Etsy is changing my life

I don’t know where else to share this and hope I won’t be seen as bragging. There are too many people in the other Etsy sub so I feel a bit shy to post there- plus I sell digital downloads so I’ll post here.

I have a disability and am unable to work full time. I work as I am able, when I am able but was never able to finish study or make a career so I work for minimum wage wherever I can.
I have always been creative / artistic and liked to make things, but I saw it as more of a hobby than a way to make money.

3 months ago, I decided to post a few things I had made on Etsy just for fun, not expecting anything to happen.
The first month I made around $160. I was shocked when I heard the “Cha-Ching” for the first time. Like, wow! Someone really paid for something I made???!
I started to get imposter syndrome. I was worried. Maybe it wasn’t what they expected. Maybe I’ll get a bad review.

I kept selling though.
The 2nd month, I made 1300. And halfway through the month I had done a decent amount of sales (in my own opinion) and was still yet to get a review.
It made me nervous. But then one day all at once, I got about 8 notifications. 2 different customers had reviewed multiple items at the same time.
I felt sick and was too afraid to look. I called my sister, freaking out lol (I also suffer terrible anxiety).

The reviews were great though, all 5 stars and very kind. It made me so happy.
And today I have dozens of reviews and am still at 5 stars. I still have imposter syndrome and panic whenever someone buys a new listing but it’s not as bad as it was at the start.
Customers have been very kind.

This is my 3rd month. I am at 3600$ in sales for August* as of today. I’ve learned a lot and have worked very hard on my listings, shop and planning and adding new things. But I’ve been able to do it on my own terms, at my own pace and from my own house, which is amazing. It’s exactly what I need.

I feel relieved to know that even when I’m unable to work, my digital listings are assets that will still help me to get paid.
It’s early days but maybe I’ll be able to get off disability one day. Maybe I’ll be able to buy a house of my own.
I’m so glad that I took the risk and put in the hard work. For the first time in my life, I actually feel proud of myself. I’m female. 41. Also the $ amounts I quoted are AUD.

Thanks for letting me share.