Owning a small business is a task that requires someone with such bravery and resilience. You may have to sacrifice a lot (and you probably are already) but if you truly believe and desire it you can do it. Keep believing in yourself and keep moving forward. You can do it!! I have had to make a lot of sacrifices and I'm still struggling but my belief and desire is greater than my hardships.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this comment, I think I really needed to hear that ❤️ I definitely do believe in it, but it gets lonely and tiresome to have so much responsibility and to always have to be thinking of the next thing... I think that yes, the only thing really pushing me is the believe that there is a space for my art in the world for sure ❤️
I’m so sorry your online sales haven’t picked up 😔 It’s so hard to get a foothold in with online sales. We always did great on eBay, but then trying to have a website was so much harder. Etsy keeps changing their sales model so stuff I can get on Amazon, Temu or Alibaba shows up on Etsy and it’s hard to compete with those cheaper prices when you’re hand making items. But I’m glad to see you pivot and not give up. I’m really enjoying your videos and appreciate you sharing all the sides of having a small business ❤ Chin up love, it’ll get better 💕
Thank you so much for the kind comment as always lovely ❤️ it's really appreciated! I think the lower online sales is a direct impact of me focusing more on markets too like I mentioned so its a weird vicious cycle 😭 and yes im trying really hard to not give up and to just recalculate but girl its HARD 😅 im glad you're enjoying the honest content! Thanks for being here ❤️
The reasons you WILL SURVIVE include that you ARE A LEADER in your craft...denoted by who is following your LEAD and STYLE! There's an old saying 'if you want your business to thrive...DO NOT REINVENT THE WHEEL... instead, look up those people who are SUCCESSFUL and FOLLOW their LEAD with selling WHAT is already SELLING' 🌞 Artists 🎨 KNOW THIS and therefore the online saturation of products like yours is a HUGELY POSITIVE SIGN...that YOU ARE A TRENDSETTER. Lead the way Victoria... because people are following you out of a pandemic and now out of two ongoing WARS. You absolutely ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Much love...and many Blessings ❣️ 🗽🇺🇸💙
Ann... I have no words you are so sweet and kind, thank you so much ❤️ I really appreciate you taking the time to leave me this comment ❤️ I'm definitely trying my hardest to have a mentality shift but honestly most of the time its really damn hard... Sending so much love! thanks for adding a little more sunshine to my day! 🥰
Hey, thanks so much for sharing this with us. I am a small business owner as well and I am in a very similar situation as you are in.. Considering changing professions or getting a part time job now for a while. The sales have been dwindling since this year, 2023 was okish but this year it's been terrible. I am chronically ill and going to markets often is exhausting.. I am doing them again but I don't even always break even sadly. I hope your sales pick back up!
Hi lovely, first off im sending you the biggest virtual hug you can imagine ❤️ we are all on the same boat for sure... same here since 2023 sales have been consistently going down, to the point ive had to start just focusing on makes because that was the only option, but you're so right, they are so physically exhausting... I hope you find something that works for you, but I hope you are able to keep going with your business 🥰 I have found that I have to always bee pivoting and trying new things to try and keep things afloat x
Motivation is the most difficult hurdle when working alone. So much to do and so much to consider - so easy to get bogged down and yeah why not just get paid and have someone tell you all you need to do and be done with it 😢😅 - why do we put ourselves through all this pressure and stress 😅😅 - feel you most definitely. Thanks so much for sharing 😊❤ eager to see how you do at the markets - always admire your displays - jewelry can be so hard to present in a unique way and you do have a very good grasp on your aesthetic ❤
Thank you so much for your lovely comment🥰!! Motivation is definitely a HUGE problem, and when working for yourself, you have to create (and stick to) the systems and strategies you think will work the best... but then what if they don't? You don't have anyone else to blame or get help from and its a bit lonely and a huge responsibility for sure... I'm glad you're appreciating the honesty, I wish more creators shared this side as well, not just their successes, so people could see more realistically what its really like to own your own business... Thank you so much, im so glad you like the displays! Sending lots of love!!
