Why I Started an Etsy Shop (and What It Taught Me About Myself)
When I first opened my Etsy shop, I wasn’t thinking about “business strategy” or “scaling.” Honestly? I just wanted a little outlet — a space to create, share, and maybe earn a bit of extra income.
What I didn’t expect was how much it would teach me about myself. Running an Etsy shop has been as much a journey of self-discovery as it has been about selling products.
I Wanted More Than “Just Getting By”
Like many people, I started my shop during a season where life felt heavy. Bills to pay, responsibilities piling up, and not a lot of time left over for creativity. Etsy felt like a door opening — a chance to try something that was mine.
It Taught Me Resilience
Etsy is not all sunshine and bestseller badges. There are quiet days. Listings that flop. Algorithm changes that make you want to throw your laptop out the window.
But every challenge taught me I’m more resilient than I thought. I can adapt, learn, and keep going — even when sales dip or doubt creeps in.
It Reminded Me I’m Creative
For years, my creativity was buried under “real life.” Opening my shop reminded me: I am creative. I can design, imagine, and bring new ideas to life. That spark is still there — and it deserves space.
It Showed Me What I Value
Etsy also highlighted what matters to me:
- Freedom to work in a way that suits my health and energy.
- Connecting with customers who value handmade and thoughtful products.
- Building something that feels aligned with who I am, not just what the world expects.
It Gave Me Permission to Dream Bigger
What started as “just a little shop” became proof that I could build something of my own. It gave me permission to think bigger, not just about Etsy, but about life.
Final Thoughts
Starting my Etsy shop wasn’t just about products. It was about rediscovering myself — my creativity, my resilience, my values.
And while Etsy has its ups and downs, one thing is clear: the shop isn’t just a business. It’s a mirror, showing me who I am becoming along the way.
If you would like to know more about having an Etsy shop I have a little Blog called Living the Hustle were I go into a lot more detail about setting up and running an Etsy shop