Each Etsy seller’s circumstances are different. In the case of Zaidat of aromaticbodyoils, the income from her Etsy shop allowed her to quit her 9-5 job, go back to school and spend more time with her young family. She was skeptical of Etsy when she first tested the waters. She dabbled in listing items over a period of several months, and with a few quick successes realized that Etsy just might be a venue where she could work for herself. Zaidat has come a long way with the evolution of her business; she’s learned the importance of professional packaging and photography when selling online, and if she could give one piece of advice, it would be understanding the importance of patience. Keep reading to find out more about her journey into quitting her day job for selling full time on Etsy.
When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
When I first joined Etsy, I never imagined it taking me anywhere. I thought it was just another everyday venue to list your items and maybe you might get a few views. I have joined sites where this happens, so my expectations about Etsy were very low. I had a very limited inventory and funds to really promote my business as well as I wanted to. I was hoping to get a few sales on Etsy to have a little spending cash in my pocket.
How long were you selling on Etsy before taking the plunge into selling full time?
I have to admit that I sold my first item on Etsy a month after I joined, which was in 2006. Then I did not come back and list anything for 5 months after that, and that item also immediately sold! It was not until a full 6 months after that before I really loaded up my shop. Why I took all that time to really get into Etsy, I really do not know, but I wish sometimes I could take that lost time back.
What was the deciding factor resulting in your pursuing Etsy as your full time job?
My family was my #1 deciding factor. I was not spending enough time with my family. Working on Etsy allows me to have all the time I need with my toddlers, and not have to run to a 9 to 5 job every day. Another factor is that I really started enjoying the day to day orders that I was receiving and processing. I thought to myself, hey, this would be cool to do full time and not even have to leave the house! I am a true hermit!
Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time before taking the plunge?
I already had the business license, insurance and everything else I needed in place. I did create a bit of inventory, mainly some solid perfumes, rollerballs, whipped shea butter, whipped body wash, and soaps. Back then I had less than 15 varieties of soap, and less than 50 fragrances. I also had a small skincare line. My packaging then, compared to my packaging now, was mediocre, and don’t let me get started on my labeling skills! I took some courses, learned some new techniques, and researched a lot about skincare. (I also decided at that point that I wanted to become a Dermatologist.) As of today I have over 150 varieties of soaps and my skincare line is being enjoyed by many all over the world.
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What’s you’re best marketing tip?
I promote on my blog, and I am part of quite a few Teams which I try to pop in to at least once a week. I participate on Ning, Facebook, Myspace, and Flickr. I also have a newsletter campaign that is doing very well. I am also featured on a regular basis on other blogs and websites. I do tutorials sometimes about some of my techniques and that gains exposure for my store. I am currently working on some videos to get the business on Youtube. I leave comments on other blogs when I can. My best tips for other Etsians are to keep your store fresh and lively, rotate your featured items in your store, and invest in a great camera to take decent pictures, preferably near a bright window. Natural lighting is an online seller’s best friend! I do not think I would be successful if my pictures were not up to par. I really work hard on the pictures of my products.
What have you found to be unsuccessful promotion or something that’s just not working for your shop?
Pay per click advertising never worked well for me; people would click away and not buy anything. I got tired of wasting a lot of money each month and not reaping any rewards. I tried running a few contests too, and that just did not work for me. I must not have that contest thrower’s touch!
Would you walk us through what a typical workday might entail being your own boss?
- Each day starts at approximately 6:45. Kids get a bath, breakfast is made, and we prepare for school and daycare.
- 8 – 11: I answer emails, print labels, and pack orders.
- 11:30 – 6:30: I am in school (my major is Biology and my minor is Chemistry. I try to do most of my studying in between classes.)
- 7: Back at home, I spend time with the family, have dinner, and check my emails.
- 9 pm -11 pm: I either make soap, pack more orders, or relist items.
- I head to bed at around midnight.
The above scenario of course would be the perfect day. Each day around here does not always go as planned! And now that my daughter has started school, I plan on being an active part of her PTA and volunteering in her class for at least 3 hours a week. I am also going to start volunteering at a local hospital and shadowing a Dermatologist to get on the right track for those medical school applications!
