Lucy of roselabiche on Etsy knew she wanted to leave her day job to follow her dreams of starting her own business. She set out with a business plan, left her job, began selling on Etsy and soon became successful enough with her sales to support herself and her new family. A day in the life of Lucy includes France, baguettes, risotto, sewing, and to be frank, pretty much sounds like a something many of us would only daydream about. Keep reading to find out how Lucy manages to stay afloat with her Etsy business, an 18 month old, and still has time to relax.
You’d already quit your day job when you first started selling on Etsy. How’s it going so far, are you supporting yourself?
Yes, I actually quit my job first to start my own
business. So even if I was still a very young business owner, I was
technically already a full time seller when I first entered the magical
World of Etsy. However, I was far from making a living out of my
business — and that was my most cherished dream for sure!! Now, yes I am supporting myself. And that makes me very, very happy.
How long were you selling on Etsy before you were able to support yourself from your sales?
It
took me nine months to see my Etsy sales taking off in a significant and
steady way. This is when I suddenly realized that things were shifting;
Etsy was becoming a very large source of business and I was becoming a
true full-time seller!
What was the deciding factor resulting in your pursuing Etsy as your full time job?
I
think that the solid visibility of the website and the growing
international buyers network are the two deciding factors that made me
think that Etsy could be a serious selling tool for my business.
Did
you do anything to prepare ahead of time before taking the plunge?
Oh my, yes! I really wanted to do things
seriously, especially by working on a precise business plan for my
company. That’s initially why I first quit my job to start my business.
It took me five months to figure out everything.
- The legal part: Creating
the company, getting the business license and sales certificate, brand
registration. - The business part: Creating my logo, build a branded
image, defining a business plan and a general sales and marketing
strategy. - The technical part: Setting up a design studio in my
home, creating inventory, getting organized.
What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What’s you’re best marketing tip?|
I’ve
always believed in buzz and word-of-mouth as the best ways to get a
business promoted, because I think there’s nothing better than a happy
customer to promote one’s work. I’ve always taken my
customers’ satisfaction as key to my business. I set up some
accommodating shop policies and I always make a point to
communicate as clearly, fast and nicely as I can possibly can with my
customers (even if my English is not always perfect!). Returning
customers are my biggest pride and the best thing that can happen to roselabiche.
My best marketing tip? “Take great care of your customers.” Another one would be to focus on having some good photos — a good photo is what makes your product attractive. I love photography
and spend a lot of time preparing for my shooting. (See the Seller Handbook’s How-tos about Photography for tips.) Apart from
that, just like all other sellers, I spend some time re-listing items
daily and I do some advertising from time to time on Etsy’s main Showcase.
What have you found to be unsuccessful promotion or something that’s just not working for your shop?
I
once bought a print ad in a magazine — it was pricey and I didn’t get
that much of a response. I wouldn’t do it again. I’ve found that
Internet promotions are way more productive. (See the Seller Handbook’s How-tos about Advertising)
Would you walk us through what a typical workday might entail being your own boss?
- As a good French person, I usually start off my day sipping a strong
café au lait with a nice piece of toasted French baguette
covered with butter and jam while having a look at my emails. - I then take care of my 18 month old son, getting him ready for the day before the nanny arrives.
- When the nanny arrives, I get back to my emails and spend about 2 to
3 hours answering questions or giving some info to my customers.
