OMG MARIE!!! This video is for me! Ever since I've began making my own things for my own hair and skin care I've gotten the same stacks of questions/demands that I sell it. "You are doing a disservice to the community if you keep hoarding this!" Yeah I make it for me and my daughters and if I dare gift it out to a cousin or in law I'm like don't tell anyone that I made it cause I'm not going through all that. Finding the appropriate container, label, price and time. I work full time and have kids. Like you want me to whip it up and instantaneously deliver it to you. I have no interest in paperwork, filing, or rudeness that a business would involve. Folks question why I would set a price point where I would like that's too high. I can get ______ at Target for cheaper. Me and my smart mouth would be like " okay bye" LoL. I thought it was just me who felt like how you do. I enjoy making a successful product for myself. A business would take thr fun out of it.
Your product is hand made and made with love something from the store not so much and ones who do end up selling in the big chain stores the buyer wants them to change the label or the formula be it add or take away to where it may not be natural anymore ...just my thoughts that also can take away one of the purposes in starting your own business is you no longer have the control over your products!
I feel the same, get the same comments on beauty products and knitted items I make for myself and family "oooh this is so good/pretty/(insert adjective)! you should sell them!", lol!
@@morpro4u all you have to do is look at what happened to Burt’s Bees. Now a Clorox company. They talk a good game on their FAQ about the benefits of being connected to a big company. They say that many of the “natural” content of many of their products has been increase since the acquisition. Yeah. Remember, lead, mercury and uranium are all natural. “Natural” has no legal meaning but conjures up feelings that things will be OK because “natural.” Ebola is also natural. I’d love to be able to compare their original formulations to those today. This is why I am interested in making my own these days. I don’t give a crap about “natural.” I just want CONTROL of what I’m using. If I choose to put some preservative on my skin, that’s MY decision. Not some board of directors who report to stockholders every quarter of “why are my earnings down?” If they can take 2% of the cost out of a product by substituting a purely synthetic component rather than buying a fair trade locally sourced component, a for profit operation will do that every time unless they can figure out a way to monetize it.
Yes Marie, you hit the nail on the head. Some of us are Formulators. We don't do repetitive, nor do we relish the other, more tedious aspects of it all.
This is the best advice ever. I just changed my mind about selling. Thank you, Marie, for giving me your honest insights. I just realized that I'd be crushing a hobby and turning it into something I will probably hate too.
All the things you hated excite me! I look forward to the day I can quit my full time job and be a maker. To share my creations with people, have people like them and come back for more. What a dream! I look forward to all the clicks on my website, the orders to pack, the extra time it takes to make it happen! That’s your own business, something to be proud of. I can only dream of that…we are all on our own journeys and do what’s best for ourselves. Thanks for the awesome videos!
Main reason I want to start my body butter business, I have everything I need, would love to have a stable income from it, especially after I found out my work wants to write me up. Jobs are not guaranteed out there. Scary
WOW! These are all the things I positively HATE about selling. I hate working on the website and filling orders. I’m retired and all I want to do is make the stuff, not fiddle with labels and packaging and invoices and all that crap. It makes me dislike selling. Just not my thing.
Building a business is not the same doing it as a hobby, you have to have a business mind to be able to do so. Glad you found your path! But I enjoy each process of making and testing my products, creating labels, packaging them. It’s a rewarding feeling!
I totally understand what you went through. I owned a handmade natural skincare and soaps business, had to pause it due to personal reasons but I totally get it. You are a formulator, not a manufacturer or/and a marketer or an entrepreneur (in the sense that you want to market and make sales). You love experimenting with new ingredients, feel excited about combining some raw material together in a way you believe you haven't seen before. However, once the formula works, once you and people around you try it and love it+rave about it...you start moving to the next formula. You could (and most probably) re-do it (the product) again for yourself or your family but large, multiple batches = borning. I went through a similar phase, this is when I recognized I am a formulator, an educator and a damn good marketer but NOT a sales person and not a manufacturer (can't find a word with a closer meaning to doing the formula over and over again, every single day.) . This is when I started a) not beating myself up because I can't do it all (you and I thought it should be a one-woman show :D ) and b) I hired who can do the job better than me and I had more time to do what I am most creative at, coming up with new formulas. A lot of people always try answering the question of " What do I want to do? What do I love?" , I love situations like the one you were in to help me answer another, equally important, question " What is the thing I don't want to do? What do I dislike doing?". You did a great job going through the whole process and then had the courage to close and move on.
Nice comment. Yes, starting any business is hard work. We mess up when we do things like start a business for other people and not for ourselves. Honestly it doesn't sound like the entire process was thoroughly researched and considered though. And to start with a lot of inventory right away and barely advertise?? However, there are many people who have started handmade cosmetic companies and are millionaires now or own local successful companies. But the desire and drive... The passion for it must be there to be successful. The owner of California Baby started from home with one product and now the company makes millions. And the owner of IT cosmetics started from home and the company was just sold to Loreal for a billion dollars. So it's definitely not for everyone. But for those with a desire (and a goal) to do it I say put in the work and make it happen and believe in yourself. Because it's a process and you start small but you won't stay small. I know the owner of IT cosmetics wasn't still shipping packages and making labels by herself 10 yrs later. But for those who only want to do it for fun don't be coerced into doing something you have no interest in. But on the other hand you never know where it may take you if you stick with it. 😊😉
“Hey girl, whatchu doing!?” 😂 People definitely romanticize owning a handmade business. There are a lot of less glamorous parts that our audiences don’t get to see, and you just have to decide if those parts overshadow the joy your find in creating.
You sound like someone that should be a teacher. You do a god job at that on youtube. Freedom in ones create outlets are important. The business took away that freedom. For that reason, I stopped being a cook. I love food but hate producing the same thing day after day. Its more fun to play. So you get people like you and I. Im a great chef and only my friends and family get to see it. Now I enjoy cooking again.
I've had my own Etsy Shop organic skincare and haircare for 3 years now and omg I had no idea of the demand. Everyone wants it fast!! My shop is booming and I'm blessed I have the dream shop but oh boy it's overwhelming!! I get 3-10 orders a day and I make everything by hand just like you. I'm making great $ I was able to quit my job and I make 3 x more $. I do get tired it's the same thing everyday filling orders. The beauty is I have an amazing following and sweet customers and fun FB groups. Yesterday I drove by my old job and I'm thankful for what I do. ❤️👍🏼💥
No disrespect to any soapmakers who commented that they disagree and LOOOOOVE to sell, and correct me if I'm wrong, but, you don't have to worry about preservation/contamination though, right? I mean, I quadruple check to see if my usage rates AND proper/most appropriate preservative is being used with each and every thing I make... It's stressful. And then you have to test your formulations to ensure that they don't develop anything. This is time consuming, and expensive, especially if you have a lab do it. And this would be for EACH product. If you've never formulated, I could see someone trying to dismiss it as you just don't like marketing or sales, but, it's MOSTLY that you don't want to do HARM to anyone. It's not about money, and I think most people are missing that.
@@angieberry4002 agreed...you have to be in that mode and frame of mind and bottom line is you can't be inept with this kind of business or any other for that matter! If the desire and drive is there but you don't feel you have the skills....reach out to someone that does who can maybe mentor and guide you from beginning to end
Jobs are stressful if you want to make more money. I see people who work for companies that basically spend all their days tied with an invisible rope to their jobs unable to do the the things they enjoy. So back to why people like me sell soaps and are happy? Well, as for me, I am so grateful that I get to spend more time with my family, taking care of my home, including being able to make healthy meals(something that I wouldn’t be able to do if I worked for someone else), and all these amazing flexible hours to stop working and pick up my child from school without having to worry that my boss is watching how long I have been out and if I wanted go to the park or mall with them afterwards. These are some of many reasons why I am happy with my business. But every body it’s different and you need to put things in perspective and prioritize!
You also have to get the formula agreed so there is absolutely no changing of the recipe at all. It has to be sent off for lab tests and the works. Was looking in to starting something small so I could sell at markets and it was just a paperwork nightmare!
Essentially, if you followed all the rules, you'd have to charge £20 for a small bar of soap if you ever wanted to make a profit and you'd be competing against people that aren't following the rules or large companies with massive economies of scale. It is very difficult.
