Etsy Seller Interview with Oksana of BellezaNovia

How BellezaNovia 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 am Oksana, the owner and founder of the BellezaNovia shop on Etsy, which I started in October 2019 after spending years selling wedding veils and dresses offline and locally as a hobby. I had a passion for designing and creating wedding attire, and I wanted to expand my hobby internationally and make it a full-time job.

I knew I wanted to offer high-quality, handmade wedding veils and dresses at an affordable price, so I worked closely with local fabric suppliers to ensure that I could source the best material for our products, and I always strive to offer my customers a personalized and unique experience. My shop has grown significantly since its inception; I worked hard for it, and I'm proud to say that I've been able to make something out of my hobby.

In addition to our ready-made dresses, I offer customization options that allow my clients to tweak the dress model according to their desires. I believe that every bride deserves to wear a dress that not only looks beautiful but also fits her perfectly. That's why I offer a tailored service that takes into account our clients' individual measurements as well as their height. Working on customized dresses can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. I want our brides to feel confident and comfortable in their dresses, and I believe that a well-fitted dress can make all the difference.

Favorite items

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

Currently, my top picks are the wedding dresses from the new 2024 collection.

I am drawn to the collection as it features new and unique designs that I find captivating. Having seen some of these dresses on real brides, I can attest to their stunning beauty in person, which surpasses their Etsy photos. In particular, I adore sparkling wedding dresses with capes for their fresh and eye-catching appeal.

When it comes to veils, I have a soft spot for long, embroidered lace veils. These add a touch of elegance and grace to wedding photos, making them a timeless choice.

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?

When I first started my Etsy shop, it took me several weeks to earn my first sale. I remember feeling a bit anxious about it, but I knew that patience was key. I spent that time learning more about how Etsy works and how I could improve my shop's visibility to attract more customers. One of the most important things I learned was the importance of correctly tagging my products and choosing the right keywords for the titles. This helped my products show up in search results when potential customers were looking for similar items. Over time, I was able to build up my shop's reputation and earn the trust of my customers. I believe that providing excellent customer service is key to this. I try to do my best to satisfy every client and exceed their expectations. This often leads to repeat business and positive reviews, which in turn help attract new customers. Currently, I use a combination of strategies to attract customers to my Etsy shop. In addition to having well-tagged products with relevant keywords, I also participate in online forums related to my niche and use social media to promote my products. I believe that creating a strong online presence is crucial for any business, and I'm always looking for new ways to reach potential customers.

Managing BellezaNovia

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?

Our shop is managed by a team of two. While one of us focuses on creating listings, maintaining the shop, and handling product shipments, the other is responsible for taking orders and crafting the products themselves. Although it can present its challenges, we have both learned a great deal about running an online store and have developed the necessary skills to manage our responsibilities effectively.

For design, we use Canva to create visually appealing product images. It helps us make the listings look professional and informative. As for SEO, we use eRank to identify the right keywords and optimize the listings for search engines.

As for shipping, we prefer to use our local Spanish post office. It's a reliable and cost-effective option for us, and we've never had any issues with it. Of course, we make sure to package the products carefully and provide tracking information to customers so they can keep an eye on their orders.

To stay organized, I have a schedule for creating and maintaining listings, processing orders, and shipping products. I also prioritize tasks based on their importance and try to work efficiently to get everything done on time.

The future of BellezaNovia 

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

My goal as an Etsy seller is to create a sustainable business that generates stable, high sales every month while providing quality products and excellent customer service. I believe that expanding my product offerings, improving my social media presence, and exploring new sales channels will help me achieve these goals.

Advice for new sellers

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

Speaking from experience, before you start your Etsy shop, take the time to research the platform and understand how it works. This will ensure that you start off on the right foot and avoid any unnecessary mistakes or issues. Tags and keywords are important to understand because they will help your products show up in search results when customers are looking for something specific. Additionally, make sure your product descriptions are clear and include all relevant information, such as measurements and materials. But also, don’t concentrate only on Etsy and Etsy Ads; you can use social media, email marketing, and other channels to promote your shop and attract new customers. Be creative and have patience!