This article was originally published on August 11, 2008. We are reviving it as part of the Best of the Storque series. Enjoy!
Rachel of rachelaustin was able to quit her day job after a year and a half of selling on Etsy. She and her husband made the decision together, and not long after, her husband was able to quit his job to help Rachel run her Etsy shop full time. They are now expecting their first baby any day (the due date is TODAY) and have been able to make a living from selling Rachel’s paintings. Let’s hope her husband is ready to take the reins in the coming weeks and months as the baby arrives! Please help me in congratulating them on their Etsy success, as well as the new addition to the family. Keep reading to find out how they do it and what Rachel wished she’d known when she first took the plunge.
When you first started selling on Etsy did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
No, I actually never thought I would want to do painting as my full source of income. I thought there would be too much pressure and stress to make ends meet and didn’t want to lose the happiness I felt painting. My goal was to paint part time in addition to a steady part time job, but things ended up a bit different. Happily different.
How long were you selling on Etsy before taking the plunge into selling full time?
About a year and a half.
What was the deciding factor resulting in your pursuing Etsy as your full time job?
I was working part time in an office and part time painting for about a year. After a while I started selling more and more paintings. Eventually I was working my office job 20 hours, but coming home and putting another 40 hours a week painting and doing all the business things that go along with running your own business. I couldn’t keep up — I was getting pretty stressed out and not sleeping very well. I was also making more money painting compared to the income in my ‘steady’ job. My husband, Jon, and I sat down and decided it was kind of silly for me to not be doing painting full time. And the fears of the unsteady income went away when I was able to devote all my time to painting and growing my business.
Things are going so well that my husband quit his job to come work for me part time last December. This has been such a gift to be able to work with my favorite person! He helps with the shipping, bookkeeping, and marketing, which frees me up to paint more. Sometimes we dress up and go out for breakfast to hold ‘business meetings.’ We have fun brainstorming ideas for our business and drinking lots of coffee.
I’m now pregnant and having a little girl (due August 11th!) and feel very blessed to be able to work at home and hang out with her.
Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time before taking the plunge?
By the time I committed to painting full time, I pretty much had all that in place. I did start setting aside more time for promoting myself — most everything before that was word of mouth or people finding me.
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business and what’s your best marketing tip?
I think being patient when building up the shop/business has been key. I don’t think there is any quick way to make a sale (though being in a Treasury on the front page of Etsy usually brings a couple sales!). Some things I regularly do is post and renew items throughout the day to try and reach new people — often between 4-10 times a day. We also advertise on different design blogs like Modish and sfgirlbybay. I have links all over my website and blog to refer people to my Etsy shop. In addition to Etsy, I have shops and galleries that sell my paintings and usually do a solo or group show once a month. Another little marketing tool we’ve done is to print postcards with my paintings, website and Etsy address shown on the front. I always keep a stack in my purse so when I’m at a coffee shop or traveling I can leave them for people to find. I also try to make lovely packages when I ship and usually include a hand-written note as well as a little freebie (magnets, buttons, etc). We do end up getting a lot of repeat customers, which is so nice to see people return because they like my paintings.
What have you found to be unsuccessful promotion or something that’s just not working for your shop?
When I first started on Etsy I thought it would be a place where I could only sell smaller and cheaper work, but soon found that my larger pieces could sell successfully on Etsy — having the variety made my whole shop more appealing, too. I also found it is really important to put on work that I love, instead of just putting on what I think others would buy.
Another promotion that didn’t work so well for me was when I bought some spendy print ads and didn’t seem to get much of a response. I’ve found internet ads definitely steer more folks to my Etsy shop and are more affordable.
Would you walk us through what a typical workday might entail being your own boss?
- I usually start off with a latte, a homemade muffin and checking my e-mail.
- I check my week’s to-do list and add any new items for the day.
- Some days Jon and I devote exclusively to chopping wood and building the panels I paint on and their frames.
- For the map paintings, after the panels are cut, we glue on the maps, then we add a clear gel for the texture. That dries for 2-3 days, then I buff on a thin layer of oil that needs to dry another couple days.
- After that, I draw my designs and then, finally I paint!
- Most days are spent working on a little of each activity to keep the momentum going.
- All day long, I’m checking e-mail and posting or renewing throughout the day.
- I try to go to the post office 2-3 times a week, so some mornings or afternoons require a couple hours of framing and packaging.
- In the evening, I try to do a blog post, check out other blogs and Etsy Forums and usually work on painting some more.
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job and is there anything you miss?
