Behind the Scenes of My Etsy Shop | Starting a Business Journey
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Early Life and Challenges
- College Years and Career Choices
- Exploring Different Business Avenues
- Discovering Passion in Candle Making
- Building a Brand and Business
- Overcoming Fear and Vulnerability
- Launching the Etsy Store
- Product Development and Planning
- Conclusion
From Reselling to Candle making: My Journey to Entrepreneurship
Introduction
Hey everyone! Welcome back to my channel. If you're new here, my name is Erica, and I make videos all about making and selling candles. Today, I want to share with you my incredible journey of starting my own Etsy store. It has been quite a rollercoaster ride, and I want to take this opportunity to reflect on where I came from and what led me to this moment.
Early Life and Challenges
Let's rewind back to 2012, a significant year in my life. I had just graduated high school, met my current boyfriend, and ventured into the unknown by moving away from my hometown. It was a tough transition, and the first year was particularly challenging. I struggled to find a job, adjust to my new surroundings, and navigate the complexities of adulthood. However, looking back, it was a pivotal moment that shaped who I am today.
College Years and Career Choices
The following spring, I started Community College with a passion for English and dreams of becoming a teacher. However, my path took an unexpected turn when I discovered a video about reselling jeans on eBay in December 2016. Intrigued by the world of entrepreneurship, I delved into reselling and explored various business avenues such as Shopify drop shipping, Amazon FBA, and affiliate marketing. While I tried my hand at different ventures, none of them truly ignited a spark of passion within me.
Exploring Different Business Avenues
I dabbled in dropshipping, manufacturing products in China, and even experimented with print-on-demand. My pursuit of income overshadowed the importance of finding something I truly believed in. I constantly worried about failure and validation for my decision to drop out of college. This mindset led me down a path of discontent and frustration.
Discovering Passion in Candle Making
In the midst of my entrepreneurial journey, I stumbled upon candle making. It was like a breath of fresh air and the most rewarding endeavor I had pursued thus far. Unlike my previous ventures, candle making had meaning and purpose. It allowed me to build my own brand, create something tangible, and focus on the quality of my products. Finally, I found an avenue that aligns with my values and brings me immense joy.
Building a Brand and Business
Unlike the other business models I explored, candle making became my true passion. I no longer wanted to chase quick profits and cut corners. Instead, I desired to trade my time for money, focusing on building a brand that I could be proud of. The journey to creating my own candles has been filled with trials and errors, but it's through these experiences that I have grown both as an entrepreneur and as an individual.
Overcoming Fear and Vulnerability
Launching my own candle business meant putting myself out there, vulnerable to judgment and criticism. It terrified me to expose my business and personal life to my social media followers. However, I realized that in order to truly succeed, I needed to overcome this fear and embrace authenticity. I wanted to share my journey and inspire others who may be on a similar path.
Launching the Etsy Store
After months of hard work and preparation, the day finally arrived – the grand opening of my Etsy store. I meticulously planned my product lineup, focusing on scents that resonated with me and appealed to potential customers. From sea salt and orchid to white sage and lavender, my collection catered to diverse preferences. While I initially aimed for a larger inventory, I decided to start with a limited selection to gauge customer preferences and avoid excess stock.
Product Development and Planning
With my candles ready, I embarked on the crucial process of product photography and crafting compelling product descriptions. I wanted my listings to stand out and convey the passion and care I put into each creation. Additionally, I continued to develop my melts and experimented with various scents and designs to expand my product range. As a solo entrepreneur, every aspect of business development fell on my shoulders, but I reveled in the challenge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my journey from reselling to candle making has been an incredible and transformative experience. I've learned the importance of pursuing passion over profits and staying true to my values. Candle making has become more than just a business venture for me; it's a testament to my resilience and the joy I find in creating something meaningful. I'm excited to see where this journey will take me and to share my progress with all of you.
Highlights:
- Overcoming challenges and transitioning into entrepreneurship
- Exploring different business avenues but finding passion in candle making
- Building a brand and business based on authenticity and quality
- Launching an Etsy store with a curated selection of candles
- Continuously developing products and expanding the business
FAQ:
Q: How did you discover your passion for candle making?
A: After trying out various business ventures, I stumbled upon candle making and instantly fell in love with the process. It brought me a sense of joy and fulfillment that I hadn't experienced before.
Q: What sets your candles apart from others on the market?
A: I believe what sets my candles apart is the attention to detail and the quality of ingredients used. Each candle is handcrafted with care and using premium materials to ensure a delightful and long-lasting experience for customers.
Q: How do you come up with new scents for your candles?
A: Developing new scents is a combination of research, experimentation, and personal preference. I draw inspiration from nature, experiences, and customer feedback to create unique and captivating scents that resonate with people.
Q: Do you have plans to expand your product range in the future?
A: Absolutely! As the business grows, I intend to introduce new products such as room sprays, wax melts, and potentially collaborate with other artisans to offer a wider range of scented products.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
A: My advice would be to find something you are truly passionate about and believe in. Don't chase after quick profits or trends; instead, focus on creating something meaningful and building a brand that reflects your values. Embrace the journey, learn from failures, and always strive for authenticity.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE Etsyshop
