The person behind the guide
Meet Kendra Portnova
An artist, Etsy shop owner, and the creator of Start Your First Etsy Store. I'm here to share what I've learned and help you take your first steps toward opening your own creative online shop.
Art, creativity, family, and the journey of selling on Etsy.
Why this site exists
My Mission
At Start Your First Etsy Store, our mission transcends beyond just being a guide to setting up an Etsy store. We strive to be a companion in your entrepreneurial voyage, to be a catalyst in transforming your creative aspirations into a thriving digital storefront.
“Start Your First Etsy Store” is not merely a guide; it’s a reflection of Kendra’s journey, a distillation of the experiences, the trials, the learnings, and the triumphs encountered in the Etsy realm. It’s about empowering you with the knowledge, the strategies, and the confidence to establish your Etsy store, to turn your creative passion into a profitable business, and to thrive in the Etsy marketplace.
Take the leap, embrace the guidance encapsulated in “Start Your First Etsy Store”, and embark on a journey towards Etsy success, towards living a life enriched with creativity, financial independence, and fulfillment.
Your creative ideas deserve a place to grow.
The story behind the store
My Creative Journey
From art and photography to building Etsy shops, creativity has been part of Kendra's story every step of the way.
A Love of Making Art
From a tender age, the world of artistry beckoned to Kendra Portnova. Every medium she ventured into, she didn’t just explore, she mastered. Her creative journey led her to delve into advanced wheel throwing ceramics and soothing watercolor painting, eventually channeling her focus into Photography at a university level, right at the cusp of film and digital photography’s convergence.
Finding a New Path
Life, with its twists and turns, presented Kendra with a challenge – cancer. A year of rigorous chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries later, Kendra emerged with a renewed vigor for life. As a stay-at-home mom, she unearthed the realm of Etsy, opening her first store, and subsequently, another aimed at Colon cancer awareness.
Sharing What I've Learned
Creating on Etsy was more than a business endeavor for Kendra; it was a therapeutic pathway in her recovery journey, a means to balance her art, her health, and her cherished family. Now, she seeks to use this platform to guide others in navigating the Etsy landscape, turning a passion into a profitable venture.
Kendra Portnova, now residing in the serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband, two sons, and her Rottie, Hope Sofia, extends her hand to you, inviting you on an Etsy adventure. The wisdom gleaned from her journey is encapsulated in her guide, “Start Your First Etsy Store”, ready to usher you into the Etsy ecosystem with confidence and clarity.
A practical place to begin
Ready to Start Your First Etsy Store?
Opening an Etsy shop comes with plenty of questions. Kendra's beginner-friendly setup guide brings together what she's learned so you can approach the process with more clarity, from exploring your product ideas to planning and opening your store.
Discover the Guide
Have a question?
I'd Love to Hear From You
Have any questions? I'm always here to help! Reach out through the help desk, and let's talk about your Etsy journey.
Get In TouchStart Your First Etsy Store is an independent publication by Kendra Portnova and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Etsy, Inc.