I like the limitless possibilities of being my own boss and being able to explore new ideas. I love the craft community and love talking with other artists and art-fans. It’s definitely an exciting time to be involved in DIY culture. Over the last nine months, while I’ve been pregnant, it’s been awfully nice to rest whenever morning sickness comes or tiredness sweeps in.
I sometimes miss being in a workplace where I was always around people — I turn into a bit of a hermit when left too long with my paintings.
If you could go back in time before you took the plunge, what advice would you give yourself knowing what you know now?
I didn’t really understand the importance of marketing. It would have helped to have a good marketing plan in place when I first took the plunge. And I didn’t have any smaller items when I started out either, but I now complement my paintings with map pendants, note cards and prints, magnets and mirrors. I think it is important to have different items at lower price points for those who like my paintings but can’t afford the originals.
What advice would you give someone else thinking about taking the plunge to sell full time on Etsy?
I wish I would have taken the plunge sooner. If it is a possibility for you, it is worth taking a look at what you need and then working hard to make it happen. I’ve encouraged lots of folks to start Etsy shops and those that stick with it and stay active tend to be successful. Pay attention to the feedback you’re getting from people around you — if that is consistently positive, that’s a great sign!
How’s it going so far? Are you supporting yourself?
Yes, supporting myself and our growing family. Hooray!
What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
I would like to add some new designs and series this year — I actually have one new series (seed paintings) that I plan to post soon. I also want to expand my line of note cards and offer larger sets with better packaging. And I plan to paint more large works this year.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Thanks to all the Etsy staff and all my Etsy buyers. The site is wonderful!
Thanks to Rachel 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.
114 comments
Sign in to add your ownbdelpesco says:
Great interview (nice questions) and wonderful images of the studio and the art/artist. Big fan of Rachel's work. Hearty congrats on the arriving-soon little one!
3 years ago
ciaraobscura says:
Lovely shop, informative interview and, obviously, that Rachel Austin has got herself a well balanced business... so very nice to see yet another super gifted artist "making it"!
3 years ago
CeeGeeJewellery says:
Always great to hear someone making a success of what they love to do. Rachel's designs are beautiful. Good luck with the new addition to the family... due date today?!
3 years ago
gingerlime says:
I love these stories. Thank you for your persective...your work is beautiful!
3 years ago
CandyStickLane says:
GREAT! Congrats on being able to quit AND your husband - that totally rox!!! BIG CONGRATS on your baby girl!!!!
3 years ago
DeborahVoizin says:
This is VERY Inspiring! Congrats on the new baby!
3 years ago
KAHOONICA says:
Awww. This was a very sweet article. Best of luck to you rachel!
3 years ago
autumnsarrival says:
GREAT paintings & a wonderful story! How great is it you get to work with your husband! Keep up the good work and best of luck with the new little one!!
3 years ago
signsofmylife says:
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S ! A wonderful story to read today and your baby is on it's way, hooray! Your work is wonderful and your story too...it helps me know I have some hope here on etsy. You are an inspiration to me. Thank you!
3 years ago
jamieribisi says:
Great story!! Congrats on your success and your growing family!!!
3 years ago
queenofqueens says:
I've had my eye on your work for a while. Congratulations on well deserved success and thank you for the inspiring interview!
3 years ago
secrethistory says:
RACHEL AUSTIN is ammmmmazing! i have seen her around etsy ever since i started and have always adored her work! i am soooo glad this article was written. how cool is it that she and her husband are supporting their family with ETSY- one of THE BEST inventions ever- !?!?!!?! keep on painitng and congrats and well wishes on your new addition to the family!
3 years ago
meringuedesigns says:
Great article!! Always inspiring to read about the success of others. Congrats on the baby!
3 years ago
foodchic says:
Rachel - I love your work! And your personality matches the joy in your paintings. Congrats on Mommyhood!!!
3 years ago
lazygiraffe says:
Wonderful article, so inspiring. Congratulations on the baby! :)
3 years ago
stephaniegibson says:
Congratulations on the baby! This has inspired me to list some of my more expensive pieces. I have to go take pictures!!
3 years ago
jenkinsrose says:
Wow! This was so inspirational. Thank you for sharing.
3 years ago
GumballGrenade says:
Very helpful and encouraging article. Rachel's work is incredibly eye catching! I love it. Congratulations on the new apple dumpling!
3 years ago
ArleenDesign says:
Your story is very inspiring.Just like you i decided to take etsy as my full time work especially that i have a baby.Although i'm just new, (just opened about three days ago)i feel the positive vibration of what I'm doing. Congratulations and God bless!
3 years ago
LittleSweethearts says:
I loved reading your story Rachel. How fun that you'll be able to stay at home with your little girl!
