How huecompleteme 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 business began when I couldn't find a locally-made card for my husband's birthday. From there, we expanded to include all kinds of greeting cards and art prints. We then grew into creating pins and keychains, and in 2021, we launched our own candle line. Our focus has always been on providing high-quality, locally-made products that our customers love. We pour all of our candles in our studio ourselves, ensuring that every candle is made with care and attention to detail. Additionally, all of our greeting cards are designed by us and printed locally to ensure the highest level of quality.

Favorite items

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

Although our greeting cards, especially our birthday cards, continue to be consistent sellers in our shop, my personal favorites are our enamel keychains and the Hug in a Jar candle. I created the Hug in a Jar candle during a time when it was difficult to travel and see family and friends. It felt like the perfect pick-me-up gift, as who doesn't love a warm, cozy hug? The keychains were inspired by my little cousin's 16th birthday, where I couldn't find a cute keychain as a gift. So, I took the art illustrations from some of our best-selling greeting cards and created the cutest little keychains. Since their launch, they have been very popular, and I am proud that they have been shipped all over the world.

Hug In A Jar Candle Soy Candle Natural Wax Candle Vanilla Sandalwood Scented Candle Travel Tin Candle Hand Poured Candle Vegan Candles
House Keychain Little Pink House Keyring House Keyring Gold Keychain Accessories For Car Keys Enamel Illustrated Keyring New House Gift
Sunglasses Keychain Heart Glasses Keyring House Keyring Gold Keychain Accessories For Car Keys Enamel Keychain Illustrated Keyring

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 I first opened my shop, I sold to a friend first, but it took about two weeks to sell my second item, which was to someone I did not know and felt more like the first business sale. At that time, the best-selling items in my shop were prints that I had illustrated with quotes from a popular TV show called "Girls" on HBO. These prints were a hit among fans of the show, and I was thrilled to see them sell so well. It was an exciting time for my business, and it showed me that there was a demand for unique, locally-made products. From there, I continued to create new and exciting items to add to my shop, and I am proud of how far we have come since those early days. At present, our best source of traffic comes from organic search through Etsy after lots of trial and error with our SEO, and we actively post our listings on Pinterest daily to attract more customers.

Managing huecompleteme

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?

Sometimes I catch myself referring to Hue Complete Me as "we," but in reality, it's just me running the show. I am responsible for designing all the products, pouring each candle, packing, and shipping each order, writing personalized thank-you notes, and managing all the social media channels. While I am a one-woman shop, I am grateful to have supportive friends and a helpful husband who assist me with trade show set-up and working weekend markets when necessary. Despite the challenges of running a business solo, I am proud of what I have accomplished and am excited to continue growing and expanding my brand.

The future of huecompleteme 

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

My ultimate goal is to open a physical storefront where I can showcase my best-selling Etsy products as well as source from other local and small businesses. With my background in interior design and architecture, I'm excited to continue expanding my brand into the home decor sector. This month, we're launching tea towels, and if they do well, we plan to follow up with matching throw pillows. Finding a local manufacturer for these items was important to me, and I'm eager to see where this new venture takes us. Additionally, we are introducing new candles in Jesmonite jars that we make ourselves—not just the candle but the vessel as well—ensuring that every product remains truly handmade and unique. I am passionate about what I do, and I look forward to growing and expanding my brand in exciting new ways.

Advice for new sellers

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

If you're planning to start a new Etsy shop, my advice would be to make sure you have enough listings to start, do your research, and create something unique. The most successful shops are those that fill a gap in the market with original, creative products. It's also important to take excellent photos of your work to showcase your products in the best possible light. By following these tips, you'll be able to launch a successful Etsy shop that stands out from the crowd and attracts customers who appreciate your unique offerings. Remember, the key to success on Etsy is to stay true to your brand, be authentic, and offer something truly special that can't be found anywhere else.

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

Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: Anywhere from 55-75% depending on the item. 

Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: 3.1%

Alura Team
Alura Team

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