I've done it. I've set up my own business!

[Catsarebabes]

Well, it's more of a side hustle really. Minimal sales so far. An Estsy Shop.

But I've done it and it feels amazing

Currently on long term sick with a mix of anxiety and depression. Also waiting for autism and ADHD assessments. So, things feel tough at the moment but this seems like the tiny glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel!

Just wanted to share my small slice of happiness.

That’s so lovely to read. Well done! From a fellow ADHD and anxiety sufferer, I know how tough it can be. I actually went self-employed recently and it has really improved my quality of life.

It’s not tiny, it’s a massive step forward. Only the first of many, I hope 💞

Thank you!

It is tough, isn't it. I just hope I can make this work.

I'm glad it's improved your quality of life. 💓

Well done op, positive steps and it'll give you focus and satisfaction.

Are you able to share what kind of things you're selling?

Thank you! 💓

Yes, it's a bit small fry, but I've started out with greetings cards. Christmas and Birthday at the moment.

Hope to add other types and more choices over the next few weeks. (:

Good luck. I always buy cards from Etsy so I can support individual businesses. What's the name of yours?

Thanks!

Am I allowed to name it on here? (MN, please delete if not!)

It's MegKingDesigns - the cards are quite quirky and modern and so far only cat themed (See username!), but I'm hoping over the coming weeks/months to add lots more designs with more variety.

We'll see how it goes. It feels like such a giant step.

Lovely idea op and a great time of year to start too! Wishing you lots of luck xx

Thanks so much! X

Congratulations! I started my business with an Etsy shop and it’s grown hugely since then, one of the best decisions I ever made!

There’s a free tool you can use, I haven’t but a friend swears by it, which gives you insight into SEO on Etsy for free. Can’t remember what’s it’s called but I can ask her. She made a few small tweaks to her listings and it made a big difference.

It’s probably not appropriate given your health struggles but you might look at doing some small fairs with your products down the line. I do a lot of school fairs on top of my other work and it’s a great way to see people interact with your stuff and get your narrow out there. You often don’t even need and table as they’re provided and it can be as little as £15 to get a stall. Ignore me if that’s wildly inappropriate or insensitive.

Well done!

Well done! I found Etsy really good when I first started my jewellery 'side hustle'. I will say though, do A LOT of research on the fees and price your cards accordingly. And you probably need to set up and instagram and promote yourself as the market is really saturated. Google how to turn off the FB offsite ads because even if you don't sell anything from the ad, you still get charged if someone clicks it.

Good luck. I've had a look. I got a surprise when I saw £5.99 for a card and it was only when I clicked on options that I saw that was for a pack of 3. Maybe you need to make that more obvious in the first instance.

Thank you! That's some great advice. I'll definitely look into it down the line.

Sorry, I forgot to add - Congratulations on your success! That's so great to hear. 💓

Cheers!

I've updated the listing to reflect this. (:

Ahhhh they are lovely, I just put in a wee order.

Good luck with the business.

Congratulations!

I am also looking at going fully self employed (I have a 'side hustle' already) due to similar concerns with long term depression/anxiety and being neurodivergent.

Current workplace is not supportive of my mental health issues and frankly I have had enough to try to fit as an employee.

Thank you - that's so useful to know!

@InInformerYaNoSayDaddyMeSnowMeIGoBlameALickyBoom Aww! You diamond. Thank you so much!! 💓

Yup, I feel exactly the same. Sorry to hear you're going through it too 💓

I hope it works out for you.

The bloody spam messages on Etsy are awful!

I didn't realise how bad they were. I get regular emails saying "a message from a potential purchase." I check on etsy, and it's just another spam message from a dodgy account.

Do you other etsy sellers find this?

It's quite disheartening when the initial email comes through and you think you've got a possible sale!