Handmade...what's it really like?

 So what's it really like running a small business/handmade business? Like, what's it REALLY like? I cannot speak for all other handmade artists and small business owners but I can share with you what it's like for ME. My handmade business is like my second child. It started as a baby baby business inspired by fellow bloggers, finding etsy for the first time and watching other handmade business owners grow. When I first discovered the handmade world I was highly intrigued because I have a strong background in art, Penelope was just born and I was in love with the idea of working a creative job from home (if that was possible). I dabbled in a few other things until I really found my niche. When I first started I just made up some handmade goods of my liking and started up an etsy shop as many do. After a month or two I started to seek advice from fellow friends and did a little googling for local crafty type shows and groups in Tulsa. From friendly advice and the encouragement of my local craft groups I was able to learn how to grow my business. It hasn't been all perfect and sunshine for the past two years but I can say that 95% has been absolutely wonderful. I really do LOVE what I do and I'm absolutely passionate about it. For the last two years I have found more satisfaction and joy from my business than I could have ever imagined I would. I just want to stop and say THANK YOU (a real big thank you) to all of those who have purchased an accessory from my shop and/or sported it proudly on your blog/instagram etc. I'm soo sooo thankful for you and it makes me so happy to see you all looking so pretty in something I designed and made. So thank you! I am nearing my second anniversary of running a full time handmade business as well as nearing my 3,000th sale on etsy. OH MY GOODNESS! I can't even type that sentence without my heart beating fast and feeling all butterfly like. We will have a party when that happens, for sure. So now to the good part...what's a handmade business really like?

Well its' messy. I can't even believe I'm sharing these photos because I'm absolutely embarrassed about how messy of a maker I can be. I make and I make and I make, then I clean and repeat. I love to get in a good groove and make, package, throw fabric in a basket, cut and cut and sew. The mess is actual beautiful to me. If that studio wasn't messy then I wasn't really doing anything in there was I? I have helpers from time to time but it's mainly me in there messing it up and making beautiful accessories. I love it. It's not all glamorous and it's not easy at all. Being self motivated is actually much more difficult than going to a job where you are always told what to do. Trust me, I've worked both sides now. It takes making goals, spending hours emailing customers back, hours browsing supply shops or online stores for fabric and packing supplies, doing things that don't seem immediately profitable but all all so necessary like editing photos, writing descriptions, doing research ..etc.  One of the most asked questions that I have ever had from readers is 'how do you run a successful etsy shop/handmade business.'  I wish there was a magic formula that I could tell you. There just isn't. I know there are several websites out there to sell your handmade wares on but I chose etsy because I love the community and support. Etsy shares wonderful tips about how to make your shop better all the time. I think the most important thing, well three important things, is to create a *unique* product (only known to you or your style), always have the mindset that you don't know everything/take time to educate yourself constantly and make a quality product. The other things that will make your business successful come after that. It's little things like always working on better photos for your online store, constantly perfecting your craft show booth, seeking out advice from fellow artists, knowing the right audience for your product, etc. Those things start to come in time but are great to start working on right away.  I also think kindness throughout your business goes a LONG way. I cannot tell you how many times I refuse to shop somewhere because the sales person was rude, pretentious and/or condescending. I think it's so important to be kind and patient all the time.  I wish I had more clear cut answer for you but I feel like there's not much else I can say besides be true to yourself, think ahead and don't give up.

So my handmade business (because I can't speak for others) is full of creativity first, running to stores to buy supplies, spending hours online ordering supplies, answering emails, taxes, spreadsheets, wholesale orders, packaging, packaging up orders, running to the post office, cutting my fingers with my scissors, sewing, measuring, constantly working on taking better photos, picking out color palettes, sketching out new designs, furthering my eduction by reading small business blogs/articles/participating in local business and craft groups, scheduling and prioritizing, restocking stores, making a mess then cleaning it up, organizing and everything in between. I honestly love it all so much and I'm so happy and proud to make you something.  I will never pretend to know everything about small business, I'm just not that kind of person, but I'm happy to share with you what I've learned.  I get a little nervous about talking about business stuff because I feel I mainly rely on my instincts and I just do what I enjoy. I feel strange talking about anything besides sharing new products with you. I can't explain why.  I think it's because I never want to feel like I know better than others because I don't...I just do what comes naturally. I do what makes me happy.  I hope that anyone who has ever thought about putting their creative juices into something productive can learn or just be inspired by what I've shared today. I could sit here all day and share all the women (and men too) who run handmaids business' and blogs that absolutely have inspired me to do what I do today.  So I know that sometimes it's good to share what you know or what it's really like because that might be the spark to ignite another ones creative abilities.

I'm positive that I haven't answered all of your questions but if there's something that you would like to know more specifically feel free to answer or leave a question in the comments section. I'd be more than happy to help if I can.

I'm just thankful for your support and thankful for etsy and the blogging community for encouraging me to do what I LOVE.


Here's to handmade (raises glass)!! (and then do a fist pump)

Love,
   Erin