It is pretty much the same here in the US. I think they do it on purpose to discourage new business that may take away from the others already making their millions.
I love every aspect of my business. I am a single mom of two and I make my own hours and do everything how and when I want to.. and get to spend tons of time with my babies! But if you have the ability to not do it and still travel then there ya go! I have to work! I’m just glad I love what I do!
I am with you Carolina! Work it’s work and I believe few people get to do what they like and still make money. I sell soaps and skin care too and I love the flexibility of it!
Hi Marie! I find this video is a must watch for anyone wondering if they would like to start selling products! I just shared it with my Patrons. I am glad you did what felt good for you. ♥️
Thank you so much, Ariane! You make selling look so fun and effortless, and having tried it I now know (more than ever) that you are a superhero ❤️ Thank you so much for all you share with our community!
100% with you on this. I felt exactly like this! I love making stuff but never ever want the commitment of having to make more stuff and have it be perfect , liability etc. Totally killed the joy :/
Agree. One has options though. Sell digital things, become a consultant, offer a service, become an investor. Btw liability issues are not huge. It's not like you will shut down over them.
Depending on where you live, some city’s have small stores that sell crafts of all kinds. So you can put your stuff in a store and pay them a portion of your sales. Saves you from having to do all those nasty parts of selling your stuff.
I've never sold on line for the reasons you've mentioned Marie. The entire process appears complex and it requires dedication rather than passion. I like to sell at markets. Just a small stall with neatly and creatively arranged genuine handcrafted products that give you the opportunity to interact with your customer and to set up a social network. This to me is alternative skincare for people wanting organic genuine thoughtfully processed products. They pay a little more for something they can buy for less online or in store. But the experience for that customer to get out of the house, socially interact, and see alternative handcrafted products is then complete when they have purchased an item that they know is made from organic ingredients. There's not a huge amount of profit to be made from markets after all it is only 2 days of sales in a week. But for some people, such as myself, every cent counts. And those extra dollars come in handy for other luxuries I might not necessarily aspire to. I love Markets and ask that people consider them as an avenue for sales.
I can (sort of) relate to this. When I was I think 10, I decided to make some cards as I'm into card making (got into it when i was 8) and sold them at my local church. It was a success and people liked it so I sold them again two weeks later. Then I had my own little business going and every other week I'd be there selling cards but eventually it just felt like too much of a chore and I sort of lost my passion for it. So I stopped doing it and people were asking me "when are you selling cards again?" and I said I'm not doing it anymore. So that's my business venture story. Just wanted to share.
I got the "do you sell?" question before I'd even finished your DIY for beginners course. I have no interest in ever selling products because it's a hobby, it's meant to be relaxing and fun and something I do in my spare time. Running a business will never ever be relaxing. And I know they say that you should work with what you love because then you won't work anymore. I call bullshit.
I really think that depends on what you do and if you have help; and if you work with people on it, that you get along well. I could see owning a handmade business as a chore or a blessing depending a lot on those types of things.
What an honest self inventory! Congrats. I feel that way about cooking. The creative outburst and joy I feel in preparing a meal for two, or a small gathering, is utterly lost if I'd have to do it en masse. I must meet you when I'm in Calgary next. ♥️
Please don’t ever give up on teaching how to make things. Having a business is hardwork, but knowing how to make your own products for self and family is priceless! ❤
I am only part of the way through this video, I just think it's so interesting. I love how transparent you are and especially the part where you were talking about how your family encouraged you to sell stuff. I imagine had I known all of the hurdles when I first started I probably would not have continued but the recipes you are bringing to the world are of great benefit. Maybe just the making is enough.
I love making bodycare so much that I forgot how much I had made and I didn't sell it. That's why I start a business, and I want people feel happy with my products as much as I am. I wish that feelings will remain the same. Cause I have no idea what to sell other than this
Hey Marie, not everyone loves sales! If your not a natural salesman, a get out and meet a 100 new people person, answering 1000's of e-mails, dealing with an online or brick store, than forget the sales option all together and enjoy creating! I am a natural sales person, both my Dad and to a limited degree my Mom were in sales as well as my Grandfather. So I was the nasty Girl Scout standing at your door selling cookies, lol! And enjoyed it!!! I know it's not for everyone for sure. I had a neighbor as a child who had a clinical melt down when Girl Scouts sold cookies! She was shy and hated going door to door or standing at the Mall selling cookies! I always felt so bad for her. My brother used to ditch his newspapers and never collected the money due for the papers, lol! So yeah, Its not for everyone and you just do you!!! Know we all enjoy your creations and seeing you on this platform and I hope you'll always be here! I enjoy watching the excitement of you creating!
Totally relatable video. I did the same, shut down my website (different type of product) but for me, making orders, doing the same or almost the same thing day in and day out, sucked the joy out of something I had previously loved doing. And yes, that in turn, stifles your creativity. I now make and create for friends and family only and I am loving what I do again.
Yes, the presentation is so much pressure especially when you see other sellers with their perfect looking products and labels. I seriously do not care about the labels so much AND they are an added cost as well that most people don't think about.
I feel you sis! I am ready to toss all of my STUFF. sometimes its just isn't worth. It. I am ready for a 9 to 5 work at home women. Selling has its sick moments. It can be exhausting as any other job, it my side gig but it has a great deal of pains. I completed my last sourcing 2 weeks ago. I am done when I finish. I want my little life back. Beside little sellar seem to be at risk anyway. I am so happy to hear your point. DONE OVER HERE. All leftover are being given away or donated back to GOODWILL
Boy did I need this! So nice knowing I’m not the only one who dreads hearing, I love this, do you sell it? The thought of mass production (been there done that) just takes the wind right out of my sail. I’m my own worst critic and in the world of nitpicking we live in today, the joy of selling just isn’t there for me anymore. My husband says the quickest way to get me to stop making something is to ask me if I sell it, he’s right.
I know this post is oldish lol but I just found your channel and I wanted to say, in the off chance that you read these that I find a huge a amount of value in the content and I think you're awesome! I appreciate your honesty and willingness to be upfront and fully self expressed, thank you.
Thank you so much 😄 If you haven't found my blog (humblebeeandme.com) yet, definitely check it out as well! I've been blogging since 2011 while I’ve only been on UA-cam since about 2016, so there are a lot more formulations on the blog. The blog is also where my totally free ingredient encyclopedia and FAQ live, and they're both packed with tons of super-helpful information ❤️ Happy making!
I can respect your decision. You are so smart and talented I have made several of your products. I get it I like making for me and my family and don't like to sell either.
Totally can relate to this! You have listed almost all my reasons why I can't seem to start selling and it took me 2 years to realise that I didn't like to make the same stuff over and over again until when a life coach shared her experience on TV why she didn't continue selling home-baked items as she didn't enjoy repeating the same process. Ironically, it affected my health as I was too deep in research, ingredient sourcing, preparing documentation work, planning etc. Being a perfectionist doesn't help me to even pin down a product to sell! Ha! And yes, logistics is my greatest "de-motivator" other than the inventory. Just make me feel "tied down" by loads of stuff. Thanks for sharing and it feels great to have someone and others here who shared similar thoughts, knowing that we are not alone. Being a solo one-woman op can be a lonely job.
Word! I so feel what you were saying… Totally went through it… I still make my own soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash and the occasional lotion and lip balm… Also did a lot of mineral make up… There are still quite a few things I’m not satisfied with when I shop… So I’m glad I know how to make these things. I currently make jewelry and sell it at my local consignment store… It’s all I have the time in the room for while it’s still fun and satisfying, not to mention a few hundred dollars I make a month. When I run into people that say “oh my gosh, you need to start an online store, blah blah blah“… I just know what it takes… And I know they don’t understand. I often wonder how people who do it make anything or like what they do. All of my stuff that I do now is exclusive to my local stores with no pressure, and no expectations. I don’t even have a brand lol. I don’t do Facebook or Instagram.… Talk about full circle :-)
Some of us actually need to go through the motions to learn about ourselves. It’s very rare that a person can look at choices and pick the right fit without exploration first. Your branding was terrific, love, love it. Keep exploring
This gave me great insight, thank you! I have thought about going this route, but I think I’ll just continue to make beauty products for my own personal use. They are safer and much more cost effective, which is why I started it in the first place.
