Sattvic Arts: My Etsy Shop with a Sustainable Focus

First off, let me apologize for not having a post for last week! Life lately has comprised of me trying to cobble together a post a week, and creating accessories for my Etsy shop! So I’ve been a tad overwhelmed.

I started Sattvic Arts on 22 July 2020, after building inventory, figuring out and ordering the packaging materials. It was unnerving, to say the least. After all, I know nothing about running businesses. Gotta say though, Etsy made it really easy.

2 months later, I think it’s time I wrote a post to introduce my lovely readers to my new venture! So yes, I have a tiny business on Etsy selling crocheted accessories made with natural fibers, recyclable metal findings, and reusable gemstones! I’m aiming to do everything zero-plastic and with as little waste as possible.

Anth and I came up with the name of the shop together (eventually, we hope to sell his art too). “Sattvic” is a Sanskrit word used to describe the quality of serenity, truth, balance, goodness, and light. That’s how we want our minds to be when we art. Hopefully, you’ll see the qualities reflected through the items we sell!

The Concept

About a year ago, a relative gifted me some thin yarn. Before that, I’d found lace crochet hooks in the junk drawer that belonged to Anth’s grandma. With the thin yarn, I was finally able to use the hooks! One of the first things I tried making was a bracelet. I realize that I can combine my interest in crochet and gemstones if I crocheted bracelets with gemstones. So that’s what I started doing. 

Bracelets for both minimalists and avid consumers 

The original idea was to make bracelets intended for minimalists. Cotton, hemp, and linen, while strong, will wear out with time.

To a minimalist, that’s perfect since I don’t like having too many things around. When I get a regular metal bracelet, it’s going to last a lifetime. I won’t head out to buy a new bracelet, selling them wouldn’t make me much money. Since it’s not precious metal, it’s a little hard to give away. Throwing it away is wasteful! If I bought cheap costume jewelry, they tarnish in the worst possible ways and go into the landfill.

If I made bracelets with mostly natural fibers, it would solve that “problem” while also having a lower carbon footprint. They’re comfortable and can be made pretty. They last a reasonable period of time, yet won’t stick around forever so we have the option to wear something different after a while.

But they’re not just good for minimalists. Do you update your style frequently? Then cotton/hemp accessories may be perfect for you!

With these things in mind, I decided to stick with the idea a little longer and see what products I can come up with. Many months later, the shop happened.

About the shop

The main reason I started the shop is that I love crocheting. The second reason is for an additional source of income. It just seemed natural to turn it into a little business.

However, as someone who writes about sustainability and minimalism, the items I sell have to align with my beliefs. I troubled over this for a long while. How can I sell something that’s clearly non-essential when I’m always talking about decluttering and buying lesser things? Something about that feels very wrong.

Then I realized that there are people who enjoy wearing bracelets and earrings and may appreciate something made with a sustainable focus.

Besides, accessories straddle the line between art and aesthetics, and they’re small so in comparison, has a smaller carbon footprint than most merchandise.

With this shop, I get to build a livelihood with my hobby and center it around sustainability too!

Sustainability-focused

A circular intention

The accessories are purposely made with natural fibers, gemstones, and stainless steel parts – unless I recycle metal from other bracelets or crochet with copper wire. This way, when the bracelet’s worn out, my customers can compost the fibers, reuse the gemstones (or simply lose them in the yard), and reuse/recycle the metal findings.

Zero-plastic packaging

In keeping with the sustainability focus, the packaging has to be sustainable too! To be honest, it was super difficult to balance aesthetics, carbon footprint, protection, and cost. Which is why I admire Meliora so much!

Still, I think I managed to find a decent way to package the products. The bracelets are mounted onto chipboards, wrapped with waxed deli paper, tied with hemp cords, then placed into a kraft corrugated box measuring 6″ x 4″ x 2″. Nothing fancy, but they do the job!

What do you think?

Next steps

So there you have it, my little introduction to my little business. At the moment, I’m trying to get the word out and promote my little shop. Admittedly, I’m not good at marketing or selling stuff (so much for my education in marketing!). But I’ll improve on it! In the meantime, I apologize for any lapse in quality on my blog!

I intend to extend my product range to include more earrings and anklets too so if you don’t wear bracelets, you’ll still have an alternative to check out. 

If you’re interested in my artistic journey, or just into handmade accessories made with a lot of love, please follow me on Instagram or Facebook.

 

 

 

 

 

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Hello, sunshine! Okay it’s actually rainy where I am, but that makes this pair of earrings perfect for introducing a touch of brightness to the day! Should I name it? If you think I should, throw in a few suggestions please! It’ll be listed very soon! . . . . . #accessorize #accessory #accessoryoftheday #artisan #art #artworks #craft #crafty #crafting #crochetinspiration #crocheting #crochetlove #crochetersofinstagram #crochetearrings #handmadeearrings #etsyseller #etsy #handmadeaccessory #handmadegifts #handmadewithlove #sattvicarts #sustainable #sustainableart #zeroplasticpackaging #swarovski #smallbusiness #retro #tuesdayvibes

A post shared by Julie (@sattvicarts) on Sep 29, 2020 at 9:05am PDT

I’m constantly making new stuff and updating the shop with new listings and my social media accounts are the main ways I update my audience.

If you think this sounds interesting, please share it with your friends and family! It would totally make my day. Thank you so much for reading! Do you have tips on how I can make the business even more sustainable? Let me know!

What do you think of my new etsy shop? Do you have a business too? Are you on Instagram? Are you thinking of starting a small business? If you’re on Etsy too, do let me know and I’ll check your shop out too!