Podcast Episode 192: Etsy and Beyond: Transforming Abstract Art into Energizing Home Decor -with Leila Simon Hayes

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/EjMy8X41s7Q 

About Leila: ("Lee-La")

Leila Simon Hayes is an abstract artist and textile designer who creates unique patterns by combining simple elements into surprising relationships. Drawing from a meditative dream space sourced from emotion, her work explores playful scale alongside rhythm and movement.

Leila's work comes to life on table linens, homewares, wallpaper, stationery, and framed prints that are designed to energize homes and encourage play.

EPISODE SUMMARY:  

In this episode of "How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy," I had the pleasure of speaking with the incredibly talented Leila Simon-Hayes, an abstract artist and textile designer. Leila's journey into the world of art and entrepreneurship is both inspiring and enlightening, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to connect their creativity with business.

We kicked off the conversation by discussing Leila's unique approach to selling her artwork. She shared her love for in-person markets, despite being an introvert, and how these events allow her to engage in intimate one-on-one conversations with customers. Leila emphasized the joy she finds in seeing people's immediate reactions to her art, which provides invaluable feedback that online sales simply can't replicate.

Leila also opened up about her recent expansion into table linens and how she never anticipated the level of creativity that would emerge from customers mixing and matching her designs. This collaboration between her artistic vision and her customers' creativity has been a delightful surprise.

Throughout our chat, we explored the various platforms where Leila sells her work, including Etsy, her own Shopify website, and print-on-demand services like Spoonflower and Good Mood Prints. She explained how these platforms function as search engines and the importance of promoting her work to reach her niche audience.

One of the most profound moments in our conversation came when Leila shared her experience of connecting with her business on a deeper level. During a challenging market experience, she felt her business speak to her, urging her to grow and take it more seriously. This moment of clarity led her to embrace diversification in her sales channels and marketing strategies, which she believes is essential for her unique artistic voice.

Leila's artistic process is equally fascinating. She described how she begins with black and white elements, allowing her improvisational style to guide her creations. The addition of color at the end of her process brings her work to life, and she aims to create products that foster a lasting relationship with her audience.

As we wrapped up the episode, Leila offered invaluable advice for new artists and entrepreneurs. She encouraged listeners to embrace the discomfort of growth and to view every challenge as an opportunity to learn. Her mantra, inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe, reminds us that everything we do in life is often done in fear, but that shouldn't hold us back.

This episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical tips for anyone looking to turn their artistic passion into a thriving business. Join us as we dive into the world of creativity, entrepreneurship, and the magic that happens when we connect with our true calling.

EPISODE DETAILS 

In this episode, I’m joined by Leila Simon Hayes, an abstract artist and textile designer who transforms simple elements into unique, energizing home decor. We dive into how Leila’s meditative and emotionally-driven artwork becomes table linens, homewares, wallpaper, and more, sold across Etsy and other platforms. Tune in for insights on growing a multi-platform business while bringing abstract art to life in everyday spaces!

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

STUFF I MENTIONED: 

Submit your FAQs: https://sprw.io/stt-dEeCxhdfYaf3eqBYohD7fZ

Apply to be on the Podcast: https://sprw.io/stt-xfsV5fhDxxT3NJGVBghmWp

➡️ Are you interested in a course about how I create and sell digital products on Etsy? Let me know here: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/interest-digital-product-course

Episodes Mentioned:

➡️ Ep 177 | Gloria – PR : https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/177

GoodMoodPrints: https://www.goodmoodprints.com

Spoonflower: https://www.spoonflower.com

Gango Custom Printing for High Quality Prints: https://www.gangocustomprinting.com/

FIND LEILA:

Website: leilasimonhayes.com

IG: @leilasimonhayes

Spoonflower: https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/leilasimonhayes

Use LIZZIE20 for 20% in my shop (for everything except wallpaper)

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Learn from Lizzie:

Got Questions? NEED ONE-ON-ONE HELP?

🎉 Lizzie’s Coaching Group (one time fee = life time access): https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/lizzie-smiley-s-coaching-group

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

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FIND LIZZIE:

Find me on Instagram and TikTok @HowtoSellYourStuff 

Apply to be on the Podcast: https://shorturl.at/skDBs

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

HOW TO SELL YOUR STUFF SHOWNOTES: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/192      

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:

The Six Figure Secrets to Getting Started on Etsy beginner course

Use code SAVE50 to save $50

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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