3 years ago
byrobinlynne says:
I couldn't read past this "What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business and what's *you're* best marketing tip?" It's a mental hang-up. (That should be your, right?) Great artwork though!
3 years ago
thehomepress says:
Inspiration by the bucket load! If I could give up my day job in a year and a half I'd be a very happy girl. Best wishes to you, your hubby and your new baby girl xxxx
3 years ago
clubviv says:
This is awesome ! Your real story is very encouraging.. Congrats on everything.
3 years ago
baddinsdesign says:
How inspiring! Go Rachel!
3 years ago
blondechicken says:
I loved this interview! I'm so happy for her! Her pregnancy reminded me of an excellent question that would really help those of us looking to go full-time - what do they do about insurance? Thanks!
3 years ago
Nishale says:
lovely article!!!!!!
3 years ago
matouenpeluche says:
Wow! What an inspiration to us artists! You go girl!
3 years ago
scarletbloom says:
Amazing work! I got a little choked up reading the interview. Congratulations on your success and (both of you) being able to quit your day jobs! Warmest wishes on the birth of your little one!
3 years ago
franticmeerkat says:
Great interview! I laughed when I read about the "business breakfasts" because my fiance and I always take a break at noon and go on a "business lunch" once a week to discuss marketing and to make a "to do" list for the upcoming week.
3 years ago
NancysView says:
Just looking at your paintings brings me joy! So happy to see your unique story on Etsy. Hurray!! Many blessings and success to your family:D
3 years ago
AwApplesauce says:
I've always loved her pieces! It's nice to see an interview with her!
3 years ago
sephshug says:
very inspiring.. wow!
3 years ago
MyKangaroo says:
I have been a big fan of your since I first joined Etsy a year ago. It is so wonderful that you can do what you love full time. Congratulations and best wishes with the new baby.
3 years ago
rachelaustin says:
Thank you all for your kind words! It's been great to read all these comments! Everyone is very sweet. : )
3 years ago
dharma8designs says:
congrats on the new baby and lots of luck. the article was great and the pics were fabulous!
3 years ago
WooHooCrossStitch says:
Great inspiration!! Congrats on your expanding family!
3 years ago
soulyyours says:
Love your work! I wish you the best with your new little one!
3 years ago
anitrabear says:
Oh wow this was great reading! Congrats with your new bundle of joy on the way! Sweet little girls are precious! I have one too she is 2 1/2. Your information was very useful thank you so much for sharing!
3 years ago
thewren says:
Your story is great! I love your artwork too! Thanks for sharing and good luck with your new baby. :)
3 years ago
NikiJewellery says:
Congratulations on your great work and also your new baby!
3 years ago
QueeniesCloset says:
You seem to have found Eutopia! Really interesting read. You are very blessed.
3 years ago
QueeniesCloset says:
Sorry not sure why that has posted twice!!
3 years ago
FrucciDesign says:
great article, all the best for the little LEO!!!
3 years ago
dizzydezign says:
I love the maps in the background of your paintings. Good luck with the baby!
3 years ago
staroftheeast says:
Love your workspace and your art!!
3 years ago
staroftheeast says:
Left my comment a little too soon, congratulations with the baby!!
3 years ago
miesmama says:
wonderful interview - what an inspiration you are. Your work is just beautiful, a new fave heart winging it's way to you!
3 years ago
pinkpandamary says:
I always love this "Quit your day job" topic. Your work and your workspace is nice. Congratulations with the baby. Good Luck.
3 years ago
zombuki says:
Congrats :3 always an inspiring feature. I totally love the "business meetings"! How sweet!
3 years ago
kathryncole says:
Inspiring. I enjoyed reading this article. Congratulations on the baby. Your work is beautiful
3 years ago
suzanneally says:
THANK YOU for the inspiration! This is a dream come true for an artist - to be able to follow their creative muse without fear of failed sales! YES! WE CAN DO IT! HOORAY! HOORAY! HOORAY!
3 years ago
thezentree says:
I really love your imagery! And your story keeps me motivated and hopeful. I have two little girls that keep me very busy, so that is always one more thing to balance and enjoy. Good luck with the little one!
3 years ago
dogties says:
Nice work!
3 years ago
snappingtwig says:
love your work so inspirational to see your family grow along with the beautiful work you are both creating. congratulations on the little one !
3 years ago
GeraniumKiss says:
What an inspirational interview. I love your work. Makes me want to get in their and work again. due to relocation and some other evens I haven't painted in quite awhile! Thanks for the inspiration. Again, Gorgeous work and wonderful article, thanks to Mary, Mary too. Diana
3 years ago
kittycrossbones says:
CONGRATS! Great article! Keep up the awesome work!!
