We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Arsi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Arsi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?

The rush is real! Sometimes, customers come to me needing custom engraved pieces for last-minute events, like a family reunion or a work award ceremony.

They might have a fantastic idea for a personalized gift, but time isn’t on their side. That’s where I get to push my creativity and engraving skills into overdrive!

I remember this one instance where a customer contacted me on Thursday needing engraved award platters for a Sunday afternoon ceremony. Each platter needed unique wording, so clear communication was key. We exchanged messages to finalize the designs, and I worked through the night to engrave each piece. With careful planning, I managed to get them shipped overnight to ensure they arrived at the venue on time. The relief and appreciation from the customer were truly rewarding. It goes to show that even with tight deadlines, a little extra effort can turn a last-minute scramble into a personalized masterpiece!

Arsi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

It all started in high school, fueled by a teenage mission to save for prom and my first car. Who knew a summer job at an engraving kiosk inside a Sears in Burbank would spark a lifelong love affair with this craft?

While the engraving wasn’t exactly high art (think name plates and key making), it planted the seed. But it was at the Glendale Galleria’s engraving store that things truly clicked. My supportive boss fostered my creativity, and I reveled in helping customers craft personalized gifts that became treasured memories. It wasn’t just about the technical aspects; it was about the joy of creating something special. This experience not only nurtured my artistic side but also helped me put myself through college.

Even after graduating and starting a successful career in IT, the allure of engraving never quite faded. Fast forward to Covid, and with that extra time at home, the spark reignited. Engraved Touch, my Etsy shop, was born!

At Engraved Touch, I pour my passion into creating unique and beautiful engraved gifts. From lighters and mugs to intricate designs on wood and acrylic, I offer a variety of surfaces and items to personalize. But what truly sets me apart is my commitment to quality and that special touch. Every piece that leaves my workshop is infused with the care and attention it deserves, ensuring it becomes a cherished keepsake.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

When it comes to finding new customers, social media has been my secret weapon! I’ve built a loyal following on Instagram – over 10,000 strong at last count – and I’m actively growing my presence on TikTok too. This lets me connect with potential customers on a whole new level.

One of my favorite things about these platforms is the ability to share the entire creative process. I can go live and show folks the intricate details of engraving an item, the care I put into packaging and shipping, or even how to use the personalized gifts I create. It’s a fantastic way to build a connection and showcase the love that goes into every piece.

And let me tell you, it works! Whenever I post on social media, I see a surge in interest and inquiries about my products. Many customers even prefer to chat directly through DMs and place orders that way. It’s been amazing to see how social media has become such a vital part of my business growth.

Speaking of growth, Etsy’s advertising platform has also been a game-changer. It requires a good understanding of SEO (search engine optimization), which is where my IT background comes in super handy! By optimizing my listings and targeting the right keywords, I can ensure my shop reaches the right audience and gets discovered by crafters looking for unique, personalized gifts.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Setting up Engraved Touch was definitely a learning experience! There’s a whole new world involved in running an online shop compared to a brick-and-mortar store. While some things are easier (hello, no rent!), others require a different approach.

One of the biggest hurdles was figuring out inventory, the engraving machine itself, packaging, and all those little extras that make a shop feel special. It was definitely a trial-and-error process, but that’s part of the fun (and sometimes frustration) of starting your own creative venture.

The good news is, I was able to bootstrap the entire business myself, without any loans. This meant slower growth initially, since I was only treating it as a hobby at first. But the beauty of starting small is that you can learn the ropes and refine your offerings before taking the plunge full-time. And let me tell you, the fact that there’s a real demand for my work has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing Engraved Touch grow organically, fueled by happy customers, has been the best kind of validation!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://engravedtouch.etsy.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/engravedtouch
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@engravedtouch engravedtouch.com