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Story by
marymary
Published on October 20, 2008 in Spotlight |
Photo by |
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.
| Tags | clothing, design, fashion, France, Paris, quit your day job, roselabiche, sellers, selling, sewing |
|---|
115 comments Login to add your own!
sillylittlelady
How cool, very neat to hear an international story of success!
Knight27
Thank you for sharing your story, it was very inspiring! Bonne chance :)
Diffraction
Congrats! I love reading all these inspirational stories. I hope to be in your shoes one day!
UNdeSIX
How can so much inventory be made in only 3 hours a day? Amazing! Great stuff!
TickledPinkKnits
what an interesting read, and an inspiration, of course :)
EJPcreations
Such a pick-me-up! I dearly love reading the success stories!!
PhineasandLou
This is a wonderful feature! Thanks for the inspiration :-)
lillyella
Oh I have always loved her shop! Great talent - beautiful photos - and great motivation! love it!
penelopeparker
I am a total fan of roselabiche. Incredibly inspiring! Thanks for the article!
VirginiaRoseKane
Great feature! Thank you for sharing your insights. You're designs are lovely!
jcjewelrydesign
Fabulous work! My favorite items are COCO and SOL.
I knew you'd do well :)
KalliopeJewelry
*swoon* Your clothing is beautiful! Thank you for the inspiring article, best of luck to you for continued success!
Thinkoutsidethebox
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.
jewelsgems
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!
myshrunkenhead
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.
EstelleClothing
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!
moddyboy80
Reading this was very inspiring. And your clothes are beautiful!
SMboutique
Very nice work,well done!It takes courage to quit your day job!Bonne Chance Lucy! (:
MyKangaroo
Amazing clothes and she has her priorities right. Great article.
roselabiche
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!!
stereoette
wheeee! not only do i love your clothes, you and i use the same sewing machine!
jenkasun
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
flourishing
beautiful work -- i have your items on my Christmas wish list!
great to read the success stories - inspirational and helpful!
all the best,
reena
chocolateandsteel
Lucy you have such a talent. I can see how well made your clothing is. Best of luck to you!
SethandSherrie
That is an amazing and inspiring story! Keep up the good work!
GracieDesigns
Again, another very inspiring story!!! You deserve the success, your work is amazing!
shamila
lovely article. Congratulations. Your work is original, and sophisticated while remaining slightly whimsical and so chic!
Love it!
coloradogypsy
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.
jelvehdesigns
cool...I too quit my day job years ago for my own business and love it...
VeronicaClaire
love the green detailing on emelie--and I want to go to France.
Krystyna81
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.
scentbythesea
I wish the article had said explicitly whether the seller has helpers or not. I'm very curious.
FluteTeacher
Wow! I'm so jealous about the French bakeries you have around you!
Your clothing is lovely! Best wishes.
SnuggleHerd
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!
Lunule
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!
ChaiChe
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.
Chesterella
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!
signsofmylife
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
CutieDynamite
Fabulous story! I have admired her clothes for quite some time!
katieblairdesigns
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!
bastillebleu
Congrats on the feature! Your work is amazing! May you have continued success!!!
Atelier500
I LOVE this feature, and i enjoyed reading the story. It is uplifting, optomistic for someone as new as I.
Boyfrog
i quit my job on saturday, im keeping my fingers crossed that i have as much success as you.
tweedycrab
What a great story. I'm glad you're doing so well!
(You have time to make risotto for lunch?) :~)
eclettica
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!
pogoshop
I just love discovering the people behind the lovely products on Etsy. Thanks for the great story, Lucy and marymary!
pinkpurse
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!
gretchenmist
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 :)
stephaniecassidy
Wonderful to hear stories like this, really picks you up and reinvigorates your motivations. You clothes are fabulous aswell. Well Done Lucy.
ExoticFlavour
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
Ravenhill
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
sassmama
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.
souixanne
What great style you have! Your models are fantastic too. Thanks for the inspiration!
titarubli
Great story, very inspiring. Your clothes are just great, enjoy your success and good luck!!! regards from Mexico city
KJoannRussell
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.
houseofpoleighnaise
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!
PenguinsPlunder
awesome. Thanks for sharing your story, it's really helpful, actually.
ASecondChance
what a great article. Your pieces are beautiful and I love hearing more and more success stories of living the indie life!
fashionjenn
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!
Susiesplace
Very up lifting. I have taken notes and refer to them often. Thanks for sharing.
glorygifts
I love the combinations of comfortable materials with pretty
and sophisticated details to add some formality to an
everyday piece of clothing! Ingenius!:)
novadesigns
awww sounds wonderful...
I wanna move to france and sip lattes...
Beautiful clothes!
Handmadebyjandj
Love your work... You are very inspiring!!
Loved reading your story.
roselabiche
thanks everybody for so many nice comments - made my week :))
a bientot!
roselabiche
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!”. 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!”. 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
UVBall
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
ValsArtStudio
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
frenchaccentbymagali
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 !
elysiumdesign
You are a very inspiring gal.Cheers to you, me and etsy!!!!
JeweledAmbrosia
What a wonderful interview, so inspiring. I have admired your clothing designs for quite a long while now!






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