Mollie of muyinmolly recently quit her day job to try her hand at selling her jewelry line full time. After a successful holiday season on Etsy, careful time spent studying the traits of other successful sellers, and steady sales, Mollie knew it was her time to take the plunge. She met with an accountant, filed for a business license and has been at it ever since. Keep reading to find out how she did it, how she is doing, and the new line of jewelry—and Team—she plans to introduce to Etsy.
When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
I had heard the jewelry category was very competitive before I started on Etsy, so I did not expect to sell much. I just wanted to sell a few pieces a month. To my surprise, I made my first sale within 24 hours of listing my first item, and the total sales of my first month also far exceeded my expectations. That was when I realized the potential of this sales venue and started to dream about selling on Etsy full time.
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 started selling on Etsy at the beginning of July 2007. My sales volume tripled in December and has been steady since then. By March this year I knew it was going to happen, so I started to prepare for it mentally. I was a private piano teacher during the weekdays and felt the responsibility to continue lessons until the end of the school year; that was the main reason I did not quit sooner.
What made you decide to quit your day job?
I worked for a music agency that paid me to drive to students’ homes to give private piano lessons. The job was very stressful because it involved a lot of driving and communicating with parents, and I simply did not feel compensated enough for the level of work I put in. I also knew that in every way I was just happier creating and selling jewelry.
How did you know you were ready to take the plunge?
My jewelry was featured in the May/June issue of Figure Magazine. As soon as the magazine hit the stands at the end of April, my sales volume literally tripled, and it became harder and harder for me to manage both my day job and Etsy store at the same time. After working over 60 hours a week for about one month straight, it became very clear which job should be the priority for me.
Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time before taking the plunge?
I got my business license as soon as I started selling. I met with an accountant for the first time this year for my 2007 business taxes and discussed tax issues for a full-time business. I also made a business plan in February and figured out how much I need to sell every month to support myself. I was very shocked to find out I was not making as much as I had always thought, after all the expenses were factored in. A common mistake a lot of Etsy sellers make when pricing their crafts is that they do not factor in the time and money they spend on packing, shipping, listing items, photographing…etc. Making sales doesn’t mean making money if you don’t know your costs.
What goals have you set for your Etsy business in the next few months and year?
Not only do I want to see steady growth for my business, I also want to become a better jewelry designer. Currently most of my customers are drawn to my affordable pearl jewelry, but I have a plan to expand my materials to high end gemstones/pearls and precious metal clay in the next year. I would like to gradually “upgrade” my Etsy store, or perhaps open one or two more shops that sell jewelry of different styles.
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business?
I list and relist every day, and also try to improve my photos all the time. Other than that I rarely do any promotion. I try to come up with new designs every so often to keep repeat customers. I know a lot of sellers believe you should promote as much as possible, but my personal experience tells me that frequent listing alone brings enough exposure (there are honestly A LOT of buyers on Etsy), as long as you have good products and good photos. A decent digital camera is a must.
How’s it going so far? Are you supporting yourself?
This is the first month after I quit my day job. So far everything has been great. In fact, better than I expected. For two weeks I barely had any time to work on the website because I was relocating from Indianapolis to Charleston, but sales stayed pretty steady during my relocation, and I still met my quota in June. I am pretty hopeful that once I have more time to work on new designs my sales volume will increase.
Can you walk us through what a typical workday might entail now that you have quit your day job?
- The first thing I do in the morning is to see if I made any sales while I was sleeping.
- If I did, I quickly check the inventory and relist the sold items.
- Then I check my email box to see if I need to answer any customer’s questions.
- After answering the emails, I start making the orders until late afternoon.
- Throughout the day, I check my Etsy store and email once every hour or so to see if there are any updates.
- When I finish all the orders, I print out shipping labels in bulk and make a trip to the post office.
- Whenever I have any spare time, I make new designs, photograph and list them.
You may imagine that I stay at my work bench and work on my orders all day long, but in reality only about 60% of my time is spent on customers’ orders, and the rest of the time is spent on business related tasks, such as packing, shipping, ordering supplies, working on the website, etc.