Omg this is so me right now. I just started mid this year got all my formulation from your blog thank you for that. I did my own formulation too some failed and some actually surprisingly good. So far i don't get a lot of orders since I'm new to this business. I love making errands i love creating the products. Yes you are right there is this fear of contamination especially when i am doing it all inside the house and not in an actual lab although I'm pretty careful i always make sure everything is clean before i begin making. Anyway appreciate all the free diy formulations you're posting and good luck to my skin care business. 😊
I love packing up and shipping stuff! I just don’t want to hand make every item. Oh crap I just remembered I forgot to sew the packaging for my bracelets! Thanks for the reminder. Yeah I don’t like making the same things over and over again, either.
This was JUST the thing i needed to hear especially as our tiny apartment is turning into a mini warehouse & I’m driving myself crazy trying to follow through with every exciting idea that pops up but then wonder how i’m going to execute everything & maintain it! Definitely reducing my range of products & doing the DIY skin care for my own personal use! Love your channel Marie!!
huh thanks for this vid. I'm at the stage of making for friends & family as gifts & as you said, they are all encouraging me to make a little business out of it. Just the thought of the compliance aspect makes me feel overwhelmed & a huge heavy feeling inside. Seeing this reminded me...it's my life & I don't have to do it 😄 I am actually happy just making for myself, but will also do for a few friends if they really want. I guess you still have to be careful with that if something happens through contamination 🤔
You helped me by telling me what exactly I needed to hear. Thanks for sharing your experience and letting me know what are the things I need to rethink before starting my business. Loved your video. Much love
Thank you for this! My sister has been pushing me to start business with her and I exactly feeling like this. I work a full time job right now and this is more like a hobby for me
You're situation is sort of opposite of mine. I started on UA-cam and moved to Facebook and was doing curly hair videos, so I already had a following to help get sales which I took by hand for a couple of years until I opened my website a little over a year ago. I get about 1-3 sales a day now and the post office usually picks them up from my house. I find it so strange in this line of work how so many thousands of people need to come along before hardly any sales come in, but ya, that's the way it is I guess! I actually love making products and every part of my business but I find it incredibly intense and difficult. Something often goes wrong or takes much longer than planned and...I have 5 kids. I don't know for sure yet if I'll ever be able to get big, but it's definitely one step at a time! Anyway, I'm so glad you shared your experience and I really appreciate your content and candor.
I am in the process of decluttering. It is freedom not to hold onto too much stuff. I tried a couple local craft shows in Calgary... I just can't physically do it. On top of that it turns out they were the slowest craft shows ever. It was causing me physical pain, money and time... and I want to just make what I want. Selling isn't going to do it for me. I have times where I hurt more and can't create... and times where I create create create. If I can have christmas and birthday gifts covered... I am REALLY good with that.
Fantastic !! I have just started playing around with soap making and friends are saying the same thing....and it feels crushing....I enjoy my hobby because it is a hobby. That's where I want to keep it :)
This was super honest and refreshing. Thank you for reminding us that many times it's just nice to do something you love, without the need to put a price tag on it.
I totally relate to this as I'm sure so many others do to. A business is a job!! When a hobby has the potential to turn to a job it takes all the fun out and sometimes so much so you don't even want to make things for yourself, and that is really sad! I'm glad you found your truth!!
I love this fabulous video and your honesty that many of us makers relate to. It totally spoke to me. Well done and best wishes on your continued success.
Feeling the shipping and packaging pains too Marie. Personally my joy in sales are in larger bulk orders with a custom rustic design to local retailers. Formulating and creating are definitely my passion as well. At some point I've also considered just donating my youtube creations to a local shelter or other non profit. There is a lot of joy in that idea. Shipping costs from Canada just don't attract heaps of interest either, LOL. :)Jen
Thanks for sharing. ❤This hobby is so important for me in this busy world. I love learning here. Only make things for our family and friends during the holidays.
I have so many friends who keep telling me the same thing. "Start your own business. Your stuff is amazing. You should market this." No thanks! It would totally kill my joy. I love to experiment, make things for people I love, and enjoy the process. But I really do not have any desire to sell.
You are truly amazing... keep doing what feels good for you.. i love how candid and honest you are. I think for all the people who will disagree with you there are many more who feel very much the same. Thanks so much for all of your work!!
This is such an interesting perspective! I’ve been so inspired by your blogs videos and your business to start my business. It’s so funny you don’t like errands! I love errands because I feel more productive when I do instead of being relegated to completing housework to feel productive in which I don’t and this is the longest run on/rant sentence I’ve ever written. I like making things that consistently work. If you have branding services though I’d definitely be interested!
😂this made me smile, because I did exactly the same thing. It actually stopped me after I took the time to research copyright, name domains, and all the legalities of running a business. Also, the same thing you mentioned about running to the post office. Then I began to think about dealing with returns, other people and their dislikes, Ugh! I actually sold one thing to a friend, and gave everything else away. It was the most clarifying experience... thank you so much for your wonderful you tube channel. I am making all my own skin and hair care and loving it. Yes, my family will reveive your wonderful lip balms for Christmas. Thank you. ❤ your book and classes are on my list for the future.
Marie...you are my absolute favorite. I am doing your online beginner's class and I hope you have a next series because you have taught me so much! and I understand your not wanting a website. I like to just get in the kitchen to see whats going to happen when I mix this with that!
OMG you just described me ... THE RELIEF.. Teaching is where I'm at but selling and packing in bulk was aweful and killed the joy.. thank you for this video.. what a relief.. Life is so much happier now...
Yupppp... I wanted to start my lipbalm business and learned from my sis doing pharmacy everything that goes on in production, made a batch with her with care and realized it's a lot more work than I imagined making it official... Still using my lip balm and will continue making it better buy business is a third thought now... Love you.. not everyone can accept the reality and shut down a business they worked this hard to create that made them unhappy all the time... 💖💖💖
I totally understand. I was considering starting an ETSY shop, but I began to feel like it was tooooo much stress. So I am just happy giving my ceramics away and it feels so much happier.
For all that you hated about running your business, you conversely and obviously enjoy in your creations and in sharing them, your experience and your knowledge. And towards those ends, I hope I can help sustain that for you, by letting you know how much I appreciate it. Your blog / website / videos have been enormously helpful to me, and you're also a very enjoyable presenter / teacher to watch - the amount of care and consideration for your audience you put into all that you publish is very obvious. You are an example of why success can not be measured by money or business. Not the most important kind of success. That, of being a good human being. Thank you!
Marie, you are great at what you are doing! I have learnt so much from you! Enjoying your book, too! I am not a business-minded person either, but there are so many people around me who could not bother to make this stuff themselves and will gladly buy from me. The beginning is so hard because the money is scarce and I need to be all-in-one person, but this is only a stage. Let's see what the future will bring.
This sounds like me...no matter how many times people say do you sell your crafts ...I was already cringing at just the question. So I never bothered to even try because I had all the exact feelings as you did so I'm glad I made the choice not to bother and to this day I enjoy making my crafts and I give them away at Christmas to Elderly Homes and that makes me happy ! Thanks for sharing.
I love your channel. I agree 100% with you on this. I am a jeweler and did all this with making handmade silver jewelry only to hate the selling process. People would rather buy cheap knock off jewelry from China that claimed to have silver in it for penny’s while my handmade jewelry was all silver and cost the price of silver and my time. Shipping is expensive and so time consuming. I spent so much money on shipping supplies. I would make something and then people wanted me to fix their old cheap china jewelry that had fallen apart. Selling process is the worst thing to creative people. Making volume of stuff is a huge turn off for creative people. I started making my own lip balm, lotion etc. and by the help of your channel, thank you so much, and am sharing with family and friends. The product is so amazingly good. I have made my own formulas and love what I have made. I am really only wanting to sell enough of product to pay for my own. Making these products should really be something we pass down to our generations so that good things are handmade instead of bought from big manufacturers with yucky ingredients. My Grandmother always made her own soap and face cream. My Grandpa made his own smoked sausage. We need to pass on making our own on to new generations more than always thinking a business is better. I am an old commercial artist and have many years past in it and can say you have done a great job of you name and branding. I like you very much. Love your honesty and giving attitude!!!
when the thing you love transforms into a job,into an obligation,starts to asfixiate. i always say "never your hobbie,your scape,be your work". sorry for my bad english.
