Etsy Seller Interview with Lana of LanaOCrystal

How LanaOCrystal 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 Lana, and my Etsy shop is lana0crystal! I grew up in an orchard in South Korea, the youngest of six siblings. My parents and siblings have always told me how creative I was, since I was always expressing myself in artistic ways. When my family moved to the United States, my oldest sister opened up a boutique and asked me if I was interested in creating jewelry for her shop. I had never made jewelry when she first asked me, but I was willing to give it a try. I bought a book on basic jewelry making and immediately found joy in it.

The book also mentioned outlets where I could sell my jewelry, and Etsy was one of the places it mentioned, so that is how I started my journey on Etsy! Growing up in an orchard, I was always surrounded by nature, so a lot of my pieces are inspired by the things I saw daily during my childhood. All my pieces are handcrafted, but the various supplies and components used to create them are bought from wholesale retailers. I then take these components and combine them to create something new and unique!

Favorite items

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

One of my favorite items is the birthstone necklace with the personalized initial and pearl.

This is one of my favorite items because it’s so simple yet beautiful. It’s definitely one of my best sellers, and I believe it’s because my customers would agree with me! The birthstone and initial add a level of personalization that everyone loves. The Five Leaf Branch Calla Lily Necklace with the Pearl is another one of my favorites for the same reasons as the Birthstone Necklace, but it’s a little bit bolder.

I like it because it’s classy, can match with anything, and still has that level of personalization with the initials! This necklace is also one of my best-selling items. My butterfly necklace is also a best seller and one of my favorites. I like it because it is simple, and butterflies represent transformation, personal growth, and hope, which is a message everyone deserves!

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?

It took me roughly a week to earn my first sale, and I typically attract new customers on Etsy using the ad service they provide.

Managing LanaOCrystal 

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 am the only person who creates my jewelry and manages the logistics of my Etsy shop! The only app I use is Etsy, and luckily, Etsy makes it pretty easy to set up and run! Luckily, since my items are small, I can package everything up easily and drop them off at my local post office!

The future of LanaOCrystal 

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

I currently run my Etsy shop as a side gig, but I would love to continue to do it during retirement! It’s a relaxing part of my day, and I am glad to have found an outlet to express myself creatively outside of my job.

Advice for new sellers

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

For me, Etsy has been a platform where I can express myself and have other people find joy in and appreciate my creations. And it’s okay to start out small, especially if it’s something you enjoy doing! Take the time to create your artwork, have fun with it, and allow others to enjoy it as much as you do!Finding joy in one’s work is not a luxury most people have, but through Etsy, it has been a blessing!