How StudioLeanne 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?
My name is Leanne Angwin, the owner and founder of StudioLeanne on Etsy, the original handmade, oversize cocktail ring seller. My jewelry is made from glass and clay, which I source locally from Melbourne, Victoria, in Australia. All my jewelry is made in my home workshop, which gives me the freedom to create whenever I have extra time throughout the day. StudioLeanne is my hobby, and I get great enjoyment out of creating unique designs that I can share with the world.

Favorite items

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

My favorite items in my Etsy store have to be the iconic WTF and OMG rings. These rings were requested by a customer many years ago, and I have since added them as a permanent feature item to my store. I love creating jewelry that makes a statement, and these two rings really tick that box.

Double Finger, WTF Ring, Ceramic Jewelry
Double Finger Ceramic Jewelry Ring

For something a bit more classic and a go-to for a lot of buyers, the statement black classic ring is a favorite. When I am feeling a bit more colorful, I always opt for the red heart ring.

Statement black classic ring
Red Heart Ring Collection Collection

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?

I started in early May 2009 and sold my first ring on May 16, 2009. I am forever grateful to my first customer, Kerrie. Her five-star review of my ring gave me the motivation to continue creating.

Because my rings are so oversize and unique, I was able to stand out amongst the other jewelry on the search pages. When posting a new listing, I use a variety of "tags" to help draw people to my page. The description of the item is also very important. I am constantly updating my designs so that my loyal customers and new customers are engaged. It is important to renew my products several times a day so that they appear on the first and second pages of search results.

I also use Facebook and Instagram to connect with customers. It’s so great when they tag me in photos of them wearing my designs.

Managing StudioLeanne

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?

Everything in my Etsy shop is made by me. Once I finish a design, I enlist my beautiful daughter to be my hand model, and I take photos. I then upload all the photos to my Etsy shop myself. All sales are packed by me and dropped off at my local post office, ready to be shipped all over the world.

The future of StudioLeanne 

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

My Etsy shop is my hobby, and each sale brings me immense joy and happiness, knowing that someone is going to get to share my love of creativity. As long as I am able to be creative and share my designs with people all over the world, I’m happy.

Advice for new sellers

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

My biggest piece of advice for any new seller starting an Etsy shop is to stay true to yourself and be unique.

Alura Team
Alura Team

Alura is your all-in-one platform for selling on Etsy. With more $500.000+ gross sales over four years selling on Etsy, Alura is built by experienced sellers for sellers. Start with a free account and explore all the features you need to start, run, and grow your Etsy shop.