How ManchesterHomeLiving 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?

I created my shop in 2019 after being made redundant from my job. We were financially stable for a couple of months, and my boyfriend suggested that I try to start my own business. I settled on home fragrance because I was obsessed with candles, and honestly, making them kind of makes me feel like an alchemist making potions, and I love that. I already had photography, graphic design, and social media experience, so I just had to learn everything I could about making candles. It took months before I was happy enough with my range, and it's been growing and evolving ever since.

Favorite items

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

I love the sleep range; made with lavender and chamomile, it's definitely a best seller and a firm favourite in my family.

Lavender Soy Candle - Sleep Aid Relaxation Gift Box - Luxury ~handmade Candle Gift Set - Anxiety Stress Relief Aromatherapy Candles

I also love the intention range. I have had a love of crystals and herbs for as long as I can remember, and I was so excited to combine all of my passions into one range.

Positive Vibes Intention Candle - Clear Quartz Citrus Soy Candle - Positive Energy Manifestation Candle - Dried Flower Witchy Ritual Candle

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 was a few months before I made my first sale, and a few more months before my shop started to get sales regularly. I currently use social media to attract new customers.

Managing ManchesterHomeLiving

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 manage my shop alone. I use every app I can get my hands on. I ship using Royal Mail because they integrate with Etsy and my website for postage. Social media scheduling and email marketing apps are also key, as they keep my time free to fulfil orders.

The future of ManchesterHomeLiving

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

In the future, I would like more wholesale opportunities for the shop. And branching out into new lines, not just fragrance.

Advice for new sellers

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

Research, research, research. Do all of the research. Research your niche, your product, and your target audience. Know what everyone else is doing, and do it better.

Some sellers really get inspired by hearing numbers. Feel free to share these if you like.

Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: For Etsy, it averages out at £700 per month. However, with the cost of living crisis in the UK in the last year, things have really taken a hit as people don't have the spare money to spend on luxuries.

Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: 30%

Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: 3.3%

Alura Team
Alura Team

Alura is your all-in-one platform for selling on Etsy. With more $500.000+ gross sales over four years selling on Etsy, Alura is built by experienced sellers for sellers. Start with a free account and explore all the features you need to start, run, and grow your Etsy shop.