Photo Retoucher Strikes Gold with Etsy Shop

Notes from Chris

Episode 1515

Several years ago, while searching for personalized stationery, Patrina Harris looked online but didn’t find anything that fit her modern style. A DIYer at heart, she decided to try experimenting with different paper types and foil to learn the process. Through a process of trial and error, she ended up something she liked.

After sending her personalized notecards and letterhead to friends and family, they first asked where she’d bought it. Then, when they learned she’d made it, they asked her to make some for them. That interest gave her the push she needed to start Patrina’s Paperie, an Etsy shop selling personalized foil-press stationery, printers, and stickers, in the spring of 2016.

One of her goals starting out was keeping her spending low as possible. When she began experimenting with stationery for her own use, she realized that the quality was inconsistent without the right materials and machinery, and those can add up quickly.

She already had a desktop computer and design software, but she needed to purchase a laser printer, foiling machine, paper cutters, and cardstock, which cost between $30 and $400. The total bill was under $1,000—and since her shop was on Etsy, she had to pay listing fees but didn’t need a web designer or website hosting.

From that ultra-frugal startup plan (still less than $1,000 a few years in), her monthly revenue is now between $10,000 and $13,000. Patrina attributes the success to a few different factors including her modern style, the quality of the products, and stellar customer service. Many customers tell her she provides a great product for a low price. That responsive customer service encourages repeat purchases.

In the near future, she’s looking to launch her own website. She’s also working on adding business cards and wedding invitation packages and hopes to sell eventually through brick and mortar stores, too.

This photo retoucher is turning what she touches into gold … gold foil, that is.

 

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MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Check out Patrina's full line of products at her Etsy store, Patrina’s Paperie .

SEE ALSO:

• Health Scare Inspires Adventurous Career Change: A longing for independence leads a web designer to create an adventure-themed brand of totes, mugs, and more.
• College Student Starts Million Dollar Design Biz: A college student uses her artistic skills to make personalized gifts for family and friends, growing it into a million dollar business.
• Fire in the Hole! Handcrafted Drumsticks Ignite Into Profits: A woman creates an Etsy store to market her wood-burned artistry wares, specializing in custom, handcrafted drumsticks.

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,