I send my shipping confirmation emails. I contact my providers in case
it’s necessary. I stroll through Etsy and enjoy
discovering new sellers and gorgeous new objects — I sometimes indulge
myself with a new handmade treasure I can’t resist. - Around
lunch time, I grab something in my fridge or I cook a risotto or I go
downstairs to get a sandwich in one of the cool little cafes around
the corner. I take a break listening to the French news on the Internet or
read the SF Weekly. Once every two weeks or so, I usually take my lunch
break to go to my local fabric stores in case I need some more thread
or yards of linen. - Serious things begin around 1:30pm. I put on a
Brazilian music CD and hop onto my sewing machine. I’m usually sewing until
4:30pm non-stop. Just changing the CD from time to time. And I drink
some green tea. - It’s then packaging time and ready to head to the
Post Office. I take by son with me and we go together every single
day. I could get organized differently but I happen to love going to my
local post office. All the ladies behind the counter know us. We
talk about the destination of my shipments and dream a little:
Australia, Ireland, Ohio, Singapore, Italy, Seattle, Spain, Finland. My
son helps me by handing in the delivery confirmation forms to the USPS
lady. It’s always a good moment. - We then spend about an hour
playing in the park by my building or we sometimes head to the local
French bakery to indulge in a raisin custard twirl. - I
get back to my computer around 8pm and spend some time answering more
questions. I then write a post on my blog and usually have a look at my
favorites blogs. - I finish up my day by having a look at some women’s
magazines, just to indulge my eyes with some haute-couture designs. I
often grab my journal under my bed and draw new sketches and ideas for a
while. Some of them will end up in the following Rose La Biche
collection for sure.
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
Being
able to define my own time schedule and having no stress whatsoever
regarding time management. Being able to take care of my baby boy at
home and being able to see him whenever I want during the day; that is
priceless. On the other hand, I miss being around my colleagues,
chatting around and getting to see them everyday. I sometimes feel a
bit lonely in my design studio.
What advice would you give someone else thinking about taking the plunge to sell full time on Etsy?
Do
it as if this was a full-time activity (in case it is not initially). Take it seriously and spend a good amount of time to understand how
things work right at the beginning.
What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?
Offering
designs that involve more work and sewing technicality — I realized
during this past year that my Etsy clients tend to prefer my finest
work even if this means a higher price. I’m also about to expand my
apparel range with a line for kids and this is going to be at Etsy
exclusively — not sold anywhere else. Hooray!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’m
happy and proud to be part of such an amazing community, and I hope the
international side of Etsy keeps on growing, especially in Europe.
Thanks to Lucy 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.
116 comments
Sign in to add your owndogties says:
Awesome article & Amazing Items!
3 years ago
sillylittlelady says:
How cool, very neat to hear an international story of success!
3 years ago
Knight27 says:
Thank you for sharing your story, it was very inspiring! Bonne chance :)
3 years ago
Diffraction says:
Congrats! I love reading all these inspirational stories. I hope to be in your shoes one day!
3 years ago
UNdeSIX says:
How can so much inventory be made in only 3 hours a day? Amazing! Great stuff!
3 years ago
TickledPinkKnits says:
what an interesting read, and an inspiration, of course :)
3 years ago
EJPcreations says:
Such a pick-me-up! I dearly love reading the success stories!!
3 years ago
PhineasandLou says:
This is a wonderful feature! Thanks for the inspiration :-)
3 years ago
lillyella says:
Oh I have always loved her shop! Great talent - beautiful photos - and great motivation! love it!
3 years ago
evesimone says:
Very inspiring! Bravo Lucy!
3 years ago
chainchainchained says:
cute
3 years ago
penelopeparker says:
I am a total fan of roselabiche. Incredibly inspiring! Thanks for the article!
3 years ago
JustAnotherDay says:
love love your work! I have been a fan for a while now!
3 years ago
momerath says:
imaginative work!
3 years ago
locallibrary says:
so nice to see, I looooooove her designs!
3 years ago
DBSsupplies says:
Lovely inspired pieces, thank you for sharing! :)
3 years ago
chakrapennywhistle says:
Fantastic article! Such an inspiration :)
3 years ago
francescamurray says:
Lucy is a true inspiration x
3 years ago
VirginiaRoseKane says:
Great feature! Thank you for sharing your insights. You're designs are lovely!
3 years ago
amysfunkyfibers says:
Wow, what an inspiration!
3 years ago
jcjewelrydesign says:
Fabulous work! My favorite items are COCO and SOL. I knew you'd do well :)
3 years ago
KalliopeJewelry says:
*swoon* Your clothing is beautiful! Thank you for the inspiring article, best of luck to you for continued success!
