Podcast Episode 218: How a 66-Year-Old Mom and Grandma Built an Etsy Shop Using AI with Rose Thomas

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/OzZIOSyJxa4

About Rose:

Rose Thomas is a mom of three and a proud grandmother—Oma to six —who retired to southwest Virginia in late 2019 with her husband John, her partner of 45 years. Their flock of sheep came along for the journey, and today John cares for the animals while Rose enjoys baking, creating, and learning all she can.

 At 66, while looking for ways to create illustrations for her Wooly children’s book series, Rose was introduced to AI as a creative tool. That single step sparked a new passion for digital design and led her to open a successful Etsy shop, Black Ridge Designs, where she sells cohesive, kid-friendly digital designs for every season and celebration.

Rose believes creativity has room for everyone and that learning never expires. Her story is a reminder that every big shift begins by saying yes to a challenge.

 EPISODE SUMMARY:  

In this episode of "How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy," I had the pleasure of speaking with the inspiring Rose Thomas, a 66-year-old mom and grandmother who has embraced the world of digital design and entrepreneurship. Rose's journey began when she retired to Southwest Virginia with her husband and their flock of sheep. While looking for ways to create illustrations for her children's book series, she discovered AI as a creative tool, which ignited a new passion for digital design.

Rose opened her Etsy shop, Black Ridge Designs, in June 2022, focusing on kid-friendly digital products. In just seven months, she achieved remarkable success, with 395 sales and 234 listings. Throughout our conversation, Rose shared her insights on the importance of embracing technology, particularly AI, and how it has transformed her creative process. She emphasized that age should never be a barrier to learning and that curiosity can lead to incredible opportunities.

We discussed the various tools Rose uses, including ChatGPT for generating product descriptions and ideogram for creating images. She highlighted the significance of staying curious and taking small steps to overcome the initial intimidation of new technology. Rose's story serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to pursue your passions and that every big shift begins with a willingness to say yes to new challenges.

As we wrapped up, Rose offered valuable tips for those who may feel overwhelmed by the idea of starting an Etsy shop or using AI. She encouraged listeners to start small, explore their interests, and not be afraid to ask questions. With her infectious enthusiasm and determination, Rose is a true testament to the idea that creativity knows no age limits. 

Join us for this uplifting episode as we explore Rose's journey, her approach to digital design, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Whether you're a seasoned seller or just starting out, there's something in this conversation for everyone.

EPISODE DETAILS 

If you've ever felt intimidated by AI or like it's too late for you to build an Etsy Shop--- this episode is for you! My guest, Rose, is sharing all about her experience of harnessing AI design tools at the age of 66 to build a thriving digital product Etsy business. You'll hear where her biggest learning curves have been, what AI tools she's finding most valuable, and her tips for others who want to get started. 

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

STUFF I MENTIONED: 

⭐ "How to Blow Up Your Etsy Shop" free training: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/interested-in-blow-up-shop 

➡️ Interested in my ebook: “How to make your first $10k on Etsy?” Let me know here and I’ll send a discount offer when it’s released: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/interested-in-ebook

Reach out to Rose:

Instagram: @Black_Ridge_Croft_Farm_Store

Email: [email protected]

HOW I HELP ETSY SELLERS GROW:

⭐Scaling Society: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/scaling-society

⭐"How to Blow Up Your Etsy Shop" free training: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/interested-in-blow-up-shop 

⭐Trendspotting: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/trendspotting

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

 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/218 

*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