Etsy.com Businesses are a Labor of Love for Local Women

No doubt, the Internet has changed the way we live. One example: you are reading this article on your computer, eReader, or smart phone, as opposed to reading it from a newspaper.

The Internet has also changed the way we shop. We love the local stores that we frequent in our neighborhoods, but the web has also given us additional shopping options. One of those is Etsy.com, an online marketplace where people can open a store to sell handmade or vintage items, art and supplies. 

Etsy has opened the door for many budding entrepreneurs. This Labor Day we profile four creative Palm Harbor residents, who happen to be mothers, who are also calling the shots by running their own small businesses online. They've shared their stories, along with some tips, in case you want to be your own boss, too!

Name: Ashley Wallis

• Etsy Shop: Aqua Blossom Naturally handmade spa products (opened 2011, 550+ sales)
• Lives In: East Lake
• Age: 26
• Kids: Boys, ages 2 1/2 and 1 & 1/2

Why did you start your Etsy store?

At the time, I had a one year-old and a newborn. I was not used to being out of work and felt that I needed some "me" time, as well as a way to bring in some income. I've always been kind of crafty and creative, so I began making beauty products and opened Aqua Blossom.

What do you like most about having a shop on Etsy?

I love being able to work 24 hours a day! It is difficult for me to work a regular 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. work day, so I do most of my work in the evening. Usually between 8 p.m. and midnight you can find me making products and packing orders. I also love being able to use the Etsy app on my phone to respond to customers throughout the day.

Was the economy a factor in your decision to start your Etsy store?

Yes, it was. I wanted to stay home to care for my kids and also contribute to our family's income. I had always wanted to start my own business anyway, so it was perfect timing.

How has the economy impacted your Etsy store?

I think it has. I've noticed that during the holidays, shoppers like to buy gifts in a set because it saves them a little money. During the slower summer months, shoppers like to make smaller purchases. I've tried to keep my prices reasonable and offer products that are desirable during certain times of the year.

Do you have another job in addition to your Etsy store?

Being a stay at home mom is my other job! I guess you could say I do that 24 hours a day :)

Is Etsy a full-time or part-time job for you?

Right now it is mostly part-time, but I hope to make this my full-time job within the next couple years.

How many hours (on average) do you work at your Etsy shop?

I work on my Etsy shop during the day a little, and then in the evening. I'd say I work around six hours a day.

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to start an Etsy store?

Remember that online sales are completely different from in-person sales. Your product photos and descriptions do the selling, not you. If you have to focus on one thing, focus on that first!

Name: Veronica Spero

• Etsy Shop: A Bidda Bling Barefoot sandals, foot jewelry, bridal flip flops and more (opened in 2010, 1180 sales)
• Lives In: Palm Harbor
• Age: 49
• Kids: Two boys, ages 16 and 18.

Why did you start your Etsy store?

I felt that Etsy was a great platform for me to utilize my creativity and offer my products on a handmade website.

What do you like most about having a shop on Etsy?

I absolutely love the opportunity to communicate with my clients. I love being able to custom-make items, which allows me to use my creativity.

Was the economy a factor in your decision to start your Etsy store?

Yes, when I started my Etsy store it was going to be a part-time job to supplement my income from my full-time job. I have been blessed with such success that I was able to resign from my full-time job and devote 100 percent of my time to my growing Etsy store.

How has the economy impacted your Etsy store?

I have not felt any negative impact from the economy.

Do you have another job in addition to your Etsy store?

My previous job, when I first started with Etsy, was a 40 hour-a-week job as a paralegal.

Is Etsy a full-time or part-time job for you?

I have transitioned into having Etsy become my full-time job.

How many hours (on average) do you work at your Etsy shop?

I work approximately 70 hours a week and love every minute of it!

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to start an Etsy store?

My advice would be to have fun while creating your pieces. When you love what you are doing that will show in your beautiful pieces!

Name: Karin McArdle

• Etsy Shop: Green Gypsies Rescued, recycled, repurposed crafts with humor and whimsy (opened in 2010, 1440+ sales)
• Lives In: Crystal Beach for last 10 years. Lived in Palm Harbor for 25 years prior.
• Age: Older than I think I am!
• Kids: Children are grown up, now have two chocolate labradors.

Why did you start your Etsy store?

My adult children urged and encouraged me to do so. They also advised me on how to go about it.

What do you like most about having a shop on Etsy?

I can now sell as much (and usually more!) crafts each month on Etsy than I normally sold at a craft show. But there is no more need to stockpile inventory, as would be the case if I was doing a craft show. Also, no more "schlepping" to and from craft shows. I'm getting too old for that hard work!

Was the economy a factor in your decision to start your Etsy store?

No, economy was not a factor. It started as an outlet for my hobby... a love of crafting.

How has the economy impacted your Etsy store?

I have seen a steady increase in sales since I started! In fact, my sales have dramatically increased in the past three months.

Do you have another job in addition to your Etsy store?

My husband and I are retired from our "real" jobs, but in our "retirement" we started a doggie daycare/B&B that keeps us quite busy. That is a 24/7 job, with as many as five to eight doggies visiting us on any given day. But, we take two long RV vacations a year to give ourselves a break.

Is Etsy a full-time or part-time job for you?

It is a part-time job, but I have a tendency to create a full-time job out of it. New ideas and requests from customers lead me to designing new items (even in my sleep!) and this takes up much more (enjoyable) time.

How many hours (on average) do you work at your Etsy shop?

With pups asleep at my feet, I make the items I sell on Etsy, pack and ship sold items, create new ones, etc. I probably put in four to six  hours a day on my Etsy business throughout the day.

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to start an Etsy store?

Take your time. Read any and all tutorials Etsy offers. Study the Etsy shops with items similar to yours and see which ones appeal to you (and those that don't) and learn why. Have a decent camera. Choose your shop name wisely. Be unique. Be patient. Enjoy!

Name: Judy Gibson

• Etsy Shop: Studio 47 Hundred One-of-a-kind handcrafted artisan jewelry (opened in 2010, 37 sales)
• Lives In: East Lake
• Age: 46
• Kids: One girl, four years-old.

Why did you start your Etsy store?

I have always been artistic and crafty. When someone was trying to sell me mass-produced jewelry, I realized I could do it myself, for me and for others.

What do you like most about having a shop on Etsy?

It gives me some freedom with my working hours. But most important, I have met some wonderful people through Etsy and I love it!

Was the economy a factor in your decision to start your Etsy store?

No, it wasn't.

How has the economy impacted your Etsy store?

I have not been an Etsy seller long enough to see any changes, but I'm concerned that people won't spend money buying quality handmade items which are always more expensive than the mass produced ones.

Do you have another job in addition to your Etsy store?

I'm a full-time mom at this moment :)

Is Etsy a full-time or part-time job for you?

Etsy is my part time job/ hobby.

How many hours (on average) do you work at your Etsy shop?

I would say I work about four hours a day; some days more, some days less.

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to start an Etsy store?

Be patient. It takes time and lots of work to get your shop going. And, if you really think about it, it's a full-time job because you are the one in charge of everything. It's a one man/woman show!

Related Links-

• Etsy.com
• Doing Business in Florida (state of Florida website)