The new display looks great and I'm glad they are attracting more sales It's normal to second guess when things slow down or we get in a funk over our art no matter what art form you are doing The reason you work for yourself is that you are the boss, give yourself a break when you get in a funk and do something nice for yourself that isn't creative or business-related Happy Marketing 🌻
Thank you so much Lily!! I really appreciate your kind words, thank you for that! ❤️ I definitely have to learn how to be nicer to myself and accept when I need to take breaks... something im working on 🥰
I just opened my Etsy shop and although I’m not in the same boat as you but I totally understand your frustration. I would be tooo! I wish I can give a big motivational hug 🤗
Aww Jonelle, you are so kind 🥹🥹🥹 the motivational hug is very much needed, thank you so much! Hope your Etsy shop goes amazing!! Having a small business is the hardest but BEST thing I ever did ❤️
Thank you for your transparency and honesty. I’ll be launching my two small businesses (Clay one coming in August, Lord willing) it definitely feels me with anxiety. I’m seeing a lot of small businesses struggling and it makes me question if I’m starting this too late. I love the idea of focusing more on the art than launching a big collection. I hope it goes well for you and am excited to see what you come up with!
Hi Bri!! My pleasure, honestly just trying my best to be real with you guys because I wish there was more of that in social media these days and less of just showing when things are going well... im so excited and proud of you for starting two businesses!! well done!! so many people want to do it but its only a few that actually do it so you've already done more than others, believe me! I think there definitely is still space for new businesses out there and once you find your audience they will follow you through the (metaphorical) gates of hell 😂 It might take a little while to find your place but im sure you will do it! And learning from other peoples mistakes is the best way to avoid your own so maybe see that as an opportunity to study why others didn't succeed long term! And im here too if I can help in any way 🥰
I was watching QVC shopping channel. They were showing a tropical shorts and top set. Got my inspiration to make earrings and necklace to match. OOAK set turned out unexpectedly great! So now I’m motivated to keep going. Good luck!
I'm a nurse and have the small business on the side, it started from me sewing myself a scrub too then my friends wanting them too! Word of mouth and getting to wear my creations at work are where I sell most, online is pretty 💩 I would have liked to drop some hours at my "job" because I work in a psych ward and it's incredibly taxing mentally and physically but not making enough to do that yet :( hopefully it picks up for us all!
That sounds like an amazing business and what a great way to be promoting them!! Yes online is definitely a whole other ball game, having a website is the easier part, but then you have to drive sales CONSTANTLY which I can't seem to figure out how to do on top of everything else... I hope your business takes off and you can spend some more time on it! Sending amazing vibes your way!! ❤️
Thank you for being real and showing how us handmade businesses have to deal with way much more than making pretty things. It's hard. It's lonely. We aren't a team of people who are experts in marketing, sales, website design, product development etc etc and yet we have to be. I don't do in-person sales yet, so watching you is building my confidence but I am scared - for lots of reasons. I'm on Etsy for now and I sold two things last winter, haven't sold a thing this year yet. I make crochet items so here in the UK I'm assuming people don't really buy wooly items. However, I'm using the down time to create products that I think will be affordable and pretty for Autumn/Winter 2024/2025. I'd rather sell 10 keychains than 1 pair of fingerless gloves, if that's what people want. I cannot make 100 different items that may or may not sell to test what (my) customers want. It's disheartening to see TEMU and the like offering it at a much cheaper price even though the item had to be flown from some far flung place and the worker was probably paid a pittance for it to be made. Thank goodness for the handmade community ❤
Thank you so much for your comment ❤️ im so glad our little YT community has been appreciating me being real and honest, because yeah... things are pretty bad sometimes and it can get you really down for sure... and that's the reality! I wish more creators showed the reality of what its like to own a business, and not just show their highlights and best moments... Wearing so many hats can get so bloody EXHAUSTING!! and then you get comments from people like "just do this" or "have you tried that" like we KNOW 😂 we just don't have time or energy left to do everything and were all just out here doing our best am I right 😅 I honestly hope things pick up for you, sending you the biggest virtual hug and thank you for being here ❤️
