How TrueColorsbyRen 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 shop was TrueColorsbyRen, which I’ve now rebranded to RensCreativeStudio. I always knew I wanted to sell on Etsy, but I never knew what. Once I started receiving ideas from my friends, I decided it was finally time to start! Being on Etsy is definitely a journey, and I’ve enjoyed it every step of the way! From the very start, I’ve always made my products by hand, and I intend to keep them that way! There’s something about being complimented on your own handiwork that just cannot be matched. My journey on Etsy was not always easy. The first shop I ever opened made 36 sales over the span of the year, not much. But I was determined to be successful, so through trial and error and lots of patience, I’m glad to say that it paid off!
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
My favorite would have to be my "choose joy" tote bag! My other favorite would have to be my "friends" themed cup, which I had to retire from due to such an increased demand! I’m hoping to bring it back soon, though! The "Friends" cup has always been my bestseller, and I attribute it to good SEO and photos! I had people message me just to admire the photo, which is how I knew I had a bestseller on my hands.
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?
I earned my first sale a few days after opening my shop. I was able to grow so quickly because I opened my shop a few days before Black Friday of 2020, which is prime shopping time. Currently, to attract customers, I am solely dependent on SEO and Etsy ads. I find that listing one product a day helps boost me in the search results! Social media never worked for me, but I know for others, it can be extremely beneficial. I found that my shop eventually slowed in sales, so I've rebranded and started a new shop, although I’m selling the same products, to help me get a fresh start and benefit from the 3 months of the increased exposure that Etsy gives to new sellers. It’s definitely paying off! A week in, and I’ve already gotten my first sale!
Managing TrueColorsbyRen
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 am the creative force and the sole manager of my shop. I’m often glued to the Etsy app, observing analytics so I know which items to push more! For listing photos, I use Canva and Lightroom to enhance them. Overall, I wouldn’t say I do much besides posting new items consistently and being responsive to customers. For shipping, I print my labels through Etsy for a discounted rate, and then I package and ship them away!
The future of TrueColorsbyRen
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
I’m hoping to expand my reach with my new shop and aim for $50,000 in yearly profits! To do this, I’m really devoted to being very mindful of my SEO and listings. I want to tap more into the trends and cater to what people want.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
100% Just go for it! You have nothing to lose! The biggest thing that held me back on Etsy was fear of the unknown and losing traffic, but once I faced those fears, that’s when my shop really started to flourish. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help from others on Etsy. The advice I got from those who were willing to share was invaluable.
RensCreativeStudio
Made with love and creativity💡🧡
