Launching a Handmade Business During Tough Times

Launching a Handmade Business During Tough Times

If you wish to you can watch the video here. 

Hi everyone, I'm Stef. Today, I’m sharing something a bit different from my usual content. As you might know from the title, we’re diving into the world of handmade businesses. If you've been following me, you know I often struggle with focus—a challenge I'm working hard to overcome. From adjusting my caffeine intake to considering cold water therapy, I'm exploring ways to stay on track.

With my little boy starting school next year, I'm contemplating a return to the workforce. The timing seems right, but I’m mindful of the potential difficulties in finding a job that fits my skill set. Despite my previous career at sea and a stint in another job, I feel my skills are somewhat niche.

Like many stay-at-home parents, I’ve faced challenges transitioning back to work. I’m a self-confessed marketer’s dream—I can easily be persuaded to buy things. This brings me to my passion for handmade businesses. I previously attempted a handmade business selling reusable Christmas crackers, which I still believe is a fantastic product, despite my lack of marketing skills.

I’m skilled in various crafts, from sewing and knitting to crochet and leathercraft. My interests are wide-ranging, which often leads to hyperfocus followed by a loss of interest. Last year, I opened a leather goods shop and managed to sell a few items, including petal yarn bags and leather cuffs, despite minimal effort. This modest success encouraged me to consider giving my handmade business another shot.

My goal is to launch by autumn, targeting late August or early September. I’ve already written several product descriptions and just need to make and list the items. My offerings will include petal bags, tiny knitted balls, and various leathercrafts like notion pouches.

I love creating and using project bags, and I plan to offer patterns for some of my designs. This approach allows me to use my diverse skills and generate passive income through sewing patterns.

The biggest challenge for me is staying organized and keeping up with social media marketing. It’s overwhelming to see successful businesses online and feel the pressure to achieve similar results. I don't aim for five-figure months; I just want enough to support my family and relieve some pressure off my husband.

To kickstart my business, I plan to use the 90-day content planner I have on hand, focusing on Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Pinterest. I’m hoping Pinterest will drive traffic as it did before, despite the current dominance of Amazon sellers on the platform.

I also want to streamline my marketing strategy, aiming for a few posts a week initially and ramping up as my launch date approaches. I’ll cross-post on platforms like Etsy, Ko-fi, and Fourth Wall to maximize my reach and compare their effectiveness.

This journey is about building a sustainable, slow-growing business. If you’re a small handmade seller just starting, let’s embark on this journey together. Success looks different for everyone, and for me, it's about creating a steady income stream that allows me to pursue my passions without burning out.

In my next video / blog, I’ll share my marketing plan, including the products I’ll be listing. I hope to connect with others who can offer proven advice and support. If you have tips or follow someone who’s been helpful, please share.

Thank you for sticking with me through this rambly post. Let’s see if we can make a success of this together. See you next week, and hopefully, I’ll have an edited video ready by then!