
Launching My Etsy Shops in 2025: A Wichita Mompreneur's Honest Journey
Juanita Gruber
2025 presented its challenges. As a Wichita mompreneur juggling family and business, I knew it was time for a strategic shift. In February, I launched not one, but two Etsy shops, CraftyDigiHub and CraftPixelMCreations, aiming to expand my reach and drive sales. While I'm still in the early stages – CraftyDigiHub's first listing went live just 17 days ago, and CraftPixelMCreations is only 14 days old – I'm committed to persistence and learning. Despite no sales yet, I'm confident in my strategy.
My Etsy Shops: Print-on-Demand and Digital Downloads
My strategy began with thorough product research, leveraging Etsycheck.com to identify trending items and Playground.com's AI for generating compelling designs. CraftyDigiHub focuses on print-on-demand (POD) products, utilizing Printify for items I can't produce within my limited home space. I specialize in in-house sublimation tumblers, adding a personal touch. CraftPixelMCreations offers digital downloads, including PNGs, coloring pages, and digital wall art, for creative enthusiasts. All products and shop links are available on my website, MarieGems. Key product offerings include:
- CraftyDigiHub: Custom t-shirts, personalized mugs, sublimation tumblers, and other print-on-demand items.
- CraftPixelMCreations: Digital PNG files, printable coloring pages, and downloadable digital wall art.
By offering both physical and digital products, I aim to cater to a broad audience seeking personalized gifts and creative resources.
Lessons Learned So Far
My journey has already yielded valuable insights:
- Data-Driven Research: Etsycheck.com empowers me to make informed decisions.
- AI Design: Playground.com streamlines design creation, saving time.
- Strategic Outsourcing: Printify enables product expansion without inventory constraints.
- Consistent Optimization: Regular listing updates and SEO are crucial.
- Pinterest Marketing: Utilizing Pinterest for organic traffic drives consistent, long-term visibility, using keyword-rich pins to attract potential buyers.
Looking Ahead
Launching these Etsy shops was a calculated risk, and I'm committed to their success. I understand that building a sustainable business takes time and persistence. My goal is to establish these shops as reliable income streams while maintaining work-life balance. I invite you to join my journey. Share your Etsy experiences in the comments below or connect with me on MarieGems. Together, we can navigate the evolving landscape of online entrepreneurship.