Do you see all of the Daisy polymer clay jewelry online...it appears to be quite popular with clay artists online and perhaps you are on the best track by focusing more on new colors and designs and less on large quantities for online sales. The economy is being affected worldwide and you are DEFINITELY NOT ALONE. Artists seem to notice what other sellers are making and eventually the market gets saturated with very similar items... lowering sales for many artists. Your work is beautiful and this is why others are creating similar items. Things will definitely look up soon❣️ Don't GIVE up but keep things more DIVERSE with your creativity...and less about production. Many Blessings and DON'T GIVE UP because you are on the right track with your thoughts for changes! 😊
Ann I think you absolutely nailed it here, I think everyone is feeling the lower sales and they turn to other makers as "inspiration" because everyone else seems to be selling but them, right? 😂 and yes absolutely everything ends up looking the same which is so demotivating! Thank you so much for the advice and pep talk, and thank you so much for your kind words 🥰❤️
Yes...glad if this helped! 😁 I was surprised when I saw so many products similar to yours and realized that people who sell online RESEARCH what SELLS and if these artists already selling aren't AWARE of their products being replicated... Eventually makers will be blindsided...so, apparently you're doing everything right, COMPLIMENTS, to have so many sellers mimicking your style. Now you just need to CARRY ON with diversification, consistently creating more ideas and changing things up! Your arm(s) get tired, so your ideas about less quantities in production, will be a serious 'win win' for you & your business!! Looks like you are already ROCKING changes with this! Many Blessings❣️ 🌷🌼🐦🌞
I’ve seen a couple of your videos, and love them all! Keep up the good work! I have been where you are, and found out my online sales really picked up when I kept it open all the time! I used to shut it down when going to the big markets, to not over-sell and to keep track of inventory, but that really hurt my business. Giving out my business cards at markets, customers that did not buy from me, or only bought a small thing, tried to check out my online shop later that day og the next day, but it was closed. Now I keep it open, I have a inventory sheet with me to cross off sales and in slow periods during a market I go onto the Shopify app on my phone to update quantities. If people buy more than one thing (or want an invoice), I go on to the app and create an order, ask for their name/email and send an invoice to them, as a «favor» to them, but really it is to help my inventory and collect emails ;-) Good luck!
That's a really good point, I definitely thought of that too! I just haven't found a better way to do it just yet! Most of the time customers buy multiple items or we are fairly busy and we don't have time to keep up with stock, but that's definitely the best way if you have less product or more time between sales! Im hoping to find the way that works best for me soon, cos yeah definitely not good to have the website closed so much of the time!
I hear you about the website! It's so hard to get people to go to your website and order from them. It gets disheartening! If I may, maybe do a survey while at markets and see what people want? I personally, found that the surveys were good to get ideas of what to get into my store. It may help in the long run. Good luck!
I just wanna say i love your items I looked on Etsy for you but didn’t see it, maybe i missed it some how, but with me being in the USA shipping is soo astronomical. I was wanting 7 of the book stacks.
Thank you so much!! So glad you like them 🥰 No you dint miss it, I don't have Etsy, I have my own website! Yes the international shipping costs are crazy for sure, unfortunately there's not much we can do about that 😭 I have some of the book stacks available on my website still, or if you want to make a custom order just send me a message🥰
I'm wondering how a market coordinator makes their money. My husband is wanting to do something similar and after paying for the market area rent, licensing, advertising, etc there is like no incone left!
It's a very tricky thing I have found! Last year was the first full year I ran the markets and I can say I barely made anything... but we were just starting off and I didn't feel comfortable with asking too much for sites as I didn't really know what I was doing. Coming back this year I have made lots of changes and will be automating a lot of things, to save me some time and I will also be raising site prices, which will help being able to invest back into advertising etc... we are also implementing donation boxes for customers. The market is free but if they wish they can make a contribution. Oh and also shopping around for community funds/grants that you could get, for example our local printing company has a community fund they allocate to different causes each month! Hope that helps but if you have any other specific questions please let me know!
Oh also, I forgot to mention that (if its not clear) the market organising is not where I would get the bulk of my income, its just something extra to complement it. So I don't know how you would make a full time salary from that, maybe a bigger event? Ours is indoors so very limited for sites.