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job?
The freedom — being able to sleep in and take breaks whenever I want. I have bad sleeping habits and sometimes it is extremely difficult for me to get up and work in the morning. In addition, my family lives in Taiwan and it is important for me to know whenever I need to go home I can just take off. I also like the fact that I am by myself all day long. I am very shy in nature, and whenever I do not have to talk to people I would choose not to. Not having a day job means I can indulge in my own world most of the time.
What piece of advice would you give someone thinking about taking the plunge to sell full time on Etsy?
I studied quite a few full time Etsy sellers’ shops and saw a very similar pattern. They usually start to make decent sales by their third month (some sooner and some later). Their photography improves over time. They come up with new products, and many of them have “signature” products. They list regularly, and if they sell in a competitive category (such as jewelry), they list frequently. I saw all of the above from my shop; so I was hopeful. I worked a lot and prepared for it, hoping one day I would become one of these lucky sellers. Then opportunity knocked, and I opened my door, and the next thing I knew was being featured on “Quit Your Day Job” — yes, it happens on Etsy, no matter what other people tell you. You need to be extremely self-motivated, and not only work hard, but also with methods. Do your market research, understand your niche, learn from other sellers (but don’t copy their designs!) and from your customers. Keep learning, stay positive and be patient. Then, if this IS meant to be your sales venue, your time will come.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Etsy changed my life. I love the community and am proud to be a part of it. I have been inspired by so many fellow artists on Etsy, and have received a lot of help from many of them. I would like to give back by sharing my experience with other Etsy sellers. I will be starting a Team this summer with studio9, and our goal is to provide help for committed Etsy sellers who are —or plan to be — selling on Etsy full time. It has been a fun journey, and I am sure there are many more exciting things waiting for me in the future.
Thanks to muyinmolly 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.
95 comments
Sign in to add your ownDiffraction says:
I LOVE reading everyone's stories of 'making it'. Gives me hope! In a years time I hope to be right there too!
3 years ago
southpawstudios says:
I am a stay at home jewelry artist too for about 5 years now. love hearing what others are doing, it is hard when you work alone to know what others are doing and marketing and so on. great sucess story!
3 years ago
dailydetails says:
I am just starting today to list some of my hand made bags. I use recycled fabric and buttons. I love hearing the encouraging news that someone is making a living, doing what they love. I hope to be one of them! Thanks for the great artical.
3 years ago
WhiteCraneDesign says:
Wonderful story. Lovely designs. Quite an inspiration to someone who is NEW like me. thank you. Rhonda
3 years ago
Kimbunnie says:
Amazing... Good for you!! Really inspirational!! And great pieces by the way!! Keep up the good work!!
3 years ago
MiaowMiaow says:
I agree, this is very inspirational, i haven't found my creative plan yet but it's nice to read about someone who has :)
3 years ago
camerongodfrey says:
Beautiful items!
3 years ago
gingerlime says:
This is a wonderful story! muyinmolly's jewelry is gorgeous...wonderful outlook for the future too. Thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
studio9 says:
You are such a doll. Love your article. Nice work. You are and have been truly inspirational to me. Thank you.
3 years ago
harvestmoonbyhand says:
Congratulations! Inspirational story with good advice. Thanks for sharing your story.
3 years ago
dorkdesigns says:
very nice artical
3 years ago
cloud9designstudio says:
kewl article
3 years ago
CandyStickLane says:
WONDERFUL story! And Mollie~your design sense is extraordinary!
3 years ago
1920 says:
Always happy to read inspirational story like this. Love Etsy family!
3 years ago
pillowhappy says:
these are the stories we need to keep encouraged! thank you for sharing! and i love your jewelry....
3 years ago
muyinmolly says:
thank you guys! I wish you all great success too ♥
3 years ago
ModFarmgirl says:
Wonderful and inspiring story!!! I love your work MuyinMolly. It has such a gorgeous simplicity about it. Good luck and thank you for sharing your story! ~~Marie~~
3 years ago
edor7 says:
sweet.
