Etsy Seller Interview with Vivian of BeAwesomeTodayShop

How BeAwesomeTodayShop 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?

Hi, I'm Vivian. I'm a Canadian artist who has been living in Berlin for 11 years. I started to Be Awesome Today while I was still a student, majoring in ceramics and jewelry design at art school. While studying, I realized that: 1: I really like creating things; 2: I like simple and handmade things; and 3: I like giving friends and family little presents, just because.

So I thought, wouldn't it be cool to combine all of these things and share them with others? And that was how to Be Awesome Today was founded. The main idea behind my brand was and still is: a place to find small and meaningful presents (for others or yourself!), featuring jewelry in a simple and playful design, at affordable prices.

After making and selling various earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, I realized that people were mostly drawn to my "Wish Bracelets," simple corded bracelets that feature a charm with a short message on what the bracelet symbolizes. I know that I'm not the first nor the only one to offer this kind of bracelet, but I believe what sets me apart from other shops is that every bracelet is made to order, so that they can be fully customized. My bracelets are also unique in that I come up with the symbolism and words of encouragement myself so that each bracelet feels like a personal wish from one individual to another. Over time, due to the popularity of the bracelets, they have become synonymous with my shop.

Favorite items

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

My favourite items are my Star Wish Bracelet

and my Friendship Wish Bracelet

I like them because they're adjustable (so that they fit all wrist sizes) and they come in 15 different colors. The star and the circle are also classic, timeless symbols that appeal to people regardless of style, age, gender, etc. Because I live in Germany, I mainly cater to a German-speaking audience, which means that what is written on the cards is in German (although English versions of the cards are available upon request).

For example, with the Star Wish Bracelet, stars can symbolize our dreams, hopes, and desires. Adventurers have always used the stars in the night sky to help guide them to their destinations. Let this bracelet also guide you and serve as a reminder to keep your head up, especially in times of darkness. Because above is where the stars are.

Or with the Friendship Wish Bracelet: The circle is a universal symbol; it represents wholeness and unity. Because there is neither a beginning nor an end, circles can also be seen as timeless and limitless. Let this friendship bracelet represent your friendship, its strength, and your unique connection to one another. 

I've had customers write back to me, telling me how happy their sisters, friend, or students were to receive the bracelets. This feedback always makes me smile. I think these bracelets are best sellers because everyone appreciates small presents that remind them of how special a friendship is or are symbolic gestures of support and encouragement.

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?

I think it took a few weeks before my first sale and around half a year before things really took off. I initially started to Be Awesome Today offline, selling my jewelry at craft fairs and Christmas markets. Handing out business cards with a link to my Etsy shop really helped, I think. These days, I rely on Etsy ads and good SEO to attract customers. I also like to run store promotions every now and then and send prior customers a friendly message along with a coupon code. In an age where everything you buy is online, stream-lined, and quick/one-click, I feel that people really appreciate direct communication with the person behind the store.

Managing BeAwesomeTodayShop

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 completely alone. Apps I find helpful are Photoshop for touching up pictures and the Etsy app on my phone, of course. I also use the DHL app to buy stamps or shipping labels and to find out shipping prices. Before bringing the packaged products to the post office, I always take pictures and send them to my customers with a message that their order is on the way.

The future of BeAwesomeTodayShop 

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

Like many small business owners who run their Etsy shop on the side, my goal for Be Awesome Today is to expand enough so that I can quit my day job. I'd also like to explore different products and grow the "Wish Bracelets" line.

Advice for new sellers

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

Keep creating to connect with the people who need your brand of creativity. Success doesn't come overnight, be patient. Get inspired by other Etsy sellers and learn from the Etsy forums and webinars.