3 years ago
dunielle212 says:
I love your work. The article was great. Thanks. Dunielle
3 years ago
CreativeGoldsmith says:
Your clothing is gorgeous!!
3 years ago
michelemaule says:
Your clothing is beautiful!! Great article :)
3 years ago
Thinkoutsidethebox says:
The Quit Your Day Job articles are my absolute favorite Storque read. I have yet to stumble upon one of these inspiring artists stories that I was not completely engrossed by. I truly think that it is the hopeful aspect of living ones job dreams that becomes so impressionable. Rose La Biche is certainly up there in those dreams. I'd like to thank her for sharing her words of wisdom as it was a very informative and insightful story about the possibilities of achieving our aspirations!! I wish her the best luck possible.
3 years ago
additionsstyle says:
Your work is beautiful! Thanks for the article.
3 years ago
jewelsgems says:
I found your article interesting. I too, hoped that I could start my business, but not selling on Etsy, very scary, afraid for me! You keep up the good work!
3 years ago
myshrunkenhead says:
I love your clothing. I'm always so inspired by the Quit Your Day Job articles. They help keep me focused on my goal of some day being able to quit my day job.
3 years ago
EstelleClothing says:
these articles are always sew inspiring! i've been thinking a lot these days about how to turn my shop into a full time gig. thanks!
3 years ago
rafya says:
amazing designer ! good luck !
3 years ago
moddyboy80 says:
Reading this was very inspiring. And your clothes are beautiful!
3 years ago
SMboutique says:
Very nice work,well done!It takes courage to quit your day job!Bonne Chance Lucy! (:
3 years ago
VHCHEN says:
Love the clothes :)
3 years ago
Beckymae says:
love your stuff very beautiful roses
3 years ago
MyKangaroo says:
Amazing clothes and she has her priorities right. Great article.
3 years ago
roselabiche says:
boy, oh boy!! I cannot believe this is me here on this Spotlight's photo!! thanks all for these amazing comments, you absolutely made my day :) it is honestly such a priviledge to be part of this great handcrafters online community. thanks Mary for 'having me over', what a treat, oh la la!!
3 years ago
BoringSidney says:
Very nice to see you here! Congrats!
3 years ago
stereoette says:
wheeee! not only do i love your clothes, you and i use the same sewing machine!
3 years ago
jenkasun says:
I've written you before to tell you how much I LOVE your work. How wonderful to see you featured! Someday I know i'll be asking someone "is that a roselabiche?!" Amazing stuff! Jenny
3 years ago
flourishing says:
beautiful work -- i have your items on my Christmas wish list! great to read the success stories - inspirational and helpful! all the best, reena
3 years ago
chocolateandsteel says:
Lucy you have such a talent. I can see how well made your clothing is. Best of luck to you!
3 years ago
SethandSherrie says:
That is an amazing and inspiring story! Keep up the good work!
3 years ago
GracieDesigns says:
Again, another very inspiring story!!! You deserve the success, your work is amazing!
3 years ago
Rockalicious says:
Amazing work!
3 years ago
shamila says:
lovely article. Congratulations. Your work is original, and sophisticated while remaining slightly whimsical and so chic! Love it!
3 years ago
matouenpeluche says:
How inspiring! What a gal! Thank you!
3 years ago
coloradogypsy says:
I needed to read this, this morning... thank you for the inspiration to hang onto one's dreams and the joy of making them come true.
3 years ago
jelvehdesigns says:
cool...I too quit my day job years ago for my own business and love it...
3 years ago
VeronicaClaire says:
love the green detailing on emelie--and I want to go to France.
3 years ago
Krystyna81 says:
ooh what a fantastic article!!! I especially love the point that her customers are willing to pay for QUALITY - we should all take a listen!!! Congrats...bravo...merci for the inspirational article.
3 years ago
scentbythesea says:
I wish the article had said explicitly whether the seller has helpers or not. I'm very curious.
3 years ago
BouquetSpecialDesign says:
amazing designer ! good luck
3 years ago
FluteTeacher says:
Wow! I'm so jealous about the French bakeries you have around you! Your clothing is lovely! Best wishes.
