How nancycarolstudio 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’m Nancy, owner and creator of nancycarolstudio. I started Nancy Carol Studio as a promise to myself. After my Mom passed away, I realised how life really is so short and that you need to pursue what really matters to you because time is limited. I knew I had a talent for illustration, as it has been part of my life since I can remember, so I started with that. I began using watercolour for my illustrations as well as dabbling in Photoshop. Greeting cards seemed like an easy gateway to Etsy. Since then, I have expanded to art prints too. I still get a thrill when I hear the "cha-ching" every time I get a sale!

I would print, cut, and score all my cards and prints in my studio. Packaging and shipping are done daily so that all packages are shipped as quickly as possible. It took me awhile to find the cardstock, envelopes, and shipping supplies that best suited my needs, but with trial and error, I finally have my favourite suppliers. 

As I evolve, my art medium (what I use to create art) has moved from watercolour to mixed media, oil pastels, pan pastels, and now pencil pastels. I’m always willing to shift and learn something new, but I'll always be in the art arena.

I spoiled myself with a new printer that prints up to 11 x 14 inches, a new offer I’m sure my customers will appreciate. It’s always a good idea to give your customers options. I am sure every store owner goes through growth and evolution along the way, and I am no different. Don’t be afraid to change it up and try something different. But remember to stay true to what lights you up. Otherwise, you will get frustrated and give up too soon.

Favorite items

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

My favourite... oh boy, that’s a tough one. Right now, it’s the painting of Lionsgate Bridge, which is located in the famous Stanley Park in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. I created it from a photo I took when I was last there. It’s such a beautiful place, and I love to share local beauty when I can. It captures something special about living here in Beautiful BC.

Lionsgate Bridge from Stanley Park in Vancouver BC Canada - Watercolor hand illustrated physical art print created by a local b.c. artist 

My other favourite is one of the Port Moody breweries; this one is a best seller in my home town. It is currently showing in a gift shop, and the owner has a standing reorder with me for this print. I offer it in multiple sizes, so if a customer wants a 24 x 36 print, I can accommodate.

I think that's an important lesson I’ve learned. Always offer small (8x10), medium (16x20), and large sizes. There will always be someone who wants the biggest!

Brewer's Row in Port Moody , 8x10 inch Illustrated Watercolor Print , part of the BC Ale Trail created by a Port Moody local artist

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 first sale happened after a giveaway on Facebook. So technically, it was not a sale, but it sure felt that way! My friends and family were very supportive and helped me out in the beginning. It was slow at first, so I used Etsy ads to get a few more sales. After a year or so, I gained some traction and started seeing steady sales. I attract customers with Instagram, local craft shows, and Etsy SEO. Because I draw and paint local venues, people who type in my location (Vancouver or Port Moody) on Etsy always find me! Even though I have my own website, more people find me on Etsy because they have a built-in audience of millions, and my SEO is set up for it.

Managing nancycarolstudio

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?

My shop consists of two people. Me and my Muse, my husband. He is constantly there cheering me on and has come up with some fantastic ideas for my next paintings. He may not be able to illustrate or paint, but he is very inspirational and supportive. This is invaluable to me as a creative, and I thank him every day for all that he is.

 Shipping and fulfilment are all done in-house by yours truly. I pack every order with care and always add a little thank-you note for my customers. I want them to know that I appreciate that they are supporting me and my small business instead of going to the mall for their cards and gifts.

The Etsy Seller App on my Android phone is fantastic! I can see my orders as they come in and change their status after I mail them. (And you can’t beat that cha-ching sound for every order!)
Lightroom: To print and modify my art
Photoshop: To modify my art as needed and remove any marks, crop it to the correct size.
Lisa Jacobs Etsy and Shopify Spreadsheet: For recording expenses and sales and watching my growth year over year.

The future of nancycarolstudio

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

My art is always evolving, so you never know what new and exciting creations I’ll be adding to my Etsy shop in the future!

I have been looking into how to make my products more environmentally friendly, as this is important to me.

And I also want to expand my wholesale offerings with my website and fair. Currently, I am stocked in local stores in Port Moody and Vancouver.

Advice for new sellers

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

Patience. Lots of it. I want to inspire you, but it does take a little time to get some traction. Know your PRODUCT and know your buying CUSTOMERS. This will help you choose the perfect key words for Etsy SEO and get your products found easier.

Buyers are coming to Etsy because they are looking for a gift they can’t find in the mall—something super special or custom. So, if you have either of those, you are on the right track. Since you are a creative person, you can be creative with marketing as well. Choose a strategy and run with it. Better than going in a million different directions (trust me, I’ve been there! 😊. Good luck and happy selling 

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

Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: $238

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

Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: 2.9%