Hi! Have you tried advertising on some social media platforms such as just posting images and or short videos of your products and even maybe a little bit about yourself there as well and try to be consistent with posting on, let's say instagram or tik tok ect? link everything together to even your youtube channels which I have grown to quite enjoy as well and your video can also be educational to those that are thinking of starting a small business and or already have. Everyone can and does learn from one another from each others experience through rewarding and difficult situations that would come up and you're sharing yours which can and are actually beneficial to others. Even myself to be honest. I believe you can overcome these challenging obstacles and or situations or emotions that may make you feel as if there is a setback on your progression! Much hugs! Also I do apologize if you have advertised on other platforms. I'm still a new viewer. ♥ Just wanted to add when you mentioned that You were starting to feel as if you're were running a manufacturing company lol, have you thought of wholesale? I am aware you mentioned 'time' being a difficult part of your life unfortunately but very understandable.
thank you so much for your lovely comment 🥰 yes I do have instagram which I update quite regularly but being completely honest the past few weeks my motivation has gone down so much I haven't posted much... I completely agree with everything you said, it's such a struggle having to do so much work for so many areas in my business, any small business owner will tell you the same. Not only are we the manufacturers but also the marketing person, the social media person, and then now also the editor 😅 on top of doing so many markets and in person events I get a bit overwhelmed with having to be on top of so many things all at once all the time... I hope I find my motivation again and try to organise myself even more so I can do more but honestly I am finding it hard at the moment ❤️
I know it’s cliche to say at this point but are you on TikTok? TikTok has helped small businesses tremendously, especially through lives. Now you would need 1000 subs to go live but if pump out videos everyday, even take snippets of your UA-cam videos. 30 seconds is all you need everyday. Even if you repeat your videos every couple days a 1000 people are bound to press subscribe whether they will be buyers or not. And then you can go live,people will stumble onto the live and I think you’ll see an increase in sales.
I definitely need to invest more time to TikTok 😅 I don't use it so much personally so its been a struggle to use it for my business to be honest but its something I definitely want to get on top of this year! Thanks for the suggestion 🥰
There is no need for you to be rude. Although you personally may not like polymer clay jewelry, her pieces are cute and very well made, and I can see their appeal. Also, regardless of the kind of jewelry one makes, sales are down. At craft fairs and art markets, jewelry is a category that always fills up quickly. So there is a lot of competition.
@HO-bndk You’ve obviously never seen the process involved in creating polymer pieces. It’s every bit as detailed as creating “real jewelry”. Maybe you should have done a little research before vomiting ugly comments with the intent of hurting the creator.
I feel I have plenty of confidence 🥰I wouldn't have my own UA-cam channel if I didn't, right? I think being honest and transparent about the issues im facing in my small business doesn't mean im not confident! I think were just not used to seeing people be transparent and honest online, and are only used to seeing everyones best days and that can warp our idea of how the world really is...im sure you've had good and bad days as well, im just choosing to be real so that others can feel less alone! All the best and don't forget that there are real people who read these comments and let's try together to be more empathetic and build each other up ok? 🥰
I definitely need to be more consistent on TikTok... I honestly don't consume it as much so it was a hard transition for me from instagram and as much as I tried I couldn't keep up with posting on it... I definitely "know" what I should be doing, its just a lot of work to keep up with so many different social media platforms all the time and after almost 4 years I think im just exhausted 😅 having to post so much so often is already hard but then I also need to have the content to actually post which is even harder! 😂
Owning a small business is a task that requires someone with such bravery and resilience. You may have to sacrifice a lot (and you probably are already) but if you truly believe and desire it you can do it. Keep believing in yourself and keep moving forward. You can do it!! I have had to make a lot of sacrifices and I'm still struggling but my belief and desire is greater than my hardships.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this comment, I think I really needed to hear that ❤️ I definitely do believe in it, but it gets lonely and tiresome to have so much responsibility and to always have to be thinking of the next thing... I think that yes, the only thing really pushing me is the believe that there is a space for my art in the world for sure ❤️
I’m so sorry your online sales haven’t picked up 😔 It’s so hard to get a foothold in with online sales. We always did great on eBay, but then trying to have a website was so much harder. Etsy keeps changing their sales model so stuff I can get on Amazon, Temu or Alibaba shows up on Etsy and it’s hard to compete with those cheaper prices when you’re hand making items. But I’m glad to see you pivot and not give up. I’m really enjoying your videos and appreciate you sharing all the sides of having a small business ❤ Chin up love, it’ll get better 💕
Thank you so much for the kind comment as always lovely ❤️ it's really appreciated! I think the lower online sales is a direct impact of me focusing more on markets too like I mentioned so its a weird vicious cycle 😭 and yes im trying really hard to not give up and to just recalculate but girl its HARD 😅 im glad you're enjoying the honest content! Thanks for being here ❤️
The reasons you WILL SURVIVE include that you ARE A LEADER in your craft...denoted by who is following your LEAD and STYLE!