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
I really am a homebody. I love being at home: it is my haven, and working outside the house just takes me away from my haven. I do miss the interaction with “real” people, but I have made a lot of online friends too over the years. I love being at home with my kids (my daughter just started kindergarten, *sniff, they grow so fast*) and being able to have an active role in their lives that I would otherwise not have if I worked outside my home. I also love being able to be creative and not have to worry about getting someone else’s approval for it first. Being your own boss is the best.
If you could go back in time before you took the plunge, what advice would you give yourself knowing what you know now?
Be patient; do not expect success to happen overnight. With other people I am so patient you could feel a gray hair grow. With myself, however, I am not so patient. I am very hard on myself. My advice to myself would be: Do not give up because no one is looking or buying your products. Never compare yourself to anyone else or their work: only believe in yourself. And do not worry about who might be copying your work! At times I would get so discouraged and think to myself, “Why would anyone buy from me where there are so many other bath and body sources?” And I would crash and give up. After awhile I realized that I would never know if I could be successful unless I tried. My motto is “I Can!”
What advice would you give someone else thinking about taking the plunge to sell full time on Etsy?
Take the plunge; you will be glad you did! Etsy is a wonderful community full of wonderful people. It might be intimidating at first, but you won’t know how you will do unless you try.
How’s it going so far? Are you supporting yourself?
I am happy with my success here on Etsy. Of course, with any business there are ups and downs, and some months do much better than others. There are days where I can see tumbleweeds going across my shop and Etsy feels like a ghost town. You have to get used to it and just learn to expect those slow times every once in awhile and prepare for them in advance.
What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
- I would like to double my sales
- Work on listing more of my fragrances and…
- Getting as much of my stock online as possible.
- I am also thinking of hiring a professional photographer to help my items really stand out.
- Last year I was totally unprepared for the Christmas season, so this year I am starting early and working on preparing myself now.
- I am also looking for ways to get more exposure.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I would definitely like to share a big thank you to all of those who stand by me and support my crafts. I really appreciate my buyers, other sellers on here that I interact with and admire. And I want to say thank you to Etsy for creating this space for us to come and share our creativity and enjoy the creativity of others.
Thanks to Zaidat for sharing her story and business with us! Check out the related items below to see some of her items. You can find some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.
111 comments
Sign in to add your ownfarafield says:
aromaticbodyoils' story is so inspiring. Her products are wonderful, by the way!
3 years ago
pulpsushi says:
What an amazing story, congratulations!!
3 years ago
sweaterbuddies says:
Oh this is really cool. What a cute lady, I would like to meet her!
3 years ago
sweaterbuddies says:
My gosh, they honestly look good enough to eat.
3 years ago
AchAchLiebling says:
Great interview-- and amazing-looking soaps! Good luck with those med school apps!
3 years ago
BowWowBeds says:
I'm gonna boot the towels & have a cabinet full of those yummy soaps!!!!
3 years ago
BeadaliciousBda says:
Big congrats to my Ning friend! This is a great article.
3 years ago
dennisanderson says:
Terrific article and good for you! I am so happy that you can now take it to the next level and have more time with your family. Thats one of the main reasons I did it too! I wish you much success!
3 years ago
JewelrybyRebecca says:
Wow! Your story inspires me to to do more with my shop. Keep up all your hard work toward making your goals. You are doing great. Also your pics look really good to me.
3 years ago
MyNovember says:
These stories are all so inspiring! Thanks so much for the hard work that goes into them, they always make my day and give me a little boost to work harder so that maybe I can be there someday too. Congrats on your success aromaticbodyoils!
3 years ago
BululuStudio says:
Excellent article, so inspiring :D
3 years ago
LaveMeSoapCo says:
bravo!
3 years ago
annspets4 says:
nice product linek but..I see you havethe same problem as many here in that some of your photos are quite dark! Didyou take them on a macro setting wtih no flash outside with a dark back drop as is the best way?! good luck!\ -Ann Artzstuf http://artzstuf.com
3 years ago
MyWisteriaCottage says:
Your story is inspiring. You are a very articulate lady. I feel like holding just a little longer when I read stories like yours. Thank you
3 years ago
dogties says:
Simply Amazing! Great Stuff
3 years ago
daisycakessoap says:
You are so awesome!! You have always had a fan here!
