Etsy Seller Interview with Simona of CozyLinen

How CozyLinen 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?

My name is Simona, and I was born in Lithuania. A real passion for textiles was born during my studies at the Vilnius College of Design. Afterward, my kids were born, and I decided to focus on creating beautiful home accessories from linen. The characteristics of this fabric simply fascinated me: its strength, texture, and durability; the way it ages; and, I have to admit, even its natural crumples. Lithuania has strong traditions of flax and linen production. Linen is perfect to use in your kitchen and home. And for sure, it is one of the best decisions for commercial use: restaurants, cafes, and flower shops are so satisfied with the durability of linen; it washes easily and dries quickly. I love to use linen in my home and everyday life, so usually product ideas come from a need for something for myself or my family. Sometimes my wonderful customers order some custom orders, and I see it as a great new product for my little shop.

Favorite items

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

I'm passionate about all the products I create, but my current favorites have to be the aprons and tea towels with ruffles. They've been doing quite well, and I think it's because of the feminine and romantic look that these items offer to clients. I would love for them to become even more popular, and I believe customers will continue to be drawn to their beautiful designs.

Customer reviews talk better:
5 out of 5 stars: This item was exactly what my wife wanted!
5 out of 5 stars: perfect I’m very happy with my purchase.
5 out of 5 stars: Yes, I experienced delays, but they were due to the postal service, not the vendor! The apron fully met its description, and I am very happy with it. It will be perfect for what I want it for, and I know I will enjoy wearing it. well-made and so functional with the large pocket. I could not have asked for better service, and for this I am most grateful.

I also adore my laundry bags, which are a staple in both my and my customers' lives. It is the perfect solution for keeping your laundry organized. It features a drawstring closure and a hanging loop, making it easy to hang in any bedroom or bathroom. All my items are made from strong and durable linen fabric; this bag is durable enough to store a large load of dirty clothes yet breathable enough to keep your items from smelling musty. That's why it is so popular among clients.

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?

It only took me about a week to make my first sale, and after that, business picked up quickly. In the first year, I saw a good amount of success, and each following year has been even better. I believe the key to my shop's success is the beautiful, bright pictures that I take of my products. When it comes to online sales, visual storytelling is essential. Currently, I use social media accounts such as Instagram to attract new customers—seeing people share their purchases always delights me.

Managing CozyLinen 

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?

In my shop, I manage the customer service, marketing, product photography, packaging, and shipping, most of which I personally handle with joy and passion. I have two tailors who are sewing all the orders. For larger orders, I enlist the help of my family to provide extra support. All in all, running my shop has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

The future of CozyLinen  

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

My goal for Cozy Linen is to continue providing quality products and services that meet customer needs and expectations. I also want to ensure that I keep a balance between running my business and enjoying life. Ultimately, I strive to grow my business in a way that considers both the success of the business and the wellbeing of myself and my family.

Advice for new sellers

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

My advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop would be to start small and experiment. Find a niche that you're passionate about, keep experimenting and refining your product, and always prioritize customer feedback. Invest in marketing to reach new customers, and make sure to take advantage of the resources Etsy provides for sellers. Dedication, creativity, and hard work will help you grow your business into a success!

Some sellers really get inspired by hearing numbers. Feel free to share these if you like.

Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: 1000-4000Eur

Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: 50%

Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: 0,3%