How Molinafashion 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?
My name is Leny Molina, owner of Molina Fashion. I have been selling on Etsy since 2007. I enjoy selling my crafts on Etsy as I continue to grow and improve my business every day. I’ve worked hard for my accomplishments. I’m so grateful that Etsy has given me the opportunity to be creative and be able to sell my designs on this platform. I graduated from fashion design school in 1993, and I needed to figure out how to sell my designs. I met a friend who also sells on Etsy, and she told me all about it. At first, I had a lot of concerns about my technology competency. If I can figure it out, then anyone can do this. My goal was to create quality pieces in high volume to provide a variety of things for customers to choose from. Soon after graduating, I worked for an interior company. At the time, companies would send them boxes of high-end fabric swatches, which were given away to their employees. That’s when I started sewing handbags and yoga bags. I would patchwork all the fabrics together and make one-of-a-kind bags out of them. My yoga bags were at one time my best sellers. Then the pandemic hit, and a friend suggested that I start making masks. That's when my business truly took off. I draw inspiration mainly from social media. I also take into consideration customer feedback.
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
My favorite items listed in my shop are my yoga bags and my cleavage cover. My yoga bags because they're one of a kind. It’s made from recycled fabrics. It has a special place in my heart because my yoga bag was the start of my Etsy site. This item has not sold well lately, and I think it's because I haven’t really made much of an effort to make new designs and promote it as well. My cleavage cover is my second favorite item because of its purpose. I decided to make these cleavage covers that attach to your bra; they just stay on and you don’t have to fiddle with them. This cleavage cover is lightweight and has given me and others the confidence to wear low-cut tops and dresses without showing too much cleavage. I think this has gone well because of customers' suggestions. I’ve continued to post new designs often. I feel that the videos that I have added also help to sell this item.
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 about 2 months to get my first sale. I attract people to my shop using social media. Like Instagram and Facebook.
Managing Molinafashion
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 only me, and sometimes when my daughter is home from university, I ask her for help. I normally ship twice a week using Chitchats as my shipping provider. The other days, I continue to create new things and prepare for new orders to come.
The future of Molinafashion
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
My goals for my shop in the future are to grow my Etsy shop and get my clothing line fully active. I also have an employee working for me.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
My advice to a new seller would be to post quality pictures and videos. Keep up with current trends, and also make sure you have great descriptions and tags on your products.