3 years ago
stefanivance says:
Amazing story! Congrats and best wishes for your continued success!
3 years ago
Koolbadges says:
Your soaps look amazing. I think i will be back a Christmas to purchase some. I also was lucky enough to give up my job at a ban in May this year & i know make button badges full time. Who would have thought it! Congrats to you. Vicki
3 years ago
baddinsdesign says:
SO INSPIRING ands SUCH GREAT PRODUCTS! I'm never buying deodrant from the drug store again :-)
3 years ago
sillylittlelady says:
I love reading the Quit Your Day Job series, they are so inspiring!
3 years ago
HomemadeZen says:
wow congrets! Beautiful soaps
3 years ago
juicychristians says:
Congratulations. This is wonderful. I can sense what a nice person your are from just reading your story. I wish you much success!!!
3 years ago
eastmanhomeart says:
Wow, that such an inspiring story! There are all these other economies going on -- it's truly uplifting! I can't wait to visit your shop, Zaidat!
3 years ago
LazyTcrochet says:
Hi and congrats from fellow ClevelandTeam mate! So inspiring!
3 years ago
ValerieTyler says:
Way to go Zaidat!!!
3 years ago
CopperLeafStudios says:
Go Zaidat!!! Her products are to die for, guys! *Amazing* soaps!
3 years ago
ventichai says:
great job!
3 years ago
GeneriOnline says:
This was so inspiring! And the products...I didn't really know what to expect and then I saw them, wow, the soaps are like sculptures!!
3 years ago
ThePink says:
I have a new Etsy role model! Great Job:)
3 years ago
artbelongseverywhere says:
An inspiration to us all!!!
3 years ago
rarebeasts says:
What a great story. Well done.
3 years ago
stonz says:
Bravo Zaidat! We are thrilled to have her as a member of our team! Very inspiring... http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5760599 http://www.clevelandhandmade.com/
3 years ago
Shelleyroze says:
Yea! I love to hear how people can persist and make a go of something that they enjoy doing! Now, I feel alittle more inspired about my own artwork!
3 years ago
MudHutt says:
Wonderful story! Her soaps look yummy! Beautiful work!
3 years ago
virtuallori says:
Inspiring story. So thrilled to have you as part of our team!
3 years ago
aromaticbodyoils says:
Hi everyone!! I just got in from school and I was surprised to see the feature go up today!! Thank you so much for stopping in and taking the time to read about little ole me, hehe!
3 years ago
bijoutery says:
Awesome feature!
3 years ago
GoodScents says:
absolutely wonderful! Such a cool story (and great looking soap!)
3 years ago
auntcindysattic says:
Congratulations! What a fantastic feature!
3 years ago
soulyyours says:
A big congratulations from Akron, Ohio!!!
3 years ago
scottieacres says:
Congratulations! Keep following your dreams.
3 years ago
suzyqandsallytoo says:
I am so happy for you! You are an inspiration to many, keep up the great work and good luck with school too! :)
3 years ago
buttonbowerbird says:
Congrats Zaidat! I just love the pics of your soaps - so creative! Enjoy your kids while they're young; they really do grow up quickly!
3 years ago
edessedesigns says:
Okay, WOW! Thank you for such inspiration!! You ROCK!!!
3 years ago
flyingzoo says:
Congratulations! Great story!!!
3 years ago
susankaydesigns says:
You are an inspiration as a mother, a student, and a professional. You are gifted from within in more ways than I can count.
3 years ago
Born2BeeWild says:
Such a great story. Congrats!!!
3 years ago
simpledream2 says:
I am impressed. You are inspiring when it comes to patience. I will be back to re-read your story as I wait patiently for my sales to increase. Also, I am SO interested in your products and already have a list started of what I want. Great story and wish you much success. Lisa.
