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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Utica chapter.

I have talked about my love for small businesses more than once in my articles. While I do not buy everything from small businesses, I should really try to more often. Etsy is slowly becoming my go-to when it comes to purchasing things online, which can be a struggle at times because of my relationship with Amazon Prime. For those of you who might be unfamiliar with what Etsy is, taken straight from their website it is “Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. It’s home to a universe of special, extraordinary items, from unique handcrafted pieces to vintage treasures. In a time of increasing automation, it’s our mission to keep human connection at the heart of commerce. That’s why we built a place where creativity lives and thrives because it’s powered by people.” Which in plain everyday terms, it’s a website that is created by the people for the people. 

 

You can find anything you could have ever wanted on Etsy, I am 90% sure that there is something for everyone on there, and what’s best about it is that you are supporting a person and not a huge corporation putting meaningless stuff together for a quick buck. I have started to look at Etsy as my first place for whatever it is that I am looking for whether it is a clothing item or a house decoration, and if I cannot find what I am looking for then I search elsewhere. I would be a liar if I did not include that a small portion of the product sales do go back to Etsy, not all of the proceeds go to the seller, but it is not a huge amount and any website that you use for selling is most likely going to take a portion, which is unfortunate. I run my own Etsy shop, but the amount that I do not receive is only a couple of cents. It is never a huge sum of money. If a small business does not have its own website and chooses to sell on Etsy I say 100% support them this way. There is so much thought and effort going into the products and it could mean more than you even know from purchasing from them. 

 

 Some of my favorite items that I have bought from Etsy shops are my handsome cat’s bowtie collars, my adorable reel badge for work in the shape of a smiling bumblebee, my resin sparkly shot glass, and of course my iconic Liam Payne car air freshener….. which is literally his head hanging from the mirror in my car. I am currently waiting on two packages from two different shops. One is a mystery true crime box, which was $15 which includes a true crime book and a mug! I am super excited about this package, I love the idea of mystery boxes. It’s a cute surprise, true crime is my favorite and  I have a mug collection so, I figured why not! I also ordered a hand painted-sign for my new kitchen when I move into my next apartment which says “When life hands you limes, make margaritas.” Millennials claimed wine decor in their homes, so I am claiming margaritas for mine. I love supporting little businesses and their endeavors because it means so much to them and the amount of time, as well as the effort they put into their products, makes it even more beautiful. 

So, if you’re looking to go on a shopping spree, shop on Etsy!! 

 

Hi! My name is Jessica! I am technically an English major, but I am in the Childhood Education program and I am going to be an elementary school teacher. I have always loved writing so, I am taking my personal hobby to the next level. I am a cat mom of two adorable kitties, and I am also a plant mom. I run an etsy shop where I sell products that I sew by hand with love. I think everyone should do what they love without caring what other people think. You are all beautiful and unique in your own ways. :)