3 years ago
MzellePo says:
So beautifull...good luck
3 years ago
SnuggleHerd says:
I've been a fan of Lucy's work for a while now - it is so gorgeous! Thanks for the profile on her - it was inspiring & nice to see a great artist/seamstress having success!
3 years ago
annamatrona says:
oooh i love her!
3 years ago
Lunule says:
Not sure that I can add more to all of the wonderful comments about Lucy and her work, but I love my Sparrow Hoodie and will def. buy more hoodies and shirts for Christmas. I love your designs and look forward to seeing what you come up with for children. Happy second anniversary and best wishes for many more years with Etsy and beyond!
3 years ago
ChaiChe says:
I dream about quitting my job and starting my own business every single day. Its sooo inspiring to see folks actually doing and loving it. One day I hope you all can read about my story.
3 years ago
Chesterella says:
i can't wait until i can build my own business...i too have a young toddler and taking care of him takes up most of my time, plus waitressing at night to make ends meet. this is a very inspiring story indeed and makes me want to take the plunge now! i hate waiting tables and i need more time to spend on sewing but it is just so hard raising a family and having ME time.... soon enough!
3 years ago
signsofmylife says:
B E A U T I F U L clothes B E A U T I F U L story B E A U T I F U L person
3 years ago
Bananaberries says:
Wonderful!!!!!
3 years ago
decor8 says:
Lovely article and congratulations on living your dreams! :)
3 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
Fabulous story! I have admired her clothes for quite some time!
3 years ago
DanicaDesigns says:
beautiful work!
3 years ago
Nickileigh says:
Amazing work. Congrats on the feature!
3 years ago
katieblairdesigns says:
i love that zip-up in the photos. these kind of stories just make me sit and day dream for a moment - and then make me realize that I really need to get back to work! Wonderful job!
3 years ago
1920 says:
love the roses. love the story.
3 years ago
bastillebleu says:
Congrats on the feature! Your work is amazing! May you have continued success!!!
3 years ago
Atelier500 says:
I LOVE this feature, and i enjoyed reading the story. It is uplifting, optomistic for someone as new as I.
3 years ago
Boyfrog says:
i quit my job on saturday, im keeping my fingers crossed that i have as much success as you.
3 years ago
tweedycrab says:
What a great story. I'm glad you're doing so well! (You have time to make risotto for lunch?) :~)
3 years ago
eclettica says:
Your pieces are tres magnifique! I've been eyeing so many for so long and I do believe I shall now indulge. And I agree wholeheartedly, the best bit is being able to spend time with your child :) all the very best to you!
3 years ago
pogoshop says:
I just love discovering the people behind the lovely products on Etsy. Thanks for the great story, Lucy and marymary!
3 years ago
pinkpurse says:
Fantastic! I want to be like you when I grow up! It's funny, when I was much younger, I wanted to run away to Pris and study design, I took 4 years of French in High School...That was many years ago! This is as close to it as I'm going to get....great story!
3 years ago
gretchenmist says:
great article, thanks mary and lucy. i was surprised that your making time is only 3 hrs too. takes so much time to keep the running part happening. love your shop and work :)
3 years ago
pinkshowercurtain says:
Cheers! Beautiful designs! Best Wishes! :)
3 years ago
stephaniecassidy says:
Wonderful to hear stories like this, really picks you up and reinvigorates your motivations. You clothes are fabulous aswell. Well Done Lucy.
3 years ago
ExoticFlavour says:
Brilliant! This is exactly a dream I am exerting myself to achieve it in the coming year. Sometimes it's quite hard to keep the perseverance until that moment, however, after reading your article has given me a positive thought and push to work diligently. Thank you very much Lucy for sharing your experience with us! Thank you marymary! Have a wonderful week! //Amanda Love from Sweden
3 years ago
Ravenhill says:
What wonderful work she does! I really love the details on her items. I dream of making a reasonable living on selling handmade items someday too. With a three year old at home all day and no nanny it isn't feasable yet, but I am dreaming... Thanks for adding feul to my fantasies. ~Emily, an American in Norway
3 years ago
brownbunnybyiris says:
I'm a big an of roselabiche! Nice interview, Marymary!
