Ellen of bonspielcreation first started selling on Etsy in December of 2005. She was able to transition her Etsy business from a side project into a full time venture while working her day job in the design industry. Ellen had a goal, planned well in advance, saved money, and tested her brand over time before ultimately taking the plunge. This Canadian Etsian is currently working on expanding her product line and takes regular afternoon chocolate breaks to fuel her through the rest of the day. Keep reading to find out more about Ellen’s business and some great tips if you’re thinking about following in her footsteps.
When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
Yes! At the time I found out about Etsy (Dec. 05) I had already built my own website. When I first started selling on Etsy (my first sale was a little canvas belt bag, on my birthday in 2006), I was straining at the creative constraints of my job and wanted to branch out on my own. I knew I wanted to sell retail online, but I had no idea how big a part Etsy was going to play.
How long were you selling on Etsy and working your day job before deciding you were ready to switch over to Etsy full time?
I guess I decided in November of 2006 that I would be ready to quit my job in spring of 2007.
What made you decide to quit your day job?
I worked as a designer, seamstress and unspoken supervisor/trainer/general mentor for a small fashion design house. I had started feeling constricted by my workplace, in terms of how far I could take designs. I loved working with others to create things none of us would have ever made individually, but the limits on what materials could be used — how much time could be taken on a purse, for example — were frustrating to me. I also wanted to make more money, and didn’t see the company doing that for me. I wanted to plant my own garden instead of hoeing someone else’s.
How did you know you were ready to take the plunge?
Well, I set everything up gradually, over a couple of years. By the fall of 2006 I had proven to myself that I could sell stuff online, and at local markets and a little bit of wholesale, too. I knew (from my job) what I was capable of producing (in terms of product), I had established my suppliers, honed my screenprinting and design skills, and purchased the equipment I needed. My self-employed income was consistent. I was paying for it big time with my shoulder freezing up from overuse, and I was a workaholic for a couple of years while I held down the real job and grew the pretend one. But it was worth it.
Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time before taking the plunge?
Yeah, I saved some money, a few thousand. I built my website. I (with my boyfriend Mike) moved out of a tiny crappy house and into a big roomy amazing one, so I would have a studio at home. Actually, every single thing I did for about a year and a half was focused on preparing to go out on my own.
What goals have you set for your Etsy business in the next few months and year?
My goal for the rest of this year is to increase my income by 30% by diversifying my product line (printing more t-shirts!) so I can get out of debt and go down to Palm Springs next February for a couple of weeks. My other goals are less time-specific, but I would like to have a bigger workspace so I can hire someone (gasp!) and expand.
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business?
I haven’t really promoted it much. I think the most effective thing I have done is to learn how to take really snappy photographs (no pun intended). And sales seem to beget more sales. I love my customers and want them coming back, so I treat them like gold. Gold, I tell you!
How’s it going so far? Are you getting by?
It’s going very well, I can’t believe my good fortune most of the time.
Can you walk us through what a typical workday might entail now that you have quit your day job?
Okay.
- I get up, anywhere between 7 and 10am (whenever I feel like, I don’t use an alarm clock — sweet!).
- I put the kettle on and make a cup of Twinnings Earl Grey tea (I do live in a British colony, after all).
- Then I check and see if I sold anything while I was asleep and answer any conversations that got sent.
- Then, depending on the weather, I either go stroll around my garden and water things/pick strawberries and other seasonal goodies first, or I go straight into the studio and start my day.
- I don’t usually have an itinerary. I used to make one, but found that I would never get more than a third of it done, and feel like a failure, so now I just make sure I do the important things (time sensitive Etsy orders, ordering materials, etc.) The projects kind of create their own flow.
- I listen to CBC (Canada’s public radio station) in the morning so I am somewhat informed about what’s going on out there. In the afternoon I switch to music; right now I really like Brian Jonestown Massacre and Goldfrapp together playing randomly.
- The day passes in a pleasant blur of cutting stuff out, printing it, sewing it, then if it’s a mailout day, I start packaging things up around 2 and go to the post office (walking or on my bike).
- I come back and work some more. Or, if I’m starting to get lonely, I go visit some of my amazing super crafty friends, (some of whom, mae, floatingoldiceberg and venacava, are on Etsy). I’ve come to realize how important it is to stay connected with friends, I tend to go the lone wolf route and get into a bit of a rut, but my friends inspire me in priceless ways.
