From Zero to $100,000: My Etsy Embroidery Success Story

From Zero to $100,000: My Etsy Embroidery Success Story

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. How I Got Into Embroidery
3. Starting Out with Tutus
4. Discovering Embroidery
5. Expanding to Bigger Projects
6. Transitioning to Online Sales
7. Learning from Pamela's Videos
8. Investing in Better Machines
9. Joining Amazon Handmade
10. Conclusion

How I Got Into Embroidery

Good morning, guys! Welcome back to my channel. If you're new here, make sure you subscribe. Today's video is going to be a little different than most of my videos. I've gotten so many questions about how I started embroidery and how I got into this craft. So, I thought it would be easier to make a whole video answering all these questions. Let me take you back to where it all began.

Introduction

I was in college when everything started. It was my senior year, and unexpectedly, I ended up getting pregnant with my daughter, Riley. At the time, I was working at Target, doing security full-time, and the idea of continuing with such a physically demanding job while being pregnant didn't sit well with me or my husband. He insisted that I stay at home and focus on taking care of myself and our growing family. But, I still wanted to contribute financially and be able to pursue my own interests.

Starting Out with Tutus

As I searched for ways to make some extra money, I heard about the flea market from a lady named Barbara. She mentioned that someone in the area was making a lot of money selling tutus and birthday items. Intrigued by the idea, I went online and found a video tutorial on how to make a tutu. With the necessary supplies from Jo-Ann's, I made five tutus and decided to take them to the flea market. To my surprise, they all sold out quickly. This success motivated me to explore other avenues within the crafting world.

Discovering Embroidery

People at the flea market started asking if I could make personalized shirts with names on them. Although I didn't offer that service initially, I knew I had to find a way to meet these demands. That's when I stumbled upon the world of embroidery. I learned about the heat press method, but after hearing concerns about fading and high prices from customers, I wanted to offer a higher quality option. My research led me to discover embroidery, a technique that wouldn't fade and would allow for more intricate designs. I watched Pamela's videos on Sterling Styles, where she showcased her embroidery projects and shared detailed insights. Her guidance became invaluable to me throughout my embroidery journey.

Expanding to Bigger Projects

Initially, I focused on making Wendy's, selling them at the flea market. It soon became apparent that there was a demand for larger shirts and more intricate designs. My first embroidery machine, the Brother PE770, had a 5x7 embroidery area, limiting the size of projects I could undertake. As customers requested bigger designs, I realized I needed a machine with a larger embroidery range. After researching and watching more tutorials, I found the Brother P800, which had a bigger embroidery size. Although more expensive, it presented an opportunity for me to cater to a wider range of requests.

Transitioning to Online Sales

Balancing my time between college, the flea market, and motherhood became increasingly challenging. Completing orders and managing the flea market stall every weekend was exhausting for both me and my husband, who had a full-time job during weekdays. I graduated from college, which alleviated some of the stress, and my husband's mother provided childcare. With more time on my hands, I decided to shift my focus solely to online sales. I joined Etsy and slowly built up my customer base. Pamela's videos were instrumental in helping me navigate this transition.

Learning from Pamela's Videos

Pamela's videos were a treasure trove of information for me. She explained the embroidery process in great detail, demonstrating techniques and sharing valuable tips. Watching her videos enabled me to expand my knowledge and enhance my embroidery skills. I owe a great deal of my success to Pamela and her dedication to teaching others. If it weren't for her videos, I wouldn't be where I am today.

Investing in Better Machines

As my business grew, I realized the importance of investing in better embroidery machines to increase productivity and handle larger orders. I acquired a six-needle machine, followed by another one a few months later. These machines allowed me to handle multiple projects simultaneously, significantly improving efficiency. Investing in better equipment was essential for meeting the growing demand for my products.

Joining Amazon Handmade

My success on Etsy caught the attention of Amazon, who invited me to join their Amazon Handmade section. Accepting this invitation opened up a whole new avenue for my business and exposed my products to a larger audience. It was a significant milestone and a testament to the growth I had achieved through hard work and dedication.

Conclusion

Looking back, I'm grateful for the unexpected turn of events that led me to embroidery. What started as a desire to make some extra money while being a stay-at-home mom turned into a thriving business. My journey in embroidery has been filled with challenges, learning experiences, and immense joy. Through trial and error, I honed my skills and expanded my knowledge. If you're considering getting into embroidery, remember that passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn are key ingredients for success.