How sherrieneilson1 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?
Hello, my name is Sherrie Neilson, and my Etsy shop is sherrieneilson1. I am the CEO and sole owner of the ProSculpt company and the Professional Art Doll Makers Guild. I am very passionate about art dolls and love helping other artists in any way I can. I love to see my fellow artists succeed. I found out very early on that the small doll eyes were very hard to find. So I really had no choice but to start creating my own doll's eyes. I was then asked by other artists if I sold my handmade doll eyes. I create each eye by hand in my studio. The best part of creating doll eyes is when I see my eyes in my customers' dolls and hear that they are pleased with the look. It really makes all my hard work worth it.
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
My absolute favorite product that I carry is ProSculpt polymer clay. It is a professional-grade polymer clay that was created for the purpose of doll-making but can be used in any craft product.
I also carry an assortment of tools, but my absolute favorite and most used tool is the Johnston 3-in-1 tool. It was created for doll artists. The tool has three uses: the primary tool, the finger nail tool, and the ear tool.You are getting three tools in one tool.
My most popular item is my handmade eye. My customers love the fact that they can customize their own eyes. They select their own iris size and eye size from an array of colors. This really gives my customers an original, custom look. My favorite color of eye is Josse
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 sold my first pair of eyes within a week of listing them. I was so excited. After the first pair was sold, I started receiving sales regularly. I believe I receive a lot of my business from word of mouth, good customer service, and fast shipping. I use social media a lot to show off my eyes and other doll-making supplies. I do believe that my customers bring me a lot of business just by posting their dolls with my handmade doll eyes on their own social media platforms.
Managing sherrieneilson1
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 very lucky to have such a wonderful husband. He does all the shipping and packing for me. We manage my Etsy shop, by striving to be a star seller and having excellent customer service. I believe that good communication between the seller and the buyer is very important for returning customers.
The future of sherrieneilson1
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
I plan to continue to grow my Etsy shop, by leaps and bounds. I would love for my shop to become the go-to shop for all doll-making and sculpting needs. I look forward to educating my fellow artists on the wonderful benefits of using ProSculpt polymer clay in the art of doll making.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
My advice to a new seller starting an Etsy shop is to have patience, give your customers good customer service and communication, and ship your items in a timely manner. Trying to achieve Etsy's star seller ratings each month is a great way to let your customers know you are a great seller.