3 years ago
AntiGenre says:
Inspirational and informative - I love reading about how Etsy sellers manage the 'business' side of being in business. I'll definitely check out the new team when it gets going!
3 years ago
lucidjewelry says:
Congrats Mollie on your feature story. I enjoyed the update on how you are doing and the inspiration that you give me to continue to list and relist. Congrats on your continued success !
3 years ago
Jemjoop says:
Congratulations Molly, and very interesting feature about your work. I've noticed that too, the "signature" items that tend to sell again and again. Hope you have a busy holiday season in your shop, and have fun with your new FT Etsian Team! :O)
3 years ago
valeriellen says:
I couldn't help but buy a pair of those little gold hoops! I've discovered a new favorite shop. Thanks!
3 years ago
MyKangaroo says:
Wow! I am now a big fan. Great shop Mollie.
3 years ago
beadedbaublejewelry says:
Congratulations on your success. Your jewelry is beautiful!
3 years ago
crochetedmagic says:
Dear Mollie, thank you very much for such an inspiring stry and sharing your best practices. I'm sure all of us "newcomers" appreciate it :)))
3 years ago
sudlow says:
great job! working for yourself is so rewarding & you'll never go back to a normal 9-5 now! Your work is great, you should totally raise those prices!
3 years ago
vanillalotus says:
Wow I like to read these success stories. I really have been wanted to do Etsy full time since it is so hard to go to school full time and work full time. It is impossible for me to find a part time job. I was doing really well last christmas and close to those months but then I started school and working and my store got put to the side. I want to start selling my photos are art in another etsy store but have no time to even maintain one let alone two stores. I'm really motivated to get started though after reading about Mollie. I think I missed my open door, but maybe I still have a chance.
3 years ago
ezrascousin says:
Great story!
3 years ago
kittycrossbones says:
Congrats!
3 years ago
mpaperarts says:
Awesome story, so inspiring!!! You go!
3 years ago
lilypoh says:
A great inspiration for sellers like us. I joined etsy around 2006 as a buyer. I like this site because of the uniqueness of each handmade item. Finally, I started to sell my handmade products 1 month ago too.
3 years ago
artsizzles says:
Yes! Standing Ovation. I quit my day job also after many many years and took the plunge (didn't look back). I've done very well at craft and art events and hope to do the same at Etsy. Alane, Art Glass Artist San Diego
3 years ago
missevilkitty2 says:
Very inspring !!
3 years ago
debwiessdesigns says:
Wow your story makes me think that anything is possible. I have been desiging jewelry for over 8 years and never did think that it was possible and I also made my first sale within 3 hrs of listing the necklace.
3 years ago
panopoly says:
Where can I find info on the new team? I'm a full-time crafter and I would love to join!
3 years ago
wendyoffield says:
I found this story inspiring and informative. Thanks for sharing.
3 years ago
seosheen says:
nice motivating story i like it
3 years ago
bellabub says:
excellent article. thanks for the insight and congrats on your success! :)
3 years ago
kaleadesigns says:
I am so inspired after reading this story. My dream is to simply have my own jewelry business and not have to work for anyone else...thank you for sharing this...it means alot to us!!!
3 years ago
rafya says:
Dont stop growing Mollie , your items are beautiful !
3 years ago
florigander says:
I have a pair of Mollie's earrings and love them! Congrats and I hope that your business keeps expanding!
3 years ago
howlindoggie says:
it's great to read about all the success stories! very inspirational for all of us, even some old dogs like me!
3 years ago
autumnsarrival says:
Wonderful interview and some really great tips! Your jewely is beautiful! Hats of to you!!
3 years ago
babypeasandcarrots says:
This interview was really motivating!!!
3 years ago
WooHooCrossStitch says:
Great interview! Well done Mollie!
3 years ago
CherylBall says:
Great job! Congrats!