3 years ago
SittingPrettyStudio says:
This is such an inspirational interview! Thanks!
3 years ago
crazyjaneknits says:
I love love love your work!!!
3 years ago
nuyoricangreetings says:
Being new to Etsy - this is just the kind of inspiration I need :-) Thanks for the interview - and congrats on the new little one!
3 years ago
ditse says:
Nice paintings! and congratulations on your baby girl. c",)
3 years ago
ohdear says:
I love Rachel Austin's shop so much! Great interview!
3 years ago
krize says:
great story! Thank You for sharing your experience with us!
3 years ago
pulpsushi says:
Her workspace is so cute! Congratulations on your success!
3 years ago
f2images says:
Rachel, so inspirational. It's nice to see that "it" can happen for artists here!! So happy for you and your hubby and new baby....congrats!!
3 years ago
ArtSnark says:
Enjoyed the article, advice & beautiful paintings!
3 years ago
JenArthur says:
Thanks for such a great article with helpful tips. This is really inspirational. Congratulations on the baby, Rachel!
3 years ago
Jemjoop says:
Great article! Your success is a real inspiration. And I love your work too. Let us know when your daughter makes her arrival xo
3 years ago
debbiecarroll says:
Wonderful interview with a very positive spin! Thanks for letting us learn from your efforts, I especially liked what you said about posting what you love, not what you think will sell - food for thought! Congrats on your new addition!
3 years ago
Pearlsandstars says:
It was fun to read about Rachel and Jon but the hazard, as she said, on Etsy is the human touch. Now I feel like I know Rachel and I want to see a picture of that baby when it comes. Pushy, pushy etsy people! Please....
3 years ago
toolisjewelry says:
Wonderful interview, it's very encouraging to watch Rachel's success! Her paintings are so beautiful; the photos of her studio are so heartwarming! I wish you and your family all the best, Congrats on the newly born :)
3 years ago
oceanavesilks says:
Rachel's paintings are so beautiful! Thank you for the inspiring article! I recently lost (not quit) my day job, and so appreciate the extra income I am making on Etsy. So wonderful for you and your husband to be able to work from home and spend your time with your new baby girl! Congrats!
3 years ago
kdhetherly says:
I love articles like these. Just when you are feeling discouraged with your shop an artist tells a story to motivate you! Congrats on the new baby! Our little one just turned 1 on August 1st!
3 years ago
ConvolutedNotions says:
What a wonderful article! I'm so inspired by this story and encouraged to continue growing my own etsy business. Thanks so much for sharing! Caren Stuart convoluted notions
3 years ago
esmeraldadesigns says:
Beautiful work and great source of inspiration! Congratulations to the new baby
3 years ago
lindalu says:
Thanks for the wonderful insight. I wish you growing success to go along with your growing family.
3 years ago
Skyerocket says:
Gorgeous paintings! I love the Sydney pendant,my home city! Good luck with baby girl!
3 years ago
CharmdImSur says:
Great advice! A beginner can skip months of the "learning experience" by adhering to your excellent points! Good luck on the impending birth of your daughter!!! Jean
3 years ago
beadgoddess61 says:
Wonderful article! You are so creative and I just love your work, especially your map pendants. Congratulations on the birth of your new baby girl!
3 years ago
TreasuresbyTrimmer says:
Very informative article and I love your work-particularly Autostrada. It makes me wish that I had more wall space!
3 years ago
teamzvoniktoo says:
Super inspirational story! I really appreciate hearing about your lessons and your success! Congrats to you & your family!
3 years ago
brownbunnybyiris says:
I call that a huge success, being able to quit your day job. I wish you and your baby good luck and lots of fun. Best wishes, Iris
3 years ago
mrseliotbooks says:
thank you rachel and etsy. great tip about relisting so often. and good luck with the baby!
3 years ago
Treecycle says:
Congratulations Rachel on your new arrival, and your success! Inspirational and encouraging article, something for us all to look to!
3 years ago
KJoannRussell says:
Fresh, lovely designs. I like them all! Congratulations on your success in developing a unique niche business. What an inspiration! Blessings on your new addition to your family! Won't it be fun to have your daughter follow her mom's creative footsteps?
