• Tutorials
  • Ikea Hacks
  • Free Printables
  • Holiday
  • Handmade Gifts
  • Etsy Business

EverythingEtsy.com

Etsy Blog | Selling on Etsy | Etsy Banners | Giveaways & Creative Stuff

You are here: Home / Running Your Etsy Business / Motivation / Etsy Empowerment

Etsy Empowerment

By Kim Layton 11 Comments

mushroomsCourage is like a muscle.
We strengthen it with use
.

~ Ruth Gordon ~

Tim and I were talking this weekend about Etsy. We tend to do that, as you might imagine. We were reflecting on what Etsy has meant in our family and what we’ve seen in so many others.

I still remember that I was literally nervous when I first told Tim I wanted to list something for sale on Etsy. I didn’t want to seem silly, and I was scared that nobody would buy what I was making.

But, lo-and-behold, I did get some sales, and then I got some more. Not enough to pay the grocery bill at first, but it grew and it is still growing.

A few months after starting that first shop, I felt about as nervous when I said, “Hey Tim, maybe we should start a blog.” I was a little uncertain about it, but I wanted to get out there and get to know people. It seemed like that was a step in being successful online and it sounded like fun! So we did, and then we started another, and another!

We’re still at the beginning and we aren’t making the kind of money we might have traditionally expected from the hours we invest, but that’s the key… it is an investment. Every hour we put into our business is like adding $30.00 (at least!) to the investment till. I think they call it “sweat equity”.

We’re now making a modest full-time living on the Internet through a combination of Etsy sales, blogging, and other Internet/Web stuff we never would have gotten into if not for that very first Etsy sale not much more than two years ago.

If you’re like me, Etsy makes you feel empowered. Empowered to be able to create and build!

You feel me? Does your Etsy shop make you feel empowered?

~Kim

Related posts:

  1. Etsy Wants You To Succeed — Don’t Believe Otherwise!
  2. Etsy’s New Feedback Privacy
  3. Sell on Etsy {and nowhere else?}
  4. Got Inspiration? Ideas to Help Spark Your Creativity!

Filed Under: Motivation, Running Your Etsy Business, Tid-Bits

Comments

  1. La Alicia says

    November 7, 2010 at 9:39 pm

    Yes, Etsy does make me feel empowered. It’s one place I can create what’s in my imagination and show it to the world. That makes me truly happy!
    .-= La Alicia´s last blog ..Eco-Chic Small Clutch – Magazine and Junk Mail Bag with Button Closure =-.

    Reply
  2. burlap+blue says

    November 7, 2010 at 10:44 pm

    LOVE this post, Kim! Yes, Etsy does make me feel empowered…I love working on my own time and having control of my product…and, yes, I put many hours into my shop/blog, etc., but I couldn’t be happier, and nothing’s more important! xo
    .-= burlap+blue´s last blog ..love for ezines =-.

    Reply
  3. Joanne says

    November 7, 2010 at 11:12 pm

    I am planning to start an etsy shop and a blog soon, so it’s really nice to here that you have been successful with it. It’s scary to start something new, but it is nice to hear how it has worked out for other people. Thank you for all of your tips!

    Reply
  4. Tammy/ StitchnStudio says

    November 8, 2010 at 2:00 am

    Kim, That is very inspirational, and yes Etsy does make me feel impowered- so much that I am working on opening my second shop. I am determined to be able to tell a story like this one day.
    .-= Tammy/ StitchnStudio´s last blog ..Womens Large Pink Shabby Chic Vinyl wallet- SALE =-.

    Reply
  5. Jen says

    November 8, 2010 at 7:28 am

    I absolutely feel empowered by have my 3 Etsy shops! Although I lack the talent to create anything, I do love vintage and this has been a dream come true for me!

    Reply
  6. Kathy Howard says

    November 8, 2010 at 12:05 pm

    I only feel slightly empowered, but it is a start. I have yet to find an item that sells well. I have stepped out and contacted a local store about showing my items and I’m signed up for a local holiday bazaar, that I have never done before.

    Reply
  7. Dave says

    November 8, 2010 at 1:57 pm

    I TOTALLY relate to that 2nd paragraph. Thanks for helping me feel not so alone in my fears.
    .-= Dave´s last blog ..28th Street – Newport Beach – 5×7 Digital Collage Ocean Art =-.

    Reply
  8. Prairie Primitives Folk Art (Tana) says

    November 8, 2010 at 9:45 pm

    Unfortunately, no. Etsy does not make me feel empowered. I’ve had an Etsy shop for 4+ years, but still don’t have 100 sales. And yes, I’ve had things listed all along.

    My products are well-made, they sell VERY well at antique & craft fairs, and two weeks ago, one of my items was featured on the front page of the Home & Garden section of the local daily paper! But my things just don’t do so well on Etsy and I don’t know why. I feel my descriptions are good, though they could probably be more enticing … I just don’t seem to have a knack for that sort of writing.
    .-= Prairie Primitives Folk Art (Tana)´s last blog ..Primitive Kitty Cat – antique black and indigo blue quilt top =-.

    Reply
  9. Brenda says

    November 9, 2010 at 12:56 am

    Yes, Etsy has empowered me! I’m 60, single, and young at heart! My goal is to become full-time. I have a plan and I’m working the plan!

    Reply
  10. gretchen leake says

    December 13, 2010 at 10:31 am

    Thanks so much for this article and your blog! After nearly a year of crafting, I finally got up the courage to open up my Etsy shop. I do feel empowered and also overwhelmed, and mainly excited. I am tickled pink every time I log into etsy! Now to get my blog up and going….
    .-= gretchen leake´s last blog ..Ivory Rose Ring =-.

    Reply
  11. April says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    I have definitely been feeling empowered by Etsy! I get so excited when I get a sale. Although I “opened” an Etsy account over 2 years ago, I just started seriously selling my items in December 2010. This last week has been, by far, my best yet! Its to the point that I need to ORGANIZE my house for Etsy! ♥ it! Thank you so much for all the wonderful tips, I’m trying to incorporate everything I can to help grow my business!
    .-= April´s last blog ..Shabby Chippy Grungy Message Board =-.

    Reply
Previous Post Giveaway Week Round-Up!
Next Post Giveaway Week Winners!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Never miss a post:

Enter your email address:

Sell doTERRAEssential Oils How to Start a Blog for Your Etsy Business

 


 

 

 


follow EverythingEtsy on Pinterest


Disclosure: Various posts and pages on this site include affiliate links. We could earn a referral fee if you make a purchase through those links. Your purchase won't cost you more because you followed our link and we only refer you to sources we can personally recommend.

RSS Now at HandmadeandCraft.com

  • 12 DIY Kitchen Ideas
  • 15 Easter Cupcake Recipes
  • Organize with a Chalkboard Wall Calendar!

RSS Now at KimberlyLayton.com

  • St. Patrick’s Day Crochet Shamrock Pattern & Video Tutorial
  • Printable Coloring Pages for St. Patrick’s Day
  • How to Get Your Business Featured on Blogs

[footer_backtotop]

Copyright © 2025 EverythingEtsy.com · All Rights Reserved · Privacy Policy ·


The term "Etsy" is a registered trademark of Etsy, Inc. - This site is not affiliated w/ Etsy, Inc.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT