Why I'm Leaving Etsy

After five incredible years, I’ve made the decision to phase out my Etsy shop by January 2026. In that time, I’ve had the honor of creating nearly 1,000 custom art pieces through Etsy alone for customers around the country. I’ve put up with Etsy’s ever-rising fees and lack of customer support because I was still able to connect with people and thrive despite the challenges.

But recently, an experience left me with a sour taste I can no longer overlook. I’ve built my business on exceptional customer service and on delivering artwork that carries heart and quality—no matter the price point. Over the years, I’ve been blessed with hundreds of 5-star reviews across Etsy, Google, and my website. I can count on one hand the number of 4-star reviews I’ve received, and those were tied only to shipping delays during the holiday season. So when I opened Etsy to find a 1-star review, I was genuinely shocked.

This customer had approved her painting—one I created based on her requested colors and even shared my reference inspiration with her before shipping. She voiced no concerns at the time, yet later claimed it didn’t meet her expectations, opened a case, and requested Etsy credit. Instead of engaging with me for a resolution or even requesting a repaint or refund, she stopped responding and left the review. Only later did I discover this is part of a growing trend on Etsy: customers exploiting loopholes by filing claims for credit, which Etsy readily grants while ignoring the damage done to sellers’ reputations.

Yes—it’s just one review. And yes—anyone reading through the rest can clearly see it doesn’t reflect the quality or care I put into my work. But for me, this is a matter of principle. I cannot in good conscience continue supporting a platform that rewards this kind of behavior while offering no protection to the small businesses that built its success.

The good news? Nothing is ending for my art—only my Etsy chapter. Every service, every commission, and every offering I’ve provided there (and more) is already available through my website. In fact, shopping directly through my site gives me the flexibility to serve you better, create more, and offer lower prices—since I’m no longer buried under Etsy’s fees.

So while I’m closing this door, I’m opening a wider one: one where I can connect with you directly, deliver more value, and continue creating artwork that means something. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has supported me on Etsy. I’m excited for what’s next, and I look forward to continuing the journey with you on my own platform.