3 years ago
raquelcastillo says:
Congrats Mollie! I too design jewelry and would love to someday take the plunge. With hard work and courage anything is possible. Thank You! You are a true inspiration.<3
3 years ago
SalvageNation says:
Mollie is the reason I am on etsy. I found a blog she had written about the value of selling on etsy. I sent her an email full of questions and she graciously answered each one. From time to time she sends me a note and ask about things. I am in awe of her talent and kindess. I am so glad her story has been told. I think Mollie exhibits all that is the absolute best about etsy.
3 years ago
wartpiggydesigns says:
Such an inspiration. Thanks!
3 years ago
APhoenixRises says:
I am hoping to get to that level sales. I love to be able to devote myself full time to my passion.
3 years ago
funktionslust says:
I am SO happy for you Mollie that you get to live happily through your art!
3 years ago
Nitscreations says:
seriously a feel good article :) loved it
3 years ago
ArleenDesign says:
That was really inspiring and motivating as well. Goodluck to you Molly and I hope i can be like you in terms of sales in my due time.
3 years ago
Piggy says:
Great story! Definitely very inspiring.. Thank you for sharing! :) I wish I can be like in time to come :)
3 years ago
najmuthakib says:
congrats...hope one day it will happen to me to! sumaiya
3 years ago
samsshop says:
Mollie - congratulations! As a buyer of your items, I know you are surely going to be successful.
3 years ago
Studio618 says:
Mollie - thanks for all the encouragement. That was a very inspirational article. I'm 1-month old on Etsy and you gave me a lot to look forward to.
3 years ago
StacyRaeT says:
Congratulations! i hope to be in your shoes someday! thank you for your inspiration!
3 years ago
SimpleOrganicBeauty says:
Good for you! I love to hear success stories, it gives me encouragement! Thank you for sharing! I love your stuff.
3 years ago
THINKOHM says:
Just a satisfied customer and so nice to see someone you purchased from in an article. Beautiful simple, classic jewelry with a cool modern twist. Purchased several pairs of pearl earrings and will look for more in the future. Nice Work Molly! Thanks - Anna
3 years ago
bittersweetboo says:
I love hearing stories like this! Thanx for the tips!
3 years ago
inspireddoodles says:
Thank you so much for your encouragement. I love to hear how others find their way, and you had some great information to work on. Thanks again.
3 years ago
muyinmolly says:
Thank you everyone for the comment!I'm so happy to see many familiar faces here too.You all make me feel so worth it to make friends on Etsy! ♥ We're trying to get things started for the team.I will post the updates here in a few days.
3 years ago
BlackStar says:
What a delightful story!
3 years ago
Skyerocket says:
Very inspiring! Congratulations!
3 years ago
lillyella says:
another wonderful story! they all make me so happy to see all the opportunities Etsy has provided~
3 years ago
julssewcrazy says:
How wonderful! I am so inspired! You have a great routine. As soon as the kids are in school, I hope to get a routine and list more on Etsy just as you have done!
3 years ago
SMboutique says:
Thank you Mollie for giving me a little more strengh to dare to dream!I love your work and wish you the very best.Sandrine
3 years ago
grammideb says:
a very inspirational story, I am dreaming of selling my jewelry on Etsy too one day, I don't feel quite ready but you made me feel much more positive. I really love your jewelry it's classic... I wish you all the best
3 years ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
I think this article was wonderful. I am new to ETSY. I love reading these stories it inspires me and give me hope to keep on. I can't wait to get my first sale.
3 years ago
nicholasandfelice says:
yay Mollie! Ever since we "met" when we had a mutual weird non- payer situation it has been a pleasure to get to know you a little and see your shop grow. Etsy jewelrs unite!
3 years ago
thatpinksack says:
Wow! The jewelry offered is super unique and so affordable! I am in love with the rings and bracelets! This article encourages me to keep going at what I am selling :D! GO MOLLIE!! I used to work in retail and just gave up :(!
3 years ago
gothfoxdesigns says:
Welcome to the world of the self employed! Congrats and i'm sure you will do great! xoxo
3 years ago
savethedate says:
how inspiring and I came from taiwan too! very proud of you and your jewelry is very beautifully made and creative!
