How To Establish Boundaries as a Handmade Business Owner

Boundaries, Boundaries, Boundaries. The lack of them could cause a lot of inner anger. The presence of them will likely help you stay sane and a lot more content.

Here are 4 ways you can establish in your handmade business:

Determine start and end times for your tasks – Figure out how much time you can allot to your task and set a timer. Do your best to work with minimal distractions and when the timer is up, move on to other things. This will help ensure that you are not sucked into the time stealing vacuum, which leads to us not having time for other important things.
Take a break or vacation. You deserve it. – Sometimes you may need a break from social media, from work, from making and you have to give yourself permission to take that break. It’s okay; everything will be there when you come back.
Ask for Help – Too many times, we try to be super human and do everything by ourselves. Asking for help doesn’t mean that you are not strong or capable. It just means that you recognize your limits and that you will not exhaust yourself. Asking for help or sometimes hiring help will allow you pour time into other things that you value.
Say No- Saying no will help to ensure that you do not overextend yourself. One question to ask yourself as you determine if you should say yes: Will saying yes prevent me from focusing on something that’s more important? If the answer is yes, then you should say no. You may feel guilty at first, but eventually, you will be much happier because you will spend your time doing the things that matter to you.

What other boundaries have you set that help you succeed?

8 Reasons to organize your handmade business finances

There’s a reason people don’t take up business finance as a weekend hobby. Organizing your handmade business finances is one of those tedious business chores that’s easy to procrastinate in favor of buying more craft supplies (!), fulfilling orders, creating marketing content or good ‘ol watching Hulu.

But here’s the thing; getting your business financials together is too important to avoid or put off. Doing it right and consistently can be a game changer for your business. Here are eight reasons to show your finances some love.

1. Enjoy the fruit of your labor…i.e. make sure you’re actually making money. Running a handmade business requires a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Make sure you make it count by taking a look at whether your operation is profitable.

2. Take advantage of larger opportunities like grants, incubators or small business funding programs. Free money is always a good idea. Organizing your finances positions you to answer questions on grant applications about your revenue and profit trends without a last minute scramble.

3. Put more money in your pocket. Every business has waste and opportunities to improve. Taking a closer look as your expenses and income helps you to avoid waste, identify problems and address products that are not making money.

4. Evaluate investments like tradeshows, craft markets, software, photoshoots, etc. Craft markets are a lot of fun, but the associated expenses can add up. Looking at the numbers in totality as part of your financial process helps you make better decisions.

5. Celebrate your progress! You’ve come a long way with your handmade business. Clap for yourself and look at your numbers over time to appreciate your growth and set plans for where you want to go next.

6. Make decisions about new product introduction. This is similar to number 3, but the pre-emptive version. Launching new handmade products takes effort and resources; understanding profitability and projected sales ahead of time can help you decide if it’s worth it.

7. Make decisions about staffing and pay business taxes. On the fence about hiring help? You guessed it; understanding your cash flow from month to month can indicate whether you can afford it and how much you can afford.

8. Save time and avoid having to “cram” when you need to report earnings or loss when you file taxes at the end of the year. If you been there, you know. Pulling together 12 months worth of receipts, online expenses, sales reports, etc ahead of a tax filing deadline is NOT fun. Staying organized through out the year keeps things fun.

Struggling with your business financials? Consider getting help by hiring a bookkeeper and/or accountant. Can you relate to any of these reasons to get your finances organized? Share tips on what’s worked for you below.

Why you need processes & systems to grow your handmade business

By: Charlene Dunbar

Processes and systems are not the first things that come to mind when you think about the fun parts of running a handmade business, but they are so important to the health of your business. As your business grows, having the right processes in place can make the difference between staying stuck vs scaling your business to the next level.

We had the pleasure speaking with Cashemawo Thompson of @cashemawo on a recent IG Live about how embracing processes helped to shift her mindset and grow her online wellness business. Listen to her story here and check out her tips on simple ways to build process into your small business.

The importance of having business processes — A conversation about the power of business processes with
Cashe Thompson of Cashemawo Yoga

What processes are you currently using in your small business? How have they helped you?

Are you taking advantage of these handmade business trends?

By: Charlene Dunbar

Wish there was a way to know the business outlook for the next 12 months or 5 years? We rounded up seven small business trends that handmade entrepreneurs need to take advantage of in the coming year.

#1 – Alternative payment options will continue to be important

Consider installment payment options for your online store or touchless pay options like ApplePay for in-person selling if you haven’t already.

#2 – Remote work will persist

You may need to adjust your product offerings, “reason to buy” or expand to services (virtual candle-making class anyone?) because the more-time-at-home trend is here to stay.

#3 – Spend on social media will increase

As customers spend more time online, how will you get their attention in a crowded online space? According to Business News Daily, social media ad spend will increase by 15% in 2021, growing the total spend on ads to $105 billion.

