Etsy Seller Interview with Jacquie of StayWildCo

How StayWildCo 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! Stay Wild Co. is a nature-inspired Etsy shop specialising in home decor and gift items. Founded in 2015 out of my passion for nature, my shop has flourished into what it is today. My aim is to provide nature lovers with the ideal destination for curated decor, transforming houses into homes. Prior to Etsy, in the initial stages when I was exploring the market, I sold on various e-commerce platforms. This helped me gain insights into the customers' preferences and purchase patterns. From the very start, I have maintained partnerships with American print providers.

Favorite items

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

Some of my favourite items in the shop are also my newest additions: the desk mats, hardcover journals, and spiral notebooks. I think these items sell well because they make nice gifts for any occasion. I believe the popularity of desk mats is due to how easy it is to decorate your office space and express your personal style. In particular, the Misty Woodland Desk Mat, Woodland Animals Spiral Notebook, and Nature Journal are some of my personal favourites.

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 believe I made my first sale two days after I opened my shop. It was such an incredible feeling that I couldn't believe it. During the initial stages, I heavily relied on Etsy SEO and occasionally used Etsy ads, but I didn't place significant emphasis on social media. However, over the past few years, I have primarily focused on Pinterest as my main social media platform. During holiday seasons, I actively promote sales and special offers in my shop.

Managing StayWildCo

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?

While I primarily manage the shop independently, sometimes a family member assists with orders and customer service. As for services, I have made use of a keyword research tool, Photoshop, Lightroom, and the Etsy Seller app. I rely on free resources like YouTube videos and blogs to stay informed about all things Etsy.

The future of StayWildCo

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

My goals are to continue to expand the products and designs. I have plans to add more seasonal items, focus on personalization, and offer environmentally friendly products in the future. My aim is to prioritise brand recognition and nurture a dedicated community of customers who deeply appreciate my products.

Advice for new sellers

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

My advice would be to focus on the basics when getting your store ready: good photography, detailed product descriptions, relevant and specific tags and keywords, and paying attention to your production and ship times. Listen to your customers' special requests. Anything from personalization to custom sizes can be an opportunity for you to better serve your customers. I definitely procrastinated opening my shop, but I’m glad I did. And if someone is on the fence about opening their store, I’d encourage them to take the leap.