Etsy Seller Interview with Birdy of ModestBirdy

How ModestBirdy 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 became an Etsy seller in 2015, and at that point, it was just obvious to me that I would want to create and sell jewelry. This was not something that I saw anyone do as I was growing up, but ever since I was a kid, I had a little bit of a magpie in me, being very drawn to shiny little creations, gemstones, metalwork, the symbolism of unusual jewelry, and t the mystery of how they are made exactly. I think I saw it as a little bit of magic, separate from everyday life. I am a painter originally; believe it or not, I went to university to study it, so I am an 'official' painter. When I finished university in Budapest, Hungary, I knew I wanted a lifestyle that would allow me the freedom to work from home and continue painting while also providing an income, so I started looking for something that I could do. I had no clue how to become a precious metal jeweller, but each piece of information I found out from here and there got me more and more hooked. The first time I ordered precious metals online, they got lost in the mail. I was so nervous that things would never work out! The first time I had to press that last button to create my shop, I was so nervous that my hands were shaking! But it was so worth it! I am completely in love with what I do, and it has only gotten better with time. A few years later, I realised what I am drawn to more than anything is antique jewellery, Victorian and Georgian jewellery to be more precise, and I don't know why, but it took a while for me to realise I could actually sell antique and vintage jewellery too—when I realised, I was sciked! The best idea in the world, and it was right under my nose the entire time. Then in 2020, I started painting miniatures, inspired by antique miniatures, often found in jewellery. I have a separate shop for those, called ModestBirdyPaintigns. They became very popular very quickly, so it made me happy to be able to paint and do Etsy all at once. I feel like a very lucky girl to be able to bring joy to my customers with my jewellery and painting creations, and I am really grateful for their continued support!

Favorite items

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

I think my favourite items are the lockets and different pendants that I use to add paintings inside. And everything else I 'save' from the damaged, broken state I find them in. I love to think about what I can do with them, how I can transform them into something someone would really enjoy, and in that way, give them new life. Antique jewellery is so precious. I mean, can you imagine that some of them have been around for 200–300 years? How can you not be blown away by that? They hold so much history; they also hold the mindset of their creators and the zeitgeist of their era. I love that! To be able to add one of my little paintings into the mix is just a bonus for me. I always hope someone will see the beauty or the humour of the final result, and it will make their day brighter wearing it.

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?

Honestly, my first sale was a friend buying a few things after having the shop open without activity for a good while. In the first year, I barely made a few sales. I only had a couple of pieces of handmade copper jewellery in the shop; it was just getting started, and I was wondering what would work and what wouldn't. I don't know how a new shop attracts customers or how long it takes to build a good customer base; mine just came about in time, and I currently do nothing in particular to attract more customers outside of trying to list regularly and source and make as interesting items as I can.

Managing ModestBirdy

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?

It's just me; I am the owner, the sourcer, the producer, the paperwork person, and everything else. I post items on my Instagram pages: @modestbirdyjewelry and @modestbirdypaintings too; I try to answer all messages very fast; I ship every Monday; and I drown in paperwork now and then. That is my process. Actually, I just remembered, I do have two assistants, but they are very tiny, and they are birds. 

The future of ModestBirdy

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

That is a very strict business secret! No, I don't have any interesting new goals at the moment; I just keep on going with the usual.

Advice for new sellers

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

Oooh, if you are super fearful of starting, that is ok, but if you have a goal in mind, just start and do it step by step; it is worth it once things get moving. You will see that it is very satisfying to see your products find happy owners! It doesn't matter if your hands are shaking; just press that button!