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job?
Let’s see…I can’t pick just one! No alarm clock, no mid-afternoon doldrums, no deja vu moments where you are sewing the same thing you sewed five years ago and the same song comes on that was playing the last time — argh!, the freedom to structure my day, complete creative and administrative freedom, working on a weekend and taking weekdays off if that is what works, no boss giving me the hairy eyeball, realizing that laughing my head off with friends could be the most profitable thing in my day (big ideas can come from those sessions). Oh, and writing stuff off.
What piece of advice would you give someone thinking about taking the plunge to sell full time on Etsy?
Oh, I’d have lots of pieces of advice! Learn how to take great pictures. Give your business some time to prove to yourself that it will work. If you have a job that is flexible, try to start weaseling out gradually while building your business. Eat chocolate at 1 in the afternoon, it will carry you on through.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m grateful for the opportunities I had in my “real” job to observe and learn so much about running a small creative fashion-oriented business — it’s surprising to me just which bits of information have surfaced to help me out. Also, I’d like to thank all my wonderful customers while I have this chance — I’d be Nowheresville without you!
Thanks to Ellen for sharing her story and business with us! Check out the gallery below to see some of her items and you can find some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.
49 comments
Sign in to add your ownLieblingDesigns says:
Great interview, I really love this series. It's fun to read how you had a solid plan and just kept steamrolling forward. I feel a bit like that right now (your shoulder pain = my wrist pain), and can only hope to be in the same position in a few years. Congratulations on your success Ellen! Jess
3 years ago
bonspielcreation says:
Hi Jess, thanks! Yes, I have definitely noticed a theme of *persistence* in my life lately. Sometimes I think persistence is all that really matters...I wish you much success and hope your wrist heals up!
3 years ago
maryrichmonddesign says:
great story and i love your work, too. keep going!
3 years ago
Mwilson says:
Yay Ellen!! Woot Woot! Super styles and creations :) Mindy
3 years ago
tanisalexis says:
hooray Ellen!!! so glad to see your happy face up here. Way to go lady, you are a HUGE inspiration to me. always.
3 years ago
jenniferdennispotter says:
Great article and wonderful designs! Good for you!!
3 years ago
2ReVert says:
Love this as always! Ellen you are a huge inspiration! I so look forward to this article every week.. thank you Etsy!
3 years ago
Majestyinc says:
Oh Ellen.... HOORAH! Good for you! I love each and every one of my Bonspiel Creations and WILL come back for more. I hope you only get BIGGER and BETTER as time goes on, your designs and construction speaks for itself.
3 years ago
celisa says:
great interview. very inspiring. i love her approach to business and being creative! it's so exciting to read about someone pursuing creativity in their life! take charge girl!
3 years ago
aorta says:
i heart bonspiel. more so after reading this.
3 years ago
jesssicaa says:
you're an inspiration. i needed to read this tonight :)
3 years ago
vintagemomma says:
Congratulations! Love your designs!!
3 years ago
ClaudiaLord says:
Great article! I am soooo jealous!!
3 years ago
bonspielcreation says:
I'm squirming in a big love puddle! EEee! Thanks guys.
3 years ago
misfitchic says:
Congrats on going FT Ellen! Well deserved. Beautiful prints!
3 years ago
Zoia says:
Great article, and wonderful designs! I can relate to so many things from your comments about the day job. Way to go!
3 years ago
theseawithin says:
Great article! I have always been an admirer of this shop!
3 years ago
giftbird says:
This article is very inspiring, and you have beautiful designs!
3 years ago
kittyempire3 says:
Yay Ellen! Great article about one of my most favourite sellers!
3 years ago
RaeGun says:
thanks so much for sharing this, I love hearing everyone's stories.
3 years ago
Bittersweeets says:
Your stuff is so amazing!! And yay for being from BC too! :)
3 years ago
shoofly says:
I adore bonspiel, everything you make is amazing! Also this: "Eat chocolate at 1 in the afternoon, it will carry you on through." Best advice ever. Must remember to start tomorrow. :)
3 years ago
matouenpeluche says:
Very inspiring stuff! Thank you for the article!!
