After 6 Years... The Hour of Witchery is No Longer On Etsy

After six years on Etsy, The Hour of Witchery has been closed for good. From everything I can see, this decision was made through an automated (AI) system. And although this was an unexpected turn, I am proud to say that my store gained over 3,000 five-star reviews and a 5.0 overall internal rating within Etsy’s platform.

Over the years, as my store became more service-based, I understood that Etsy’s guidelines made this outcome increasingly likely. While I recognize their right to enforce platform policies, it was not the closure itself that left a bad taste in my mouth, but the circumstances surrounding it.

Over the last several months, I have been pressured by Etsy directly to remove every trace of my actual business from my shop; this included every link or promotional aspect of my business. I was instructed to no longer reference my business outside of Etsy, not to promote my published books, and I had to pull so many of the handmade products that I ended up pulling everything off Etsy. I was required to reshape my store after 6 years, as if my business existed only within their platform. I was still allowed to sell my services, despite their guidelines, but I just couldn't promote my actual business away from Etsy (of course, as they want the cut from the sale). Even saying the word “website” was causing me issues, with the intention to share listing links, order media, or promote my books, or else my business would be shut down, even if I’m promoting my own services, products, or handmade items. I understand guidelines, but to this degree, it never sat right with me, and I disliked being put in a position where I'm looking unhelpful or difficult to my own customers, telling them I can't send them links or direct them to where I have more to offer.

I have been a fully licensed and registered business long before Etsy, and I will remain one long after. Being told I could not openly represent my own work, products, and services was wrong, all while comfortably taking an obscene amount of money from my almost 10,000 sales over the years.

At the same time, Etsy’s fees have continued to increase over the years to a level I consider excessive and predatory toward small businesses. This alone made me question leaving Etsy. Combined with the growing number of fraudulent and misleading spiritual shops on the platform, I had already been questioning whether Etsy was the right space for my work or my business, as professionalism and authenticity are extremely important to me.

While the closure was unexpected, there is also relief in knowing that Etsy will not receive another cent from my work, my energy, or my devotion to my customers all over the world. I can have full control of my business, which I worked so hard to build. I was never an Etsy business to begin with, and I never loved being under Etsy's umbrella either.

Etsy and the rating system alone drained me significantly, having to meet all these expectations or else your store hurts. Although I had an overall 5.0 rating across all internal ratings, I worked incredibly hard for it on a daily basis. A literal puppet to Etsy through my own business name, to gain these ridiculous ratings so my store can be shown and be more accessible, even though I'm already paying hundreds, if not thousands, in fees and marketing on Etsy.

Etsy takes so much through fees and marketing alone, I canceled the seller subscription, canceled marketing, and kept everything at a bare minimum, and Etsy still takes an incredibly hefty amount of money a month in fees alone. So much so that anyone would be shocked.

So with that, I am officially no longer on Etsy and will not be returning or submitting another appeal to reopen my store. Additionally, I have also pulled my 7-year jewelry stores and 5-year wallpaper store from the Etsy platform (more about this on a later date).

And honestly? I feel relief. I debated for the last year if leaving Etsy was the right thing to do after all the energy and money I gave and put into it, but with this closure forced upon me, the choice was made for me...or perhaps given to me.

I would like to warmly welcome you to connect with me directly through my official business website.

www.thehourofwitchery.com

www.thehourofwitchery.ca

There is absolutely no pressure. This is simply an open invitation, and to let you know where you can find The Hour of Witchery.

Looking ahead, The Hour of Witchery will continue to grow. The academy is scheduled to fully launch in 2026 with up to 25 courses. Another book is planned for release in Spring 2026. The Inner Circle is also available for those who wish to deepen their learning through knowledge sharing, affirmations, guided workings, and self-led spiritual development. Most importantly, my website offers access to my full range of rituals, readings, guidance services, mentoring packages, and so much more that was never available on Etsy.

Most of all, thank you to you all. Your trust, loyalty, and continued support mean everything to me. While Etsy has closed this chapter, my work continues, rooted, protected, and sovereign. Like a toxic relationship you can't seem to walk away from, I want to say, thank you, Etsy, for "breaking up with me". What was built through devotion and hard work does not end here; it simply moves beyond those who could not contain it, and I look forward to welcoming you into this next phase directly.

Many Blessings,

Avanjia - Owner of The Hour of Witchery

www.thehourofwitchery.com