Podcast Summary

Podcast: How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy

Host: Lizzie Smiley
Episode 218: How a 66-Year-Old Mom and Grandma Built an Etsy Shop Using AI – with Rose Thomas
Date: January 29, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode shines a spotlight on Rose Thomas, a 66-year-old mother and grandmother who has transformed her creativity and curiosity into a thriving Etsy shop using Artificial Intelligence. Host Lizzie Smiley delves into Rose’s inspiring journey from tech newbie to digital product seller, examining her mindset, practical strategies, and the role of AI tools in shaping her success. The core message is clear: It's never too late to learn new skills, embrace technology, and build a meaningful business.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Rose’s Background & Getting Started

• Rose retired to rural Virginia, bringing with her a passion for baking, lifelong learning, and a flock of sheep.
• She was inspired to create a children's book series based on her farm animals, which led her to experiment with AI tools for illustrations and content organization.
  “I thought, maybe this could help me… I wanted to write things down, collect my thoughts. I opened up ChatGPT one day and said, ‘I’d like to write a children’s book. Can you help me organize the thoughts I’m going to give you?’”
  — Rose, [10:04]
• After discovering the usefulness of AI, Rose’s curiosity bloomed, leading her to digital product creation and the Etsy marketplace, largely driven by her DIY approach and desire for new challenges.

The Process of Building an Etsy Shop with AI

• Started her shop, Blackridge Designs, in June, focusing on digital products—PNGs with kid-friendly animal and homestead themes.
• Reached 395 sales and 234 listings within seven months.
• Strategy: Consistent listing growth, leveraging Etsy and group challenges to increase her inventory and sales. “The more you put up, the more ideas you get. It’s just amazing how it grows... My sales doubled at the same time as my listings.”
  — Rose, [06:37]
• Emphasized that digital product shops can scale with volume, especially with AI-assisted design.

Using AI as a Creative and Organizational Tool

• Started with a free ChatGPT account to organize thoughts for her book and later upgraded as her needs grew.
• Used AI for both writing descriptions and generating images (drawing on tools like Ideogram and Artistly).
• Rose treats AI as an accessible, non-intimidating assistant: “Don’t be afraid of technology. Instead of being afraid, just be more curious, ask questions. Challenges are good as you get older.”
  — Rose, [12:36]
• AI’s role: Synthesizing ideas, creating images, writing concise sales descriptions, providing structure for her product ideas.

Practical Workflow

1. Research trends on Etsy (using Lizzie’s resources and group tools).
2. Adapt trending ideas to fit her shop’s brand and aesthetic.
3. Use AI (Ideogram for coloring pages, Artistly for varied art styles) to generate images.
4. Refine and size images in Canva.
5. Use ChatGPT for writing listing descriptions and organizing product ideas.
6. Complete keyword research and SEO with Etsy tools like Profit Tree and Everbee.

Mindset & Overcoming Barriers

• Emphasizes incremental steps, staying curious over fearful, and embracing lifelong learning.
• Encourages older adults (or anyone hesitant) to take tiny, non-intimidating steps when approaching new tech or platforms. “Always let curiosity beat fear, because that’s what keeps you going.”
  — Rose, [27:04]

Community and Support

• Praises the impact of the Scaling Society coaching group and the sense of camaraderie and practical advice. “The support in that group is amazing… The coaches and the members are incredible as far as their answers and how they help each other out.”
  — Rose, [30:32]
• Demonstrates that social media is not essential for Etsy success; Rose relied on organic Etsy traffic and did not promote her shop to family or friends initially.

Tips and Takeaways for Listeners

• You are never too late or too old to learn new things or adopt technology.
• Start small with AI: Use ChatGPT for basic questions or organization and expand as you grow comfortable.
• Combine AI with research and personal creativity; don't just copy trends.
• Consistent, incremental progress is key—listings and skills both compound over time.
• Use community and resources for encouragement, accountability, and to fast-track learning.

Notable Quotes

• On learning and age:
  “Learning never expires. I don’t think anybody’s too old to learn anything—just take it one step at a time.”
  — Rose, [36:20]
• On AI as a tool:
  “I don’t feel like I’m taking from someone. I feel like I’m giving more out there. AI opens up so much for people who wouldn't have the chance any other way.”
  — Rose, [15:15]
• On motivation and belief:
  “With every 5-star review, you get a little more confidence. I wanted this to be organic—I wasn't out there cheering myself on. When I hit that first hundred sales, it was so exciting.”
  — Rose, [28:14]
• On curiosity over fear:
  “Always let curiosity beat fear. That’s what keeps you going.”
  — Rose, [27:04]
• On taking action:
  “Tiny steps are better than no steps, so that way people don’t get discouraged with the new language and all the things out there.”
  — Rose, [42:15]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Rose’s Background – [04:35]
• Opening the Etsy Shop & Early Progress – [05:31]
• Listing Volume, Challenges, and Sales Growth – [06:37]
• AI as a Creative Partner: Starting with ChatGPT – [10:04]
• Transition to Monetization & Digital Product Focus – [15:57]
• AI Tools: ChatGPT, Ideogram, Artistly, Canva – [18:59]
• Workflow for Digital Product Creation – [17:21]
• Biggest Learning Curves & Vocabulary – [23:00]
• Mindset: Curiosity vs. Fear – [26:35]
• Milestones, Reviews, and Confidence – [28:14]
• Community Support and Group Involvement – [30:32]
• Design Trends, Managing Seasons & Evergreen Listings – [33:23]
• Advice for Beginners & Older Learners – [36:20]
• Vision for the Next Year & Expansion Plans – [37:17]
• Closing Thoughts, Connect with Rose, and Final Tips – [41:18]

Connect with Rose

• Instagram: @blackridgecroftfarmstore
• Free Canva guide for beginners: (link in show notes)
• Etsy Shop: Blackridge Designs (searchable or linked below the episode)

Tone & Style

Lizzie hosts with warmth, encouragement, and a focus on demystifying both Etsy and AI for her listeners. Rose embodies curiosity, steady confidence, and the ethos that learning and trying new things are ageless pursuits. The conversation is upbeat, supportive, and highly accessible.

Summary Takeaway

If you think AI, Etsy, or digital entrepreneurship is reserved for the tech-savvy or young, Rose Thomas’s story will make you rethink your limits. Her experience proves that with curiosity, small but consistent action, and the right support, anyone can build a creative business—no matter where you’re starting or how old you are.