Calling all creative types and wannabe entrepreneurs! Start selling on Etsy here using the code ETSYHEROESIMAGINATION by 30 November for the chance to win £1000 to spend on absolutely anything you like (terms and conditions apply).
What an incredibly exciting opportunity for a crafty, work-from-home parent to jump on board and take part in right now. It could quite literally kick-start your business into success!
As a crafty type myself I’ve always had huge respect for those who take their making to the next level by opening their own business and sharing their creations with the world. Let me introduce you to Michelle Kreussel, mother, artist, creative business entrepreneur, and owner of the fabulously successful Etsy shop The Fox in the Attic. She’s our Etsy Hero!
I recently had the genuine pleasure of meeting with Michelle to talk about the story of her success and her experience of using Etsy as a platform to sell her amazing toys, cushions and unique art work.
Michelle says: “As a child my grandmother taught me how to embroider and I was always making and creating. My Father told me that whatever job I had as an adult I should make sure to do something I love and I always remembered that.”
Michelle says she always knew two things; that if she ever had children she would want to work from home around them and that whatever work she engaged in she wanted it to be something she really loved doing, just as her dad had wisely advised her. Being an artist has always been part of who she is, but she didn’t know which discipline to pursue until, having moved to the countryside, she bought herself a sewing machine and decided to try her hand at toys.
She laughs at the first ever bunny toy that she made, but has kept it as a good reminder of the journey she has gone on, as her soft toys and cushions are now the most beautiful pieces of art work, with each one being a unique collectible item.
As soon as she started to create her pieces, she knew she needed a platform on which to sell them, and Etsy was the obvious choice. She says she loves how totally accessible it is for the everyday user and takes just minutes to create your own shopfront there.
“The behind the scenes interface is just so simple and it’s so easy to set it up and get started” says Michelle.
As she started to list her products she found lots of customers added her shop to their favourites list and she soon had one of her animal cushions featured on the front page of Etsy as a result. The orders came flooding in and she quickly realised she would need to create templates for her most popular products in order to make lots in advance ready to sell.
Since starting the business Michelle has become a mum and has had to find ways to make both important aspects of her life work together seamlessly. “It’s not easy but having my husband working from home is such a help.”
She has now developed a smooth process for translating her watercolours into prints and is so busy she has had to employ some one to help with sewing too.
Michelle says she has really appreciated the steady growth that she has experienced with Etsy as it has allowed her time to develop and grow alongside the shop, learning the business side as she goes. Having no background in business hasn’t held her back, it has been possible to learn while selling and creating.
Due to the popularity of her toys and stylish designs, she has been featured in many magazine tutorials, blog posts and social media accounts and has taken part in some fun ventures hosted by Etsy too, including crafting live in the window of Liberty’s store in London and pop up shops.
While we were together Michelle showed me how she uses the Etsy app while out and about for updating her shop front and even adding listings on the go, with the Shop Updates feature.
” This is great because it notifies all of my shop followers too and they can see I’ve added something new, ready for them to check out.”
I have been so impressed with the simplicity, ease of function and wide reach that an Etsy shop offers that now I am so keen to open my own too! The range of things that are for sale are amazing and it seems literally anyone can sign up and get started today.
The most exciting news is that Etsy are very keen to support new business ventures and are offering one lucky new starter the chance to win a £1000 grant if they sign up to create a new shop before November 30th! (terms and conditions apply.)
In order to take part in this you need to follow this link to set up your own shop (which takes just minutes to do according to Michelle!) and get started as an Etsy seller, using my unique code ETSYHEROESIMAGINATION. Now is the absolute perfect time to do this in time to catch the Christmas sales and get your new venture off to a flying start at the beginning of the busy season.
Have you got a flair for sewing, crafting, crochet or hand made cards? Are you an illustrator, graphic designer, knitter or toy maker? It’s time to turn that hobby or craft into an income that can work around your own timetable and give you flexibility as a business owner. Products of all shapes, sizes, materials and purposes can be sold and you, as shop owner, can have full control over all of the details, including when you’re away for holidays and the shop needs to be shut for family time!
“Etsy is really where it all began for me, it will always be home” says Michelle. Join the many others who share similar success stories and use this as your encouragement to get it up and running in time for Christmas and be in with a chance for such a brilliant prize too.
Start selling on Etsy here using the code ETSYHEROESIMAGINATION by 30 November for the chance to win £1000 to spend on absolutely anything you like (terms and conditions apply).
I can’t wait to check out your new shops! Leave me a comment with a link to yours to I can come and visit them and see your wonderful creations.
Terms and conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER. Promotion is open to legal residents of the United Kingdom, age 18 or older who open an Etsy shop between 7 November 2016 and 30 November 2016 using the code: ETSYHEROESIMAGINATION. Entries must be received between 12:01 AM GMT on 7 November 2016 and 11:59:59 PM GMT on 30 November 2016. One prize available of £1,000. Odds depend on number of eligible entries received. Sponsor: Etsy UK Limited. See full terms and conditions here: www.etsy.me/EtsyHeroesTandCs
This post is sponsored by Etsy. All opinions are my own.
Did it just in time! It’s not ready to open yet but I will put one product live so I will be eligible, it’s going to be called Disco Sloth Designs. Thanks for running a great comp, at a perfect time! x