The Etsy Dream: Starting Your Own Online Business

Almost a year ago, I decided that I wanted to open my own Etsy shop. But...why? 

There were a myriad of reasons...to do something creative while I was experiencing Writer's Block, to have a hobby that had the potential to make extra cash (since playing WoW and Skyrim wasn't paying me, haha) and to feel that I was doing something constructive, among other reasons.

So, almost a whole year later, how do I feel about my Etsy shop? To sum it up shortly: Pretty. Dang. Good.

For anyone out there who is thinking about opening their own Etsy store, I just want you to keep in mind that it is, without a doubt, A TON OF WORK. I had no idea how much work my shop would be, but at the end of the day, even when I've spent hours packaging orders, I still loved it. You know why?

Because I'm working for myself. As a person who graduated college at the same time the economy collapsed, I learned the hard way that I never want to dedicate my life to a business that wasn't my own.

That doesn't mean that I won't be a good employee for the place I currently work part-time for, or for any future employer, but it does tell me a few things. First, that it would hopefully be temporary, and second, that I wouldn't throw my heart into it. 

After all, if I fail at my Etsy shop, it will either be of my own doing, or due to some grand economic collapse, and not because a boss didn't like me, or of workplace politics going against my favor.

So, to all those out there who are thinking of opening your Etsy shop...DO IT. It will be hard work, you will need have a good supply of merchandise, excellent photos, even better SEO, and great customer service skills. But it CAN be done. 

Remember, if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. So get out there and get to work!