Last minute prep...and a little business advice

Tomorrow afternoon I leave for Blissdom. I can't believe it's already here. It sort of snuck up on me. For weeks it seemed so far away, and now here I am running around like a crazy lady trying to get everything done before I leave. I'm a vendor in the handmade market (which I'm very excited about it), and in classic Alison fashion, I put things off too long and have been sewing like mad this week to make sure I'm ready. The last few days have been all about purchasing last minute supplies, cutting, sewing, ironing, laundry, packing... the list goes on.

Since I will be selling in a handmade market in a couple of days, it seemed fitting that this weeks "5 Things" post be geared towards handmade business. Today's post was written by my sweet friend Amy Cornwell. Amy and I met last year at the Creative Estates conference, and she has since become a dear friend. I admire her as a woman, and as a business owner. This year she was able to leave her (outside of the home) job and pursue her handmade business full time. I asked Amy to share with us five things she wishes she had known when she first opened shop.

1. That "overnight" success could take a while. I started my shop back in 2003 and it wasn't until 2011 that I was able to do it full-time where it generated enough income to quit my job. 

2. That there is so much more to pricing than just doubling cost (or tripling). You have to factor in promotions, shipping materials, business cards, fees, etc. There is so much to factor in when pricing to still generate a profit that values your time.

3. How competitive and ruthless it can be. There are critical, negative people out there. You have to not dwell on the negativity and do what you were created to do.

4. How rewarding and supportive it can be. Among the small pocket of negativity, there is a LOT of positive, encouraging, uplifting business owners out there willing to help.

5. That what I love, others might not. It always amazes me when I come up with a product that I think is SO fabulous, then it doesn't sell. And then other items that I'm so-so about and it sells like crazy. Everyone has different tastes!

Thanks so much for joining us this week Amy!