Marie, you sound just like me. I decided to shut down my online store too. Selling took away the joy of creating for me. I also didn't want to jump through all the hoops with Health Canada, but it's so important that they are there. Now I just create to please myself so I can relate to your situation. Hope you continue to create because it inspires me. ❤
I can relate also I have many people ask me at Markets if I would sell Wholesale, so glad I keep saying no because for me it changes the whole ball game of just enjoying what I do and for my self I love the presentation. So to do Wholesale would take the fun out because of demand to have more product which would mean to hire help and then I wouldn't have full fun of making soap myself and the worry if they are doing everything the way I taught them. I would become the behind the scenes person and I would really miss the creating part.
So I can definitely relate to this and don't like shipping etc I have a bath and body business and so I made the choice to have zero online presence and I only sell at local markets. I only make products in preparation for those markets and I found that I just love that so much better! I am a stay at home mom and only have so much ability and capacity and energy so I want to do what I can do and what is fun for me. So I don't have to always make the same thing over again I can just bring to market any of the soaps that I have been making etc. I have found more joy in that. This is a great video. I love watching all of your videos!!
I know how you feel! I studied glass jewel artisan. I never did it for my job. I sometimes sold in the market. Everybody say that I should start a company but luckily I never did. I had the stuff for many years in my closet. Last december I decided to get rid of that stuff and what a RELIEF! I still have some ready made jewelry but they are waiting for suitable donation. All the supplies are gone! But I can already feel freedom🌞
I think you are a fantastic breath of fresh air and so completely amazing for sharing this side of starting a business. There is so much out there to tell people how to create a business but everyone should consider all sides of the reality of committing so much of their lives to try to make a business succeed. I’m sure many many people have self sabotaged their business ventures without realizing that it just wasn’t right for them. I applaud your honesty and advice. Smart woman to be able to reevaluate and adjust your life to return joy to yourself. Well done!
Thank you so much! And thank you for "getting" the video and not just lecturing me about being a lazy loser as many other commenters did, LOL. Happy making!
An honest review, but business isn’t for everyone and all the things you mentioned are a part of the not so fun part of business ownership, but still essential to get your products out there and sold. There are ways around each obstacle you mentioned like having orders picked up on site by a mail service or having extra help. You can also print you own labels instead of ordering them that way if you want to add something to you product, you can and it won’t be an issue. I honestly can’t wait to get my business started I can’t wait to get a product line going and get stock piles of products in batches stocked up. I look forward to doing most of this stuff, but I do have my hubby to help and know not everyone has that luxury. Handmade products don’t have to look perfect (like your example of the lip balms) and they don’t need to look sloppy either, but I love the hand made look to things such as soap or whipped body butter and knowing that someone actually took the time and care to hand process their products instead of just running them through a machine assembly line. You may not have enjoyed it and it’s great to be honest with those wishing to start up their own business but I hope people don’t see this and get discouraged. There’s more than just making a product to actually sell it but that should be an understandable given when starting a business that after the product is made you have to do all the ins and outs to move that product and find a way to get it to the consumer (especially if doing an online business) and keep making more to keep that business going.
I started exactly the same way 7 years ago. I hate shipping, packaging, labeling and markets. All of which my husbands loves. So it has worked out great. I really didn't want a business this size but I have crossed the hurdle of making the same item over and over. I kind of go in trance mode because I gave done it so many times. I am faster and know it is consistently the same. Ordering is also much more routine. It took about 4 years before I was truly comfortable. I had a shop.made out of an unused cross through 3 sided partially enclosed porch just for material cost. The labor by a friend was free. So my stuff and mess is contained. We do about 11 markets a month, in three businesses and an online store. I am 69 next month and want to retire when I am 76 lol!! My husband never wants to retire!
Wow, I understand you, I'm a divorced middle age mexican woman trying to make bussines with muy hobby. When you're alone in this, ... it's complicated so much. I need much time and supplies, many of ingredients are imported, the money it's not enougth to me. If You don't need more money, the best it's paceful. Congrats for your page and channel. Thanks for your time.
I absolutely agree with you. I keep mine very small & I couldn’t really care less if I get a sale. I love to experiment & I’m always interested in new ingredients. It’s very restrictive in the uk & eu. I’m actually so glad you spoke about this because it’s how I feel. I would much rather hold DIY classes than sell. I’m not a natural salesperson & find that aspect hard. I also find the competition from other makers can be very cruel & many like to cause you much trouble. Especially in Facebook groups. The trudge of wrapping up a soap bar, going to the post office...etc etc. Such a bind.
As a crafter I understand this completely. I crochet and always made stuff for family and friends and I also make jewelry. People would ask me to make them something and of course they would say I'll pay you not really thinking of what it costs for just material. So when I would give them a price they would say gee I could buy that cheaper at the store or they would just say forget it or they wouldn't say anything until I made it then complain. And even when none of the above happened for some reason it took the joy out of it for me so I don't even go down that road anymore. I had a guy wanting me to make a blanket for his wife's birthday and I told him ahead of time. I would do it but he had to buy the yarn. ( People are always shocked when you tell them how much yarn costs especially good quality yarn so it's better if they see for themselves ) he bought the yarn but I told him I would try to make it on time for his wife's birthday but because I had 6 people at home to care for besides my job that it might not happen so he knew that going forward. But everyday he would come by my office to see how far I had gotten and it really took the joy out of making it and just became stressful and because he was PAYING for it his whole attitude changed I promised myself after that that I would never sell anything thing. I told him I would give him back his money for the yarn he bought so he wouldn't loose any money and he could go buy his wife a store bought blanket. It ruined our relationship and also my reputation at work because he would tell anyone that would listen to him how I had spoiled his wife's birthday and how I had ripped him off??? Which I could never understand how I had ripped him off since I ended up buying yarn I really didn't want or would probably never used since it was the cheapest he could find. I ended up donating it to the Goodwill. Anyway that's my story
Thank you for sharing. I have found I no longer enjoy my handmade biz. It was fun when I was giving it away to friends and for charity. Now its a pain. I also hate having a living room and kitchen full of inventory and supplies. Plus you don't make money until you can buy pallets of supplies in bulk discount. Its just not fun anymore.
I’m happy that you share your ingredients and processes with us which most people who sell their products will not do.
OMG MARIE!!! This video is for me! Ever since I've began making my own things for my own hair and skin care I've gotten the same stacks of questions/demands that I sell it. "You are doing a disservice to the community if you keep hoarding this!" Yeah I make it for me and my daughters and if I dare gift it out to a cousin or in law I'm like don't tell anyone that I made it cause I'm not going through all that. Finding the appropriate container, label, price and time. I work full time and have kids. Like you want me to whip it up and instantaneously deliver it to you. I have no interest in paperwork, filing, or rudeness that a business would involve. Folks question why I would set a price point where I would like that's too high. I can get ______ at Target for cheaper. Me and my smart mouth would be like " okay bye" LoL. I thought it was just me who felt like how you do. I enjoy making a successful product for myself. A business would take thr fun out of it.
Your product is hand made and made with love something from the store not so much and ones who do end up selling in the big chain stores the buyer wants them to change the label or the formula be it add or take away to where it may not be natural anymore ...just my thoughts that also can take away one of the purposes in starting your own business is you no longer have the control over your products!
Only you know what your product is worth
I feel the same, get the same comments on beauty products and knitted items I make for myself and family "oooh this is so good/pretty/(insert adjective)! you should sell them!", lol!
And...the store products often have dangerous toxins. Can't put a price on our health.
@@morpro4u all you have to do is look at what happened to Burt’s Bees. Now a Clorox company. They talk a good game on their FAQ about the benefits of being connected to a big company. They say that many of the “natural” content of many of their products has been increase since the acquisition. Yeah. Remember, lead, mercury and uranium are all natural. “Natural” has no legal meaning but conjures up feelings that things will be OK because “natural.” Ebola is also natural. I’d love to be able to compare their original formulations to those today. This is why I am interested in making my own these days. I don’t give a crap about “natural.” I just want CONTROL of what I’m using. If I choose to put some preservative on my skin, that’s MY decision. Not some board of directors who report to stockholders every quarter of “why are my earnings down?” If they can take 2% of the cost out of a product by substituting a purely synthetic component rather than buying a fair trade locally sourced component, a for profit operation will do that every time unless they can figure out a way to monetize it.