3 years ago
wiremajigs says:
Everyone of these articles I read proves there is no set formula for success other than: excellent product, great pictures, superior customer service and of course, a little planning and bavery! Thank you for the inspiration!
3 years ago
wiremajigs says:
Yes, I misspelled bravery in my excitement!
3 years ago
Urbanknit says:
a fave seller of mine.
3 years ago
art2theextreme says:
Very awesome! Love the tree shirt!
3 years ago
BabbidgePatch says:
very inspirational!
3 years ago
bagladiesinpa says:
What a great interview! I can totally relate to this, "I've come to realize how important it is to stay connected with friends, I tend to go the lone wolf route and get into a bit of a rut, but my friends inspire me in priceless ways." Sometimes I have to force myself to leave the studio and spend time with friends, but I'm always so grateful for that time. Next time I visit Victoria I'll try to look for you at the Sunday market. (I'm just across the water in Port Angeles!).
3 years ago
annarubyking says:
great story! thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
ArtMind says:
I love Bonspielcreations! Great interview! :) Go girl, you're doing great! :)
3 years ago
gingerlime says:
This was a wonderful feature! Thanks for the sound advice, especially about the chocolate, LOL!
3 years ago
bonspielcreation says:
Always happy to share advice, but hands off my chocolate :P
3 years ago
KalliopeJewelry says:
You are an inspiration! Thank you so much for sharing your success story! The best to you for continued happiness and mega sales!
3 years ago
stefanivance says:
This entire series has made me look at what I'm doing... and stop whining! Many thanks for sharing your inspirational story. And thanks to Etsy for running it!
3 years ago
beybikeyks says:
Very inspirational and awesome story. Made me feel much better! Thank you...c",)
3 years ago
tallpinestshirts says:
Thanks Ellen for the inspiration- I hope to have a similiar story someday!
3 years ago
EleanorMagpie says:
Wow. I want this to be me someday. It's always reassuring to know it's possible.
3 years ago
pulpsushi says:
Great insight from Ellen. I absolutely LOVE this feature, it has to be my favorite Storque feature. :) Makes me look forward to my last day at work which is TOMORROW! woohoo!!!
3 years ago
riverstar says:
Great inspiration article for all of us artisans at Etsy.
3 years ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
great article Ellen, very inspirational. I had a look at your store and I love your blue cardinal purse (sold) - just delightful! Congratulations on your continuing success. I only drink earl grey, but not Twinnings, I buy Sainsbury's own brand here in Scotland, it's cheaper - and eat a lot of mikl chocolate. I tear my tea bag in half and use a tea basket for the 'leaves' and the 'white little bits' (the bergamot flavouring..., and I thought it was tea bag filler!!) as I get migraines from strong tea.
3 years ago
sailingbystarlight says:
I love your designs. No wonder they took off! This series is just so inspiring!
3 years ago
Bijunea says:
Really inspiring =) Keep up the good work =P * * *
3 years ago
sarahcruse says:
Wonderful Wonderful wonderful!!! I am soo Inspired!Thank you! and may the fairies sprinkle self employment dust on each and every one of you!
3 years ago
roxygemini says:
I have always been so happy with all of my bonspiel purchases, and it is cool to read that you are a real girl living the dream through all these wicked little etsy delicasies that I love to score! Keep on rocking in the free world chica! designsbyamber is another one of my fave Canadian shops on here...woot woot for the northern niche on etsy!! Roxy
3 years ago
kinchi says:
I loved reading this, Ellen is my favorite Etsy seller!! I fell for the catching combination of her wonderful designs and fun descriptions over 2 years ago and was hooked right away. Be warned people, you won't be able to stop coming back over and over again for more leather goodies and clothes! Congrats with your inspiring feature, Ellen and I wish you many more years of success and happiness on Etsy! xo Mirjam
3 years ago
MyJunkyTrunk says:
I am inspired! Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us!
3 years ago
bonspielcreation says:
I just read over this again and I think I have a little crush on myself, not to mention all you lovely posters! I'm so glad that I can inspire you all to reach out and grab that brass ring of self-employment (on the carousel of life, don'cha know).
3 years ago
OptimisticbyNature says:
Hi! I'm just starting out and this was way inspiring. I have a great day job that pays me way too much to consider quitting anytime soon but.... your typical day sounds totally awesome! It is nice to dream :) I love your stuff!!
174 days ago