3 years ago
GloriousGirlJewelry says:
You make it all seem possible! Your story is what so many of us needed to hear today. I congratulate you on your hard work, tenacity, love for your product and the love for your family! Blessing, Lisa
3 years ago
AMDcreations says:
Well I'm sold. Already bought something from you. :)
3 years ago
SoothingRituals says:
What an inspiration. You are doing it all. Congratulations on your success!!!
3 years ago
RememberWhenCreation says:
Thanks for the inspiration. I was excited that I sold an item within 7 days of posting. I wish you the very best success in your store & school. I don't know how you do it!
3 years ago
pishcota says:
CONGRATS ZAIDAT! u're brave, good for u! Etsy ppl, love reading the "Quit Your Day Job" articles pls give ve us more ;) I'm in the financial industry and cannot wait to leave this mess behind.
3 years ago
mividaJewels says:
What an amazing and encouraging story! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us!
3 years ago
ayelet17 says:
Gongratulation! Your story is a great inspiration!
3 years ago
iWunder says:
beautiful pictures, great interview! so glad you are a mad scientist also ;)
3 years ago
LilDabDesigns says:
Great story! You give great inspiration of what 1 person can do. A great out look to rid the corporate world and buy handmade with a little bit of hearts involved. You are living proof that dreams can come true,Thank you from one crafter to another.From the bottom of my Heart!
3 years ago
FluteTeacher says:
Wow! Your products look beautiful! Thanks for the inspiring story. I wish I could master the art of photographing my products.
3 years ago
urbanheirlooms says:
What an inspiration! I love reading these stories. Your photos look amazing. Thanks so much for sharing.
3 years ago
shabra99 says:
Quite an amazing story! I'm proud to say that I've known about Zaidat and aromaticbodyoils for over a year now. Every single one of her products is amazing, and guess what, she makes them all from stratch! With all of the bulk-bought, privately-labeled products out there (and even on Etsy) you CAN'T beat that! Congrats to you and your family, Zaidat!
3 years ago
thehouseofhemp says:
i love this story - patience is key. thanks zaidat! for sharing with us.
3 years ago
photographybymoni says:
what a fabulous story! You are a true inspiration :)
3 years ago
KnogginKnitting says:
I am so inspired!! Congratulations Zaidat!
3 years ago
GidanNodza says:
Congrats Zaidat!!! Your story is really inspiring. I agree patience really is key...if only I try to remember every now and then.
3 years ago
DaydreamGlass says:
I love aromaticbodyoils! It's so much fun to see and hear the person behind the wonderful products that I've been using every day. Here's to your continued success in the Bath and Body market. Best wishes to you Zaidat!
3 years ago
scarletfields says:
I want to quit my day job!!
3 years ago
BeadsInTheBelfry says:
inspirational!
3 years ago
3littlebrds says:
What beautiful products! Thank you for your candor - I am tough on myself too. I will keep you in mind as I start listing my first items!
3 years ago
creatorcollectibles says:
I'm just getting started on etsy and very excited. I'm proud of you!!! Keep up the good work. Your sales will double In Jesus Name. Congratulations!!!!
3 years ago
MGMartSupplies says:
Great article, loved it.
3 years ago
aromaticbodyoils says:
I feel happy to have inspired so many, and I take so much inspiration from you as well! Keep pushing, everyday here is a learning experience waiting to happen:)
3 years ago
Mimiandlola says:
I love reading about success stories! Congratulations! Very inspirational!
3 years ago
JaxGirl821 says:
I just tried these products and they are great! What an inspiration this lady is, I wish I lived closer I would love to one of her first patients when she becomes a doctor. Congratulations!
3 years ago
molecularmuse says:
Wow! What a great story! Congratulations on your success and best of luck for the future! (And in your classwork!)
3 years ago
SouthernPleasures says:
Way to go girl. You are fabolous and I mean it. Still have a bit left of my charcoal bar and I still love it. Best wishes to you.
3 years ago
sproutonline says:
I've used Zaidat's AMAZING charcoal soap for a year now and i swear i'll never use anything else. CONGRATS, ZAIDAT! This feature is WELL DESERVED!!
3 years ago
meco says:
I love reading about the Etsy Sellers success, it really inspires me to keep creating. Thank you Zaidat for sharing your story and Many Blessings to you and your business, may you reach every goal you have set and greater success!
