The Handmade Business - Where To Start?

So, you’ve got a creative spark, a pile of supplies, and a dream of turning your handmade hobby into a business. But… where do you even start? Don’t worry—I’ve got you!

Most creatives don’t wake up one day and say, “I’m going to start a business.” No, it usually starts with a passion for making—painting, sewing, sculpting, whatever it is—and at some point, a thought pops into their head: I should try selling these!

So, they throw something up on Facebook, expecting the magic to happen. Cue the crickets. Or maybe a few supportive family members buy something (thanks, Aunt Linda), but then… nothing. Silence.

Then the doubts start rolling in:
❌ Maybe my stuff isn’t good enough.
❌ I’m not cut out for this.
❌ I hate putting myself out there.
❌ Marketing is for big businesses… that’s not me.
❌ I’ll just keep making stuff.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The truth is, talent and passion aren’t enough to turn a hobby into a sustainable business. You need a plan. Let’s break it down, no fluff—just the real deal.‍

Step 1: Get Clear on What You’re Selling

What’s your thing? Jewelry? Pottery? Hand-stitched llama sweaters? Whatever it is, define it. The clearer you are, the easier it is to market and sell.

👉 Reality check: It’s tempting to try selling all the things, but that can get overwhelming fast. Start with a core product and let yourself grow from there. It’s okay if your business evolves—most do!

Step 2: Find Your People

Not everyone will “get” your handmade magic—and that’s okay! Who are you creating for? Busy moms? Nature lovers? Retro fanatics? Get specific!

👉 Reality check: You won’t be for everyone, and that’s actually a good thing. The sooner you figure out who loves what you make, the sooner you can focus on reaching them instead of spinning your wheels trying to appeal to the masses.

‍

Step 3: Name That Brand, Baby!

Your business name should be memorable, meaningful, and YOU. Keep it simple, fun, and easy to spell (no weird silent letters, please). Bonus points if it sparks curiosity!

👉 Reality check: You will overthink this. You will second-guess yourself. And guess what? Your brand is so much more than just the name. Pick something you like and move forward—your brand will grow into it.
‍

Step 4: Create a Brand That Stands Out

Your handmade business is more than just products—it’s an experience, a feeling, a vibe. This means having a clear message, unique visuals, and a brand identity that people recognize and remember.

‍

👉 Reality check: Your brand isn’t just a pretty logo. It’s the way you talk, present, and connect with your audience. If people can’t tell what you’re about within seconds of seeing your work, it’s time to refine your brand identity.

‍

Step 5: Price Like a Pro

Don’t just pull numbers out of thin air. Factor in materials, time, and a profit margin that actually makes running your business worth it. No more working for pennies!

👉 Reality check: Pricing is hard, and imposter syndrome will make you want to charge less. Don’t. Cheap pricing won’t help you grow—it’ll burn you out. Your work has value. Charge accordingly.

Step 6: Get Online

A social media page? Etsy shop? Your own website? Pick a starting point and get your work out there. Done is better than perfect! I always suggest starting with your own domain but in reality...just getting your work online is the best place to start.

👉 Reality check: You don’t need a fancy website on day one. A simple Instagram page or Etsy shop can get the ball rolling. What matters is that people can find you. Perfection comes later—just start.

Step 7: Market Without the Ick (Because It’s Not Optional)

Most creatives stop here. They pour their heart into making beautiful things, maybe set up an Etsy shop or an Instagram page, and then… nothing. Why? Because marketing feels weird, awkward, and overwhelming.

It’s easy to think:
❌ If my work is good, people will just find it.
❌ Marketing is for big businesses, not small handmade shops like mine.
❌ I don’t want to be salesy or pushy.

But here’s the truth: If you want to be successful, you have to embrace the awkwardness.

Marketing is simply telling people what you do and why it matters. And yeah, at first, it will feel clunky and uncomfortable. But like anything else, the more you do it, the more fluent and natural it becomes. Eventually, you’ll talk about your work with confidence, and it won’t feel like “marketing” at all—it’ll just be sharing something you love with people who will love it too.

👉 Reality check: Avoiding marketing is like setting up a shop in the middle of the woods and hoping people just happen to stumble across it. They won’t. You have to put yourself out there, show up, and invite them in. It’s the difference between a hobby and a thriving business.

So, deep breath. Start small. Show up. Share your process, your story, and your why. It gets easier, I promise.

‍

Step 8: Keep Learning & Growing (Because This is Just the Beginning)

The best business owners aren’t the ones who have it all figured out from day one. They’re the ones who keep learning, adapting, and growing.

At first, it’s all about survival—figuring out how to sell, how to market, how to price your work without feeling guilty. But then, something shifts. Things start clicking. The things that once felt impossible start to feel… natural. You become more confident, more strategic, more intentional.

And as you grow, so does your business. You start thinking bigger. You might begin to understand leadership, delegation, and how to scale without burning out. You learn to work on your business, not just in it. You refine your craft, your processes, and your brand. You change. Your business evolves.

👉 Reality check: The more you learn, the easier things get—and the more fun it becomes. What once felt overwhelming now feels exciting. You see opportunities you never noticed before. You develop systems that free up your time. You become the kind of business owner you once admired.

So keep going. Keep asking questions. Keep challenging yourself. The best part? You’re just getting started.

Biggest Tip?

Just start.

You’ll learn way more by doing than by overthinking. Your handmade business is waiting—go make it happen!

‍