Etsy Seller Interview with Svetlana of FunnyStitch

How FunnyStitch 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?

Hi, my name is Svetlana Teplyakova, and when I was a child, my hobby was crocheting clothes for my little dolls. In my school years, I was fond of stitching, and still, it is an activity that makes me happy. In 2012, I heard about the Etsy platform, so I decided to create my shop and place it on this site. On the eve of the New Year, 2018, I crocheted some beautiful snowmen as New Year's gifts for my family. That was the moment when I started crocheting toys and patterns for sale. This process still fascinates and inspires me. In February 2018, I opened my shop. My New Year's wish came true!

Favorite items

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

I love all of my toys, but I especially love Christmas toys. I can crochet them for a whole year. This is Lulu the penguin, a deer in a sweater, an elf, a Santa… Christmas time is a period of miracles and fulfillment of desires. And Christmas stuffed toys and crochet patterns are always well purchased.

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 use social media to promote my Etsy shop. I have an Instagram account (@funnystitch_toys), and I post about the process of creating toys, show what I am crocheting right now, share some tips, and of course, make sales. I also have a Facebook page and a Pinterest account. And I use Etsy ads to promote some listings.

Managing FunnyStitch

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?

Yes, I'm the person who runs my shop. One of my main assistants is the Etsy app, and I also use your (Alura's) hashtag browsing tools. I cooperate with a warehouse in the USA and send the frequently purchased toys there, and then the toy is sent from the warehouse to its new owner. This reduces the transit time for delivery. I am also thinking about packing because of that emotions and impressions about the toy.

The future of FunnyStitch 

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

Of course, I want growth and development. There are plans to expand the range of products and translate crochet patterns into other languages.

Advice for new sellers

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

I would advise you to be patient and work. Sales do not just fall from the sky; you need to make an effort. Have a look around Etsy to see what sells in your niche. Pay attention to product photos and hashtags. And put a real (adequate) value on the items. And most importantly, don't give up; you will succeed.