Handmade Seller Magazine Sample Issue | Page 15

Etsy has always been where the majority of transactions were completed for my small business. Many of us can agree that it is a well-known and powerful platform where if you put in the hard work, you can reap the benefits tenfold. Wicked Calm Candles first flourished on Etsy, although later becoming available on other platforms, which is why closing down my Etsy shop was so incredibly difficult, but ultimately necessary for me. I will explain why.

Within one year on Etsy, Wicked Calm Candles was receiving a constant stream of orders. To keep up with the demand, I was forgoing my own work-life balance and putting changes in place to meet my customer’s needs. More employees, more stock, more workspace, more everything. This went on for months and although I was incredibly thankful for the growth, seeing the order count rise on my Etsy storefront became less and less satisfying. I became overworked and unfulfilled quickly but turned a blind eye to how it was affecting my mental health for the sake of wanting to see my business continue to grow.

Why I closed my Etsy shop & how my business nearly saved my life:

"Vacation mode was a foreign concept to me. What if I missed an opportunity for a sale? What if a customer has a question? What if my customers become upset because I am not there?"

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