Etsy Seller Interview with Olenka of FaynaCeramics

How FaynaCeramics 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 have been involved in ceramics for over 10 years, and it's truly my passion. Opening my Etsy shop in 2019 provided me with a wonderful opportunity to share my creations with people from all over the world. I am always captivated by the amazing community and creative spirit that Etsy fosters. In my shop, I offer pottery, decorative items, and occasionally ceramic bead jewelry. When deciding what to sell, I always focus on my love for vibrancy and harmony. My creations embrace interesting textures, colors, and forms to bring forth unique and appealing pieces.

Creating my products is a process that I thoroughly enjoy. I work at the potter's wheel, using my hands and ceramic tools to craft each item. I pay great attention to detail and quality, ensuring that each piece is special and reflects my creative vision. I also value nature and strive to use eco-friendly materials for my creations. This helps me create unique handmade items that align with sustainability principles. For me, Etsy is more than just a sales platform—it's a way to showcase my creativity to the world and hope that my products bring joy to others. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my passion and connect with fellow art enthusiasts through Etsy.

Favorite items

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

If I had to choose favorites, I would say that I particularly love certain color combinations. I have a strong affection for my lavender glaze, and I'm also fond of turquoise, green, and orange. They're probably my favorite colors. In addition to colors, I really appreciate the textures on my pottery. So, I would definitely highlight pieces with a textured or embossed surface, as well as those featuring a raised dot pattern. They add a unique touch and enhance the overall aesthetic. I also really like big cups, especially wide ones that can be used as soup cups; it is very convenient and very aesthetic. 

My favorites actually have a good sales rating, just like everything else in my shop. I believe it's because my customers appreciate something vibrant and unique. Each Etsy seller has their own set of admirers, and the key is for us all to find each other. Finding the right audience that appreciates our craft is essential. It seems like my creations resonate with people who are drawn to bright and distinctive items. The combination of my favorite colors and textured designs might catch their attention and make them stand out among other options. In the end, it's about connecting with customers who share a similar taste and appreciate the value of handmade products.

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 it comes to my first sale, it actually happened within about a week after opening my shop. It was an exciting moment for me, and it gave me a boost of confidence to continue my journey on Etsy. However, it took a few months for sales to become more consistent and steady. Currently, a significant portion of my customers are repeat buyers, and that's something I'm really proud of. It's a great indicator for me because it means that they were satisfied with their previous purchases and chose to come back. Building a loyal customer base is essential, and it's incredibly rewarding to see people appreciate my work enough to return for more.

In terms of attracting customers to my Etsy shop, I employ a few strategies. First and foremost, I ensure that my product listings are visually appealing and accurately represent the quality of my creations. High-quality product photos and detailed descriptions are crucial to catching the attention of potential buyers. Furthermore, I utilize keywords and tags effectively to optimize my shop's visibility in search results. This way, when someone is looking for a specific item or style, my listings have a better chance of appearing. Overall, a combination of delivering a quality product, fostering customer satisfaction, and actively promoting my shop helps attract new customers while maintaining a loyal following. It's an ongoing process, but I'm grateful for the support and recognition I've received so far.

Managing FaynaCeramics

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 entirely on my own, without any assistants or hired employees. I have my cozy home workshop, along with a small storage area where I keep my materials and essential equipment. To run my store efficiently, I use the Etsy Seller mobile app, which allows me to conveniently manage various aspects of my shop on the go. It helps me stay organized and responsive to customer inquiries and orders. In general, I list items in my shop that are already made and ready for shipping. However, I do receive custom order requests quite often, which I happily accommodate. Fulfilling custom orders usually takes me a few weeks.

When it comes to shipping, despite the ongoing war in my country, it has had minimal impact on the timing and quality of delivery. I rely on various shipping services depending on the destination region. On average, it takes around two weeks for packages to reach the United States or Australia. Canada may take a bit longer, while Europe usually takes around one week or so. I prioritize selecting reliable shipping services to ensure that packages arrive safely and in a timely manner. Although managing everything independently can be challenging at times, it allows me to maintain full control over the quality of my products and the customer experience. It's rewarding to see my creations reaching customers worldwide, despite the obstacles.

The future of FaynaCeramics

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

Looking ahead, I have several goals for my shop in the future. Firstly, I aim to continue honing my craft and expanding my creative skills. I want to experiment with new techniques, designs, and product lines to keep offering fresh and exciting items to my customers. Building a larger customer base is another goal. While I'm grateful for the support I've received so far, I strive to reach more people who appreciate handmade goods. This involves enhancing my online presence and exploring social media marketing strategies to showcase my products to a wider audience. I also aspire to foster stronger customer relationships. I want to ensure that every interaction with my shop is a positive experience for buyers. Happy customers often become repeat customers and help spread the word about my shop.

In the long term, I dream of establishing my brand beyond Etsy. This might involve creating my own website, collaborating with other artisans or retailers, or even opening a physical store. I believe in the potential of my creations and want to explore avenues that allow me to share them with even more people. Ultimately, my overarching goal is to continue pursuing my passion and sharing my artistic vision with the world. I want my shop to be a place where customers can find unique, handcrafted treasures that bring joy and beauty into their lives. With dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to quality, I believe I can achieve these goals and continue to grow as a successful maker.

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 embrace your unique style and let your passion shine through. Here are a few key tips to get you started:

Find Your Niche: Discover what makes your creations special and stand out from the crowd. Whether it's a particular style, technique, or theme, hone in on what sets your products apart and use that as your selling point.

High-Quality Presentation: Invest time in creating professional and eye-catching product photos. Clear, well-lit images that showcase the details and craftsmanship of your items can significantly impact your sales. Also, write compelling and accurate descriptions that highlight the key features and benefits of your products.

Build Your Brand: Develop a cohesive brand identity that reflects your style and values. Choose a shop name, logo, and overall aesthetic that resonate with your target audience. Consistency across your shop, packaging, and communication creates a memorable and professional impression.

Engage with the Community: Participate in Etsy forums, join relevant social media groups, and interact with fellow sellers and potential customers. Engaging in discussions, sharing your experiences, and supporting others can help you build connections, gain insights, and increase your shop's visibility.

Stellar Customer Service: Provide exceptional customer service to create a positive shopping experience. Respond to inquiries promptly, address any concerns or issues with care, and go the extra mile to exceed customer expectations. Happy customers are more likely to leave positive reviews and recommend your shop to others.

Continuous Improvement: Embrace a growth mindset and continuously seek ways to enhance your skills and shop. Stay updated on Etsy's policies, trends, and best practices. Experiment with new product lines, listen to customer feedback, and adapt your offerings accordingly.

Remember, building a successful Etsy shop takes time and dedication. Each sale and interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow, so embrace the challenges and celebrate your achievements along the way.