#4 – Use of mobile marketing

Is your online store optimized for mobile? Sending text messages or geo-targeting potential clients using Google ads can help keep your handmade brand top of mind for customers who are ready to shop.

#5 – User reviews will continue to matter

User reviews provide “social proof” that gives buyers confidence to buy from you online, sight unseen. Are you putting user reviews/testimonials to work in your online store?

#6 – Empathy is the gold standard

Customers want to buy from people who can relate to all the challenging things we’re experiencing IRL. Displaying empathy in your communication can help build trust with customers.

#7 More consumers will prioritize shopping small

According to Fundbox, 59% of consumers would rather buy from a small business vs. a large corporation. Don’t be shy about sharing your small business journey; customers are rooting for you and want to support your handmade business.

Which business trend resonates with you the most? I need to hop on the mobile marketing train and plan to get an app that can help with that. Drop us a note below and thanking for reading!

Sources:

SBA.gov/Top Business Trends for 2021

Business News Daily/12 Small Business Trends and Predictions for 2021

Wix.com/8 Small Business Trends to know for 2021

Fundbox.com/5 Small Business Trends for 2021

3 Changes You Can Make Now to Improve Your Year

We all come into the new year with new aspirations and goals we want to achieve. Sometimes we focus on the big goals and neglect the smaller ones. We want to remind you of three changes you can start to make right now that will yield results in your personal and business life.

Step Up Your Consistency – Are you consistent in any habit that you want to develop or that you need to develop? Can your tribe count on you to deliver a service or a product consistently? Consistency may mean daily, weekly, monthly, etc. Whatever you define it to be for the area you desire to grow in, it is important to stick with it. If you want to reach out to family more, set a schedule (i.e. I will reach out to three family members each week) and stick to it as much as possible. If it is a business goal, define your parameters and go for it.
Value Yourself More – The way we value ourselves typically will set the pace for how others value us. Whether in business or relationships, we can’t expect others to see more in us than we see in ourselves. Placing more value on yourself may mean that you invest in your self more, change your self talk, or reevaluate the way you see yourself.
Clear the Clutter – The more clutter we get in our lives, the more desensitized we get to it. Clutter can be our thoughts, our email, our physical space or anything that hinders us from being our best selves, anything that can potentially be a mental or creative block for us. Block out an hour or more if you can spare and pick one cluttered aspect that you can clear out.

Small steps will lead to big yields. You can’t do it all at once, but you can do something. What else would you add to this list?

In Pursuit of Vision

Your vision is the direction you wish to steer your business. Unlike mission which focuses on the current state of your business, vision is future oriented and is centered on where your business is heading.

Where will your business be in 6 months? 1 year? 18 months? If you have a clear vision, you can thoughtfully answer these questions. While COVID-19 has taught us that no one knows tomorrow, makers with a clear vision plan can easily navigate challenges as unforeseen difficulties arise.

Here are three ways you can remain focused on the vision of your brand.Write your vision.

1. It’s hard to remain centered on your vision when you can’t even articulate where you are headed. It’s very tempting to say you know it and carry it around in your head. However that is not the most effective way to hold fast to a vision. In educational circles, it is said “If you don’t write it down, it never happened.” So take a minute and write out your vision statement.

2. Set your vision GPS for the next calendar year. Carve out time to write out a one year vision plan for your brand. Don’t hold back here. If you could truly build the brand you have deep in your heart, what would it look like? Once you map out this plan, consider how you will arrive. What steps will you take next week? Next month? Next three months? Next six months to get there? While you may have to adjust your steps at the three or even six month mark, remain steadfast in pursuit of your one year vision.

3. Anchor your vision. This means tie your vision statement to something greater than you. There will be days where you want to walk away from your vision or even your business. During times like these you have to remember your why and re-focus on where you are heading. For me, I have a memory verse that reminds me that I am not in this alone and where I fail, God won’t fail me. For others, it may be a favorite slogan, saying or even a vision board that inspires you. Take the time to root your vision in something solid and tangible.

Must Read Blog Post Roundup

In this post, two of founders share their top blog posts to read and or revisit. These posts will encourage and inspire you. Let us know which posts were your favorites.

Here are Ciatta’s top 4 blog posts:

I really enjoyed “DIY Ankara Fabric Scrap Earrings”. It gave me a beautiful gift idea to show love to women in my life around the holidays.

“Three Mistakes I’ve Made As an Entrepreneur” reminds to keep moving forward as a maker. It’s great inspiration to reference on my maker journey.

“Three Black Illustrators who are inspiring us right now” from Charlene Dunbar spoke to the artist in me and reminded me that art created by people who look like you is necessary and compelling.

Market 3 was my favorite market and “Lessons Learned from Craft Savvy Market 3″ was a wonderful read. It’s awesome to read the different perspectives from my craft sisters on our labor of love.

by Ciatta-Mae Stubblefield

Here are Jandi’s must read blog posts:

COVID 19 Lessons Learned Makers Edition -We are all still learning through this pandemic. This blog post is special because it reminds us that even in tough times, we can still grow and learn and choose to move forward.

