Etsy Seller Interview with Sara of LittleElliesHandmade

How LittleElliesHandmade 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 Sara, and I have been crocheting for six years. I started off making baby blankets, hats, and scarves for my children. As it was a hobby, I never considered making anything from it. It wasn't until I was invited to join a local market that I really thought about my hobby being more than that. Fast forward two years, and I plucked up the courage to design my first amigurumi friend. I wasn't expecting him to be as loved as he is; I wasn't expecting much at all, as the guidance from other designers had assured me that it was a very slow climb. Very little is ever shared for new starters wanting to build something like this, so it was very hard in the beginning. I signed up for more social media and began advertising my work. I didn't know how to photograph my work very well. I was writing very basic patterns and ultimately spent hours learning and practicing my craft. I am very honored to call myself a designer and have my crafted patterns made into beautiful friends by people all over the place.

Favorite items

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

I have been designing for four years now. My first pattern is my favorite. His name is Sherbet the Cockatiel. He brings me so much joy. He started this wonderful adventure. He sells well. To date, though, my trolls have made me known. It only takes that one item, made well, and people will appreciate your work.

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?

My shop has evolved over the years. In the beginning, I went by another name, and my sales were few and far between. When I transitioned to making and selling digital products, I was surprised to sell anything in the first six months. As my name has grown and Little Ellies socially grows, my sales have increased. I do have dry times, and I have come to not be disappointed with a slow week or two. It allows me to refuel and energize myself for the next pattern. In regards to advertising, I do this via my Facebook and Instagram sites. Here, I post daily and change up the posts to better help the patterns that are slow.

Managing LittleElliesHandmade

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 use the Etsy app daily. When I am not adding new patterns to my shop, I watch feedback and generally interact with anyone who contacts me. It is hard sometimes to be everywhere at once, so I try to stick to a routine. I am the main person running Little Ellie's, but I do have another pair of eyes for when I am not available. As I sell digital products, I do not need to contend with deliveries and target deadlines.

The future of LittleElliesHandmade

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

I would love to introduce other products besides the patterns I create. I feel very linear and would like to branch out a little more in the crochet/amigurumi market. It would be great for customers to stop and stay with me. I also would like to be published in a book, but that is very much a future wish for my little brand.

Advice for new sellers

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

I would like to say to anyone starting out that it takes time to grow. I am, and have been since the beginning, extremely humble. I knew I wouldn't reach the stars in a day. I've taken time to enjoy the experience, learn from mistakes, and be completely transparent with what I sell.