I love being a small business owner, but, let me tell you, my brain is not super business-y. I’m all about the fun part, the people part, the creativity part. Okay, especially the people part!
I’ve been selling vintage and handmade wares at a local boutique, as you well know by now. Except, the kitschy, mid-century vintage isn’t flying off the shelves like I thought it would be. So, I’ve changed my game plan a bit, and am focusing more on handmade goodies like infant/women’s headbands, bobby pins, wreaths, earrings, necklaces, brooches, embellished journals, framed maps, laundry detergent, and whatever else I can think of or be inspired by!
It’s going to be a delicate balancing act because I like to make really colorful, non-matchy things, and this area of town/our boutique audience is more match-matchy. So I will balance between making what I LOVE and making what acutally sells. I’m up to the challenge and am just so grateful I even have a piece of a brick/mortar!
Here’s my latest wreath, along with some rick-rack rolled bobby pins:
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If you are a small business owner of handmade, here are some tips, off the cuff:
TEN TWELVE TIPS FOR HANDMADE BUSINESSES
1. Give your business to the Lord. He gets all the credit for our talents anyway! 
2. Listen to the opinions of your spouse…Shawn has much to bring to the table and always gives me a fresh perspective. He’s even helped stage my space. He helps me see beyond the rainbows/butterflies/fantasy stuff. And, he knows my limits regarding availability, stress, etc.
3. Find a mentor! Find someone locally you can regularly gab with about the handmade community, business plans, budgets, organizing, insurance, accountants, etc. Even if you don’t agree with how he/she might tweak your business approach, accept their advice and apply it to your business where pertinent.
4. Perfect your product. Pretend like every thing you make is going to the Queen of England! Think quality. Put your heart into it. Pray that whomever receives the product will be blessed.
5. Follow the rules. Make sure all your tax/insurance/businessy stuff is all lined up. Hire an accountant if you need to (it’s not in my budget; I wish!) or get a hold of a great software program. 
6. Do your research. What market are you trying to reach? Is your product unique or are you copying? Where’s the best place to sell your wares? Online or brick/mortar? I have a separate slew of advice for online businesses, since I ran an Etsy about 1.5 years (will reopen), but that’s another post.
7. Utilize local resources, like small business bureaus, online groups that meet in person, shop owners, etc.
8. Work hard. Like, really really hard. I get out of my little shop exactly what I put into it. If I’m not crafting lots, restocking inventory, yet expect for the paycheck to be mondo, then, I’m kidding myself.
9. Get the word out. Supply your handmade wares to bloggers to give away. Utilize social media. Post lots of pictures of your pretties. Advertise in local publications or online, if your budget permits.
10. Don’t let minor set-backs completely derail you. Success, most of the time, comes slowly. Use disappointments to fuel your drive, not deplete it. I am still at the non-revenue stage (yes you read that correctly) but I keep going. I have been blogging 4.5 years and keep going because I love it.
11. Be excited! If you are excited about what you have to offer, others will be too.
12. The Bible refers to a sabbath on Sundays….take time to rest. This will help your mind replenish its creativity.
And that’s my little two cents. 🙂
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The winner of the July Group Sponsor giveaway is Cat Olson.
Email me for details, friend!
This is the most awesome giveaway ever.
First, let’s learn about the brilliant minds behind Green Couch Design, Cale and Meg! I kinda super really want to hang out with them.
Our Story: Everything began to take shape early one Saturday morning over cups of British breakfast tea, while sprawling on a green couch. We had a dream to raise a family, build a business, and take over the world without compromising our beliefs, our time, or our quality in any of those areas. The couch became the launching pad of our little company. The place our dreams came together. Welcome to our adventure.
We see the creativity in canning with Grandma. The ability to produce a brand that lasts a lifetime with our kids playing under our desk (someday). It’s quality, not quantity. It’s simple. It’s about taking the focus of our life and Bringing it Home.
Enter to win the super cute screen-printed 
Better yet, treat yourself to something fun from their shop. And meet their design firm