Essential Tips for Starting an Etsy Bracelet Business

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. About Kelly Prepster Studio
3. The Journey of Starting Kelly Prepster Studio
4. Tips and Tricks for Starting Your Own Business
   • Start Small
   • Build a Community
   • Do Your Research
   • Don't Spend Too Much Money at First
   • Don't Take on Too Much When You're Already Busy
   • Start Using TikTok Sooner
   • Utilize Social Media for Free Marketing
   • Consider the Costs and Benefits of Selling on Etsy
   • Figure Out Shipping Logistics
5. What Kelly Wish She Knew When Starting Her Business
   • Have Inventory Ready Before Listing
   • Be Mindful of Expenses
   • Plan Your Time Wisely
   • Start Using TikTok Earlier
   • Figure Out the Best Shipping Options
6. Conclusion

Article: Starting and Growing Your Own Business: Insights from Kelly Prepster Studio

Introduction

Welcome to Kel's Life! In this episode, we are diving deep into the world of entrepreneurship as we discuss the journey of starting and growing a business. I'm Kelly, the founder of Kelly Prepster Studio, and I'm excited to share all my tips and tricks with you today. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of starting a business, this episode will provide valuable insights and inspiration. So grab your favorite drink, sit back, and let's get started!

About Kelly Prepster Studio

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty details, let me give you a brief overview of Kelly Prepster Studio. It all started several years ago when I launched my YouTube channel right after graduating high school. Little did I know that this decision would lead to the creation of a thriving business. Kelly Prepster Studio is an online platform where I showcase and sell a variety of handmade products. From charm bracelets to European bracelets, clay bead bracelets, scrunchies, and stickers, there's something for everyone to love. And the best part? Each item is customizable and reflects my personal aesthetic - think pink, curly, and heart motifs. Now that you have a glimpse into what Kelly Prepster Studio is all about, let's dive into its origin story.

The Journey of Starting Kelly Prepster Studio

During the summer of what I believe was either 2018 or 2019, the "Visco girls" trend was in full swing. One day, while browsing online for beaded bracelets, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Instead of spending a hefty sum of money on a ready-made bracelet, I purchased a box of pony beads and letter beads from a craft store. With these materials, I created my own beaded bracelet, which proudly displayed my name. I shared my creation on social media, and to my surprise, people loved it. They began asking if I could sell these customized bracelets at an affordable price. And that marked the birth of my Etsy shop, Kelly Prepster Studio.

In the early days, my Etsy shop primarily featured beaded bracelets and stickers. It might sound silly, but those stickers were a hit among my followers, and it was a delight to see people supporting my creations. However, as demand grew, I realized the need to expand my business and differentiate myself from others. It was during this phase that I started my second YouTube channel, Kelly Prepster Studio, dedicated to sharing the behind-the-scenes of my business. This channel quickly gained traction, amassing over 1,500 subscribers in just six months.

Fast forward to the present day - Kelly Prepster Studio has become an established brand with over 600 sales on Etsy and a devoted community of customers. The success of my business can be attributed to a combination of passion, dedication, and a sprinkle of creativity. Now that you have a grasp of how Kelly Prepster Studio came to be, let's move on to the valuable tips and tricks I have learned along the way.

Tips and Tricks for Starting Your Own Business

Starting and growing a business is an exciting endeavor, but it can also be overwhelming. Here are some practical tips and tricks to help you navigate the path to success:

1. Start Small: When venturing into the world of entrepreneurship, it's important to start small. Begin by creating a minimal inventory of products, ensuring you have the necessary supplies to make a modest number of items. This approach allows you to test the market demand without the pressure of managing a large-scale operation.

2. Build a Community: Building a community of loyal customers is crucial for the long-term success of your business. Engage with your audience on various platforms, such as social media, and foster a sense of connection and exclusivity. Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your products and provide excellent customer service to cultivate a community that supports and promotes your brand.

3. Do Your Research: Before diving headfirst into your business venture, invest time in conducting thorough research. Familiarize yourself with industry trends, competitor prices, and identify your target audience. This knowledge will help you refine your offerings and make informed decisions about marketing strategies, pricing, and product development.