3 years ago
tpdesign says:
What a great read. These stories are always so inspiring!
3 years ago
felicitycrew says:
So great to read - good luck rose la biche!
3 years ago
blackbird72 says:
inspiring!
3 years ago
sassmama says:
Thank you for the inspiration, you have encouraged me to start selling internationally - something I have been intimidated by but I know there is a huge market that I am missing... Thanks a million.
3 years ago
bobnstitch says:
Thank you Her work is great!!
3 years ago
souixanne says:
What great style you have! Your models are fantastic too. Thanks for the inspiration!
3 years ago
hipclothing says:
beautiful detail work.
3 years ago
titarubli says:
Great story, very inspiring. Your clothes are just great, enjoy your success and good luck!!! regards from Mexico city
3 years ago
KJoannRussell says:
Great story! It takes me back to the days when I was exploring business niches for myself in clothing & design. I ended up doing my first love, painting. You're a wonderful reminder to all of us who pursue similar lifestyle and business goals. Thanks.
3 years ago
houseofpoleighnaise says:
What an enjoyable read this was! Thank you for sharing a bit of your life with all of. True inspriration can be found just about everywhere you look, and I am so glad I looked here!
3 years ago
PenguinsPlunder says:
awesome. Thanks for sharing your story, it's really helpful, actually.
3 years ago
ASecondChance says:
what a great article. Your pieces are beautiful and I love hearing more and more success stories of living the indie life!
3 years ago
fashionjenn says:
Thanks so much for sharing! Your clothes are absolutely beautiful and congrats on following your dream. Your story was a bright spot in my day and I wish you all the continued success in the world. ~Cheers!
3 years ago
Susiesplace says:
Very up lifting. I have taken notes and refer to them often. Thanks for sharing.
3 years ago
glorygifts says:
I love the combinations of comfortable materials with pretty and sophisticated details to add some formality to an everyday piece of clothing! Ingenius!:)
3 years ago
sammi84 says:
wow, amazing article !!
3 years ago
bonjourpierre says:
I really like the gray zip up. The collar is adorable!
3 years ago
GarbageofEdenDesign says:
Lucy's work is so inspiring! great interview!
3 years ago
Wampaku says:
Your stuff is awesome, very simple yet absolutely beautiful!
3 years ago
novadesigns says:
awww sounds wonderful... I wanna move to france and sip lattes... Beautiful clothes!
3 years ago
isparkles says:
inspiring.
3 years ago
Handmadebyjandj says:
Love your work... You are very inspiring!! Loved reading your story.
3 years ago
BluCille says:
Nice.
3 years ago
zarmma says:
Wow! I think I've just found my wife's Xmas gift! Awesome story!
3 years ago
roselabiche says:
thanks everybody for so many nice comments - made my week :)) a bientot!
