Etsy Seller Interview with Jonz of XscapeDesigns

How XscapeDesigns 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 everyone, I’m Jonz, the owner and designer of XscapeDesigns. My journey as a shop owner all started after decided to leave my job and started freelancing, I found ETSY and I saw it as a chance to pursue a passion that I’ve always had for, Art. But since I have a problem-solving mindset, I noticed the high shipping costs and manpower that is required for physical art and then I launched my shop in April 2024 and decided to trial an offering of instant digital downloads made of the ultimate highest quality art I could create and see where it takes me. 

All the pieces I create reflect my passion for elegance, and my mission to help people bring beauty into their homes effortlessly. Interestingly, I didn’t choose my niche, I let my customers decide. I started observing what resonated with them, and I found my focus naturally evolving based on their preferences. This approach has kept my creativity flowing and my shop aligned with what people truly want. Always “fresh” if you will.

Favorite items

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

Of course, this changes constantly whenever I come up with a new creation I’m obsessed with, but right now three of my favorite pieces are the "Mediterranean Orange Window" the "Amalfi Coast”, and the “Panoramic Blue Floral”. The reason these artworks resonate with me is that they symbolize a window to Nostalgia and beauty, and both of these themes are so important to have when you think of “wall art”. They've also become bestsellers, and I suspect it's also because the customer senses warmth and personality in them. I’ve been often told that these pieces instantly uplift their home decor.

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?

My first sale was just two days after launching my shop in April 2024, which I was very proud of. And I do believe that this quick start was thanks to my thorough research on SEO, and to really try to understand what customers were seeking when it comes to digital art. Then, to attract customers, I optimized my listings with all relevant keywords, and used some of the Etsy marketing tools (like ads and offers), to increase visibility. I learned also that social media, especially Instagram and Pinterest, was another crucial tool. I also got the chance to communicate directly with art lovers to understand more about what is trendy. 

Managing XscapeDesigns

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?

Currently, I manage the shop on my own, but in reality, I like to think of my customers as part of my “team”, if you pay attention, the customer will literally steer you in the direction you have to go. I also use Alura for SEO and data insights, and Canva for creating the art and the files for the listing. Since my shop currently only offers digital downloads, there’s really no need for any physical shipping or fulfillment, making the process seamless and faster, both for me and my customers. I also use tools like Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom for editing and enhancing my artwork, ensuring only high-quality results that I test before publishing. Additionally, I have coded my own automation to streamline all tasks, including creating mockups and generating PDFs in mass. All of these automation save me time and help me focus on providing the exceptional customer experience that I strive to have. My extensive background knowledge in customer support and customer experience has also been pivotal to maintaining the standards I want. I have also used my tech skills to turn every sale into an experience, not just a transaction.

The future of XscapeDesigns

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

I’m very excited for the future of my shop and while there are some surprises coming up, some of the things my customers can look forward to in the near future include the addition of themed collections (such as sets of six complementary pieces that tell a cohesive story). I also plan to expand further into unexplored niches. For the long-term, I want to establish XscapeDesigns as the go-to shop for anyone seeking unique, affordable, and instantly accessible art to beautify their environment.

Advice for new sellers

What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?
Don’t focus too much on choosing a niche—let your buyers guide you. Create as many listings as possible and observe which ones resonate with your audience. Each mistake costs only 20 cents, and you learn by not renewing the listings that don’t work. Listen carefully to what your buyers are saying and improve daily. It’s okay to make mistakes; the important thing is to learn and grow as you go. 

Real success on Etsy comes from being fully dedicated and committed to your customers. Focus on giving them a complete experience—from the moment they press the buy button to when you receive their glowing 5-star review. It’s a whole process, and dedication is the key. Research is your best friend—learn about SEO, target audiences, and trending products in your niche. Be patient and consistent, and don’t be afraid to refine your listings based on what works. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. And finally, let your creativity shine, your shop is an extension of your vision, your imagination and your unique style, and there is no one like you.