Yes Marie, you hit the nail on the head. Some of us are Formulators. We don't do repetitive, nor do we relish the other, more tedious aspects of it all.
This is the best advice ever. I just changed my mind about selling. Thank you, Marie, for giving me your honest insights. I just realized that I'd be crushing a hobby and turning it into something I will probably hate too.
All the things you hated excite me! I look forward to the day I can quit my full time job and be a maker. To share my creations with people, have people like them and come back for more. What a dream! I look forward to all the clicks on my website, the orders to pack, the extra time it takes to make it happen! That’s your own business, something to be proud of. I can only dream of that…we are all on our own journeys and do what’s best for ourselves. Thanks for the awesome videos!
So true 👍🏾
The primary reason I want my own diy store is packing and shipping and I don't know why I love doing it so much :D
Main reason I want to start my body butter business, I have everything I need, would love to have a stable income from it, especially after I found out my work wants to write me up. Jobs are not guaranteed out there. Scary
WOW! These are all the things I positively HATE about selling. I hate working on the website and filling orders. I’m retired and all I want to do is make the stuff, not fiddle with labels and packaging and invoices and all that crap. It makes me dislike selling. Just not my thing.
I feel the same n am at the start of it. N I intend to help a lot of ppl with my products ❤️
Building a business is not the same doing it as a hobby, you have to have a business mind to be able to do so. Glad you found your path! But I enjoy each process of making and testing my products, creating labels, packaging them. It’s a rewarding feeling!
I totally understand what you went through. I owned a handmade natural skincare and soaps business, had to pause it due to personal reasons but I totally get it. You are a formulator, not a manufacturer or/and a marketer or an entrepreneur (in the sense that you want to market and make sales). You love experimenting with new ingredients, feel excited about combining some raw material together in a way you believe you haven't seen before. However, once the formula works, once you and people around you try it and love it+rave about it...you start moving to the next formula. You could (and most probably) re-do it (the product) again for yourself or your family but large, multiple batches = borning. I went through a similar phase, this is when I recognized I am a formulator, an educator and a damn good marketer but NOT a sales person and not a manufacturer (can't find a word with a closer meaning to doing the formula over and over again, every single day.) . This is when I started a) not beating myself up because I can't do it all (you and I thought it should be a one-woman show :D ) and b) I hired who can do the job better than me and I had more time to do what I am most creative at, coming up with new formulas.
A lot of people always try answering the question of " What do I want to do? What do I love?" , I love situations like the one you were in to help me answer another, equally important, question " What is the thing I don't want to do? What do I dislike doing?".
You did a great job going through the whole process and then had the courage to close and move on.
Nice comment. Yes, starting any business is hard work. We mess up when we do things like start a business for other people and not for ourselves. Honestly it doesn't sound like the entire process was thoroughly researched and considered though. And to start with a lot of inventory right away and barely advertise?? However, there are many people who have started handmade cosmetic companies and are millionaires now or own local successful companies. But the desire and drive... The passion for it must be there to be successful. The owner of California Baby started from home with one product and now the company makes millions. And the owner of IT cosmetics started from home and the company was just sold to Loreal for a billion dollars. So it's definitely not for everyone. But for those with a desire (and a goal) to do it I say put in the work and make it happen and believe in yourself. Because it's a process and you start small but you won't stay small. I know the owner of IT cosmetics wasn't still shipping packages and making labels by herself 10 yrs later. But for those who only want to do it for fun don't be coerced into doing something you have no interest in. But on the other hand you never know where it may take you if you stick with it. 😊😉
“Hey girl, whatchu doing!?” 😂 People definitely romanticize owning a handmade business. There are a lot of less glamorous parts that our audiences don’t get to see, and you just have to decide if those parts overshadow the joy your find in creating.
You sound like someone that should be a teacher. You do a god job at that on youtube. Freedom in ones create outlets are important. The business took away that freedom. For that reason, I stopped being a cook. I love food but hate producing the same thing day after day. Its more fun to play. So you get people like you and I. Im a great chef and only my friends and family get to see it. Now I enjoy cooking again.
Yes I agree I cringe when my cousins ask me to cater their birthday party. I cook when I want.
There are art communities in the smoky mountains where painters, weavers, and potters all live and work together.
Guess you want your cake and eat it too? ;)
I am a graphic designer for 18 years. My passion had fade out now. I love to share my knowledge instead of design according client's interest.
@@vintagelife5195 woah really
I've had my own Etsy Shop organic skincare and haircare for 3 years now and omg I had no idea of the demand. Everyone wants it fast!! My shop is booming and I'm blessed I have the dream shop but oh boy it's overwhelming!! I get 3-10 orders a day and I make everything by hand just like you. I'm making great $ I was able to quit my job and I make 3 x more $. I do get tired it's the same thing everyday filling orders. The beauty is I have an amazing following and sweet customers and fun FB groups. Yesterday I drove by my old job and I'm thankful for what I do. ❤️👍🏼💥
No disrespect to any soapmakers who commented that they disagree and LOOOOOVE to sell, and correct me if I'm wrong, but, you don't have to worry about preservation/contamination though, right?
I mean, I quadruple check to see if my usage rates AND proper/most appropriate preservative is being used with each and every thing I make... It's stressful. And then you have to test your formulations to ensure that they don't develop anything. This is time consuming, and expensive, especially if you have a lab do it. And this would be for EACH product.
If you've never formulated, I could see someone trying to dismiss it as you just don't like marketing or sales, but, it's MOSTLY that you don't want to do HARM to anyone. It's not about money, and I think most people are missing that.
@@angieberry4002 agreed...you have to be in that mode and frame of mind and bottom line is you can't be inept with this kind of business or any other for that matter! If the desire and drive is there but you don't feel you have the skills....reach out to someone that does who can maybe mentor and guide you from beginning to end
Jobs are stressful if you want to make more money. I see people who work for companies that basically spend all their days tied with an invisible rope to their jobs unable to do the the things they enjoy. So back to why people like me sell soaps and are happy? Well, as for me, I am so grateful that I get to spend more time with my family, taking care of my home, including being able to make healthy meals(something that I wouldn’t be able to do if I worked for someone else), and all these amazing flexible hours to stop working and pick up my child from school without having to worry that my boss is watching how long I have been out and if I wanted go to the park or mall with them afterwards. These are some of many reasons why I am happy with my business. But every body it’s different and you need to put things in perspective and prioritize!
The legality issue is so off-putting in the UK. It's so hard and so expensive - it does make it prohibitively expensive to start a business!
You also have to get the formula agreed so there is absolutely no changing of the recipe at all. It has to be sent off for lab tests and the works. Was looking in to starting something small so I could sell at markets and it was just a paperwork nightmare!
Essentially, if you followed all the rules, you'd have to charge £20 for a small bar of soap if you ever wanted to make a profit and you'd be competing against people that aren't following the rules or large companies with massive economies of scale. It is very difficult.
@@jamesrobson8774 exactly. It made it a non-starter from the get which was frustrating
Same in Brazil!
It is pretty much the same here in the US. I think they do it on purpose to discourage new business that may take away from the others already making their millions.
I love every aspect of my business. I am a single mom of two and I make my own hours and do everything how and when I want to.. and get to spend tons of time with my babies! But if you have the ability to not do it and still travel then there ya go! I have to work! I’m just glad I love what I do!
Exactly 👍🏾
I am with you Carolina! Work it’s work and I believe few people get to do what they like and still make money. I sell soaps and skin care too and I love the flexibility of it!
Hi Marie! I find this video is a must watch for anyone wondering if they would like to start selling products! I just shared it with my Patrons. I am glad you did what felt good for you. ♥️
Thank you so much, Ariane! You make selling look so fun and effortless, and having tried it I now know (more than ever) that you are a superhero ❤️ Thank you so much for all you share with our community!
I’m so glad that you’re able to be open and honest about this topic. Thank you for sharing
Thanks for watching!
100% with you on this.
I felt exactly like this! I love making stuff but never ever want the commitment of having to make more stuff and have it be perfect , liability etc. Totally killed the joy :/
Agree. One has options though. Sell digital things, become a consultant, offer a service, become an investor. Btw liability issues are not huge. It's not like you will shut down over them.
Making more stuff is the fun part. Making the same thing over and over and over again is an issue! Thanks for your comment!
Depending on where you live, some city’s have small stores that sell crafts of all kinds. So you can put your stuff in a store and pay them a portion of your sales. Saves you from having to do all those nasty parts of selling your stuff.
I've never sold on line for the reasons you've mentioned Marie. The entire process appears complex and it requires dedication rather than passion. I like to sell at markets. Just a small stall with neatly and creatively arranged genuine handcrafted products that give you the opportunity to interact with your customer and to set up a social network. This to me is alternative skincare for people wanting organic genuine thoughtfully processed products. They pay a little more for something they can buy for less online or in store. But the experience for that customer to get out of the house, socially interact, and see alternative handcrafted products is then complete when they have purchased an item that they know is made from organic ingredients. There's not a huge amount of profit to be made from markets after all it is only 2 days of sales in a week. But for some people, such as myself, every cent counts. And those extra dollars come in handy for other luxuries I might not necessarily aspire to. I love Markets and ask that people consider them as an avenue for sales.
I can (sort of) relate to this. When I was I think 10, I decided to make some cards as I'm into card making (got into it when i was 8) and sold them at my local church. It was a success and people liked it so I sold them again two weeks later. Then I had my own little business going and every other week I'd be there selling cards but eventually it just felt like too much of a chore and I sort of lost my passion for it. So I stopped doing it and people were asking me "when are you selling cards again?" and I said I'm not doing it anymore. So that's my business venture story. Just wanted to share.
I got the "do you sell?" question before I'd even finished your DIY for beginners course. I have no interest in ever selling products because it's a hobby, it's meant to be relaxing and fun and something I do in my spare time. Running a business will never ever be relaxing. And I know they say that you should work with what you love because then you won't work anymore. I call bullshit.
I really think that depends on what you do and if you have help; and if you work with people on it, that you get along well. I could see owning a handmade business as a chore or a blessing depending a lot on those types of things.
What an honest self inventory! Congrats. I feel that way about cooking. The creative outburst and joy I feel in preparing a meal for two, or a small gathering, is utterly lost if I'd have to do it en masse. I must meet you when I'm in Calgary next. ♥️
Please don’t ever give up on teaching how to make things. Having a business is hardwork, but knowing how to make your own products for self and family is priceless! ❤
I am only part of the way through this video, I just think it's so interesting. I love how transparent you are and especially the part where you were talking about how your family encouraged you to sell stuff. I imagine had I known all of the hurdles when I first started I probably would not have continued but the recipes you are bringing to the world are of great benefit. Maybe just the making is enough.
I love making bodycare so much that I forgot how much I had made and I didn't sell it. That's why I start a business, and I want people feel happy with my products as much as I am. I wish that feelings will remain the same. Cause I have no idea what to sell other than this
Being a salesperson and an entrepreneur are two of the hardest jobs! The successful ones are the ones who LOVE doing both.
I love selling! You need to enjoy it to make it worth while.
I hate sanitizing everything but it's mandatory so I do it.. Lol
Hey Marie, not everyone loves sales! If your not a natural salesman, a get out and meet a 100 new people person, answering 1000's of e-mails, dealing with an online or brick store, than forget the sales option all together and enjoy creating! I am a natural sales person, both my Dad and to a limited degree my Mom were in sales as well as my Grandfather. So I was the nasty Girl Scout standing at your door selling cookies, lol! And enjoyed it!!! I know it's not for everyone for sure. I had a neighbor as a child who had a clinical melt down when Girl Scouts sold cookies! She was shy and hated going door to door or standing at the Mall selling cookies! I always felt so bad for her. My brother used to ditch his newspapers and never collected the money due for the papers, lol! So yeah, Its not for everyone and you just do you!!! Know we all enjoy your creations and seeing you on this platform and I hope you'll always be here! I enjoy watching the excitement of you creating!
Totally relatable video. I did the same, shut down my website (different type of product) but for me, making orders, doing the same or almost the same thing day in and day out, sucked the joy out of something I had previously loved doing. And yes, that in turn, stifles your creativity. I now make and create for friends and family only and I am loving what I do again.
Hooooray! 😄
Yes, the presentation is so much pressure especially when you see other sellers with their perfect looking products and labels. I seriously do not care about the labels so much AND they are an added cost as well that most people don't think about.
I feel you sis! I am ready to toss all of my STUFF. sometimes its just isn't worth. It. I am ready for a 9 to 5 work at home women. Selling has its sick moments. It can be exhausting as any other job, it my side gig but it has a great deal of pains. I completed my last sourcing 2 weeks ago. I am done when I finish. I want my little life back. Beside little sellar seem to be at risk anyway. I am so happy to hear your point. DONE OVER HERE. All leftover are being given away or donated back to GOODWILL
Boy did I need this! So nice knowing I’m not the only one who dreads hearing, I love this, do you sell it? The thought of mass production (been there done that) just takes the wind right out of my sail. I’m my own worst critic and in the world of nitpicking we live in today, the joy of selling just isn’t there for me anymore. My husband says the quickest way to get me to stop making something is to ask me if I sell it, he’s right.
I know this post is oldish lol but I just found your channel and I wanted to say, in the off chance that you read these that I find a huge a amount of value in the content and I think you're awesome! I appreciate your honesty and willingness to be upfront and fully self expressed, thank you.
Thank you so much 😄
If you haven't found my blog (humblebeeandme.com) yet, definitely check it out as well! I've been blogging since 2011 while I’ve only been on UA-cam since about 2016, so there are a lot more formulations on the blog. The blog is also where my totally free ingredient encyclopedia and FAQ live, and they're both packed with tons of super-helpful information ❤️ Happy making!
I can respect your decision. You are so smart and talented I have made several of your products. I get it I like making for me and my family and don't like to sell either.
You’re so honest and genuine....I like you...
Totally can relate to this! You have listed almost all my reasons why I can't seem to start selling and it took me 2 years to realise that I didn't like to make the same stuff over and over again until when a life coach shared her experience on TV why she didn't continue selling home-baked items as she didn't enjoy repeating the same process. Ironically, it affected my health as I was too deep in research, ingredient sourcing, preparing documentation work, planning etc. Being a perfectionist doesn't help me to even pin down a product to sell! Ha! And yes, logistics is my greatest "de-motivator" other than the inventory. Just make me feel "tied down" by loads of stuff. Thanks for sharing and it feels great to have someone and others here who shared similar thoughts, knowing that we are not alone. Being a solo one-woman op can be a lonely job.
Word! I so feel what you were saying… Totally went through it… I still make my own soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash and the occasional lotion and lip balm… Also did a lot of mineral make up… There are still quite a few things I’m not satisfied with when I shop… So I’m glad I know how to make these things. I currently make jewelry and sell it at my local consignment store… It’s all I have the time in the room for while it’s still fun and satisfying, not to mention a few hundred dollars I make a month. When I run into people that say “oh my gosh, you need to start an online store, blah blah blah“… I just know what it takes… And I know they don’t understand. I often wonder how people who do it make anything or like what they do. All of my stuff that I do now is exclusive to my local stores with no pressure, and no expectations. I don’t even have a brand lol. I don’t do Facebook or Instagram.… Talk about full circle :-)
I’m just now stumbling on this and boy do I get it! I can relate to everything you said! I do appreciate all your kindness in sharing your recipes!
Besides everything just remember that we love you 😊
Some of us actually need to go through the motions to learn about ourselves. It’s very rare that a person can look at choices and pick the right fit without exploration first. Your branding was terrific, love, love it. Keep exploring
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Perfect timing. This is where I am right now on whether to continue to sell my
products. I totally understand.
❤️ It's definitely not for everyone and that's ok!
This gave me great insight, thank you! I have thought about going this route, but I think I’ll just continue to make beauty products for my own personal use. They are safer and much more cost effective, which is why I started it in the first place.
Omg this is so me right now. I just started mid this year got all my formulation from your blog thank you for that. I did my own formulation too some failed and some actually surprisingly good. So far i don't get a lot of orders since I'm new to this business. I love making errands i love creating the products. Yes you are right there is this fear of contamination especially when i am doing it all inside the house and not in an actual lab although I'm pretty careful i always make sure everything is clean before i begin making. Anyway appreciate all the free diy formulations you're posting and good luck to my skin care business. 😊
Thank you for sharing! I appreciate all the info. Sorry you didn’t love it but what an experience! Peace and Blessings to all!
I feel your pain because I have been through everything that you went through 😘
I love your honesty. I can’t imagine the expenses and work of having a small business🙏
I love packing up and shipping stuff! I just don’t want to hand make every item. Oh crap I just remembered I forgot to sew the packaging for my bracelets! Thanks for the reminder. Yeah I don’t like making the same things over and over again, either.
This was JUST the thing i needed to hear especially as our tiny apartment is turning into a mini warehouse & I’m driving myself crazy trying to follow through with every exciting idea that pops up but then wonder how i’m going to execute everything & maintain it! Definitely reducing my range of products & doing the DIY skin care for my own personal use! Love your channel Marie!!
huh thanks for this vid. I'm at the stage of making for friends & family as gifts & as you said, they are all encouraging me to make a little business out of it. Just the thought of the compliance aspect makes me feel overwhelmed & a huge heavy feeling inside. Seeing this reminded me...it's my life & I don't have to do it 😄 I am actually happy just making for myself, but will also do for a few friends if they really want.
I guess you still have to be careful with that if something happens through contamination 🤔
You helped me by telling me what exactly I needed to hear. Thanks for sharing your experience and letting me know what are the things I need to rethink before starting my business. Loved your video.
Much love
I'm so glad you found it useful! Happy making :)
Thank you for this! My sister has been pushing me to start business with her and I exactly feeling like this. I work a full time job right now and this is more like a hobby for me
You're situation is sort of opposite of mine. I started on UA-cam and moved to Facebook and was doing curly hair videos, so I already had a following to help get sales which I took by hand for a couple of years until I opened my website a little over a year ago. I get about 1-3 sales a day now and the post office usually picks them up from my house. I find it so strange in this line of work how so many thousands of people need to come along before hardly any sales come in, but ya, that's the way it is I guess! I actually love making products and every part of my business but I find it incredibly intense and difficult. Something often goes wrong or takes much longer than planned and...I have 5 kids. I don't know for sure yet if I'll ever be able to get big, but it's definitely one step at a time! Anyway, I'm so glad you shared your experience and I really appreciate your content and candor.
I am in the process of decluttering. It is freedom not to hold onto too much stuff. I tried a couple local craft shows in Calgary... I just can't physically do it. On top of that it turns out they were the slowest craft shows ever. It was causing me physical pain, money and time... and I want to just make what I want. Selling isn't going to do it for me. I have times where I hurt more and can't create... and times where I create create create. If I can have christmas and birthday gifts covered... I am REALLY good with that.
Fantastic !! I have just started playing around with soap making and friends are saying the same thing....and it feels crushing....I enjoy my hobby because it is a hobby. That's where I want to keep it :)
This was super honest and refreshing. Thank you for reminding us that many times it's just nice to do something you love, without the need to put a price tag on it.
I totally relate to this as I'm sure so many others do to. A business is a job!! When a hobby has the potential to turn to a job it takes all the fun out and sometimes so much so you don't even want to make things for yourself, and that is really sad! I'm glad you found your truth!!
Thank you for this.
I love making stuff as well .And like you too many people say to sell your stuff.
Now I have a reason why I won't.
Take ❤care...
This is exactly how I felt but with sewing. I don't enjoy making clothes for people but myself.❤️
I love this fabulous video and your honesty that many of us makers relate to. It totally spoke to me. Well done and best wishes on your continued success.
Feeling the shipping and packaging pains too Marie. Personally my joy in sales are in larger bulk orders with a custom rustic design to local retailers. Formulating and creating are definitely my passion as well. At some point I've also considered just donating my youtube creations to a local shelter or other non profit. There is a lot of joy in that idea. Shipping costs from Canada just don't attract heaps of interest either, LOL. :)Jen
I'm sorry you did not enjoy making products for others & doing it as a business. I Love what I do
What a valuable video. Just because you love to make products, doesn't mean you will like the business and selling part. BLESSINGS-Kate
Thanks for sharing. ❤This hobby is so important for me in this busy world. I love learning here. Only make things for our family and friends during the holidays.
I have so many friends who keep telling me the same thing. "Start your own business. Your stuff is amazing. You should market this." No thanks! It would totally kill my joy. I love to experiment, make things for people I love, and enjoy the process. But I really do not have any desire to sell.
You are truly amazing... keep doing what feels good for you.. i love how candid and honest you are. I think for all the people who will disagree with you there are many more who feel very much the same. Thanks so much for all of your work!!
Thanks for watching!
Yes. I feel the same way.
This episode, although I am seeing it 2023, speaks to my heart!
This is such an interesting perspective! I’ve been so inspired by your blogs videos and your business to start my business. It’s so funny you don’t like errands! I love errands because I feel more productive when I do instead of being relegated to completing housework to feel productive in which I don’t and this is the longest run on/rant sentence I’ve ever written. I like making things that consistently work. If you have branding services though I’d definitely be interested!
😂this made me smile, because I did exactly the same thing. It actually stopped me after I took the time to research copyright, name domains, and all the legalities of running a business. Also, the same thing you mentioned about running to the post office. Then I began to think about dealing with returns, other people and their dislikes, Ugh! I actually sold one thing to a friend, and gave everything else away. It was the most clarifying experience... thank you so much for your wonderful you tube channel. I am making all my own skin and hair care and loving it. Yes, my family will reveive your wonderful lip balms for Christmas. Thank you. ❤ your book and classes are on my list for the future.
Marie...you are my absolute favorite. I am doing your online beginner's class and I hope you have a next series because you have taught me so much! and I understand your not wanting a website. I like to just get in the kitchen to see whats going to happen when I mix this with that!
OMG you just described me ... THE RELIEF.. Teaching is where I'm at but selling and packing in bulk was aweful and killed the joy.. thank you for this video.. what a relief.. Life is so much happier now...
Yupppp... I wanted to start my lipbalm business and learned from my sis doing pharmacy everything that goes on in production, made a batch with her with care and realized it's a lot more work than I imagined making it official... Still using my lip balm and will continue making it better buy business is a third thought now... Love you.. not everyone can accept the reality and shut down a business they worked this hard to create that made them unhappy all the time... 💖💖💖
I totally understand. I was considering starting an ETSY shop, but I began to feel like it was tooooo much stress. So I am just happy giving my ceramics away and it feels so much happier.
Maybe we can trade 😂 Selling stuff is just a pain in the arse, but I do love to share my creations with friends & family!
This video reminds me why I love it. Thank you for your honesty.
For all that you hated about running your business, you conversely and obviously enjoy in your creations and in sharing them, your experience and your knowledge. And towards those ends, I hope I can help sustain that for you, by letting you know how much I appreciate it. Your blog / website / videos have been enormously helpful to me, and you're also a very enjoyable presenter / teacher to watch - the amount of care and consideration for your audience you put into all that you publish is very obvious. You are an example of why success can not be measured by money or business. Not the most important kind of success. That, of being a good human being. Thank you!
Marie, you are great at what you are doing! I have learnt so much from you! Enjoying your book, too! I am not a business-minded person either, but there are so many people around me who could not bother to make this stuff themselves and will gladly buy from me. The beginning is so hard because the money is scarce and I need to be all-in-one person, but this is only a stage. Let's see what the future will bring.
This sounds like me...no matter how many times people say do you sell your crafts ...I was already cringing at just the question. So I never bothered to even try because I had all the exact feelings as you did so I'm glad I made the choice not to bother and to this day I enjoy making my crafts and I give them away at Christmas to Elderly Homes and that makes me happy ! Thanks for sharing.
Good on you for knowing it was a "no" and leaving it that way-I wish I had!
