How I turned my small Etsy shop into a MULTI-MILLION dollar business!

Many of you know me as the law student who skipped taking the bar to follow her art dreams. But there is so, so much more to the story than that. The early projects. The setbacks. The financial decisions in the face of student loans. The fact that I originally refused to start an Instagram page?! I'm coming up on 9 years of EBD and looking back on the journey is equal parts excitement, relief and disbelief. I'm so thankful for the growth over these 9 years, and I'm excited to see what comes in year 10!!

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss parts 2 and 3 where I'll offer tips for other small business owners hoping to scale and reflect on what I would have done differently!

#summershopping #etsyseller #etsyshop #smallbusiness #artist #stationery #million #growth #scaling #howto #startingabusiness

[WinSJ]

Loved this!! She inspired me with my shop with her advice off her blog and 450 sales later it’s been a blessing. Thank you, Elyse die your wisdom and transparency!

[that.little.homemaker]

I'm a young mom of 3, just started my small business this month, handmade and hand embroidered kids clothing. Working from my kitchen table in our 600sq ft home. This is SO INSPIRING!!! I can't wait to see where I'll be in 5 years 🥹

[angelagardener]

This is brilliant and the fact that her business didn't get shut down as Etsy are quite famous for that. Well done for creative innovation and growth. It works if you work it. 😊

[natalierose.artist]

I'm starting an Etsy shop and this was so inspiring to me!! 💕 And your art is beautiful!

[jigkohan]

One of the best parts of the video was me remembering seeing all of this play out in real time.

[scoobssmiles]

Thank you so much for showing us how you do your businesses. I have had an idea in my head for the last 3 years, haven't done it yet. What you have done is amazing. I will start on my project now.

[fijaystudio]

What a wonderful, Real story of business invention and growth. In social media full of con artists saying ‘take my coaching course and make six figures next week’, you are a breath of clean, fresh air. And a fabulous inspiration.

[TheAdman_cygnus]

Only real person on the internet thank god

[HisHolyPromisesCompany]

I seen three of your YouTube shorts and for two years I was like wooowww I want to do that but all for God and his promises and two years later I’ve finally started my small Christian business on Gods promises and I’ve never forget you inspired me you look so happy in your videos and hard working ❤

[nitrapalmer]

Thank you for sharing your journey! It gives insight and hope. Sometimes it feels like it takes too long to see the growth we as small business owners envision. A beautiful reminder that it takes time, enjoy the process and just take it one step at a time and eventually you'll achieve your goals. Congrats on the success!

[SoferiaNebruin]

How much did you get paid to put this fake story up? Etsy has gone to the shitcan. Every stupid thing they do KILLS inspiration. REAL "makers" are leaving in droves. The stock is sinking because Etsy is STINKING. KARMA will be biting them in the butts. Just watch.

[CassieMakesArt]

You're a huge inspiration to me! I have been running an Etsy shop selling mainly stickers since late 2021, and I've had some success but nothing substantial. I'm super proud of how far I've come, and I have my own website/online shop through Shopify now... I just feel like I'm lacking direction. I love my products and designs and I'm so proud of them, but getting people to see them is the hardest part. I've also been dealing with some pretty severe anxiety and burnout, so I'm just hanging on by a thread. I hope to one day be as successful as you.

[SwitchFoot]

BULL PUCKEY....You didn't turn it into a MULTI-MILLION dollar business. No Etsy shop is worth that much. Some do fairly well but not multi million dollars. And if so, let's see bank statements and all documentation that would prove it. Otherwise .. BULL PUCKEY

[MichelleSharp-vr]

Very inspiring! I stumbled across your video and now I am so intrigued and inspired and sharing it with my teenagers. A question from a complete beginner entrepreneur perspective, how do you prevent your designs from being copied? I am sure with your legal background it was a no brainer for you but I would love to see a video on the business logistics like copyrights, trademarks etc. How difficult was it to let go of some of your control and trust so many new employees? Did you have mentors or assistance setting up the business side of things? How did you find time between school and everything else to research the best tools needed to complete your business transactions? (Like the machine that prints your labels and software etc.) Did you have friends who helped with your social media at first or did you hire someone? It all seems so overwhelming! I am interested in whether you have a neurotypical or neurodivergent brain (can't help but ask as my teens are ADHD, very creative and artistic but may not be able to handle the stress that you've endured with college and starting a business). For you to be able to handle so much and be so grounded and successful is amazing! Congratulations and thank you for sharing your inspiration with the world :)

[sandypascual]

What an congratulations, wishing you the best and all the success! I don't know you and I'm so proud of you! Can't wait to visit your store even though is 8 hours from here :)

[myahkgatsby]

This is more a "journey" video than a "how" I did it video. It's really cool, though.

[PlantHoardingAdventures]

So awesome!! Congratulations on all of your successes!! May everything you do multiply! ❤ thanks for the inspiration!

[lightbulb]

wow you are hardworking in another level 👏 🙌 well done😊 very inspiring ❤

[riaheveleigh]

Hey! I also graduated from Loyola Chicago in 2014. :) it’s awesome to see how you’ve grown your business.

(also, I swear I was subscribed to you previously)

[feondavis]

WoW! What a blessing. And I love your natural flowers. And beautiful artworks. I started writing at 9 and soon start my books on amazon. But don't make millions nor was looking make millions Or think I would due fact I Christian faith poems and love poems.