Etsy Seller Interview with Beata of BeataScienceArt

How BeataScienceArt got started

Introduce your Etsy shop and tell us your story. How did you begin and decide on what to sell on Etsy, and how do you create your products?

I created BeataScienceArt to share the beauty of science with the world, offering a variety of science-themed art, fashion, and accessories!

I am a molecular biologist and artist who combines science, art, and fashion to celebrate the fascinating things that make life possible. Ever since I saw my first microscopy image, I was blown away by the beauty of our cells and the structures within them. I thought it was such a pity that all these gorgeous images that scientists see under the microscope every day rarely get shared with the world. This inspired me to start creating art and fashion to share these visually stunning images with the world, offering a glimpse of what has fascinated scientists and scholars for centuries.

My first fashion design was a set of printed scarves that I created for myself, where I would take images of my research under the microscope and print them on fabric that I would source from Italy. Colleagues started asking me where they could get them, so I put them on Etsy to make them easier to sell. I have always loved how much science-themed art there is on Etsy and felt a lot of inspiration from the community, so I knew right away that this was a place where my style would fit in.

Now I try to add new designs whenever I have the time, either from microscopy images or the science communication drawings that I create. I strive to include a wide variety of item types for a diverse audience, from dresses, ties, swimwear, and accessories to art prints, yoga mats, and jewellery crafting kits.

Favorite items

What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?

While it is hard to pick a favourite, some of my pieces are very close to my heart. My artwork titled ‘The Final Cut’ is not only a popular favourite but also my very first science-themed drawing, which sparked my science communication career. The drawing depicts the theme of my PhD research on the final step of cell division, where the bridge connecting the cells is cut to separate the two new daughter cells. This hand-drawn illustration is overlaid with real microscopy images of a human cell, with the blue DNA carrying the genetic information and the green microtubules giving shape to the cell—a combination that quite literally fuses science and art.

For my clothing line, my favourite aspect is the variety in the designs. For example, the ‘Molecular Galaxy Dress’ features a drawing highlighting the vast network of interactions between molecules inside our cells in the shape of star constellations. On the other hand, the ‘Cell Division Tie’ shows a collage of real microscopy images of dividing human cells from my own research.

Lastly, my jewellery crafting kits have received some amazing feedback as well. I designed these kits to offer educational DIY crafting activities to create science-themed jewelry. For example, you can craft your own DNA necklace or earrings while learning about the genetic code and double-helix structure of the DNA. This has not only turned out to be a great activity for kids and classrooms but also a popular gift idea for science and art lovers.

Getting sales on Etsy

How long did it take for you to earn your first sale and how do you currently attract customers to your Etsy shop?

My first sales came very quickly because I was already selling my designs before creating an Etsy shop. At the time that I decided to set up my store, I was already lucky enough to have the support of some amazing customers who made my transition to selling online very smooth.

I currently attract customers to my shop through social media and outreach. When I create a new artwork or design, I will generally create a post explaining the science behind it to help folks understand and appreciate the fascinating discoveries that are happening in the academic world. When people see these posts, they will often check out my shop to see if I’m selling something new.

Managing BeataScienceArt 

How do you manage your shop? Are you running solo or do you have any team members? What tools or services do you use to run your shop and how do you handle fulfillment?

I manage my shop with the help of my partner, who has been assisting me with my science communication since I got started. I don’t use any particular third-party tools to run my store, and for shipping and fulfilment, I generally prefer to ship items myself when possible. While I sometimes use drop shipping, I like to have the chance to do secondary quality control checks and hand-wrap items with a personal note and gift whenever it’s possible for me to do so.

The future of BeataScienceArt 

What goals do you have for your shop in the future?

I would be very excited to expand my offering and audience. I’ve been planning to feature more collaborations with other scientists and researchers to highlight different fields. I’m also hoping to find more cost-efficient manufacturing options so I can lower prices for my customers.

Advice for new sellers

What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?

Don’t be intimidated about trying something new, and don’t worry about what you think people want to see. Follow your unique passions, create what you find beautiful, and share what inspires you—your audience will find you!

One thing I love about having BeataScienceArt is connecting with amazing people through Etsy—teachers looking to ignite interest in their students, professors looking for the perfect gift, and artists who share my love for science. Being on Etsy hasn’t primarily been about reaching more customers, but connecting with like-minded people who have fascinating and inspiring stories!