Etsy Seller Interview with Iro of SweetSugarPages

How SweetSugarPages 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 Etsy shop was born out of my passion for design and my desire to turn that passion into a source of income, especially as a stay-at-home mother. I’ve always loved creating art, and after discovering the world of digital products, I realized I could merge my creative talents with the flexibility I needed to balance family life.

How I Began:

I started selling on Etsy because it offered a platform where I could showcase my work and reach a global audience. It was the perfect space to pursue my artistic endeavors while also creating a sustainable business.

What I Sell:

My main focus is on creating high-quality clipart, especially in fine-line and watercolor styles. I am particularly drawn to soft, feminine aesthetics and vintage-inspired themes, which I incorporate into my designs. I find great joy in crafting intricate details that evoke emotion and tell a story.

Creation Process:

I create my products using a combination of traditional techniques and the power of AI. I use AI tools to generate initial ideas and concepts, then I refine and perfect them manually to ensure each piece has a personal, thoughtful touch. Every design goes through a meticulous process to ensure it’s not only visually appealing but also versatile for customers' needs, such as invitations, stationery, and digital products.

Favorite items

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

One of my favorite items in my shop is also my best-seller: a fine-line Celestial PNGs Clipart Pack. This pack features delicate, intricate illustrations of celestial elements like moons, stars, and planets, all in a refined, minimalistic style. I love this collection because it reflects my passion for fine-line art and the mysticism of the celestial theme. The combination of these elements makes it versatile for a wide range of projects, from invitations to branding and home decor.

Why It Sells Well:

I believe this pack is selling well because celestial imagery has become a popular trend in both design and lifestyle. The mystical and ethereal qualities resonate with many customers, and the fine-line style offers a modern, minimalist aesthetic that’s very much in demand right now. The versatility of the designs also plays a role, as they can be used in various creative ways.

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 about one and a half months for me to earn my first sale on Etsy. While it felt like a gradual start, I was thrilled when I finally made that first sale, and it motivated me to continue improving and expanding my shop.

How I Attract Customers:

Currently, I attract customers organically through Etsy’s search and recommendation algorithms. I focus on optimizing my listings with the right keywords, tags, and descriptions to ensure they are discoverable by potential buyers. Additionally, I run low-budget ads specifically for my best-selling products to boost visibility.

I also utilize social media platforms, including Pinterest and Instagram, to showcase my designs and engage with my audience. These platforms allow me to connect with potential customers, share behind-the-scenes glimpses of my creative process, and offer sneak peeks of upcoming collections.

Managing SweetSugarPages

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 sole creator and manager of my Etsy shop, handling everything from product creation to customer service. It's a lot of work, but I love the process and the ability to oversee every detail of my shop.

Tools and Apps: To streamline my operations, I use several tools to help manage and grow my store. For market research and trend analysis, I rely on Alura to study the competition and identify trending products, which helps me stay ahead of customer demand. For efficiency in managing listings, I use Vela for batch editing and updating my product listings, saving me time on repetitive tasks.

Shipping and Fulfillment: Since I sell digital products (clipart and patterns), there is no physical shipping or fulfillment process. Once a customer makes a purchase, they receive an instant download link for their digital files. This automated system ensures a smooth and efficient experience for both me and my customers.

The future of SweetSugarPages 

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

In the future, my main goal is to continue growing my shop by consistently creating high-quality products and increasing sales. I aim to expand my product offerings, attract a larger audience, and build a dedicated customer base. One of my key objectives is to grow my email list to foster stronger customer relationships and engage with my audience more directly. Ultimately, I want to turn my Etsy shop into a successful, sustainable business that allows me to do what I love while providing value to my customers.

Advice for new sellers

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

My advice for new sellers is to take the time to study trends and the competition in your niche. Understanding what’s popular and what your competitors are offering can help you position your products effectively and find your unique selling point. Also, be patient and persistent—success on Etsy takes time. Don’t get discouraged by slow starts. Consistency is key, so keep creating, improving, and refining your listings. Over time, with dedication and continuous learning, you’ll see growth.