Etsy Seller Interview with Suela of ThePlantBoutiqueCo

How ThePlantBoutiqueCo 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 Suela, and I'm thrilled to be the proud founder of The Plant Boutique, a venture that sprouted in 2020. The Plant Boutique was born out of a search for more live plants online that not only range from easy-care houseplants to rare plants but also come at an affordable price. Embracing my Dutch-Turkish heritage, my passion for plants and interior design has blossomed into something truly special. Think of The Plant Boutique as a cosy indoor plant jungle where boho vibes, Middle Eastern influences, and a touch of Nordic design all come together in perfect harmony. I have a keen eye for discovering and curating eclectic vintage treasures, often sourced from online antique auctions. My love for exploring unique finds has taken me to numerous markets and thrift shops, both in the UK and during my regular visits to my home countries, the Netherlands and Turkey.

Favorite items

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

At The Plant Boutique, we're all about simplifying your life and saving you time. That's why I'm particularly excited to introduce you to one of my favourite products in our collection: our homemade pre-mixed potting soil. This unique blend holds a special place in my heart because it was born out of necessity. I found myself searching high and low for a potting mix that would truly nurture my plants and help them flourish, yet my quest yielded no satisfying results. That's when inspiration struck, and I decided to create my own blend. What started as a solution for my own plant babies quickly evolved into something more. As soon as I shared this carefully crafted mix on our online shelves, it became an instant hit, soaring to become our best-selling product. And here's why I believe it has captured the hearts of so many plant enthusiasts:

The secret to our TPB soil's success lies in its meticulous formulation. It's a harmonious concoction that's enriched with essential nutrients, creating an environment that gives your beloved houseplants the best possible chance to thrive. What's more, our mix is carefully calibrated to mimic the natural conditions that these plants would encounter in their native habitats. So, when you choose The Plant Boutique's pre-mixed potting soil, you're not just getting a product; you're inviting a piece of nature's magic into your home. It's the result of my dedication to bringing out the best in our green companions and your path to cultivating a flourishing indoor garden effortlessly.

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?

From the very beginning, it felt like a serendipitous journey. I launched my shop right in the midst of the pandemic, a time when lockdowns had us all confined to our homes. During this unique period, with so many individuals seeking solace and connection with nature, an unexpected trend emerged: a surge of interest in nurturing plants. It was as if my shop was destined to cater to this growing community of plant enthusiasts.

As a result, my first sale came as soon as I uploaded my first listings! The timing couldn't have been better, as my shop seemed to fulfil a newfound need for those seeking to bring the outdoors inside during these challenging times. Currently, I employ a mix of strategies to attract customers to my Etsy shop. I focus on crafting detailed and engaging product listings that highlight the unique benefits of each item. High-quality images that showcase the beauty of my offerings play a crucial role in catching the eye of potential buyers.

In addition, I leverage social media platforms to connect with a broader audience. As often as possible, I’ll share posts featuring my products in real-life settings, and sharing helpful plant care tips has proven to be effective in both engaging my existing customers and drawing in new ones. Word of mouth has also played a significant role, with satisfied customers spreading the word and recommending my shop to their fellow plant enthusiasts. It's a heartwarming testament to the sense of community that has blossomed around The Plant Boutique.

In essence, my journey has been marked by fortunate timing and a genuine passion for both plants and connecting with people. Through a combination of well-crafted listings, an engaging social media presence, and the support of a growing network of satisfied customers, I've been able to create a thriving corner for plant lovers to gather and explore.

Managing ThePlantBoutiqueCo

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?

Absolutely. I'm a one-woman powerhouse behind The Plant Boutique, and it's been quite the journey managing it all. Etsy has been my trusty partner in crime, providing the platform where I bring my listings to life. In those early days, Erank came to the rescue, helping me crack the SEO code and understand how to get my shop noticed. When it comes to the nitty-gritty of shipping and fulfilment, I've found my stride with Royal Mail for Business. Their services have truly transformed the way I handle these aspects, streamlining the process and giving me more time to focus on what I love—nurturing both my plants and my shop.

Speaking of tools, there are a few that have become my go-to essentials. My thermal printer has been a game-changer, making label printing a breeze. And here's a surprising twist: all those captivating pictures you see in my shop? They were snapped by none other than my trusty phone! The power of technology, right? Canva is another must-have in my toolkit, helping me whip up eye-catching graphics that tell The Plant Boutique's story.

But let me tell you, crafting an effective and seamless process from purchase to fulfilment has been a learning curve. I've embraced the challenges and the triumphs along the way, always striving to provide the best experience for my wonderful customers. So, yes, it's a one-woman adventure here, fueled by passion, creativity, and a knack for finding the right tools to make things run smoothly.

The future of ThePlantBoutiqueCo

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

My aspirations, both in the present and looking ahead, are deeply rooted in spreading joy and nurturing a thriving community of plant lovers. At the core of my goals is the desire to support as many individuals as possible in cultivating happiness alongside their leafy companions. This takes shape through a range of avenues, from infusing vibrant colour and captivating character into spaces with unique decor to providing essential plant care items that foster growth and well-being.

And that's just the beginning. I'm eager to explore ways to bring my offerings closer to home, both figuratively and literally. I envision a future where I can extend my reach through personalised services like plant sitting, ensuring that even when life gets busy, our beloved green friends continue to flourish. The idea of setting up pop-up stores is another exciting endeavour on my horizon, connecting with local communities and creating immersive experiences that celebrate the beauty of nature.

Ultimately, my goals revolve around weaving a tapestry of happiness, nurturing, and connection, where The Plant Boutique becomes a source of inspiration and a hub for all things green and vibrant.

Advice for new sellers

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

Absolutely. Diving into the world of Etsy with a new shop is an exciting journey, and I'd be thrilled to share some advice based on my experience. First and foremost, arm yourself with knowledge. Before you hit that "open shop" button, take the time to immerse yourself in the Etsy universe. There's a wealth of resources out there—blogs, videos, tutorials—all waiting to help you grasp the ins and outs of selling on this vibrant platform.

As you craft your shop, put yourself in your buyer's shoes. Think about what would capture their attention and make their experience exceptional. It's a delicate balance between catering to your creative passion and addressing your customers' needs. How can your products enhance their lives, solve a problem, or simply bring a smile? That's where the magic happens.

Attention to detail is key. Ensure your shop is polished and up-to-date in every aspect. Think of it as your digital storefront, just like those big brands you admire. Consistency in branding, professional photography, and clear product descriptions go a long way in building trust and drawing in potential customers.

In essence, my advice boils down to a threefold mantra: Educate, Empathise, and Elevate. Armed with knowledge, guided by empathy, and aiming for excellence, your Etsy journey is set to be a rewarding one.

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

Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: £400

Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: Between 10-30% 

Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer: 1.6%