How CraftsworkbyClaudia 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?

CraftsworkbyClaudia, founded in 2020 by me, Claudia Oropeza, started as a home-based business selling hand-knit scarves and digital art. I, an artist with a background in collaging and splatter painting, have been passionate about art since my youth. I honed my skills through research and art therapy, where I began creating pouches for fellow artists. 

During the non-winter seasons, CraftsworkbyClaudia expanded to a POD store, offering a broader range of products like totes and spiral notebooks. Initially, splatter painting designs inspired by my home paintings gained popularity for their eye-catching colors. Inspired by abstract designs and other painting art, I expanded my product line to include these designs. 

Despite facing challenges like finding appealing styles and improving SEO, my collection has grown significantly, expanding to 147 listings and increasing views since 2020. 

Favorite items

What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
My favorite items in my shop are the pouches. I love these pouches because they can be used for almost anything. The larger sizes are perfect for storing items like yarn, notebooks, and books. They are incredibly helpful for organizing various items. My pouches are quite popular; they account for most of my sales, and I consider them a seasonal product. I've also noticed a lot of views on Etsy. They can be used for almost anything. Large sizes can even be used to store items such as yarn, notebooks, and books. They are amazingly helpful with organizing any type of thing. My pouches are doing well since I would say they make up most of my sales, and it’s a seasonal product on my end. There are a lot of views on Etsy.

Pencil Case |Teacher Gift School Supply Storage |Back to School Appreciation Gift |Supply Pouch Stationery Art |Writing Desk Organizer
Starfish-Inspired Pencil Pouch, Seaside Splendor:Marine Life Pencil Holder, Organizer For Pencils, School Accessory For Students
Valentine’s Day Accessory Pouch|Heart Pattern Makeup Bag| Cosmetic Organizer| Gift Idea| Zipper Pouch| Small Storage Pouch

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 took me an entire year to make my first sale on Etsy, a process that taught me the importance of patience and perseverance. To attract customers to my shop, I focus heavily on using Pinterest as my primary marketing tool. I create visually appealing pins for each of my listings, ensuring to include engaging descriptions and relevant keywords to boost visibility. 

To further expand my network, I have joined several Etsy shop groups, where I connect with other sellers, share insights, and collaborate on ideas. This combination of strategies has significantly helped me build my brand and reach potential customers.It took me a year to make my first sale on Etsy. I attract customers to my shop through Pinterest, where I pin all my listings. Additionally, I have a business Facebook page and have joined a few Etsy shop groups to connect with other sellers 

Managing CraftsworkbyClaudia

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 independently and use a new Et Seo app to create and optimize my listings. Additionally, I use Roketfy to check the pricing for my items. As I operate a print-on-demand store, they handle shipping my items directly to customers. However, I occasionally have a sample with me that I also ship to customers. 

The future of CraftsworkbyClaudia

What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
My shop's goals are to continue growing and achieve more consistent sales throughout the year. To reach these objectives, I plan to expand my offerings by introducing new items, such as tote bags and blankets, which I believe will appeal to a broader customer base. I am particularly excited about the recent addition of a personalization option to my shop. This new feature allows customers to create unique items tailored to their individual needs, whether for organization, gifting, or personal use. By providing this customization, I aim to enhance customer satisfaction and encourage repeat business. My ultimate hope is that these efforts will not only improve sales but also foster a loyal community of customers who appreciate the personal touch in their purchases 

Advice for new sellers

What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
I advise a new Etsy seller to be patient when listing items in their shop. Discovering what works and appeals to potential customers will take time and experimentation. Keep persevering—success doesn't come quickly. 

Take your time when listing new products and study your current offerings. There's no need to rush and create 20 listings in one week. Observing and analyzing metrics is essential to help you choose the right products for your shop. 

Alura Team
Alura Team

Alura is your all-in-one platform for selling on Etsy. With more $500.000+ gross sales over four years selling on Etsy, Alura is built by experienced sellers for sellers. Start with a free account and explore all the features you need to start, run, and grow your Etsy shop.