How lafourmiele 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 name is Eléonore, aka "La Fourmi Elé". I create and handmake joyful, useful, and sustainable fabric accessories such as reusable makeup remover pads, zipper pouches, jewelry pouches, tooth fairy pockets, large reversible bibs, etc. I love colors, fabrics, and my job. As far as I remember, I have always loved to create—paint, craft, sew, draw—anything I could do with my hands.
Around 2012, I started to blog. I used to sew for myself and my kids, and I cooked a lot too. I am a real foodista! I love discovering new things to taste. Blogs were really trendy, and I decided that I could also share my passions on a blog, so I started lafourmiele.com. I used to publish three posts each week with recipes and sewing challenges.
After my company closed, I reevaluated my personal aspirations. I thought maybe it was possible to turn my passion into a business. I also wanted to give more time to my children, stop running after time day after day, and do what I have really wanted to do for years. So I decided to give myself a chance by starting my small business. My e-shop was born! I was already an Etsy customer, so it was rather clear to me that Etsy was a good way to start my own business.
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
It is difficult to make a choice. I really like reusable wipes. First, because this is a nice product for women, mothers, and babies too. It is colorful, really soft, and good for the planet. I use them every day. It is also the product I sell the most.
Secondly, this is where it all begins. When I have a new fabric, I always start with wipes and then work on the other products: pouches, jewelry bags, bibs, night masks, and so on. But at the end of the day, I like them all! I have a special affection for each range of products because they all have a story.
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 think I did my first sale on Etsy about 1.5 months after I opened my e-shop. It was for a customer in Belgium. To promote my e-shop, I use my blog and social media (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter). Craft fairs are also a great way to develop an activity locally. People around you can get to know you. It is a great opportunity to meet customers, and I have really loyal customers. They are awesome!
Managing lafourmiele
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 have always run my shop by myself. I don’t use many apps. Etsy is already a powerful tool. You can easily load new products, share new drops on social media, organize discounts, exchange customers, etc. new products, share new drops on social media, organize discounts, and exchange with customers…,... It is definitely great! As for shipping, I really take care of how I package each order. It is important because it is the first thing people will see. I also send products quickly with tracking numbers so that each one can follow its order.
The future of lafourmiele
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
I would just love to continue to develop it. Covid and the current economic crisis have both made craft people's lives a little bit harder here, but I couldn’t imagine it could stop. I have always done my best to continue. It is really a pleasure, and it is also very rewarding when people buy and then use what you’ve done with your hands.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
I would just recommend being true, sincere, and always trying to provide the best quality and service you can. Follow your own inspiration and do what you enjoy deeply. We all have something special. Be tenacious and resilient! Don’t stay alone! What is also important is to meet other sellers and crafters with whom you can exchange, discuss, and share.