There's an old saying 'if you want your business to thrive...DO NOT REINVENT THE WHEEL... instead, look up those people who are SUCCESSFUL and FOLLOW their LEAD with selling WHAT is already SELLING' 🌞
Artists 🎨 KNOW THIS and therefore the online saturation of products like yours is a HUGELY POSITIVE SIGN...that YOU ARE A TRENDSETTER. Lead the way Victoria... because people are following you out of a pandemic and now out of two ongoing WARS. You absolutely ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
Much love...and many Blessings ❣️
🗽🇺🇸💙
Ann... I have no words you are so sweet and kind, thank you so much ❤️ I really appreciate you taking the time to leave me this comment ❤️ I'm definitely trying my hardest to have a mentality shift but honestly most of the time its really damn hard...
Sending so much love! thanks for adding a little more sunshine to my day! 🥰
The bow collection is so adorable!!! Good luck with everything!
You’re so sweet!!! Thank you so much 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Hey, thanks so much for sharing this with us. I am a small business owner as well and I am in a very similar situation as you are in.. Considering changing professions or getting a part time job now for a while. The sales have been dwindling since this year, 2023 was okish but this year it's been terrible. I am chronically ill and going to markets often is exhausting.. I am doing them again but I don't even always break even sadly. I hope your sales pick back up!
Hi lovely, first off im sending you the biggest virtual hug you can imagine ❤️ we are all on the same boat for sure... same here since 2023 sales have been consistently going down, to the point ive had to start just focusing on makes because that was the only option, but you're so right, they are so physically exhausting... I hope you find something that works for you, but I hope you are able to keep going with your business 🥰 I have found that I have to always bee pivoting and trying new things to try and keep things afloat x
Motivation is the most difficult hurdle when working alone. So much to do and so much to consider - so easy to get bogged down and yeah why not just get paid and have someone tell you all you need to do and be done with it 😢😅 - why do we put ourselves through all this pressure and stress 😅😅 - feel you most definitely. Thanks so much for sharing 😊❤ eager to see how you do at the markets - always admire your displays - jewelry can be so hard to present in a unique way and you do have a very good grasp on your aesthetic ❤
Thank you so much for your lovely comment🥰!!
Motivation is definitely a HUGE problem, and when working for yourself, you have to create (and stick to) the systems and strategies you think will work the best... but then what if they don't? You don't have anyone else to blame or get help from and its a bit lonely and a huge responsibility for sure...
I'm glad you're appreciating the honesty, I wish more creators shared this side as well, not just their successes, so people could see more realistically what its really like to own your own business...
Thank you so much, im so glad you like the displays!
Sending lots of love!!
The new display looks great and I'm glad they are attracting more sales
It's normal to second guess when things slow down or we get in a funk over our art no matter what art form you are doing
The reason you work for yourself is that you are the boss, give yourself a break when you get in a funk and do something nice for yourself that isn't creative or business-related
Happy Marketing 🌻
Thank you so much Lily!!
I really appreciate your kind words, thank you for that! ❤️ I definitely have to learn how to be nicer to myself and accept when I need to take breaks... something im working on 🥰
Just looked at your website. Your products are beautiful!
Thank you so much for checkin g out my website Denise!! So glad you like them 🥰
I just opened my Etsy shop and although I’m not in the same boat as you but I totally understand your frustration. I would be tooo! I wish I can give a big motivational hug 🤗
Aww Jonelle, you are so kind 🥹🥹🥹 the motivational hug is very much needed, thank you so much!
