Etsy Seller Interview with Elodie of LaMarcotterie

How LaMarcotterie 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?

If I told you that I was a civil engineer not so long ago, would you believe it? Well, believe it or not, I embarked on a creative journey that began as a late-night hobby in 2015. With a thirst for knowledge and a desire to find an alternative solution for my eczema, I delved into the science of soap making, fearlessly combining my engineering background with a newfound love for botanical ingredients. Little did I know that my humble beginning would lead to the birth of a skincare line adored by minimalists worldwide.

I am dedicated to crafting bath and body products with a French influence, embodying a minimalist approach, all while maintaining a focus on using natural ingredients to deliver luxurious, eco-friendly cosmetics.

The majority of my ingredients are sourced within Canada, driven by my desire to contribute to and bolster our domestic economy. Every ingredient is meticulously selected, ensuring that each one is both natural and beneficial for the skin.

When I started my business journey, going with Etsy just felt right. It gave me an online platform buzzing with customers who love one-of-a-kind and handmade goods. Suddenly, my products were out there for millions of potential buyers to see whenever they hopped onto Etsy, increasing my brand's exposure.

Favorite items

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

My personal favourites are the self-care gift sets. Customers on Etsy are often on the lookout for that special something to gift their loved ones. My gift sets give the lucky recipients a chance to try out some of my best sellers and enjoy a little self-care pampering with all-natural bath and body treats. These gift sets are total Etsy superstars! It's so easy for shoppers to see just how perfect they are for gifting—they're practically wrapped and ready to go!

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?

Getting those initial sales on Etsy might feel like a bit of a puzzle, especially when you're starting without any past customer reviews to back you up. I remember waiting eagerly for about two weeks before that first sale rolled in, and the subsequent sales took their sweet time too. But you know what's awesome about a slow beginning? It gives you the chance to fine-tune what's working and figure out where your shop could use some extra attention.

In my opinion, there are two important steps to really shining on Etsy: snapping professional-quality photos of your items and putting together a shop description that stands out. Nail these two, and you're well on your way to becoming an Etsy superstar!

Managing LaMarcotterie

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 now have two part-time employees to work alongside me. I've provided them with a thorough rundown of the ins and outs of navigating the Etsy platform. I make sure to leverage all the tools that Etsy provides, as optimising my shop is a strategic move to align with Etsy's search engine algorithm. As for shipping, I use ShipStation, a software programme that enables me to connect my own carrier accounts to save time and money.

The future of LaMarcotterie

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

I aim to elevate my business by adapting to evolving customer requirements while ensuring that my products remain in harmony with my core values and mission. This means creating new bath and body products that are innovative and natural while keeping a minimalist approach.

Advice for new sellers

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

The key to success is pinpointing the essence of your shop. Write down what makes your shop special, your mission, and your values. Make sure all your future moves align with these. Concentrate on your forte, which is probably crafting your handmade goods. Acquire the skills that feel within your grasp and consider delegating tasks that fall beyond your expertise. Remember, you don't have to do it all alone. Investing in things like professional photos, branding, or other skills you're not a whiz at could be the smartest move you ever make.