3 years ago
Floweredsky says:
Very inspring. You should be proud of yourself. You motivated definitely me and I am sure there are hundreds who will agree with me . Keep up the good work , love your designs ...
3 years ago
LynnsBeadsNThings says:
Congratulations on your success! I am a newbie to Etsy and plan to retire from my day job in about a year and a half. I hope to be able to supplement income via Etsy. I sell my jewelry at a local gallery but after I retire will be out of town a lot and unable to "restock" so Etsy would be perfect for that reason! Thanks for the tips!
3 years ago
Kayraffla says:
Wow congrats! I read one of your forums awhile ago about how much you would have to sell to go full time. I am really excited to see that you have done it! Good luck!
3 years ago
KnitANDPearl says:
What an inspiration! And what a gorgeous shop! :) It's so great to read about a fellow artist "makin' it". Congrats!
3 years ago
dorisrivera says:
Congrats Mollie! You are an inspiration.
3 years ago
fantella says:
What a great story!!!! I love to hear story(real life story) about how other people make it happen. Thanks
3 years ago
Plumbellina says:
Thanks for the inspiration...I can relate to you wanting to spend time in your *own world* :)
3 years ago
KittyKatoure says:
congrats molly- thanks for your story-its a great insight to getting started- I totally can benefit from reading this- thanks so much!!!
3 years ago
muyinmolly says:
I’m very very sad to announce that the cofounder of the Full Time Etsian team studio9 just closed her shop today :( (please see her shop announcement and show her some love and support)...As she stated in her shop announcement—“creating is my passion, running a business is not.†Very few of us realize running a full time Etsy business is not as glamorous as it seems. It is extremely time consuming and involves a lot of stress and boring chores. You must love BOTH creating AND running a business to do this. I'm really going to miss you, Valeri..
3 years ago
teal5 says:
These quit-your-day-job stories are very inspiring. Though I've yet to list my work, it will come eventually. With baby #3 due in about a month, I'm hoping to work on things over the year off, and not have to return to my part time job...We will see! In the meantime, I'll look forward to this feature every week!
3 years ago
Alceryn says:
i love Mollie's work. i also have one of her amazing rings and pendant. from the items i purchased on Etsy, her ring is my absolute favourite. it's really great to see her story featured here. it gives me a chance to get to know the artist behind my favourite ring. photos of her work area are also neat to see! i still visit her store often precisely because of the reasons she gave: she lists new items and relists items often. her designs are so fresh and yet so simple. i was very much inspired by her craft AND her creative approach to store image when i started mine. i don't think i'll quit my day job but great tips! thanks, Molly... and all the best! all the best to team studio9 as well...
3 years ago
BebeToby says:
I love reading all these "Quit Your Day Job" articles, they are very inspirational and motivates me to work even harder!
3 years ago
TexasBeauties says:
Wow! That was a great article on Molly. I hope to one day quit my job and follow my passion in creating totes, wallets and purses. I daydream and imagine what it would be like to be my own boss one day. Good luck Molly!
3 years ago
BeadsInTheBelfry says:
great story!
3 years ago
Cbowe says:
Great story! I hope to be in your shoes in a few years. I found Etsy this past July...and just love it. I hope to start my own little shop in the near future. Thanks for the inspiration.
3 years ago
bellebabies says:
I love the full time etsyer stories, congrats on all your success!
3 years ago
muyinmolly says:
hello Guys,the Full Time Etsy Crafter Team is officially here!You can find details about the team on the Etsy teams page or simply convo me. :)
3 years ago
waltersbeads says:
very talented with style!
3 years ago
tinyspace says:
love this reading!
3 years ago
SickoJewels says:
Very inspiring! I love your story and your beautiful jewelry ;)
2 years ago
ThePrettyGypsy says:
I love how she has found the perfect job for her personality. Finding fulfillment in work as a shy person can be so challenging. Happy for you! :)
1 year ago