Etsy Seller Interview with Zohar of zoharshaham

How zoharshaham 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?

Design and aesthetics have always been a part of me, but the path of life led me to study and engage in other things. At a certain point in my life, I mustered up the courage and enrolled in studies in ceramics at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem. From there, the path was already clear, and since then I have been involved in design and material science for over two decades. Initially, I held small fairs in the studio, and my first sales were mainly to relatives and friends; later, I took my ceramics to large fairs, and the exposure increased.

At some point, I realized that the best way to reach new customers was through online sales. I set up an online store for local sale in Israel, and at the same time I opened an Etsy store, and that's how it all started. I still remember the beep of my first sale on Etsy.

In the first years, I worked on the wheel, and later, in order to produce a more accurate series, I switched to incorporating the technique of castings into molds. All glazes are my own development and are safe for food use. In addition, I combine painting with brushes and my original drawings and illustrations. The quality of the tools is the result of years of work and experimentation, and the high firing temperature (1200 C) gives them strength and longevity.

Favorite items

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

My favorite product in the store is the set of cups with my original illustrations of the Raptors. Over the years, I drew birds and printed these illustrations on some of my dishes. I took the Raptors collection a step further; to achieve greater accuracy in the small details, I took several drawing classes last summer. I hope to continue the project next summer. It is not selling well, but it is quite unique and appealing to bird enthusiasts.

Another favorite product is my salad bowl. This is selling very well and is much loved by my customers. I love the size and shape; it is great for everyday usage as well as for hosting. What I most love about it is the glaze, inspired by the ocean's colors and movement.

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 a while (I guess a month), and it was just surprising and so exciting for me.

Managing zoharshaham 

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?

Over the years, I have attended short courses to manage my Etsy store, and at some point, I realized that it was taking a lot of time—time that I needed to deal with designing and creating new products. That's why I decided to hire an expert to run and manage the store who does an amazing job.

The future of zoharshaham 

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

I develop new products throughout the year in a long process until I receive a finished product. I draw the new products and specify the need, shapes, and dimensions. Then I draw the model in 3D software, print it, and build the pattern. When there are enough products in the colors I want, I move to the photography stage. From my correspondence with customers over the years, I have received many requests and suggestions for more and more designs in different shapes and colors. I know I can't fulfill all the requests, but the goal is to try to fulfill as many dreams as possible for loyal customers.

 I understand the photoshoot is one of the most important keys to success! That is the highest priority for me. I have found a photographer with whom I have worked for the last few years, and I am very happy with the results. I recommend paying a lot of attention to this part because it is what people buy—the photos; they cannot feel or touch the products.

Advice for new sellers

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

It is important to read all of Etsy's articles and guides before starting; there is a lot of information. Keyword research is also highly important to get found on the search pages. Invest in great communication with your customers, in unique, highly demanded products and designs, and of course, do what you love best. Most importantly, it takes a long time until you reach an established store that is well-exposed and brings in a lot of sales. A lot of patience is required, but with persistence, it comes.