The art of mastering Esty: Expert tips from Rosie Lyelle of the Happy Folk
If you've been tuning into our podcast or you're a regular reader here, you'll know I'm all about the power of branching out and making your mark in the world of e-commerce. Many dream of crafting a thriving online business, and while the go-to advice often points towards launching a stand-alone store, today we're bucking the trend. We're talking about the magic of mastering Etsy with insights from an expert, Rosie Lyell from The Happy Folk.
Etsy, for those not yet initiated, is an artisanal marketplace bustling with creativity and competition. It's a place where one needs more than just a unique product to stand out – strategy is key. Rosie's story is one of inspiration. Despite the hordes of advice aimed at steering entrepreneurs away from Etsy, Rosie's approach is a testament to the success that can be had on this platform, with over 7000 sales to her name.
In a recent deep-dive with Rosie, we gleaned expert insights on how she turned her love for crafting candles and natural products into a burgeoning Etsy empire. Here's what every entrepreneur can learn from her journey.
This episode of “Online Store Success,” we gleaned expert insights on how she turned her love for crafting candles and natural products into a burgeoning Etsy empire. You can listen to the full podcast episode here or watch the interview here.
Here's what every entrepreneur can learn from her journey
Understanding Platform Specifics: Etsy Edition
Working with Etsy isn't just about listing your products and waiting for the magic to happen. It's about understanding and harnessing the specific tools and flows the platform has to offer – think eBay for crafts. Rosie tapped into Etsy's ability to connect with her audience organically, learning as she went along. She advises taking full advantage of Etsy's email marketing integrations and sponsored listings to enhance visibility. In essence, tune into what your chosen platform excels at and use it to your advantage.
The Shift from Passion to Business
Rosie's journey underscores a narrative familiar to many: turning a hobby into a profitable business. It was the classic combination of encouragement from friends and family plus a nudge from her daughter-in-law that got Rosie started. Over time, her passion for natural beauty products and candles evolved from personal projects into a curated selection of gift boxes that now define The Happy Folk. Her story is a reminder not to overlook the potential of your passion when it comes to building a business.
Balancing Creativity with Strategy
A significant pivot point for Rosie was integrating a business mindset with her creative endeavor. Notably, she found guidance through our online store success course, which offered the roadmap needed to navigate digital marketing, from Facebook ads to managing an Instagram presence. Finding joy in canva for creating social media posts, Rosie turned the laborious into loveable, a crucial lesson in making the necessary aspects of business palatable.
Growing Through Persistence
Success in eCommerce doesn't happen overnight. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and Rosie's tale is one of persistence and adaptation. She stresses the importance of being nimble, ready to pivot when necessary, and keeping the forward momentum even when the path gets murky. Through trials like trying out print-on-demand and facing geographical limitations, Rosie stresses to "just try and keep going."
Staying True to Your Goals
Amid the demands of the business, Rosie remains focused on the ultimate goal: enjoying the work from the comfort of her home, surrounded by family, and with time for personal endeavors like yoga and gardening. Her vision of success is a blend of personal fulfillment and business achievement, an essential take-home for any entrepreneur looking to find their happy medium.
The lesson from Rosie is clear: success thrives where passion and persistence meet strategy and understanding your platform. Whether you're an Etsy seller or looking to start your own e-commerce journey, echoing Rosie's insights could be the key to unlocking your potential.
If Rosie's story has sparked a fire in you, remember that diving into the Etsy marketplace with a well-thought-out strategy is crucial. For those who've experienced a connect with her tale, The Happy Folk offers a compelling example. You can explore Rosie's Etsy shop or give her Instagram a follow to continue being inspired.