3 years ago
KatsCozyKrafts says:
Thanks for your insightful tips. I'm just now setting up my shop at Etsy and these tips are going to be of great value in the success of my shop. Good luck with you delivery. I'm glad you'll be able to be at home with your baby too. I do needlecraft, crossstitch,embroidery,and crochet. Perhaps soon you'll see some of my work here. Our best to you're family. Kat
3 years ago
nestingshop says:
the marketing ideas and feedback were great thank you so much! i have seen your shop before and love your paintings! i like the addition of the pendants as well, they are on my xmas list! good luck to your growing family, and thanks for the inspiring story!
3 years ago
yarncoture says:
Very inspiring story! My husband is just starting out on Etsy and has been a long time admirer of your work. All I can say is that you inspired me today!
3 years ago
paperandinkling says:
Thank you for such a wonderful story! I'm very new to Etsy, and this story helps me to know what works/doesn't work, etc. I look forward to more success stories!
3 years ago
sarahcruse says:
Exciting Art and wonderful advice! Thankyou! Best of Luck with Baby Girl! Congratulations!
3 years ago
Roesy says:
I love your work, good on ya I really enjoyed the interview x roesy
3 years ago
CatamountDigital says:
Wow! What an inspiration. Nice interview. I've always found artists workflow very interesting and it was nice to hear about how someone else spends their days. Thanks! Cody
3 years ago
KellyGstudio says:
Wonderful article, very informative, and inspiring! Enjoy that baby..they grow up too quick!
3 years ago
janicej says:
Very inspiring! Fab studio too. Thanks.
3 years ago
pillowhappy says:
wow! a lot of response for raa! she is one of my favourite etsy shops; i have one of her amazing prints that i'm lookinng at right now! thanks for doing this article so we fans can take a peek at her at work!
3 years ago
Paperlimb says:
really lovely paintings,beautiful! please feel free to take a look at my page:) http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5998874
3 years ago
magpiedreams says:
Very inspiring. We both have this dream of working from home with our Etsy business, Magpiedreams. We make hand-crafted jewelry and are members of one of the groups, eSmartsteam, which has given us lots of educational help with blogging, etc. Good luck with the little one....we have 5 precious grandchildren ourselves. Ken and Barb Merwin, Magpiedreams.
3 years ago
BatizJewelry says:
Great interview!.Thank you! I currently have a jewelry shop, and I am thinking about starting painting again and opening a shop next to my jewelry!
3 years ago
RubyBeets says:
Inspired! Congrats on the little Treasure!
3 years ago
stephaniecassidy says:
Wonderful to hear you have made such a success of doing what you love and to work with your partner aswell, life sounds good and it's an inspiration to those of us trying to build a business. Well done.
3 years ago
EyePopArt says:
I just can't get over how many of the successful Etsy artists live in my hometown of Portland, Oregon! What a great place to live. Thanks for the story, it was very inspiring! I love that vintage red table too!
3 years ago
FireHorseTextiles says:
Beautiful work, and what an inspiring story.
3 years ago
Studio618 says:
Great story, very motivating. Love your studio and all of your artwork. Enjoy your little one.
3 years ago
simpledream2 says:
I truly enjoyed your story. Good for you to be able to stay at home with your baby. I was able to be a stay at home with my daughter then with my twin boys who are now 24 and 19. During that time I sewed for others and some months made more money then I did when I quit my job to stay home with my first. NOW, I am inspired by all the "quit my day job" storque articles to get back into sewing and with Etsy I can do that with OOAK items and not have to rush to ready inventory for craft shows, which "when" my shop takes off I would get back into, for now I work my day job and etsy on the side. In time I hope to reverse that as you did. Thanks, Lisa
3 years ago
starsatnight says:
So inspiring! This makes me want to go for it, too :) Congrats and best of luck/success to you!
3 years ago
MonasMane says:
Good for you! I would love to be able just to do etsy part time.
3 years ago
ElegantSnobbery says:
What an inspiration!! Congrats and good for you for taking the plunge!
3 years ago
morningday says:
Yes, very inspirational. I have just opened my own shop and I am looking forward to participating in this community. Thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
muyinmolly says:
bog congrats rachel!
3 years ago
angelacallanan says:
Beautiful work Rachel and beautiful baby girl! It is encouraging to read your story. Thanks for sharing. One day....
3 years ago
Softpencil says:
Beautiful art and interview!
3 years ago
MyJunkyTrunk says:
This was definitely one of my favorite interviews! Thanks so much for sharing, and congrats on your precious new baby girl!
3 years ago
tinyspace says:
another good reading!
3 years ago
MysticalRaindrops says:
Great success story. Hope to be there myself one day and have mine and my sons art support us.
1 year ago
TidbitsOfColor says:
We're a mom and son team hoping to bring in an income from our art. Your story is inspiring for us.
1 year ago