Starting a handmade business is undeniably tough. It requires immense courage, resilience, and above all, a positive mindset. Maintaining a positive mindset allows you to view challenges as opportunities for growth. With a positive attitude, you can navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, staying focused on your goals and believing in your ability to overcome any obstacle.
Establishing your handmade business requires significant effort, and it is crucial to acknowledge the reality without sugarcoating it. It is important not to mislead aspiring entrepreneurs by suggesting that merely setting up an online store will guarantee an influx of eager customers. While your products may be exceptional, the path to success is not as simple. Success comes with hard work, perseverance, and a constant willingness to learn and adapt.
“Starting a business is like jumping off a cliff and building a plane on the way down”
Reid Hoffman – LinkedIn Founder
Being a Creative Entrepreneur takes Dedication.
Dedication is the cornerstone of success; your unwavering commitment sets you apart. Every stitch, every stroke, every creation is a testament to your passion and love for your craft. You have shown remarkable dedication through the late nights, the challenging moments, and the constant pursuit of excellence.
Embrace the power of your devotion. It’s the driving force that propels you forward, even when obstacles seem impossible. Remember, your handmade business is an extension of your heart and soul. With each piece you create, you infuse a part of yourself into your art. Your dedication gives life to your vision and resonates with those who appreciate authenticity and craftsmanship.
“Build it, and they will come” is a motto best suited for fools. It doesn’t matter how badly you desire it; your circumstances won’t change without taking action. Don’t be someone who sets up an online store and expects an influx of visitors and sales overnight. It requires hard work. If you truly desire success, be willing to put in the necessary effort.
Nurturing Growth, One Step at a Time
Some of you have mastered the art of “working hard.” You’ve been putting in long hours, perhaps for several months or even years. Patience is a virtue that blossoms beautifully in the world of handmade businesses. As an entrepreneur, you understand that success is not an overnight sensation but a journey that requires nurturing and time.
Be patient with yourself and your business. Growth happens in small increments, and each milestone reached deserves celebration. Understand that setbacks and challenges are part of the process but are not the end of your story. Instead, they are opportunities to learn, adapt, and refine your craft. As a plant needs time to grow and bloom, so does your handmade business. Nurture it, water it with perseverance, and let it thrive at its own pace. Trust in the journey, for it is in the waiting that you develop resilience and wisdom.
For some of you, the best thing you can do for your business right now is to take a vacation or step back for a week. It’s easy to burn out when you’re dedicating endless hours daily, week after week, month after month. Exhaustion can take its toll, and sometimes all you need is a break to regain a fresh perspective and generate new ideas to elevate your business to the next level. Burnout is real. Learn more about overcoming creative burnout.
Valuable things take time. Don’t give up too soon. Overnight success rarely happens overnight, so be mindful of the time it may take to achieve.
Embrace Learning Something New
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations of your business—listing new products, fulfilling orders, responding to emails, updating social media… it’s a lot. Don’t forget to allocate time for learning. In the world of handmade businesses, there is always something new to discover, techniques to master, and trends to explore. Embrace the joy of learning and the evolution it brings to your craft.
Be willing to step outside your comfort zone and explore uncharted territories. Embrace new tools, experiment with different materials, and allow curiosity to guide you. Seek inspiration from others and surround yourself with a community of fellow artisans who share your love for creativity. Uhem… have you joined Maker Circle yet? It’s a great place to start if you’re looking for a community of artisans ready to encourage, inspire and collaborate.
As you embark on this constant learning journey, remember that knowledge is a powerful asset. Stay updated on industry trends, attend workshops, and hone your skills. Through continuous learning, you will keep your business fresh, exciting, and relevant.
You don’t possess all the answers, and that’s perfectly fine! Embracing this truth can be liberating. Abundant valuable online content can give you ideas on driving more traffic to your store, optimizing conversions, and more. One of these ideas could entirely transform the growth trajectory of your business. Dedicate time to learning—it’s a decision you won’t regret. As Albert Einstein wisely stated, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.”
Don’t Let Comparison Kill Your Creativity
In a world saturated with social media highlights and success stories, it’s crucial to resist the temptation of comparing your journey to that of others. Your path is uniquely yours, and the beauty lies in its authenticity.
Remember that comparison kills creativity. Each artist has a distinct voice, a signature style, and a set of experiences that shape their art. Your journey reflects your personal growth, vision, and the impact you strive to make through your creations. Instead of comparing, focus on celebrating the diversity and individuality within the handmade community. Recognize that the success of others does not diminish your achievements. Learn from fellow artisans, draw inspiration from their work, but always stay true to your creative spirit.
Comparisons breed self-doubt. Embrace the uniqueness of your journey, appreciating the lessons learned along the way and the growth you’ve experienced as an artist and entrepreneur. Find joy in your creative process, knowing that your journey has its own rhythm, pace, and destination. Celebrate your milestones, no matter how small, and take pride in the work you bring into the world.
Remember, the true measure of success lies in the fulfillment you find through your craft and its impact on the lives of those who appreciate and cherish your creations.
“I will not compare myself to strangers on the internet.”
Emily McDowell- Writer, Illustrator and Creative Entrepenuer
Where do you go from here?
Your dedication, patience, mindset and willingness to keep learning are the pillars that will support your journey toward success. Embrace your craft, nurture your business with love, and remain steadfast in your pursuit. The road may be long, but it is filled with joy, growth, and the satisfaction of bringing your unique creations into the world.
Believe in yourself, trust the process, and celebrate every small victory along the way. Remember, you are not alone; a community of artisans stands beside you, ready to inspire and support you.
Stephanie is naturally creative and is passionate about art, design, and everything handmade. She has always enjoyed exploring new techniques and trends in the handmade industry and has channeled this into her role as the Creative Director and co-founder of goimagine. Through her love for creating, she has successfully sold her unique wares, which range from fine art to simple crafts, in both online and in-person markets.