How venius 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?
Hi, I'm Venus, the Founder and Designer of the Etsy Shop Turbans by Venius. My background has been in Retail, buying, and merchandising, so launching into the market as a fashion designer with a product was not only exciting but a great opportunity to showcase my Creations! I began designing turbans as a hip new accessory option over 10 years ago!
This concept derived from my concern in creating what was then referred to as the Cruise Wear Collection in the middle of a recession. One of the most revealing moments happened when I wore a vintage turban to a party, and everyone absolutely Loved it! I thought accessories—everyone loves a great quick fix. -
"A Chic Solution to A Bad Hair Day." my slogan
At the time, I only had four styles created from my idea of what would make my designs simple, approachable, yet fashionable with a conscious and unique sense of STYLE. We later emerged into the World of Kundalini Yoga with natural cottons and vegetable-dyed turbans and My Active Wear Collection, which has evolved into the Luxe Lounge Collection. All of my products are designed, cut, and sewn in Los Angeles, CA.
Favorite items
What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?
My favourite item right now in my Etsy shop is the Meditation Wrap from the Luxe Lounge Collection because it seems to represent an evolution of the brand Venius. The origin of Venius was a complete fashion collection of turbans and wraps made from silks and tie-dye fabrications. We later evolved into a conscious brand with offerings in retail and wholesale to the yoga and fashion worlds. Our top-selling turbans were the 100% organic white cotton ones from the Yoga Collection. I began specialising in white cotton turbans because it was such a great fit for the kundalini yoga community, which later evolved into the collection being available in yoga studios around the country, including wellness and meditation centres. It's that feeling when you realise we have come full circle as a brand. I’ve since become a Kundalini Yoga and Meditation teacher. The evolution of the brand, its conception and expansion with me, in return, evolving from selling to the Yoga Wellness industry to teaching and now sharing in the community as a healer/teacher in the world of wellness! The Meditation Wrap design was inspired by me observing students in yoga class. As a result, I noticed that as most practitioners begin engaging in meditation or savasana, they often feel a little chilly as things slow down. This moment calls for a wrap or cosy throw, so I created the Meditation Wrap! This one is organic terry cotton, and when you wrap it, you get that feeling of your cosiest throw! One of our best sellers over the years in our wholesale market, and now we’re bringing it to the Etsy market again!
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 me three very long weeks before earning my first sale on Etsy. That felt like an eternity. I was so nervous, thinking that no one would see my shop! My initial strategy on Etsy was word of mouth or past customer ratings! Right now, there is no set strategy in place; this is definitely an area I could use more expertise in!
Managing venius
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?
At the moment, the Turbans by Venus shop on Etsy is completely managed by me. This is definitely an area I would like to change and pass on to someone else new on my team with my Directive. I currently offer a lot of discount codes for yoga events and my established customer base. I am just now starting to use QuickBooks as an integrative platform to help manage my accounting and more. I do use Etsy’s marketing to capture shoppers who have viewed my shop by sending coupons. I fulfil all of my orders at this moment via USPS. I have been considering other fulfilment options, such as Amazon.
The future of venius
What goals do you have for your shop in the future?
In terms of my goals for the shop, I'm eager to expand my offerings and provide a wider range of styles and colours for customers to choose from the Luxe Lounge Collection by Venius. I plan to regularly update my product line to stay current with the latest trends while also staying true to the unique and distinctive style that my brand is known for.
Additionally, I'm always looking for ways to engage with my customers and create a sense of community around my brand. I'm considering implementing email newsletters to keep customers informed about new arrivals, exclusive offers, and styling tips. I believe that building a strong and loyal customer base is essential for the long-term success of my shop.
Advice for new sellers
What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
My opening advice to clients I consult on starting a new brand Just START ! Nothing is ever perfect the first time, but the MAGIC OF CREATION is forever divine and perfect because it is your creative expression. Genesis teaches us so much and helps us to move forward and do more each time. I am confident that with your dedication and creativity, your Etsy shop will continue to thrive and bring joy to those who wear your ART. Best of luck in your endeavours!
