My Etsy Shop -The Side Hustle that Supports my Wanderlust - LalasMermaidShop

Hey Readers!

I've been thinking about re-opening my Etsy Shop for a few months, but the stress of moving and trying to get my life in order has delayed my plans for a while. I finally sat down last week and got it all up and running, and I am so excited to share it with you all!

*Disclaimer: This post may or may not contain affiliate links. Meaning, I could make a small commission if you make a purchase through links in this post, at no cost to you! You are simply supporting my job as a blogger and content creator. My views and opinions are never swayed. And I will only recommend places or products that I actually use, approve of, and love.

Why Etsy?
I first want to say why I'm opening a shop. And the truth is: I love creating. I've shared with you in the past about my love for art, but the way I express my artistic ability has changed every couple of years. 

For instance, as a child, my siblings taught me how to use photoshop. I would create digital drawings of photos, make the person look like a cartoon, or turn it into "stained glass" with lots of colors and random shapes. In high school, I loved sketching and would spend hours and hours drawing famous faces like Taylor Swift, the cast of Harry Potter, and Robert Pattinson. #TeamEdward 

Then I became a nail tech and specialized in nail art for myself and clients. Basically creating miniature paintings and designs using a variety of tiny brushes, toothpicks, and nail polish! I also enjoyed making handmade greeting cards and even participated in selling them at craft fairs a couple of times. Eventually, I used my nail art techniques but in a much bigger form, making paintings on canvases. And almost always incorporated beachy elements into my designs like seashells and sea glass. 

But around this time is when I also discovered my passion for photography. To be honest, I think it was something that has always been a part of me. Because when I look back at my childhood, there have been many times I had my own disposable or digital point-and-shoot camera. (I would position my stuffed animals on a table, and take photos of them as if they were a family group portrait!😆)

In my early 20's is when I got a waterproof Fujifilm camera. (Which I love and still use today.) Then saved up enough money, took the plunge, and bought my own Nikon DSLR. I taught myself how to use it (because anytime someone tried to explain ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed to me I just got more confused and never remembered!) This took a lot of trial and error, figuring out what did what, but I think it helped me grow a lot more in the long run! Photography is definitely my go-to creative outlet in the last couple of years, but I still play around with editing, digital art, and graphic design as well.

If you asked me what my "dream job" would be, I'd say this! I love being a blogger, photographer, and all-around creative mermaid. So starting my own Etsy Shop to share more of my craft just makes sense! (Below is a throwback to when I first got my Nikon!)

What is your shop name?
I decided to name my shop LalasMermaidShop. And the "theme" of my designs will be centered around all things beachy and tropical! 

What will you be selling on Etsy?
My initial listings will be mini photo prints of some of my favorite photos I've taken recently. I have them all listed individually, and in print sets (which is the more affordable way to go if you want more than one!) 

I have plans to upload digital downloads such as phone wallpapers, digital prints, and maybe even digital photos.

And of course, since I still dabble with painting and mixed media, I will be posting some of those as well!

But please, let me know what YOU want to see from me! Greeting cards? Artworks? Custom designs? Photography? Prints? Paintings? Drawings? Digital Instant Downloads? Custom tropical invitations? I would love to collaborate or design something specific that you want or need.

My goal for this shop is to follow my dream of having my own small business that I run myself. But I'm also doing this to help YOU. My followers, readers, and friends. I want YOU to be a part of this just as much as I am. Reach out to me if you have any questions, requests, or suggestions for listings you want to see! You can DM me on Instagram, comment below on this blog post, or hit the "Contact" button on my Etsy Shop.

Why should I "shop small"?
"Shopping small" means to purchase from small businesses. Like your local boutique, crafter, family-owned and operated restaurant, local artist, or Etsy shop owner. 😉

Here's why.

• Shopping from a local business means you are helping your community's economy. Small businesses pay sales taxes to the city and county they are located in. These taxes support schools, firefighters, parks, roads, and sidewalks.
• The more you shop at a local store, the more potential job opportunities you could help them provide.
• Small businesses can provide better customer service. They offer a more personable, hands-on experience, and will probably do everything in their power to make the consumer happy!
• They create a greater sense of community. Think of a mom-and-pop owned restaurant in your area. When you go in, do you know the owners by name? Do you feel the love when you walk into the room? Can you taste the dedication and care that is put into making your food? Does it give you a warm and fuzzy feeling of "family"? They have a charm and character you don't usually find at larger chains.
• They are usually better priced because they don't have to go through a "middle man" vendor for supplies or products.
• When you purchase from a small business, an actual person does a happy dance. (This is actually true, cause anytime I've sold something I made, I'm legit elated that someone chose something I created to have in their home.)
• By shopping small, you are literally making it possible for someone to live out their dream. 
• A lot of the time, it is handmade. Creating something from nothing takes time and dedication to their craft. 
• It is validating for them. Opening a small business is quite scary. And a lot of self-doubts comes into play. But your support is quite literally showing them that they're not crazy. That they are creating something to better someone's life. And that the struggle is worth it.
  

Now, that doesn't mean you shouldn't shop on Amazon or Target at all. Because you still can. What I'm saying is to be more mindful of WHAT you buy from WHERE. Instead of buying honey from the mass-produced mega-brand in a plastic bear-shaped bottle, go for a local family-owned organic farm that reuses glass jars. Or if you're looking for art to hang on a wall in your house, consider purchasing from an artist or photographer. You can do a search on Etsy or contact a photographer you follow on Instagram to see if they have a print shop. Many times you'll be able to customize what you want, making it a more personal experience and you're more likely to be happy with your purchase!

But there are other ways to support small businesses too, that don't cost you anything. 

• Shout them out on social media. Follow or Like the small business's Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
• Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool. Have you gone to a certain restaurant because your friend said it was delicious? Did you purchase a dress that an influencer wore on Instagram because she said it was really comfy? Did you visit a particular city because a travel blogger wrote about it? The people that you know (or that follow you) will often trust your opinion. So don't be afraid to share where you got something, or recommend a website/shop that you found.
• Give them a good review if you like them! If it's an actual store you visit, you can review them on Google. But many website/shop sites will have a reviewing section on their site as well. This will help encourage sales from others, plus the owner will do a happy dance again knowing someone had a positive experience!

Sneak Peek

Good Vibes Print Set

To see all my listings and check out my new shop, please head over to www.etsy.com/shop/LalasMermaidShop

And I want to say THANK YOU for your support! I truly do appreciate it when you read my posts, click my links, and follow my suggestions. I literally would not be where I am today if not for you all!

xx
-Lala