3 years ago
sassyteedesigns says:
I love success stories. They really inspire me to keep on going!!! I can't thank you enough!!!
3 years ago
duckduckGoosestuff says:
well done! this month was my first real month of working for myself - so this has resonated. Kudos to you.
3 years ago
purplefresh says:
Now it totally makes sense why you're charcoal bars are absolutely amazing! I hope you do very well in your quest to become a dermatologist---and keep those soaps comin'! :)
3 years ago
TheGardenBath says:
YAY!! Go, Z! It's inspiring to hear how things worked so well for you. :)
3 years ago
Ametista says:
Great write up and congratulations on your success as well. Your story was very inspiring! Thanks.
3 years ago
thebeside says:
thats sooo nice, good for you!! All the best for your future!!
3 years ago
oldworldprimitives says:
Thank you for this awesome feature, it sent me off to do some shopping at aromaticbodyoils!
3 years ago
ElementsbyJulie says:
Good for you Zaidat! Continued success to you :) Your soaps look wonderful.
3 years ago
vintagechika says:
thanks for that article! i have been struggling w/ believing in myself as a creative person..."so many beautiful things on etsy why would anyone want what i make?" type of attitude, which is exactly what Zaidat mentioned! so it encouraged me to just do what i do and not compare myself to others. thanks ♥
3 years ago
aromaticbodyoils says:
Thank you! Believe in yourself, the rest is up to you:)
3 years ago
northwestscents says:
I am totally impressed. Your story is very inspiring and encouraging, and your soap is beautiful!
3 years ago
Weezawear says:
Great story. I picked up a lot of good tips. Thanks.
3 years ago
jadewicks says:
Congrats Z! And good luck with your school studies. All the best to you! :)
3 years ago
ExLibrisPurses says:
Great story and great information - thanks!
3 years ago
violetwear says:
Great story. Congrats on your success.
3 years ago
LittleBitsChic says:
Very Inspiring. Thanks
3 years ago
1920 says:
What a nice person! You light up my design life. Thanks.
3 years ago
missevilkitty2 says:
very cool!
3 years ago
AnUrbanTwist2 says:
OMG!!! Zaidat! I know you from Cleveland State. We had spanish class together. My name is Nicole. Now that is encouraging. Somebody from Cleveland doing well!!!! Thanks for sharing your story,I am so glad to see your success! Keep up the good work!
3 years ago
ModFarmgirl says:
Congrats, Zaidat! Thank you for sharing your story! Wishing you continued success!!!
3 years ago
linguaNigra says:
so inspired! Your stuff looks AMAZING!
3 years ago
aromaticbodyoils says:
Thank you!
3 years ago
HipBone says:
You Rock! I wish you much success.
3 years ago
Bailoutabarista says:
I love your story. I can't wait to come back to your shop and buy. In the meantime I am listing you as a favorite.
3 years ago
Brendaabdullah says:
Such an inspiring article!! Your items look good enough to eat!! I love it!
3 years ago
lsad says:
Nice job! good luck!
3 years ago
SoapScentsations says:
Fabulous!
3 years ago
embellishedlife says:
Great job, Zaidat! You've got it going on! I've hearted you for some serious soap, especially that beer soap with Red stripe beer ;P
3 years ago
glyphic says:
i am a fan of zaidats soaps! congrats!
3 years ago
MyJunkyTrunk says:
What an amazing story! I am so happy for you, and I wish you continued blessings and success! May God prosper the work of your hands always. ~Unessalyn
3 years ago
thebeersoapcompany says:
Hi All, thanks for the kind words!! You can now find me at http://zaja.etsy.com and http://thebeersoapcompany.etsy.com :)
2 years ago
aromaticbodyoils says:
I am now back in my old shop http://aromaticbodyoils.etsy.com. Thanks a lot!
2 years ago
Melaniescreations14 says:
Thank you for sharing your story! I have asked those same questions and has often felt like giving up. I am so glad I read this article. Much success to you.
2 years ago
renegadeperceptions says:
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I just started a masters program in Biology :) Sometimes it is hard to balance everything, but your story is very encouraging!
1 year ago