5 Unique Ways to Scale Your Etsy Shop with Lisa Zimmermann
In this episode, I speak with maker Lisa Zimmermann of Oak & Oliver Candle Co. who tells us the unique ways she pivoted her business during the pandemic and how it’s skyrocketed her success. Interestingly enough, pivoting for Lisa didn't just mean ramping up messaging for her digital storefront on Etsy - she was already doing that. Lisa was forced to get even more creative + in a matter of DAYS was able to whip up one of the best collaborative ideas I've seen come to life in a long time: a virtual market with local makers in her community.
From production to execution, it was truly incredible (and inspiring!) to witness Lisa's magic come to life with this virtual market + even more exciting to see how her idea continues to bloom...and I'm not just saying that as her friend :)
Lisa is telling us how she came up with the unique idea, saw it through and continues to evolve it. Of course, we talk about some other helpful tid bits along the way that she's also doing on top of that to scale her small batch soy candle business out of her home. Believe it or not, the virtual market wasn't the only way she got creative.
Tune in for this truly insightful conversation with a business owner, product maker, + genuinely amazing human being who's doing it RIGHT.
Oh, and did I mention that Oak & Oliver isn't Lisa's full-time gig? She got her start in the Silicon Valley tech scene (*cough* Google *cough*), and now works at a global software. I don't know where she finds the time but she does + I hope her stories of taking massive imperfect action will inspire you to do the same with your business too.
Episode Highlights:
>> [1:24] The story of how Lisa got started with Oak & Oliver Candle Co. back in 2015 + where she is now on her 5 year brand-iversary.
>> [4:50] How she learned to create a product that was a long time interest but completely new to her. Great tips for the aspiring makers out there who want to make something of their own!
>> [7:40] A look at how Lisa creates thriving wholesale partnerships with local shops + what she does to strengthen those relationships regularly, in addition to running her online shop on Etsy.
>> [9:45] 5 examples of how Lisa uniquely scaled her online business during the pandemic, starting with taking her makers markets VIRTUAL + starting a subscription program for her candles on Etsy.
>> [18:24] The only thing required to successfully grow your business as a maker in today’s world. Hint: it’s not money.
>> [22:22] Helpful tips for categorizing your online shop, whether on Etsy or Shopify, + Lisa’s #1 piece of advice for other aspiring product makers out there.
>> [26:58] Lisa shares a special gift with Brand in Bloom listeners! (Scroll down for more info)
>> Click to listen to this episode on iTunes!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Brand in Bloom listeners can enjoy a FREE room spray from Oak & Oliver Candle Co. ($14 value) on Etsy orders over $50 with code BLOOM thru the end of the year (December 31, 2020): https://www.etsy.com/shop/OakandOliverCandleCo
Lisa's website + newsletter (which you should definitely subscribe to for more great ideas!): http://www.oakandoliver.co/
Lisa’s Sunday Market website: https://www.sundaymarketnc.com/
The Sunday Market on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sundaymarket_nc/
Oak & Oliver Candle Co. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakandolivercandleco/
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