You've seen those big sellers on Etsy who seem to be making sales left and right. You have to wonder how they've made it to where they are: can they actually be FOR REAL? What's their recipe for success? And just how do they do it?

This week's installment features Leighanne of GreenThumbDesigns.  Leighanne lives in North Carolina with her husband and three children and is the sole bread winner for this family of five.  This truly is the story of a successful woman who has taken the reigns and control of her life with her Etsy business.  In little over ONE year on Etsy, Leighanne has managed to sell over 4,600 items. It is incredible.  Keep reading to find out exactly how she does it.

How did you first hear about Etsy, and what made you decide to open a shop on the site?

I first stumbled across Etsy when doing a web search for something else. I had never heard of it before. Then, my mom called me a few days later and said I just had to open a shop here. My shop first started as a hobby but, when my husband became ill and had to quit full time work a year ago, it became both a hobby and "job" (which has been both fun and rewarding).

What do you think your key to success for selling on Etsy has been?

Well, I think the thing to say first is to find your "niche." Once you find your niche, I think the rest slowly falls into place. I think the key to listing is to consistently list a few items scattered over the course of the day so when someone does a search, you are more likely to be found. I would also say that, almost as important as listing, you need to make sure your photos "tell" the story of what you are selling. Creative presentation, clear photos and many angles or views of your item and creative descriptions help to do that. The buyer, I think, needs to feel a connection to that item, whether it is a pair of earrings or a fine art piece.

With pricing I definitely think you have to be competitive with similar goods, but I think you also need to compensate yourself for the hard work that you put into your work. There has to be a balance there.

One of the things I strive for is providing excellent service to my buyers. I try to always answer questions/convos promptly and get orders mailed out in a timely manner. I get creative with my packaging partly because it is fun for me but also because I want the buyer to get my package in the mail and say "wow." I want them to be happy!

The most important thing I would say to any artist/crafter is to have fun with your work. If you love what you do and put your heart into it, the buyer will see that.

How do you promote your shop?

When I started on Etsy I posted a lot in the forums, promoting my shop, and I do think that helped get my shop off the ground. This past year has been a whirlwind of craft and art shows. I will pass out my business card to anyone that stands still long enough in my booth! I have actually received some sales from people that have purchased my work at recent shows which has been so reassuring. I also belong to several online artist swap groups which has helped in spreading the word about not just my shop but Etsy in general.

How do you handle such a large volume of sales in your shop? What systems have you created to manage the orders?

Sometimes it gets a little chaotic, but I just keep plugging away. I do all of the packaging myself, which I really don't mind. I am so glad to be a part of a "handmade only" community, so I like to put a personal touch on each package that I send out. I do have a husband and three children so sometimes I get "help" from them!

Are your orders mostly from repeat buyers or new buyers? What do you do to gain repeat buyers?

A lot of my orders are from repeat buyers or people that have heard about me from a friend or family member that purchased from me in the past. I think it is just natural for a person to buy from a store again if they are happy with their first experience. I always try to make my buyers happy so they will come back. I like to send extra goodies to repeat buyers as a way of showing them my appreciation.

How do you stay motivated? Does it come naturally? Do you "Etsy" full time or do you have another job, too? 

I do feel motivated most of the time, mainly because I am always thinking of my husband and children. Since my husband's illness, things do get a little crazy around our house. It is hard sometimes being the sole "breadwinner," but I made that choice so I could be at home with him and our children. I feel so blessed to be able to do something I love each and every day and am so thankful for the opportunities that being a part of Etsy has given me.

What is your favorite current Etsy Feature?

Since I don't get time to browse Etsy much I just love looking through the Time Machine! Plus, I think Pounce is way cool!! I love that you can search shops that have not had a sale yet.

What features do you use most on Etsy?

Mainly just listing things in my shop, but I try to view the Time Machine now and then for fun. I also love perusing the articles in the Storque.

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop one year from now?

I'd like to be totally full time with my work, with a set schedule for everything so that I can have more time with my family. I'd also like to have more of my pieces in local shops. I'd also like to start a blog.

What piece of advice would you give to a new seller on Etsy who might be feeling discouraged?

Do NOT give up!! Keep listing regularly, promote in the forums, join a Team for support and encouragement.

Check out some of Leighanne's favorites on Etsy in the gallery below: