Читать книгу Crafting a Successful Small Business - Joanne Dewberry - Страница 5

 Ultimately, it should be enjoyable. Emma Ringer (www.EyeSpyBaby.co.uk) says, “I am still surprised every time I get an order, because I am getting paid for doing something I love!” Crafting is a great way to de-stress, relax and make money.

 You don’t have to stick to one craft. Sewing, knitting, card-making, painting, jewellery-making – there is a wide variety out there.

 Craft businesses generally incur small start-up costs. Even so, you will find that lots of people buy all the equipment and don’t use it, so it’s worth a trip round your local charity shops and car boot sales to keep those start-up costs minimal.

“You can start slowly and build your business organically without needing major investment.”

– Nadine Thomas (www.nellie-dean.com)

 As the products you’re making are unique, there’s no need for hoards of stock. Customers will be buying each item specifically or you will be making to order.

 It’s good for the soul.

“Seeing your ideas come to life – for me, designing an item of clothing that people actually want to buy for their children, then seeing amazing pictures of their little ones wearing it. It honestly makes me smile, even now. It’s really very rewarding.”

– Laura Renton (www.thatssewlaura.co.uk)

 You choose the products you make and sell, which enables you to continually monitor the market and adjust and adapt accordingly.

 There is a huge variety of channels through which to sell your products, both on and offline, which should cater for your individual needs.

 It’s easy to fit around your children and other commitments – many people I have spoken to have been developing their small business around other employment. It’s also a great way to get your children interested in being creative.

 You don’t need to have an extra room to store your equipment or to work from (I used to sew at my dining-room table) but make sure you clear up every single pin (husbands get cross if you don’t!).

 You are your own boss, so you can pick and choose your hours, how and when you work, how and where you sell your products, the orders you take on and what price to charge. You can run your business exactly how you want – you’re not answerable to anyone.