Hope your Etsy shop goes amazing!! Having a small business is the hardest but BEST thing I ever did ❤️
Thank you for your transparency and honesty. I’ll be launching my two small businesses (Clay one coming in August, Lord willing) it definitely feels me with anxiety. I’m seeing a lot of small businesses struggling and it makes me question if I’m starting this too late. I love the idea of focusing more on the art than launching a big collection. I hope it goes well for you and am excited to see what you come up with!
Hi Bri!! My pleasure, honestly just trying my best to be real with you guys because I wish there was more of that in social media these days and less of just showing when things are going well...
im so excited and proud of you for starting two businesses!! well done!! so many people want to do it but its only a few that actually do it so you've already done more than others, believe me! I think there definitely is still space for new businesses out there and once you find your audience they will follow you through the (metaphorical) gates of hell 😂 It might take a little while to find your place but im sure you will do it! And learning from other peoples mistakes is the best way to avoid your own so maybe see that as an opportunity to study why others didn't succeed long term! And im here too if I can help in any way 🥰
@@lazy_daisycreations ❤️
yay! the friendship bracelets you made me! me and my bestie are obsessed ❤ thank you again!
AHHHHH so glad you liked them!!!! 😍😍😍😍 my absolute pleasure, thank you for trusting me ❤️
All your collection is beautiful. Good luck on everything
Thank you so much!! You're so kind thank you so much for the lovely comment 🥰
I was watching QVC shopping channel. They were showing a tropical shorts and top set. Got my inspiration to make earrings and necklace to match. OOAK set turned out unexpectedly great! So now I’m motivated to keep going. Good luck!
OMG don't you love it when inspiration comes like that!! 😍 that's amazing well done!!
I'm a nurse and have the small business on the side, it started from me sewing myself a scrub too then my friends wanting them too! Word of mouth and getting to wear my creations at work are where I sell most, online is pretty 💩 I would have liked to drop some hours at my "job" because I work in a psych ward and it's incredibly taxing mentally and physically but not making enough to do that yet :( hopefully it picks up for us all!
That sounds like an amazing business and what a great way to be promoting them!! Yes online is definitely a whole other ball game, having a website is the easier part, but then you have to drive sales CONSTANTLY which I can't seem to figure out how to do on top of everything else...
I hope your business takes off and you can spend some more time on it! Sending amazing vibes your way!! ❤️
@lazy_daisycreations I love your content and your creations are truly beautiful, I hope to catch you maybe at one of your Melbourne markets :)
That would be so lovely!! I'll be at the A Plus market this Saturday at the Coburg town hall! 🥰
Thank you for being real and showing how us handmade businesses have to deal with way much more than making pretty things. It's hard. It's lonely. We aren't a team of people who are experts in marketing, sales, website design, product development etc etc and yet we have to be. I don't do in-person sales yet, so watching you is building my confidence but I am scared - for lots of reasons. I'm on Etsy for now and I sold two things last winter, haven't sold a thing this year yet. I make crochet items so here in the UK I'm assuming people don't really buy wooly items. However, I'm using the down time to create products that I think will be affordable and pretty for Autumn/Winter 2024/2025. I'd rather sell 10 keychains than 1 pair of fingerless gloves, if that's what people want. I cannot make 100 different items that may or may not sell to test what (my) customers want. It's disheartening to see TEMU and the like offering it at a much cheaper price even though the item had to be flown from some far flung place and the worker was probably paid a pittance for it to be made. Thank goodness for the handmade community ❤
Thank you so much for your comment ❤️ im so glad our little YT community has been appreciating me being real and honest, because yeah... things are pretty bad sometimes and it can get you really down for sure... and that's the reality! I wish more creators showed the reality of what its like to own a business, and not just show their highlights and best moments...
