How feltnyarn 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?
Namaste (Greetings)! I'm Sunita Sherpa, the proud owner of Felt & Yarn. Our journey began with a passion for Nepalese handicrafts, but as we discovered the beauty of felt, we fell in love with this remarkable material. We started with just three and have now grown into a team of over 100 incredible individuals, directly supporting and indirectly empowering 500+ artisans.
When we joined Etsy to reach a global audience, things didn't take off as expected initially. Nevertheless, we didn’t lose hope. We decided to innovate, adding more varieties and offering full customization options in an astounding 100 different colours. This turned out to be a game-changer, becoming our main USP. Our unique products, personalised to our customers' desires, quickly gained traction, finding their way into the hearts of many craft lovers.
Today, we proudly own manufacturing facilities in three locations and have forged collaborations with more than 30 vendors. Each piece we offer is infused with a unique story, reflecting the love and dedication of our talented artisans.
Beyond crafting beautiful felt creations, we recognised a profound opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of marginalised individuals in our community. We sought to empower housewives, part-timers, and those with fewer skills. As a bridge to empower the community, we offer free training, a standard working environment, and essential facilities, creating an atmosphere that fosters growth and skill development. Our commitment to this ensures that each team member feels valued and supported in their creative journey.
We're incredibly grateful for your support and for being part of our journey. Your love and appreciation fuel our passion to continue crafting one-of-a-kind felt treasures in an array of colours and customizations. Together, we're making a positive impact through our craft, and we look forward to delighting you with more heartfelt creations in the future. Thank you!
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
I must admit that picking favourites among our handmade products is a difficult task for me. Each and every item holds a special place in my heart because they are crafted with love and care, and each piece carries its own unique story and feelings. It brings me immense joy to see our customers cherish and appreciate the artistry behind each creation.
However, I can share some of the popular items from different categories. From craft supplies, the felt balls, hearts, stars, peppermint candy, rainbows, personalised letters, Christmas tree, and eggs are some of our all-time best sellers. I believe their popularity stems from the fact that they can be used in various creative projects and are fully customizable in 100 different colours.
Moving on to our pet products, our mushroom cat cave, three-layer cat cave, gradient cat cave, and dog bones have been incredibly well received. I think pet owners value the comfort and uniqueness of these items, as they provide cosy spaces for their beloved pets to rest and play.
In the footwear category, our boots and slippers have been flying off the shelves. I attribute this success to our extensive colour options, which allow customers to find the perfect pair that suits their style and preferences while ensuring utmost comfort.
As for our home decor items, the pebble rug, multicoloured pom pom rug, laundry ball, and trivet coasters have seen great demand. People love decorating their homes with items that add a touch of personality and charm to their living spaces, and our decor pieces are designed to do just that.
Overall, the success of our shop and the popularity of these items can be attributed to our commitment to crafting high-quality products with attention to detail and a personal touch. We are grateful for our loyal customer base, positive word-of-mouth, and effective marketing strategies that have contributed to our continued success.
CRAFT SUPPLIES
PET PRODUCTS
SHOES
DECOR
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?
My first sale was incredibly fast, happening right on the very next day after we launched our Etsy shop. At that time, the product we offered was in high demand, so we didn't have to put in a lot of effort to attract customers initially.
However, the competition in our category has increased significantly, and there are now more shops vying for the attention of potential buyers. To stay competitive, we continuously develop new and unique products to keep our offerings fresh and appealing. Also, we have leveraged Etsy's advertising platform to promote our shop and products. In addition, we are also focusing on building a strong brand presence on the platform. We ensure that our shop's description, policies, and product listings are well-crafted and appealing.
Managing feltnyarn
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 started small, but now I have built a dedicated team to run the overall company efficiently. We have experts in sales, marketing, accounts, and logistics, all working together to ensure the smooth functioning of our business. To manage our shop and streamline our operations, we have developed an in-house system that helps us handle inventory management and payments. This system allows us to keep track of stock levels, process orders, and manage payments securely and efficiently.
In terms of marketing and communication with our customers, we heavily rely on social media, particularly Instagram, to showcase our products, engage with our audience, and keep them updated about new releases, special offers, and exciting promotions. We find Instagram to be a valuable platform for building a strong brand presence and connecting with our customer community. Additionally, we use Mailchimp, an email marketing platform, to send out newsletters and announcements to our mailing list.
For shipping and fulfilment, we have established partnerships with reliable shipping companies like DHL, FedEx, and Skynet.
By having a dedicated team, utilising efficient in-house systems, leveraging social media and email marketing, and partnering with reputable shipping companies, we have managed to create a well-rounded and successful operation. Our goal is to continue providing top-notch products and services to our customers while maintaining the personal touch and attention to detail that set us apart as a handmade shop.
The future of feltnyarn
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
In the future, my main goal is to establish our shop as the ultimate one-stop solution for all kinds of handmade felt products across various categories, including craft supplies, shoes, pet products, and home decor. We want our customers to think of our shop or brand first whenever they need high-quality, unique, and heartfelt items made with love.
Another significant goal we have is to set an example in the industry by creating a production house that sets new standards for future generations. We want to be known not just for the products we sell but also for the ethical and sustainable practises we follow in our production process. By maintaining the highest quality standards, promoting fair labour practises, and ensuring environmentally friendly processes, we hope to inspire others in the industry to do the same. Moreover, we aim to foster a strong sense of community and connection with our customers.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
Be genuine and honest in everything you do. While it's okay to take inspiration from others, avoid copying their work. Instead, add your own unique touch and creativity to your products. The beauty of the handmade industry lies in individuality.
And passion is key in the handmade business, so enjoy what you do and infuse feelings and love into every item you make. Customers often appreciate the personal connection and emotional value that handmade products carry. So stay authentic and tell the story behind each creation. Additionally, make sure to provide excellent customer service and communicate openly with your buyers.
