Seller Handbook

We first spoke with designer Melanie Abrantes back in 2019 for our series on the Etsy Journal, "A Day in the Life". She let us tag along for an average day, going from her local farmer's market to teaching an in-person carving workshop, then out to deliver wholesale orders to nearby brick and mortars, and back to the shop to pack orders before capping things off with margaritas at a favourite local restaurant. Since then, daily life has evolved dramatically for many sellers, including Melanie.

Growing her business in Oakland, Melanie's ties to the community run deep. When local storefronts were forced to close their doors and in-person events were put on pause, she rebalanced her business offerings with DIY carving kits and shareable tutorials. "t’s a very meditative process, carving, and I think that helped people get their mind off some things," says Melanie. She credits her parents for instilling a work ethic that's carried her through this period of transition.

“My parents are both immigrants to the US, and run a restaurant together in Houston, Texas," Melanie says. “Growing up, seeing them start from scratch to build what they have today, really instilled in me that if I work hard, I can accomplish anything." That firsthand exposure also clued her into the challenges that come with entrepreneurship early on – from working extended hours to balancing business priorities. "I talk with my dad often about finances, which are so important in running a small business," says Melanie. "Being able to talk honestly is essential in setting realistic goals and keeping things on track." Her mum's creativity and attention to detail is also carried through to Melanie's designs.

"I think I always knew I wanted to have a small business," says Melanie. But finding the right path was a journey of experimentation. While studying product design in college, she had the opportunity to explore a variety of materials and techniques, including wood, glass, metal, and ceramics. After graduating in 2008, she started working in graphic design, but missed the connection of working with more tactile materials. She connected with a local community woodshop, and began carving original designs using wood, metal, and cork. “I started my business not knowing I was going to start a business,” says Melanie. "I just found that woodworking was really the best way I could translate externally the ideas I had in my mind." In 2014, she opened her shop on Etsy.

In the years following, Melanie's expanded her inventory to include an array of home goods, carving kits, clothing, and even signed copies of her book on whittling, Carved. With over 300 sales and glowing customer reviews, she's committed to growing her business even further.

"I’m half Portugese and half Filipino," says Melanie. "And being able to see myself and other people of colour on the [Etsy] platform is inspiring. Representation matters. Even just being a woman woodworker is something people don’t see as often."

Read on to learn more about the creative origins and continued growth of Melanie Abrantes Designs.

A lot has changed since your Day in the Life interview back in 2019! What does your current day-to-day look like?

It’s still really important for me to have a routine. Right now, that means slow mornings: I’ll have my coffee, check on the garden, and take Rover for a walk. Then I get to come into the workshop, where I'll spend the rest of the day fulfilling orders, making my products, and working on any other projects we’re developing – like Mel’s Carving Club, a subscription box I recently launched that features a new carving project every month, with materials delivered to your doorstep, and virtual carve-alongs.

Can you tell us about the materials you use in your shop?

I was inspired to start designing with cork after visiting my grandfather in Portugal. 80% of the world's cork is produced there, and you see a huge assortment of cork products! I love that it ties into my heritage, and reminds me of my grandfather. Plus, cork is sustainable, since the material comes from the bark of a cork oak tree, which grows back in just about 10 years. I also specifically use cork scraps from the wine industry, which helps reduce waste.

Your studio space is beautiful! How has it evolved over the years?

My studio started out incredibly small, and I shared the space with another artist. It was inexpensive, and allowed me to start my business! A couple years later I was able to expand, and have dedicated spaces for woodworking, dispatching, and hosting workshops.

How has your business evolved over the course of the pandemic?

I used to sell a lot to shops, but with the pandemic, many of them cancelled orders, and some aren’t even in business anymore. I also used to teach a lot of workshops in person.

While my wood carving kits were always something that was popular, in 2020 they really took off. It seems like everyone is obsessed with carving now. Especially because they were at home, and wanted to create new hobbies.

It’s a very meditative process, carving, and I think that helped people get their mind off some things.

Can you tell us about a design or concept you’ve loved working on?

One of my favourite projects is a collection of vases I created for a design exhibit on sustainability in Paris. I used all of the scrap pieces in my woodshop to build up a base, and then turned it, and add glass to the bottom, so they're a composite of wood, cork, and glass.

It was so fun to design from those pieces, and I’ve loved expanding that idea to share as a line in my shop, so everyone can have something unique in their home.

Any other highlights from running your business?

My proudest moment is when I see people have my products in their home. My designs feel like little pieces of me, so the fact that they’re something my customers want to celebrate and display means a lot. I love creating pieces that they’re going to have and cherish for a long time, and that I can be a part of bringing a smile to their face.

Does your heritage or culture inspire your products or creative process? Let us know in the comments!