Wearing so many hats can get so bloody EXHAUSTING!! and then you get comments from people like "just do this" or "have you tried that" like we KNOW 😂 we just don't have time or energy left to do everything and were all just out here doing our best am I right 😅
I honestly hope things pick up for you, sending you the biggest virtual hug and thank you for being here ❤️
Do you see all of the Daisy polymer clay jewelry online...it appears to be quite popular with clay artists online and perhaps you are on the best track by focusing more on new colors and designs and less on large quantities for online sales. The economy is being affected worldwide and you are DEFINITELY NOT ALONE. Artists seem to notice what other sellers are making and eventually the market gets saturated with very similar items... lowering sales for many artists. Your work is beautiful and this is why others are creating similar items. Things will definitely look up soon❣️ Don't GIVE up but keep things more DIVERSE with your creativity...and less about production.
Many Blessings and DON'T GIVE UP because you are on the right track with your thoughts for changes!
😊
Ann I think you absolutely nailed it here, I think everyone is feeling the lower sales and they turn to other makers as "inspiration" because everyone else seems to be selling but them, right? 😂 and yes absolutely everything ends up looking the same which is so demotivating!
Thank you so much for the advice and pep talk, and thank you so much for your kind words 🥰❤️
Yes...glad if this helped! 😁
I was surprised when I saw so many products similar to yours and realized that people who sell online RESEARCH what SELLS and if these artists already selling aren't AWARE of their products being replicated... Eventually makers will be blindsided...so, apparently you're doing everything right, COMPLIMENTS, to have so many sellers mimicking your style. Now you just need to CARRY ON with diversification, consistently creating more ideas and changing things up! Your arm(s) get tired, so your ideas about less quantities in production, will be a serious 'win win' for you & your business!!
Looks like you are already ROCKING changes with this! Many Blessings❣️
🌷🌼🐦🌞
I’ve seen a couple of your videos, and love them all! Keep up the good work!
I have been where you are, and found out my online sales really picked up when I kept it open all the time! I used to shut it down when going to the big markets, to not over-sell and to keep track of inventory, but that really hurt my business. Giving out my business cards at markets, customers that did not buy from me, or only bought a small thing, tried to check out my online shop later that day og the next day, but it was closed. Now I keep it open, I have a inventory sheet with me to cross off sales and in slow periods during a market I go onto the Shopify app on my phone to update quantities. If people buy more than one thing (or want an invoice), I go on to the app and create an order, ask for their name/email and send an invoice to them, as a «favor» to them, but really it is to help my inventory and collect emails ;-)
Good luck!
That's a really good point, I definitely thought of that too! I just haven't found a better way to do it just yet! Most of the time customers buy multiple items or we are fairly busy and we don't have time to keep up with stock, but that's definitely the best way if you have less product or more time between sales! Im hoping to find the way that works best for me soon, cos yeah definitely not good to have the website closed so much of the time!
Maybe make a necklace piece to go with the polymer earrings. Some people like sets.
I have tried some necklaces with polymer clay in the past but they haven’t been the most popular!
I hear you about the website! It's so hard to get people to go to your website and order from them. It gets disheartening! If I may, maybe do a survey while at markets and see what people want? I personally, found that the surveys were good to get ideas of what to get into my store. It may help in the long run. Good luck!
Thank you so much, that's a great idea!! Glad to know im not the only one struggling with getting traffic on my website 😅
I just wanna say i love your items
I looked on Etsy for you but didn’t see it, maybe i missed it some how, but with me being in the USA shipping is soo astronomical. I was wanting 7 of the book stacks.
Thank you so much!! So glad you like them 🥰 No you dint miss it, I don't have Etsy, I have my own website! Yes the international shipping costs are crazy for sure, unfortunately there's not much we can do about that 😭 I have some of the book stacks available on my website still, or if you want to make a custom order just send me a message🥰
I'm wondering how a market coordinator makes their money. My husband is wanting to do something similar and after paying for the market area rent, licensing, advertising, etc there is like no incone left!
It's a very tricky thing I have found! Last year was the first full year I ran the markets and I can say I barely made anything... but we were just starting off and I didn't feel comfortable with asking too much for sites as I didn't really know what I was doing. Coming back this year I have made lots of changes and will be automating a lot of things, to save me some time and I will also be raising site prices, which will help being able to invest back into advertising etc... we are also implementing donation boxes for customers. The market is free but if they wish they can make a contribution.
