Podcast Episode 222: How Driving Her Own Traffic Sparked Faster Organic Etsy Sales - with Alex Chavez

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/E1KVC8LWhPY   

About Alex:

Alex is a former middle school music teacher with a master’s degree in education who is now a stay-at-home mama and Etsy seller. After welcoming her daughter in April of 2024, she decided to step away from the classroom to spend time at home with her little one. While staying home has been deeply rewarding in a new and beautiful way, it didn’t quite match the fast-paced chaos and constant variety she was used to as a teacher.

Always someone who loves feeling productive and staying busy, Alex tried a handful of different side hustles before—on a total whim—starting an Etsy shop, and that’s when things really clicked. Her shop features themed sensory play kits and dry sensory bin fillers designed for littles, but enjoyed by adults too. Since launching in October of 2025, Alex’s shop has grown to over 200 sales and continues to evolve and grow.

EPISODE SUMMARY:  

In this episode of "How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy," I am thrilled to welcome our guest, Alex, a former middle school music teacher turned stay-at-home mom and successful Etsy seller. Alex's journey into the world of handmade products is both inspiring and relatable, especially for those of us navigating the chaos of parenthood while pursuing our entrepreneurial dreams.

We kick off the conversation by discussing the importance of understanding your numbers as an Etsy seller. I share my own struggles with tracking expenses and introduce a fantastic tool called Profit Tree, which helps sellers manage their finances and assess market demand effectively. This tool is particularly beneficial for those in the handmade space, where costs can be tricky to calculate.

Alex shares her unique story of launching her Etsy shop, which features themed sensory play kits and dry sensory bin fillers. She recounts the initial challenges she faced, including her first sale coming just a week after opening her shop. To gain traction, Alex creatively leveraged her local community by posting in Facebook groups and offering free shipping, which led to her first sales and valuable social proof.

One of the highlights of our discussion is Alex's experience at her first market, where she learned the importance of effectively communicating the value of her products. Despite a slow start, she quickly adapted her approach, focusing on the benefits of sensory play for children and how it fosters development. This shift not only improved her sales at markets but also enhanced her SEO strategy on Etsy.

Throughout the episode, we dive deep into Alex's innovative marketing strategies, including her use of social media and live sales to engage with potential customers. She emphasizes the significance of building a brand that resonates with her target audience and shares practical tips for other sellers looking to do the same.

As we wrap up, Alex reflects on her journey, the lessons she's learned, and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Her story is a testament to the power of community, creativity, and a willingness to adapt in the ever-evolving landscape of online selling.

Join us for this enlightening conversation filled with actionable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to launch or grow their Etsy shop!

EPISODE DETAILS: 

This week I’m chatting with Alex, a former middle school teacher turned stay-at-home mama who built a fast-growing handmade Etsy shop selling sensory play kits. Alex shares how she used Facebook groups, live markets, and her personal network to drive early traffic—creating momentum that led to faster organic Etsy sales. Tune in for a powerful reminder that you can prime the Etsy algorithm to start seeing results.

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

STUFF I MENTIONED: 

Profittree:

The In Demand badge is BACK!!! Plus tags for every listing.

Check out ProfitTree’s new product research tool ETSY RADAR:  https://lifetime.profittree.io/?via=lizzie87

Get the best profit tracking tool to help you know your numbers AND a product research tool for a one time fee of $67. (completely insane)

Profittree Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO7Ra18ZPTw&t=1s

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

FIND ALEX:

Instagram: @TinyTactileByAlex

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/222 

💛 A quick heads up — this episode includes a paid sponsor mention.

 *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