Podcast Episode 196: Your Next Stream of Passive Income (Etsy Alternative) – with Erin Kendal

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/SufTIfos4FE 

About Erin:

Erin Kendal is an Aussie mama of two who recently moved her family to Portugal after building a thriving, location-independent career as a surface pattern designer—and now she's teaching others how to cultivate the creative success and freedom they dream of, too.

She spent ten years testing different side hustles while stuck in an uncreative corporate 9-5—including running several Etsy shops (!!)—before accidentally discovering Spoonflower and using it as the springboard to a business that transformed her family’s life! 

Pattern and color obsessed, her work is used by brands worldwide: from wallpaper at Australia Zoo to pet accessories, kids’ clothes, cloth diapers, swimsuits, and even gracing the pages of a quilting book.

Through her Power Sellers Academy membership, Erin teaches practical, buyer-aligned strategy, equipping designers to build revenue streams they control.

EPISODE SUMMARY:  

In this exciting episode of "How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy," I, Lizzie Smiley, dive deep into the world of Spoonflower with the talented Erin Kendall. As a surface pattern designer and a successful entrepreneur, Erin shares her journey from a corporate 9-to-5 job to building a thriving, location-independent career that allows her to live in Portugal with her family.

We kick off the episode by discussing the unique opportunities that Spoonflower offers for independent artists and designers. Erin explains how this platform allows creators to upload their seamless pattern designs, which can be printed on various fabrics and wallpaper. We explore the diverse audience that shops on Spoonflower, including small businesses, interior designers, and DIY enthusiasts, all seeking unique and customizable designs.

As we transition into the practical side of selling on Spoonflower, Erin shares valuable insights about the platform's commission structure, marketing strategies, and the importance of driving your own traffic. We discuss the potential for passive income through Spoonflower, emphasizing how designers can earn while focusing on other aspects of their creative businesses.

Throughout the episode, Erin candidly reflects on her own experiences, including the challenges she faced in her early days as a designer and the lessons she learned along the way. She highlights the significance of mindset and the importance of not getting caught up in self-doubt or excuses. Instead, she encourages listeners to embrace their creativity and take actionable steps toward building their businesses.

We also touch on the evolving landscape of design, including the impact of AI-generated art and the importance of maintaining authenticity in creative work. Erin shares her thoughts on how artists can navigate this new terrain while still finding success.

This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a reminder that there is always room for creativity and growth in the entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're a seasoned seller or just starting out, Erin's insights will empower you to explore new avenues for your designs and cultivate the life you dream about. So, grab a seat at the table, and let's dive into the world of Spoonflower together!

EPISODE DETAILS 

If you’ve been looking for an Etsy alternative, this episode is for you! This week I’m joined by Erin Kendal who built a full time passive income on Spoonflower by designing aesthetic digital patterns to be sold on wallpaper, fabric and more. Listen in for her best tips, inspiring story, and keys to success on this totally unique platform.

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

STUFF I MENTIONED: 

➡️Early Bird Pricing for LIVE SEO Workshop on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 7-8:30 PM Central time:  

➡️Join the Trendspotting Membership (get your first month for just $17): https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/offers/JxNYgLnw

Trendspotting Bonuses are coming soon for active members:

🗓️ September 15 – Niche Bundle

🗓️ September 22 – Double Opportunities (that's 10 for the week, instead of 5!)

🗓️ September 29 – Christmas Trendspotting Bonus Video

🗓️ October 6 – 5 Free Design Templates

🗓️ October 13 – Mindset Visualization Audio

FIND ERIN:

Power Seller Academy [Learn Spoonflower from Erin]: https://erin-kendal.mykajabi.com/a/2147876453/9c9jCZ7L

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin__kendal/ 

Website: https://www.erinkendal.com/ 

Spoonflower Dropshipping Course: https://erin-kendal.mykajabi.com/spoonflower-dropshipping-course

FAN FAVORITE RESOURCES:

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

✅ 2,000 Digital Product Prompts (only $17): https://lizziesmiley.samcart.com/products/2000-digital-product-prompts

 🎉 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  

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 a trend report, over 200 high demand listing suggestions (POD/Digital), and a monthly group coaching call!

➡️ Lizzie’s AI Workshops: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/ai-workshops  

Save $50 with code SAVE50

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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/196

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

Trendspotting

Receive a weekly trendspotting report from me with all the biggest trends and a video showing how to use them!

➡️You’ll also get access to over 140 hot, low competition products in the POD and Digital Product space—with more added weekly.

➡️Need one-on-one support? I host a monthly group coaching call where you can ask questions and request a live shop review.

Grab your spot: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/offers/JxNYgLnw

Save $20 on your first month with code KEEP20

*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