Oh and also shopping around for community funds/grants that you could get, for example our local printing company has a community fund they allocate to different causes each month!
Hope that helps but if you have any other specific questions please let me know!
Oh also, I forgot to mention that (if its not clear) the market organising is not where I would get the bulk of my income, its just something extra to complement it. So I don't know how you would make a full time salary from that, maybe a bigger event? Ours is indoors so very limited for sites.
Hi! Have you tried advertising on some social media platforms such as just posting images and or short videos of your
products and even maybe a little bit about yourself there as well and try to be consistent with posting on, let's say instagram or tik tok ect? link everything together to even your youtube channels which I have grown to quite enjoy as well and your video can also be educational to those that are thinking of starting a small business and or already have. Everyone can and does learn from one another from each others experience through rewarding and difficult situations that would come up and you're sharing yours which can and are actually beneficial to others. Even myself to be honest. I believe you can overcome these challenging obstacles and or situations or emotions that may make you feel as if there is a setback on your progression! Much hugs! Also I do apologize if you have advertised on other platforms. I'm still a new viewer. ♥ Just wanted to add when you mentioned that You were starting to feel as if you're were running a manufacturing company lol, have you thought of wholesale? I am aware you mentioned 'time' being a difficult part of your life unfortunately but very understandable.
thank you so much for your lovely comment 🥰
yes I do have instagram which I update quite regularly but being completely honest the past few weeks my motivation has gone down so much I haven't posted much... I completely agree with everything you said, it's such a struggle having to do so much work for so many areas in my business, any small business owner will tell you the same. Not only are we the manufacturers but also the marketing person, the social media person, and then now also the editor 😅 on top of doing so many markets and in person events I get a bit overwhelmed with having to be on top of so many things all at once all the time... I hope I find my motivation again and try to organise myself even more so I can do more but honestly I am finding it hard at the moment ❤️
I know it’s cliche to say at this point but are you on TikTok? TikTok has helped small businesses tremendously, especially through lives. Now you would need 1000 subs to go live but if pump out videos everyday, even take snippets of your UA-cam videos. 30 seconds is all you need everyday. Even if you repeat your videos every couple days a 1000 people are bound to press subscribe whether they will be buyers or not. And then you can go live,people will stumble onto the live and I think you’ll see an increase in sales.
I definitely need to invest more time to TikTok 😅 I don't use it so much personally so its been a struggle to use it for my business to be honest but its something I definitely want to get on top of this year! Thanks for the suggestion 🥰
Maybe learn to make real jewellery out of precious metals and stones? Everybody does that kindergarten polymer clay garbage.
There is no need for you to be rude. Although you personally may not like polymer clay jewelry, her pieces are cute and very well made, and I can see their appeal.
Also, regardless of the kind of jewelry one makes, sales are down. At craft fairs and art markets, jewelry is a category that always fills up quickly. So there is a lot of competition.
❤️
@HO-bndk You’ve obviously never seen the process involved in creating polymer pieces. It’s every bit as detailed as creating “real jewelry”. Maybe you should have done a little research before vomiting ugly comments with the intent of hurting the creator.
You need more confidence
I feel I have plenty of confidence 🥰I wouldn't have my own UA-cam channel if I didn't, right?
I think being honest and transparent about the issues im facing in my small business doesn't mean im not confident! I think were just not used to seeing people be transparent and honest online, and are only used to seeing everyones best days and that can warp our idea of how the world really is...im sure you've had good and bad days as well, im just choosing to be real so that others can feel less alone! All the best and don't forget that there are real people who read these comments and let's try together to be more empathetic and build each other up ok? 🥰
How about tick tok? I see people doing lives doing really w ell, especially when followers (UA-cam,insta) know you’ll be on there going live.
I definitely need to be more consistent on TikTok... I honestly don't consume it as much so it was a hard transition for me from instagram and as much as I tried I couldn't keep up with posting on it... I definitely "know" what I should be doing, its just a lot of work to keep up with so many different social media platforms all the time and after almost 4 years I think im just exhausted 😅 having to post so much so often is already hard but then I also need to have the content to actually post which is even harder! 😂