3 Ways to Beat your Creative Blocks
Creative blocks come from time to time. This post will help you beat those blocks and create space for creating the things you love.

3 Things I wish I knew before I started Crafting
Whether you just started your crafting, or you’ve been doing it for a while, there are some things we wish I knew when I started.

14 Easy Ways to Repurpose Content Coming up with content is difficult. This post will give you clever ways to repurpose your content.

DIY -Ankara fabric scrap earrings

By: Mina Mantor

There’s nothing I love more than using up every last piece of fabric scrap of my vibrants Ankara prints earrings because I love to see others and myself in the colorful Ankara print.

For this DIY, we will be making a beginner friendly earring made from fabric and simple earring hooks.

Supplies Needed:

•Fabric Scraps – fabric of your choice, but i recommend using a stiffer fabric.
•End Caps
•Earring hooks
•Spray Adhesive (All Purpose)
•Scissors

*You can find all supplies at Hobby Lobby, Joann’s etc. ,

Instructions
1. Cut two triangles from your fabric pieces. This fabric was cut freehand, which is an option for anyone who is not afraid of making a mistake. You can also create a a triangle paper pattern as your guide.

2. Spray Adhesive on the wrong side of the fabric and roll the fabric.

3. Add glue to end caps and insert the rolled fabric. Next,add the earring hooks.

4. Wear your new earrings and flaunt it, knowing you have a one of a kind piece.

How Kpelle Designs built a successful online business with Instagram

by: Charlene Dunbar

We’ve been following Gwanyan, the boss lady and designer behind Kpelle Designs for a few years now and we were thrilled when we had a chance to talk with her about how she organically grew her culturally inspired hand-crafted jewelry business by being savvy with social media. Here are our top three takeaways from our conversation:

#1 – Go to where your audience is – When she started her brand, Gwanyan took high-quality pictures of herself wearing her loc jewelry and posted them on her feed and also tagged popular loc hair community IG pages. Her pictures usually got reshared on the community page for free and those high-potential customers would follow her. She also invested in advertising with similar pages (where her target audience was already hanging out) and gained lots of customers from that exposure.

#2 – Invest in high quality images – Gwanyan worked with other creative friends who took fantastic photos or had styling skills to make sure her products images and brand put their best foot forward (and was more shareable). It’s easy to skimp on this step, but presenting high-quality, lifestyle images of your brand helps you standout from the pack, engages your audience and communicates the value of your brand.

#3 – Share your journey – The fact that Gwanyan actually cut/forms her own jewelry (she’s a proper craftswoman with milling equipment!), is a plant mom and occasionally goes into rant mode are things that have endeared her to her customers and makes then want to shop with her vs. some faceless jewelry company on the internet. Gwanyan consistently used her IG stories to share her handmade entrepreneur journey in a way that built trust and made her customers feel invested in her story and ultimately, her success.

Our talk with Gwanyan of Kpelle Designs was full of gems! Check out the full IG Live interview here and follow her now. Need a second set of eyes to look at your handmade business Instagram page? Want to find out how you can use IG to get more sales for your online business? Sign-up for our customized Instagram audit service, Up My Gram Game.

Image Credits: Kpelle Designs

Our List of Local Black Makers to Support

Support looks a lot like community and it feels a lot like holding up the hands of our sisters and brothers. As makers, sometimes it can feel like you are out there all alone on an island.

So as many are pausing and allowing Black voices to be heard, we want to ensure that our black creatives are heard as well. As we all pause and reflect and fight for social justice, we want to be sure to expand our circles and invite others in.

Check out local makers and support them by:

Make a purchase or two 🙂
Follow them and engage with them by liking, commenting and sharing their content.
Recommending them to friends and loved ones.

A Few Black Local Makers to Support –

Accessories / Jewelry

@najartucollections -Ankara jewelry and accessories

@pepperbush_accessories – Ankara hair bonnets, headwraps, accessories

@lilliegwendesigns – handcrafted handbags and accessories

@ societeurbane – Modern Afro Bohemian Jewelry

@harambeecrafts – Handmade accessories (for men, women, babies)

Art:

@comfiart -art pieces, apparel, decor

@weareomigrace – Beautiful artwork, stickers, and buttons

Body Products:

@buttermeupbyjrena – Handmade whipped body butter, scrubs, & other body products

@tinytubbathteas – therapeutic herbal bath tea

@monroviapearl – Handmade Body Butters

Candles/Home

@noriandmali – Eco-friendly soy candles, hand poured

Health & Fitness

@cashemawo- Health & Fitness programs

Paper Crafts

@scriptedoju -Journals, cards, and paper crafts

@marmadedesigns – Calligraphy, lettering, cards, magnets