How LovelyBabyPhotoProps 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 Monica, and I'm the owner of Lovely Baby Photo Props. My Etsy shop specializes in handmade baby outfits for artistic photography. I've always had a passion for handmade items, which was inspired by my mother, who is an artist. When I became a mother myself, I wanted to find a way to support my family while doing something I loved. That's when the idea for Lovely Baby Photo Props was born in 2013.
Initially, I started making clothing for babies, but I soon discovered my love for creating outfits specifically for photography. After making some newborn outfits for a photographer friend, I fell in love with the process of creating handmade props for photo shoots. From there, I began to create more and more props, starting with knitted items and expanding my range over time.
One of the things I love most about creating props for photography is that it allows me to unleash my creativity and tell a story through my designs. Unlike traditional clothing items, with props, I'm not limited by the expectations of what a piece of clothing should look like. This gives me the freedom to use unique decorative elements like fringes, unraveled margins, and patches, which can add a touch of whimsy and character to my designs.
As a creative person, I find inspiration in the textures of fabrics, accessories, colors, and the ever-changing trends of the market. I strive to make unique and original outfits that stand out and meet the needs of my customers. I find it incredibly rewarding to see my props come to life in a photo shoot and help bring my client's visions to reality.
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
As someone who creates new designs every week, I always have a new favorite item in my shop, and that item is typically the last piece I have designed or created. Each new item is a chance to experiment with new ideas and techniques, and it's always exciting to see the finished product. I put a lot of time and effort into each piece, so it's only natural that the most recent one would be my current favorite.
Right now, I'm particularly fond of two of my latest creations. The first is a beautiful retro-vintage-style romper paired with a pleated skirt and suspenders. It's perfect for back-to-school-themed photo shoots, and I can already picture a sweet newborn baby dressed in this outfit sitting in a little school chair or at a tiny desk, surrounded by books and pencils.
The second outfit I'm loving right now is a pair of boy suspender pants paired with a flat cap. These caps are like miniature versions of a real adult caps, and they look incredibly cute on baby boys.
While I always try to create new and exciting pieces for my shop, I also recognize the value of having some time-tested designs that customers keep coming back for. Interestingly, the items that sell very well are those with a timeless look, that are versatile, and that are in more neutral colors. I think this is because they appeal to a broader range of customers and can be used in a variety of photo shoots and settings.
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?
When I first opened my Etsy shop, I had around 10–20 items, and it took about a month for me to earn my first sale. It was an incredibly exciting moment to hear that "cha-ching" sound on my phone, letting me know that someone had bought one of my items. Since then, I have continued to add new items to my shop regularly and have learned more about how to attract customers to my store. I have found that a combination of marketing strategies and a commitment to regularly adding new and exciting products to my shop has been key to building a successful Etsy business.
Managing LovelyBabyPhotoProps
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?
As the sole owner and manager of my Etsy shop, I enjoy the process of running it and have used different tools and apps to make it easier for me. Some of these tools include the Etsy Seller App, Etsy Rank, Marmalade, Splice for video editing, Canva, and Grammarly. Tools like these have helped me with everything from managing my listings to improving the quality of my photos and descriptions.
When it comes to shipping and fulfillment, I prioritize getting orders to my customers in a timely manner. As my items are often purchased for specific dates, such as photo shoots, it's important that customers receive their items on time. To ensure this, I work on creating and sewing outfits in advance and maintain a small stock of inventory. This allows me to ship out orders quickly after they are placed. I have found that shipping twice a week is a good frequency, and depending on the number of orders, I sometimes get some help from my husband and from my daughter, who enjoys adding small gifts to the packages for customers. Additionally, I offer express shipping options for customers who need their items even faster.
The future of LovelyBabyPhotoProps
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
One of my goals for my shop in the future is to launch a maternity gown collection for photo shoots. I think this could be a great way to expand my offerings and reach a new audience. I am constantly looking for new ways to grow and improve my shop, and I can't wait to see where this new venture takes me.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
I would recommend being consistent with the creation process and listing new items in the shop. To notice which items get sales and try to explore more of the potential by making similar products or offering other products that go together with the best-selling one.
Take the time to complete all the required information when creating your Etsy listings. This can have a significant impact on search engine optimization and your shop's visibility in searches. Etsy uses various algorithms to determine which products appear at the top of the search results, and the completeness of your shop's listing is one of the factors that the algorithm considers. Additionally, using high-quality images, videos, and descriptive text can help customers better understand your products and make an informed purchasing decision. This, in turn, can lead to more sales and increased visibility on Etsy's platform.
Don't give up easily and remain persistent. It's important to have patience because everyone's sales journey is different. While some people experience sales from day one, for others, like me, the process can take longer. It took me 1-2 years before I could fully rely on my Etsy income.
LovelyBabyPhotoProps
Unique outfits for Artistic Baby Photography