I love your channel. I agree 100% with you on this. I am a jeweler and did all this with making handmade silver jewelry only to hate the selling process. People would rather buy cheap knock off jewelry from China that claimed to have silver in it for penny’s while my handmade jewelry was all silver and cost the price of silver and my time. Shipping is expensive and so time consuming. I spent so much money on shipping supplies. I would make something and then people wanted me to fix their old cheap china jewelry that had fallen apart. Selling process is the worst thing to creative people. Making volume of stuff is a huge turn off for creative people. I started making my own lip balm, lotion etc. and by the help of your channel, thank you so much, and am sharing with family and friends. The product is so amazingly good. I have made my own formulas and love what I have made. I am really only wanting to sell enough of product to pay for my own. Making these products should really be something we pass down to our generations so that good things are handmade instead of bought from big manufacturers with yucky ingredients. My Grandmother always made her own soap and face cream. My Grandpa made his own smoked sausage. We need to pass on making our own on to new generations more than always thinking a business is better. I am an old commercial artist and have many years past in it and can say you have done a great job of you name and branding. I like you very much. Love your honesty and giving attitude!!!
Wow, far out. Very down to earth. TU for sharing.
when the thing you love transforms into a job,into an obligation,starts to asfixiate.
i always say "never your hobbie,your scape,be your work". sorry for my bad english.
Marie, you sound just like me. I decided to shut down my online store too. Selling took away the joy of creating for me. I also didn't want to jump through all the hoops with Health Canada, but it's so important that they are there. Now I just create to please myself so I can relate to your situation. Hope you continue to create because it inspires me. ❤
I'm so glad I'm not alone on this! I will definitely keep creating and sharing-just not selling :)
It feels great to pack it in and get back to doing things that make you happY! Well done!
It’s very true selling stuff takes up heaps of time .. be prepared to loose your days xx
I can relate also I have many people ask me at Markets if I would sell Wholesale, so glad I keep saying no because for me it changes the whole ball game of just enjoying what I do and for my self I love the presentation. So to do Wholesale would take the fun out because of demand to have more product which would mean to hire help and then I wouldn't have full fun of making soap myself and the worry if they are doing everything the way I taught them. I would become the behind the scenes person and I would really miss the creating part.
So I can definitely relate to this and don't like shipping etc I have a bath and body business and so I made the choice to have zero online presence and I only sell at local markets. I only make products in preparation for those markets and I found that I just love that so much better! I am a stay at home mom and only have so much ability and capacity and energy so I want to do what I can do and what is fun for me. So I don't have to always make the same thing over again I can just bring to market any of the soaps that I have been making etc. I have found more joy in that. This is a great video. I love watching all of your videos!!
I know how you feel! I studied glass jewel artisan. I never did it for my job. I sometimes sold in the market. Everybody say that I should start a company but luckily I never did. I had the stuff for many years in my closet. Last december I decided to get rid of that stuff and what a RELIEF! I still have some ready made jewelry but they are waiting for suitable donation. All the supplies are gone! But I can already feel freedom🌞
I think you are a fantastic breath of fresh air and so completely amazing for sharing this side of starting a business. There is so much out there to tell people how to create a business but everyone should consider all sides of the reality of committing so much of their lives to try to make a business succeed. I’m sure many many people have self sabotaged their business ventures without realizing that it just wasn’t right for them. I applaud your honesty and advice. Smart woman to be able to reevaluate and adjust your life to return joy to yourself. Well done!
Thank you so much! And thank you for "getting" the video and not just lecturing me about being a lazy loser as many other commenters did, LOL. Happy making!
OPTIMISTICALLY LARGE QUANTITIES yup!!! i know that feeling LOL
An honest review, but business isn’t for everyone and all the things you mentioned are a part of the not so fun part of business ownership, but still essential to get your products out there and sold. There are ways around each obstacle you mentioned like having orders picked up on site by a mail service or having extra help. You can also print you own labels instead of ordering them that way if you want to add something to you product, you can and it won’t be an issue.
I honestly can’t wait to get my business started I can’t wait to get a product line going and get stock piles of products in batches stocked up. I look forward to doing most of this stuff, but I do have my hubby to help and know not everyone has that luxury. Handmade products don’t have to look perfect (like your example of the lip balms) and they don’t need to look sloppy either, but I love the hand made look to things such as soap or whipped body butter and knowing that someone actually took the time and care to hand process their products instead of just running them through a machine assembly line.
You may not have enjoyed it and it’s great to be honest with those wishing to start up their own business but I hope people don’t see this and get discouraged. There’s more than just making a product to actually sell it but that should be an understandable given when starting a business that after the product is made you have to do all the ins and outs to move that product and find a way to get it to the consumer (especially if doing an online business) and keep making more to keep that business going.
I started exactly the same way 7 years ago. I hate shipping, packaging, labeling and markets. All of which my husbands loves. So it has worked out great. I really didn't want a business this size but I have crossed the hurdle of making the same item over and over. I kind of go in trance mode because I gave done it so many times. I am faster and know it is consistently the same. Ordering is also much more routine. It took about 4 years before I was truly comfortable. I had a shop.made out of an unused cross through 3 sided partially enclosed porch just for material cost. The labor by a friend was free. So my stuff and mess is contained. We do about 11 markets a month, in three businesses and an online store. I am 69 next month and want to retire when I am 76 lol!! My husband never wants to retire!
Wow, I understand you, I'm a divorced middle age mexican woman trying to make bussines with muy hobby. When you're alone in this, ... it's complicated so much. I need much time and supplies, many of ingredients are imported, the money it's not enougth to me. If You don't need more money, the best it's paceful. Congrats for your page and channel. Thanks for your time.
I'M PROUD OF you, and thanks for sharing with me, you really helps me alot, and I'm grateful for you being there, and your personality is 100.
I love your honesty! I totally get it.
I am feeling exactly the same way! So glad I saw this. Itlet's me know I am not alone in feeling this way. Thank you for your honesty.
I absolutely agree with you. I keep mine very small & I couldn’t really care less if I get a sale. I love to experiment & I’m always interested in new ingredients. It’s very restrictive in the uk & eu. I’m actually so glad you spoke about this because it’s how I feel. I would much rather hold DIY classes than sell. I’m not a natural salesperson & find that aspect hard. I also find the competition from other makers can be very cruel & many like to cause you much trouble. Especially in Facebook groups. The trudge of wrapping up a soap bar, going to the post office...etc etc. Such a bind.
Thank you so much for your honesty!
As a crafter I understand this completely. I crochet and always made stuff for family and friends and I also make jewelry. People would ask me to make them something and of course they would say I'll pay you not really thinking of what it costs for just material. So when I would give them a price they would say gee I could buy that cheaper at the store or they would just say forget it or they wouldn't say anything until I made it then complain. And even when none of the above happened for some reason it took the joy out of it for me so I don't even go down that road anymore. I had a guy wanting me to make a blanket for his wife's birthday and I told him ahead of time. I would do it but he had to buy the yarn. ( People are always shocked when you tell them how much yarn costs especially good quality yarn so it's better if they see for themselves ) he bought the yarn but I told him I would try to make it on time for his wife's birthday but because I had 6 people at home to care for besides my job that it might not happen so he knew that going forward. But everyday he would come by my office to see how far I had gotten and it really took the joy out of making it and just became stressful and because he was PAYING for it his whole attitude changed I promised myself after that that I would never sell anything thing. I told him I would give him back his money for the yarn he bought so he wouldn't loose any money and he could go buy his wife a store bought blanket. It ruined our relationship and also my reputation at work because he would tell anyone that would listen to him how I had spoiled his wife's birthday and how I had ripped him off??? Which I could never understand how I had ripped him off since I ended up buying yarn I really didn't want or would probably never used since it was the cheapest he could find. I ended up donating it to the Goodwill. Anyway that's my story
🎉 thank you ! You took the words right out of my mouth.
And back next time somebody asks why don’t you sell I’m going to share the video .
This is exactly how I am. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one.
Thank you for sharing. I have found I no longer enjoy my handmade biz. It was fun when I was giving it away to friends and for charity. Now its a pain. I also hate having a living room and kitchen full of inventory and supplies. Plus you don't make money until you can buy pallets of supplies in bulk discount. Its just not fun anymore.
This is how I feel about my cake business