Etsy Seller Interview with Irina of TarnavskayaStudio

How TarnavskayaStudio 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. Thanks for your interest in my art. My name is Tarnavskaya Irina. I live in Ukraine. I have been doing needlework since childhood. as long as I can remember. These were appliqués, knitting, and embroidery. We lived very modestly, so I tried to somehow decorate my simple outfits myself. The older I got, the more I realized that I wanted to do this seriously. I had a main job, and I devoted all my free time to hobbies. Jewelry (necklaces, earrings, and brooches) was my main focus. They were on sale, but in a small amount. And one day my friend recommended that I sell on Etsy. I already had a failed attempt, so I was skeptical about it.

A few years ago, I didn't understand anything about marketing. Therefore, I simply took all my popular products in Ukraine and put them on Etsy. There were very few sales there during the year. Covid has started. In one of the articles, I saw that during the epidemic, art supplies were very popular. I had to adapt my products to the requirements. I started making flowers and butterflies for embroidery and appliqué. I noticed that butterflies got a big response. (Which, by the way, were not at all popular in my country, which is a paradox.)

As we say, "Accidents are not accidental." Life gave me a gift—a wonderful marketing coach, Anastasia Romanova. She spoke very professionally about marketing and its tools, about the importance of a beautiful photo, and much more. At her school, I met my wonderful assistant, Maria. She took over all the marketing. "Magic" began at that point. After correctly writing tags and product descriptions and replacing all of my old photos, I saw a significant increase in sales. It turns out that simply having a talented designer is insufficient. You have to make an effort to be seen.

I make all my products personally and by hand. I carefully pack each one myself and send it to the buyers. At the beginning of the military events, there were certain difficulties with the delivery. But our logistics companies did everything possible and impossible. They are heroes. All my clients patiently waited for their orders and provided words of support, for which I am incredibly grateful to them.

Favorite items

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

All my products are like my children. They are all my favorites. I put a piece of my soul into each of them. But among my customers, these necklaces and earrings are still the most popular.

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?

My very first sale occurred a few months after publication. I still remember—it was an Australian customer. She ordered a flower brooch for her daughter's wedding. Now sales success depends on teamwork: these are unique products and a good photo from my side; a correctly designed product and description depend on my marketer; and the rest is handled by professionals on the Etsy team. because they are constantly improving the site and the promotional tools. I advertise my products both within Etsy itself and on third-party resources and social networks (Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook).

Managing TarnavskayaStudio

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?

As I wrote above, there are two of us on the team. I order my creative materials myself, fulfill orders, photograph, pack, and ship. My assistant communicates with clients and puts up listings. We have excellent courier services, so I almost always meet the delivery time. For the last year, I have been working almost without days off; therefore, the deadlines are always met. I love my craft very much; that's why I don't even feel tired with a heavy load. All orders are made with love.

The future of TarnavskayaStudio 

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

Now everything suits me in my store. I would like to have some interesting photo shoots and collaborations. At the intersection of different talents, new ideas are born. I plan to open another store in the future with a few other items. But now Ukraine is not yet included in the list of countries with Etsy payments. As soon as it becomes possible, I want to try my hand in another direction.

Advice for new sellers

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

I would advise a novice seller to entrust the store to a professional, at least at the initial stage, who will analyze the market and give some important advice. Otherwise, you can waste a lot of time while you learn from your own mistakes.