my first attempt at custom skull work, and it serves as a reflection of my progress in this field. Lastly, the raven skeleton presented a challenging task but completing it marked the beginning of offering full miniature skeletons for sale in the shop, expanding the range of products offered.

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 me three weeks to get my first sale, and it was a custom order! We like using social media like Instagram (@thescalegrailcom) to check out what other artists are doing, and that helps to promote the shop organically. When others share images of what they have used our products for or have made with them, we use that opportunity to share with others. What better promotion than the amazing creations of those who love your products?

Managing ScaleGrail

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 Scale Grail is me, Vanessa Huggins (owner and founder), and my husband David Huggins. We run the Scale Grail out of our home in North Carolina with our three cats, Meowsie, Nugget, and Ash. Currently, the Scale Grail does make items to order, but we also keep a small inventory on hand, which is kept in labeled organizers by size and species. We get large pallets of variously sized boxes to handle shipping with, as well as a label maker for shipping labels.

For apps, we use:
Blender: for 3D model editing
Adobe Photoshop: for photo editing
Quickbooks: for accounting
Google Drive: For a backup of a backup of a backup of the entirety of the Scale Grail’s files

The future of ScaleGrail

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

Our main goal is to continue providing high-quality products and services to our customers. We also aim to broaden our product selection to encompass a wider variety of items for other specific hobbies. In addition to increasing our product offerings, we also plan to focus on improving our online presence. This includes developing a more user-friendly and visually appealing website as well as increasing our social media presence. We will also be working to improve our online ordering and shipping processes to bring our shipping times in line with current online shopping expectations. Overall, our goal is to become the go-to destination for hobby enthusiasts and to continue growing and adapting to the changing needs of our customers.

Advice for new sellers

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

The Etsy seller handbook is your guide on how to start on Etsy. Read it, then read it  if you have a question about how to set up your shop, read it a third time or more. The guide is a best practices guide for Etsy, as they know their own product well, and will walk you through how to set up your shop for success, particularly with Etsy SEO.
Photos are what get people into your shop; focus on them and put as many as Etsy will allow. Fill out your descriptions and add anything relevant. Fill out your shop policies; they protect you and your customers from disappointment. as well as market research, which will help keep your own expectations in line.
Lastly, make sure to have fun and enjoy yourself! Avoiding burnout is vital when running your own business, so it's important to schedule time for yourself and understand that there will be fluctuations in sales. This is retail, after all!