Podcast Episode 169: How this Artist Built a Thriving Etsy Business Selling Her Original Artwork—with Melissa Mary Jenkins

 WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Tcz_lcTl7NM 

BIO:

Melissa lives in rural Ontario, Canada. She was a high school teacher until 17 years ago when she had her twin daughters. Melissa has been an Etsy seller since 2010, launching her current art shop in 2013. As an artist and natural ink maker, her landscape and still-life paintings reflect the beauty of the natural world surrounding her home studio and her love of all things vintage. 2024 was Melissa’s most successful year as an Etsy seller and January 2025 was her best month ever!

EPISODE SUMMARY:  

In this exciting episode of "How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy," I'm thrilled to welcome the talented Melissa, a successful Etsy seller and artist, to the podcast. Melissa has been on an incredible journey since launching her Etsy shop in 2013, and she shares her insights on how artists can effectively sell their original artwork on this popular platform.

We kick off the episode by discussing the common struggles that artists face, particularly the challenge of marketing their work. Melissa emphasizes that simply listing beautiful artwork on Etsy is not enough; it requires a strategic approach to SEO, compelling photography, and a strong brand narrative. She reflects on her own transformation over the past year, highlighting how she learned to embrace the business side of art and the importance of connecting with her audience.

Melissa shares her personal story, detailing her background as a high school teacher and her evolution into a full-time artist. We dive into her creative process, discussing the unique techniques she employs, such as using natural inks and vintage frames to enhance her artwork. She reveals how her love for thrifting and sustainability informs her artistic choices, making her pieces not only beautiful but also environmentally conscious.

Throughout the episode, we explore the significance of trends in the art world. Melissa discusses how her vintage-inspired landscape and still-life paintings resonate with current design aesthetics, particularly among the "grand millennial" demographic. We also touch on the importance of adapting to seasonal demands and how to leverage social media and influencer marketing to boost visibility.

One of the highlights of our conversation is Melissa's experience with a viral moment when an influencer featured her artwork, leading to a surge in sales. This pivotal moment serves as a reminder of the power of exposure and the need for artists to actively seek opportunities to showcase their work.

As we wrap up the episode, Melissa shares valuable tips for fellow artists, including the importance of consistent branding, the benefits of offering prints alongside original pieces, and the potential of personalization in art sales. We also discuss the emotional rollercoaster of being an artist, from the highs of successful sales to the lows of self-doubt.

Join us for this inspiring and informative episode, where we celebrate the creativity and resilience of artists like Melissa, and equip you with the tools you need to thrive on Etsy. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your existing shop, there's something here for everyone. So, grab a seat at our table, and let's dive into the world of selling art on Etsy!

EPISODE DETAILS 

Ever dreamed of selling your original artwork on Etsy but feel totally lost about where to start? Join us as successful landscape and still life painter Melissa Mary Jenkins spills her secrets on turning paintings into profit. Whether your past attempts haven't worked out or you're just taking that first scary step, today's real-talk advice will explain what artists can do to make sales on the Etsy marketplace.

**“How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy” is not affiliated with or endorsed by Etsy.com 

STUFF I MENTIONED: 

➡️ LIVE SEO Workshop: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/offers/VRBvPQKH 

The Live workshop will be on Thurs, Feb 27 from 7:00-8:30 CST. It will be recorded for attendees but will not be available for sale after 2/27.

I'll teach you how the Etsy algorithm works, how to find great keywords, write your SEO so your listings get seen, where it matters most-- and all my other SEO tips and tricks! 

We'll also have 30 minutes for Q&A and shop audits! 

🌟AI Coloring Page workshop: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/offers/UwHiiQZS

Early Bird Pricing until 3/1/25

Find Melissa Mary Jenkins:

Email:     [email protected]

IG:          Instagram.com/melissamaryjenkinsart

Website: www.melissamaryjenkins.com

Natural Earth Acrylik Paint: https://naturalearthpaint.com/

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Learn from Lizzie LOW TICKET:

➡️ Beginner Course: Six Figure Secrets to Getting Started on Etsy: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/six-figure-secrets  

Use code SAVE50 to save $50 

➡️Trendspotting Membership: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/offers/JxNYgLnw  

Use code KEEP20 to save $20 on your first month 

Get weekly emails with current trends + 5 product opportunities (POD/Digital) 

➡️ AI PNG and Tumbler Wrap Workshop: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/ai-png-workshop  

Save $50 with code SAVE50 

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FIND LIZZIE:

Find me on Instagram and TikTok @HowtoSellYourStuff 

HOW TO SELL YOUR STUFF WEBSITE: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/ 

HOW TO SELL YOUR STUFF SHOWNOTES: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/169      

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:

The Six Figure Secrets to Getting Started on Etsy beginner course

Use code SAVE50 to save $50

https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/six-figure-secrets

AND

ProfitTree

For the first time ever, you can now obtain meaningful actionable insights on core metrics of your Etsy shop. No more Excel sheets, V-lookups, or exporting reports! Y’all have been asking for this and Hannah and her team have overdelivered!

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*Some of the links above are affiliate links which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. You can see my affiliate disclosure here: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/affiliate-disclosure