4. Don't Spend Too Much Money at First: It's easy to get carried away and overspend on supplies, marketing, or other business-related expenses early on. Be mindful of your budget and try to minimize costs wherever possible. Focus on generating revenue and growing your customer base before making substantial investments.

5. Don't Take on Too Much When You're Already Busy: Time management is crucial when juggling multiple responsibilities. Avoid taking on too much if you already have a full plate. Starting a business requires dedication and effort, so ensure you have enough time and energy to devote to its growth. Remember, it's better to start small and gradually expand when you can handle the workload.

6. Start Using TikTok Sooner: TikTok is a powerful platform for organic growth and gaining exposure. If you're considering starting a business, don't hesitate to leverage the popularity and potential reach of TikTok. Create engaging content related to your products or services, and tap into the vast user base that TikTok offers.

7. Utilize Social Media for Free Marketing: Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube provide incredible opportunities for free marketing. Use these platforms to showcase your products or services, engage with your audience through meaningful content, and encourage them to share their experiences with your brand. Authenticity and consistency are key when building an online presence.

8. Consider the Costs and Benefits of Selling on Etsy: While selling on Etsy can be a great way to reach a broader customer base, it's essential to consider the costs involved. Etsy charges fees for listings and takes a percentage of each sale. Evaluate whether the exposure and convenience of selling on Etsy outweigh the associated expenses, and explore alternative platforms if necessary.

9. Figure Out Shipping Logistics: Shipping logistics can make or break the customer experience. Research various shipping options and find the most reliable and cost-effective solution for your business. Consider factors such as shipping rates, delivery times, and the overall convenience for both you and your customers. Additionally, ensure you have sufficient packaging materials to protect your products during transit.

What Kelly Wish She Knew When Starting Her Business

Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, there are a few aspects I wish I had known when starting my business. Here are my top insights:

1. Have Inventory Ready Before Listing: To streamline operations and avoid delays, ensure you have sufficient inventory ready to fulfill orders before listing them. Listing products that are not yet made can lead to longer shipping times and potentially dissatisfied customers. By having inventory prepared in advance, you can focus on efficiently processing orders and maintaining customer satisfaction.

2. Be Mindful of Expenses: It's easy to get carried away with upfront investments and expenses. Take time to evaluate the financial implications of every decision and prioritize cost-effectiveness. Consider alternatives, negotiate prices with suppliers, and explore creative solutions to minimize expenses. Remember, every penny saved adds to your bottom line.

3. Plan Your Time Wisely: Time management is essential when running a business. Avoid taking on too much when your schedule is already packed. Plan your tasks and ensure you allocate sufficient time for business-related activities, such as creating products, managing orders, and marketing. Setting realistic deadlines and maintaining a structured routine will help you stay organized and productive.

4. Start Using TikTok Earlier: TikTok's popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, making it an excellent platform for business promotion. I wish I had acknowledged its potential earlier and leveraged it to reach a wider audience. If you're just starting, don't make the same mistake I did - dive into TikTok and start creating engaging content to grow your brand.

5. Figure Out the Best Shipping Options: Shipping logistics can be a headache, especially for online businesses. Spend time researching different shipping providers and compare their rates, delivery times, and reliability. Choose a shipping method that aligns with your customers' expectations and your budget. Additionally, consider obtaining a separate address for shipping to ensure privacy and security.

Conclusion

Starting and growing a business is an exhilarating journey that demands passion, determination, and strategic decision-making. By following the tips and tricks shared in this episode, you can set yourself up for success and overcome common challenges faced by entrepreneurs. Remember to start small, build a community, do thorough research, and manage your expenses wisely. Additionally, be mindful of your time management and leverage the power of social media and platforms like TikTok for marketing. Lastly, plan for efficient shipping logistics and ensure you have inventory ready before listing products. With these insights and a relentless entrepreneurial spirit, you'll be well-equipped to embark on your own business adventure. Best of luck on your journey, and remember, every small step counts towards a larger success story.