Etsy Seller Interview with Caroline of cbvpaperie

How cbvpaperie 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 stay home full time with our three children, Davy, Warren, and Anne Charles (now 5, 3, and 17 months), and although staying home with them is my true dream job, I very much crave a creative outlet, which is what led me to start Davydoodles (now renamed CBVPaperie). I started my small business through word of mouth and, shortly after, decided to open up an Etsy shop, which has led me to 80% of my customers. I create and sell cupcake toppers, banners, party tags, invitations, and more. I am a one-stop shop for all your paper needs.

Favorite items

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

Of course I love a custom invitation, but I would probably say our toppers because I think they add so much to a party! People can use it on cupcakes, food, etc. I have listed three of our best sellers below.

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 earned my first official Etsy sale within a day (thanks to supportive family and friends), but I would say it took maybe a week to get the first sale from someone who found me strictly through Etsy. It’s been a few years now, and every time I hear the "cha ching" or see a "new order" notification pop up, I still get just as excited! I have a lot of customers who reach out via Etsy based on referrals, but I also have Etsy ads going to help generate new customers as well.

Managing cbvpaperie

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 run my shop out of my home office and do everything myself (with the help of my husband, who will pitch in at the drop of a hat when needed). I have also hired on two tiny employees (my 3 and 5-year-old) to help me with sticking on labels.

The future of cbvpaperie 

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

This is such a fun hobby to do on the side, and it truly does bring me so much joy that I hope I’m able to keep growing it in the years to come.

Advice for new sellers

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

My advice to any new seller is that if you have a niche and enjoy creating, step out of your comfort zone and just go for it! Etsy is a huge community, and they cater to so many people around the world. There is enough room for everyone to bring their own spin to whatever category they are in and be successful while doing so. What will make you stand out is the quality of your work and your customer service.