How IDreamofJewelry 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?
Hello, my name is Jamie, and my shop is IDreamofJewelry. I have always loved jewelry, accessories, fashion, and of course, all things sparkly! Growing up, I didn’t have the means to buy any of life’s frivolities. I made most of the jewelry I owned—beaded necklaces, friendship bracelets, hemp necklaces, etc. I loved making things but also longed for items made from metal and stone. The combination of these two things ultimately led to "I Dream of Jewelry." My goal is to provide quality everyday jewelry at affordable prices.
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
I am a fan of geometric shapes and spikes! They aren’t always the best sellers, though. I have learned that there is something for everyone in jewelry. I might not love an item, but someone else will, and vice versa. Some of my favorites are:
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 don’t remember how long it took, but I do remember who it was! I did home parties with my jewelry before I was on Etsy. I would bring all my goods to a customer's house, and they would invite all of their friends to shop! A very good customer of mine bought a necklace shortly after I launched my shop. In fact, most of my first sales were to friends and family. These days, I’m getting customers from a variety of channels: ads, marketing, search, and, of course, repeat customers.
Managing IDreamofJewelry
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?
My shop is 90% just me! I have one employee who does help make some earrings for me; she works a few hours a week. During the holidays, my husband (and kids!) help me fold shipping boxes and put shipping labels on at the end of the day. I do all of my shipping through Etsy directly. I find it easier to have everything in one place.
The future of IDreamofJewelry
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
I would love to funnel more traffic and sales directly through my website. This has been my goal for a few years now. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), I am so busy that I don’t have a ton of spare time to devote to my stand-alone website.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
Keep at it! Do not give up! I almost closed my Etsy shop at the 2 or 3-year mark. It wasn’t doing a lot; sales were slow, and it seemed more like a nuisance than anything else. I decided to give it one more honest try before I gave up. That holiday season's sales really took off! And the rest is history, as they say 🙂 My motto is "when it’s slow, work harder," meaning use your downtime to list more things, do more research, retake some photos, and update your SEO. Slow time seems like a curse, but if you look at it as a gift, it can help you grow your business!
IDreamofJewelry
Simple jewelry for everyday wear.
