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 of our Etsy Success Story series is Alix of treehouse28. She's been on Etsy for just over a year and has sold over 1500 items. Did you see that every piece of clothing in her shop is custom made? How cool is that? We sigh a breath of Etsy happiness!  Read more below to find out exactly how this mother of two in California went from just making clothing for herself to selling full time on Etsy and starting a business of her own!

How did you first hear about Etsy, and what made you decide to open a shop on the site?
A friend told me about it almost a year ago to the day.... November 19th. At the time I was not selling clothing, I had been a full time mom. I checked it out and was so inspired that within a few hours I had registered, set up shop and posted pics. I don't really know what came over me, as I had never made clothing for anyone but myself before. I sold a pair of arm warmers the next day and was completely hooked. I have not stopped since. I recently wrote a note to my first customer thanking them for instilling that inspiration and drive in me that got me to where I am today.

What do you think your key to success for selling on Etsy has been?
All of those examples seem to really sum it up(examples: listing frequently, creating new pieces, prices, customer service, packaging, photos, presentation, etc...). It helps when you spend every waking moment thinking of ways to better your shop :) Saying that I was slightly obsessed about it is a huge understatement. But it doesn't have to be that way for everyone... Honestly, staying present is the biggest part of it. I used to list so that I would be on the first dozen pages at all times, although that is more of a challenge now that Etsy is growing... but don't let your shop get too buried. Images are very very important... I see some items that are amazing and have not sold because the photo is off in some way. It doesn't take alot, I have a Canon Elf, a cheap little camera... and always use natural light. Keeping it constistant and simple.... create a "look" for your shop and stick with it.

How do you promote your shop?
I don't. I hide :)
I did join a site just last week called trunkt that showcases artists and provides links to your Etsy shop. Also, I think that the blogs have helped alot. When someone has posted a write up about my shop on their blog it pops up on Google... It has been neat to hear of customers who come to know my shop that way.

(examples: listing frequently, creating new pieces, prices, customer service, packaging, photos, presentation, etc...)

How do you handle such a large volume of sales in your shop? What systems have you created to manage the orders?
Little things have helped to streamline it all... I address each order as it comes in, so it does not get backed up. I relist the item(s) right away, print the invoice and then convo the customer about the shipping date. I am three weeks out on orders on an average, so staying on top of informing my customers of an exact ship out date is super important to me. I then punch holes into the invoice and snap it into my binder. My binder is kept in chronological order and everything related to each order is printed out and placed in my binder. I have a dry erase board that I fill out with a calender of each month so I know what I am working on at a glance each day.

Are your orders mostly from repeat buyers or new buyers...what do you do to gain repeat buyers?
A good mix definitely, but I have alot of very faithful customers. I have some customers who have more of my clothing than I do!  It is so fulfilling to know that there are people out there who really believe in your work. They instill massive amounts of confidence every time they come back. It is one of the most rewarding things I have ever had happen to me.

How do you stay motivated? Does it come naturally?
Yes, sometimes I wish I could just flick it off. It's a bummer when it even creeps into your dream world! It could have been the eight years at home with my children that did it!

No seriously, I am highly driven to do what I do.... to be at home in control of everything (almost) and delve into fully creative work every day... I am happy as a clam.

Do you "Etsy" full time or do you have another job too?
Etsy full time. I also fill orders for a handful of wholesale accounts which all found me through Etsy.

If you "Etsy" full time, were you able to quit your day job due to your success selling on Etsy?
That doesn't apply to me, as I was a full time mom before Etsy. But my husband might quit his job soon :)

What is your favorite current Etsy Feature?
Conversations.... I rely on them for so many things. I can go back into any conversation and retrieve the info I need. I could not survive without it. I have 2352 convos as I write this, and they are all there for me to access...
Also love the treasuries. I find so much amazing talent there... It is a great way for me to see work across the board here at Etsy... kind of the Etsy cliff notes.

What goals do you have for your Etsy shop 1 year from now?
I would love to incorporate a children's line of clothing... that has been brewing for some time. I am working on creating sizing charts and listing items that are actually in stock and ready to send ( dreaming ) rather than all custom orders. I just hope that in a year I am feeling the way I feel now.... less than a week to go before my first whole year here at Etsy... shocked and thrilled that I am making a living at what I love to do.

Anything else you want to add?
I have always been a creative type flailing out in the world... unsure that my alternative and quirky ways would ever translate into something that made a difference. I just like to think of how Etsy has changed the world of artists making a living for themselves. What a tremendous achievement.
My gratitude goes beyond....
thank you Etsy :)

Check out the gallery below to see some of Alix's top Etsy picks: