Mum Quits Job After Making £400k on Etsy and Inspires Others
A mother has decided to leave her full-time job, thanks to her astonishing success on Etsy. Emily Odio-Sutton, aged 36, ventured into the world of online selling, using Etsy as her platform to sell clothes as a way to make some extra cash. Although her start was slow, Emily was amazed when her sales suddenly shot up after she began selling gift-based products like candles, ornaments, blankets, and journals. This strategic shift led her to earn a remarkable £40,000 in just one month. Emily shared, “Sales for the clothes were slowly trickling in, but they weren’t where I wanted them to be. One day, I decided to try a different type of product – candles – and it sold out that night. I couldn’t believe it.”
Emily, who resides with her husband Nick, 37, and their two children, ages four and six, found the potential in focusing on gift products on Etsy. This shift not only boosted her sales but also offered her the flexibility she desired. She expressed, “While I loved working in education, my Etsy shop has given me so much flexibility. It feels incredible, and I love that I can be truly present for my family. I have been able to pay off debt, start investing for my children, and take multiple vacations without the stress of finances weighing on me.”
In her first year, Emily made £140,000, and in the second year, she saw her earnings soar to £260,000. Despite having no prior experience in reselling, Emily couldn’t believe the success she achieved. She now manages two shops, including a digital one and a print-on-demand store. Furthermore, Emily has taken on the role of an Etsy coach to help others launch their successful businesses. She highlighted, “It’s an amazing opportunity, even if you have no experience. While the income has been life-changing, I am most excited about the flexibility it has given me to be available for my children. That was always the motivation when I started, and it continues to be now.”
Encouraging new sellers, Emily stressed the importance of patience in the process of building a successful Etsy shop. She acknowledged the initial challenges she faced with her designs and listings, pointing out that it took hours of practice, learning, and research to enhance her shop. Emily advises aspiring sellers to persevere through the initial setbacks, as success takes time to unfold. She added, “My early designs and listings were not very good, and it took hours of practice, learning, and research to improve. I am still working on improving every week. I see many new sellers quit right before things get good, and I encourage them to really stick with it.”
In her journey on Etsy, Emily Odio-Sutton has not only found financial success but has also discovered the joy of being present for her family. By sharing her story and coaching others, she is empowering individuals to explore their entrepreneurial dreams and embrace the possibilities that online platforms like Etsy can offer. Emily’s inspiring journey serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking fulfillment and flexibility in their professional lives.