Chapter 1: The Crafting Adventure Begins

In my experience with crafting, it hasn’t completely fallen apart, but I’ve certainly taken a long pause to concentrate on my job. I tend to dive into projects impulsively, without much forethought or a solid plan.

Previously, I had attempted to establish crafting businesses without much success. However, everything changed when I attended a craft event with my family and stumbled upon "freshies." These delightful air fresheners, crafted from aroma beads, fragrance, and coloring, are molded and baked into various shapes. I was instantly captivated. After buying a few and exploring different Etsy sellers, I made the classic crafter's declaration: "I can make that!" This led me to purchase a plethora of supplies and kickstart my own venture.

I participated in several craft events and felt compelled to dive deeper into the business. Coincidentally, my daughter was also launching her own small craft business, creating bracelets and other items from pony beads, so we teamed up for craft shows. Initially, freshies seemed like a trend, but as time passed, their popularity waned. I expanded my offerings to include beaded pens and badge reels, which I still stock in three local boutiques. However, I noticed that the freshies tended to lose their fragrance over time, leading to some waste. Despite my efforts, I often felt that my investments weren't yielding the expected returns.

I’ve come to realize that I cherish crafting as a form of relaxation and self-care. The pressure to create items for sale turned what I loved into something stressful. Now, I prefer to craft during my free weekends, creating items not out of obligation but for enjoyment. My new strategy is to produce enough that selling becomes a natural extension of my hobby, rather than a chore.

Recently, I've acquired supplies for making my own notebooks. Whether or not I sell them, I’m fine with it because I adore stationery and will eventually use everything I create. I’ve also started exploring UV resin after attending a workshop that ignited my passion. While I don’t plan to integrate resin projects into my existing craft business, I might participate in an occasional craft show to showcase my creations.

Ultimately, my goal is to maintain my identity as a crafter who sells rather than turning my hobby into a business. I want to enjoy the creative process without the pressure of maintaining inventory or preparing for events. My daughter and I truly miss the craft shows, as they were cherished bonding moments. We’ve decided to participate in a couple of shows purely for enjoyment, with one scheduled for October. I’m curious to see how that unfolds.

Explore the lessons learned from my business journey and how setbacks can lead to personal growth.

Chapter 2: Crafting Income Streams

In this video, I discuss how I manage multiple income streams in my crafting business without the need for employees.