From Etsy Store to Full-Time Career: Behind the Scenes of The Flower Bride

Click for source // Photographs by Ryan Meta

As you probably already know, Whim Online Magazine are huge fans of the Etsy marketplace, due to the supportive role it plays with independent and emerging creative businesses. The Etsy blog frequently publishes behind-the-scenes looks at Etsy sellers and their shops, and our most favourite blog feature is definitely the 'Quit Your Day Job' series. Etsy recently published an article about the lovely Kelsey Genna who runs the successful (and stunning) bridal label, The Flower Bride.

We know that Kelsey's story will be both inspirational and motivating to our readers who are fellow creatives and perhaps have Etsy stores of their own, so below we have included her little story for you to pour over! Please head to the Etsy blog to view the full feature (including more gorgeous images!).

"My name is Kelsey Genna, and I am a 22-year-old bridal designer based in New Zealand. My shop is called The Flower Bride.

When I first started my business, I noticed there weren’t a lot of quality beautiful pieces around the $1000 mark, so I decided to fill that niche and create a line that is accessible to all budgets. I take pride in the fact that my dresses are quite different from what’s available in the bridal market. I grew up in the New Zealand countryside, so I’ve always had a great love of flowers and nature, and as a result my designs are very bohemian and feminine, with no “puff.”

I create wedding dresses because I love working with brides. They are so happy and a dream to work with – far from the “bridezilla” stereotype they’re often given. When it comes to working with brides, I have a set collection of wedding styles I sell through Etsy; I normally start with my designs and then tweak and develop each piece to suit the bride. All of my pieces are made to measure.

I was 16 when I discovered Etsy – a young girl with so many dreams that I didn’t realize could become reality. At first, I sold flowery stretch underwear and prom dresses, but over time my label has blossomed into bridal. I love the Etsy community; I’ve met so many kind-hearted people that I now call friends.

One of the greatest things about The Flower Bride is that I’ve been able to create a business that works for me. I love being able to choose my own hours and work when I am feeling most creative, rather than pushing when it doesn’t feel right. Working from a mix of locations and traveling has been a plus, too. My job has brought so much joy to my life, and Etsy has played a big part in that journey."

Do you have an Etsy store and wish to learn more about the art of running an online business? You can check out the Etsy Seller Handbook here. We wish you all the best!