Podcast Episode 257: This Single Mom Built Steady Etsy Income With a Sewing Machine and Grit -with Danielle McLeish

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/yUGy9mvHz1E 

ABOUT DANIELLE:

I’m a single mom, a runner, and the owner of Cbus Bands. My love for making headbands started long before Etsy. Years ago, while working in a daycare, I noticed a tiny bow headband on a baby’s little head. I remember looking at it and thinking, “I could totally make that.” That small moment inspired me to start experimenting with making baby headbands of my own.

After a few tries with baby bows, someone asked me if I could make a headband for them. Once I made that headband, I realized I could also start making running headbands for myself. As a runner, I quickly learned that’s where my happiness was! So I began selling them to friends and other runners in the Columbus, Ohio running community.

I officially opened my Etsy shop about two years ago, but by then headbands had already been part of my story for quite a while. I love creating headbands that are functional, fun, and personal for the people who wear them.I look forward to seeing where my business goes!

EPISODE SUMMARY:  

In this episode of "How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy," I had the pleasure of speaking with Danielle, a single mom and the creative force behind Cbus Bands, a thriving Etsy shop specializing in custom headbands. Danielle's journey into entrepreneurship began years ago when she was inspired by a baby headband she saw while working in a daycare. This sparked her passion for creating headbands, which eventually evolved into a successful business.

Throughout our conversation, we explored the challenges and triumphs Danielle has faced as she transitioned from making headbands for friends to launching her Etsy shop. She shared valuable insights into how she identified her niche in the running community and the importance of adapting her product offerings based on customer feedback. Danielle's story is a testament to the idea that building a successful Etsy shop is often an evolution, requiring flexibility and a willingness to experiment.

Danielle also discussed her daily routine, balancing her Etsy business with her responsibilities as a single mom and her job caring for children with disabilities. She emphasized the importance of dedicating time each day to her Etsy shop, whether it's creating new listings or engaging with customers. We delved into her strategies for driving traffic to her shop, including the use of AI for creating mockups and the significance of adding new listings regularly to keep the algorithm in her favor.

As we wrapped up our conversation, Danielle shared her aspirations for the future, including the potential for expanding her product line to include gift boxes for runners and other accessories. Her enthusiasm and creativity are infectious, and I believe listeners will walk away inspired by her journey and the practical tips she offered.

This episode is perfect for anyone looking to turn their hobby into a business, especially those who may feel overwhelmed by the demands of life. Danielle's story serves as a reminder that with dedication, creativity, and a willingness to adapt, success is within reach. Join us as we dive into the world of Etsy selling, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit!

EPISODE DETAILS:  

What does it look like to build a successful handmade Etsy shop around a very specific niche? In this episode, we’re talking with Danielle who makes *specifically* running headbands. Tune in to hear how she decides what to list, balances being a mom, her full time job, AND her Etsy business-- plus all the nitty gritty of scaling a handmade Etsy shop. 

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

STUFF I MENTIONED: 

➡️ AI Mockup Rules Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYflowMD9GS/?img_index=1 

➡️ Sweary Carrie Sticker Episodes:

Ep 186 | Building A Sticker Empire: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/186 

Ep 240 | How Carrie built a sticker brand people can't stop buying from: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/blog/240  

➡️ Mindset episodes with Jenny who moved to Greece: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/playlist-for-mindset 

FIND DANIELLE:

Danielle’s Headbands: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CbusBands?etsrc=sdt 

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

----------------------

🎙️ 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/ 

 *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