3 years ago
roselabiche says:
Me again! I didn’t had time to do this before but I really want to answer the questions some of you have been asking in your comments. So here we go : UNdeSIX : ‘how can so much inventory be made in only 3 hours!â€. the day I describe is definitely my 'favorite typical workday' when I'm not uber-busy sewing all day long! But of course, I have at least 3 days per week where I'm sewing non-stop from morning to night to keep up with orders. And I usually spend my Saturday or Sunday sewing too – which happens to be the biggest difference with the day job I used to have before where I didn’t have to bother with working on week-ends! Strereoette : ‘we have the same sewing machine!â€. Oh and I can’t say enough good things about this Husqvarna Viking!! I’ve been working exclusively on this machine for the last 2,5 years and not once I did I experienced a single problem. A true gem! I highly recommend this machine to anyone thinking of investing in a good and reliable sewing machine. Jekasun : Thanks so much Jenny for your awesome support :) The day I’ll hear somebody say ‘oh, is that a Rose La Biche?’, I guess I’ll probably faint - or kiss the person’s feet. But that’s definitely a dream of mine for sure :) Scentbythesea : ‘does seller has helpers or not, I’m very curious’. No I don’t! Rose La biche is a one-woman operated company, this is me, myself and my Husqvarna sewing machine! However, I’m seriously thinking of getting help now because it’s getting more and more difficult for me to keep up with orders (I recently had to raise my shipping delay but I think that can work only as a temporary solution). I’m in the process of finding someone to help me on production and that is strategic to the development of my company, especially since I want to develop my kids line. But I know this is going to be a delicate process. Lunule : Thanks so much for your birthday wishes Lunule :) I’m really happy to know that your enjoying wearing your SPARROW hoodie, there’s nothing more rewarding than to know that my clients are happy in their Rose La Biche designs. Tweedcrab : ‘so you really have time to cook a risotto for lunch?†Absolutely! But I have a secret weapon, though : my grand-mother’s pressure cooker (we call it a ‘cocotte minute’ in France). You can make pretty much anything in half the time it usually takes to cook (stews, soups, risottos,etc). In fact, it actually takes me 15 minutes to make a gorgeous risotto from start to finish (i.e. from the moment I chop the onions to the moment the rice melts in my mouth!!). Yes, French women have cooking secret weapons, now you know it :) Eclettica : oh yes, there’s nothing like being home with my child, not having to rush in the morning, not being stressed out or feeling too tired to give him his bath by the end of the day. Again, this is the thing I value the most about all this ‘being-your-own-boss’ experience. Priceless. Souixanne : ‘your models are fantastic!’ - oh I totally agree :) All of them are actually non-professional models and they happen to be friends of mine!! My sister is also one of the main face of Rose La Biche since it all began 2,5 years ago. Since the beginning, all my friends and family have been supporting me in this adventure like crazy. They were my first clients when nobody knew or even ever heard of Rose La Biche. I’m so grateful for this. Each one of my ‘friend-model’ live in a different city, different country and for every new collection, it’s always a last minute thing, I don’t’ have a lot of time to plan that in advance so I’m like ‘hey! would you be available for a shooting next Saturday?’ and they’re like ‘yeaaaaahh!!! That sounds so cool!!’. I think it is important to have happy models who like the clothes they’re wearing. And I think that shows on the photos. It’s fantastic :) Voila!! Thanks again all for your great feedback, I hope my sharing of this experience can benefit some of you! All the best :)) Lucy
3 years ago
UVBall says:
really helpful article! Hope to get there one day; one thing I'm learning about Etsy is how much people can really interact and help one another. That's amazing, thanks :) Stefania
3 years ago
ValsArtStudio says:
For me, this is what etsy is all about! A home based enterprise where one is working hard doing what their heart desires. What could be better than that? Rose La Biche, your story is inspirational, and I know you will be successful with your line of kidswear. Congratulations on a fine article! Valerie
3 years ago
curlygomes says:
Gorgeous work!
3 years ago
frenchaccentbymagali says:
Merci beaucoup pour votre article, cela m'a donner beaucoup d'inspiration et d'encouragements. Juste au moment ou je me disais " il y a surement autres choses que je puisse faire pour etre successful", je vois votre article !Merci et encore felicitations ! Bonne journee !
3 years ago
elysiumdesign says:
You are a very inspiring gal.Cheers to you, me and etsy!!!!
3 years ago
Chelseahandknitted says:
It's very inspiring thanks alot
3 years ago
JeweledAmbrosia says:
What a wonderful interview, so inspiring. I have admired your clothing designs for quite a long while now!
3 years ago
Tepuisjewelrys says:
I love the interview,you are inspiring gorgeous work
3 years ago
demoiselle16 says:
I was really down, thinking I had many views of my items and some much appreciated hearts but not one sale (and here I was in the Main Showcase today!). She really boosted me up and made me realize that it takes time and the hard work we love doing anyway on behalf of our dreams. Here's to the Etsy Community! Danielle
2 years ago