5 Things I'd Do Differently If I Started My Handmade Business Again: $1M+ in Sales & 14 Years Later

Here are 5 things that I would do differently if I were to start my handmade business all over again from scratch, after knowing what I know from making over a $1,000,000 in sales and spending 14 years running my own handmade jewelry business.
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[@CreativeHiveCo]

🚨NEW FREE WORKSHOP FOR 2022🚨 Learn how to create a PROFITABLE handmade business online without keeping up with social media 🔽 Watch the free workshop here: bit.ly/3voVKQB

[@Halakah7]

Thanks so much for thinking of those of us that need help and cannot do the "Sale A Day program" Mei! Signing up now...

[@santiagoezekiel8268]

I know im asking randomly but does anyone know of a tool to log back into an instagram account? I stupidly forgot my password. I appreciate any help you can offer me!

[@tysonchris848]

@Santiago Ezekiel instablaster =)

[@santiagoezekiel8268]

@Tyson Chris I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and im in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@santiagoezekiel8268]

@Tyson Chris it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my ass :D

[@missaquarius8363]

I have spent the past hour or so watching your videos and I love how you get straight to the point without wasting 10+ mins on nonsense that has absolutely nothing to do with the subject at hand. I’ve learned so much in an hour than I have in months watching more popular KZbinrs. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to record, edit and post these informative videos! ❤️❤️❤️

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Awww, thank you so much, Talisha! I really appreciate that so much. 💖

[@sheilacabrera3986]

People like yourself & others who are willing to be vulnerable & share past mistakes so other people can avoid them are my favorite & most helpful KZbinrs; thank you so much!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Sheila, thank you!! I appreciate your kind words so so much!

[@ccstars7423]

1. Don’t hire people to do what you can 2. Spend extra time to make sustainable products (eco friendly and things such as scent) basically don’t give your customers any trouble 3. Make products that people have heard about before 4. Don’t let yourself get burnt out (Don’t force yourself to make new products if you don’t want, etc.) 5. Plan out your business and product before putting it out into the world This is for me but if it helps you you’re :D Mei thanks so much for this video! It’s so so so helpful :)

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's a great list, CC!

[@Prohortico]

In response to #3 - from an old advertising expert (name I can’t remember) when making something new, advertise it as something familiar... when making some familiar, advertise it as surprising!

[@MeyTribe]

#4 - so true !!! I don't sell products online, but I do sell services, run blogs, and build sites and shops for clients, a LOT of computer time, and because of Corona now- no coworking spaces. So I made a rule- If at any point, after 5 hours of work, or after 15 minutes- I do that thing where I drop my head in my hands and go pffffff- that's the time to stop everything!!! Stretch a little bit, and play at least 1 song on my guitar! Hobbies truly are the best prevention of burnout !

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Yes! If you don't feel it working for you, time for a break!

[@shwesin_ex]

I started my craft business a year ago and I had to go through lots of burn outs. I'm currently feeling like ''Why am I not having fun anymore? Should I stop here?" I just came across your videos while scrolling hopelessly to find sth interesting and makes me want to work. When I hit the play button of your video and listen to you, I'm like ''Omg, I should have found your channel earlier". But still, I'm so so grateful for your effort put in the videos. Now you're one of my favourite KZbinrs and creators that I look up to. Loads of love from Myanmar 💖 Please continue do your great work💌

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Aww, thank you so much! I'm really glad that you found these videos just when you needed them. I really appreciate you watching!

[@lorimisura9336]

I am so loving your lessons and your delivery style! I have hand my handmade biz for 8 years now and I still have yet to refine and go from side hustle to fulltime.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You do this Lori!!

[@lingling5775]

Your advice is helpful as I sat down and really think through after watching as before that I was rushing my order and didn’t think much.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm glad to hear it helped. Definitely take your time and plan things out!

[@cicihoward2595]

Unfortunately, you can’t please everyone! You do make unique and beautiful designs. Scented jewelry makes it definitely memorable and stand out.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Boy is that the truth, Cici, even when you try your best!

[@ilovefredreika]

Very helpful. It's obvious you really know your stuff from direct experience.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much, Mary Ann! I'm so glad it was useful for you.

[@pavelgrishin]

Consider providing them with scent bottles to refresh the scent periodically. Or place such bottles for free usage in product placement areas in retails.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Awesome idea Pavel!

[@wittyk8581]

I love love love your videos, invaluable! Laid out in a way that is easy to understand, honest, and encouraging! Thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much! My goal is to make all my videos exactly how you described it!🩷

[@Impwerk]

Thanks for doing these videos, Mei! They are so good and you are smart. I really appreciate your candor and I am glad I found you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad you like them! Thank you so much for watching, and for your kind comments!

[@mama_tongs]

I wish I had found your channel sooner. This is absolutely incredible. I love the work you do and thank you so much for sharing your story and journey with us!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad you did find me, though! I really appreciate you being here!

[@joybooks3693]

This video was excellent! Thank you so much! I truly appreciate your taking the time to do these videos.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you, Joy! I really appreciate you watching! 💖

[@mosaiartjewelry5113]

My only relief avoiding burnt-out on what I am doing is teaching on communities but my greatest failure is how to charge them for my session 🤣 oh my goodness 🤣

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Lol!! You're doing great though!! ❤️

[@PaperZenCeceliaLouie]

Fantastic tips based on experience - thank you for sharing! It's so helpful to hear this healthy does of reality and how long it takes to start a successful business.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

So glad you enjoyed this, Cecelia! It certainly does take time, but we're so accustomed to seeing the 0.01% of businesses that become public stories that boast quick success. It's easy to forget that 99.9% of other successful businesses out there, it's a slow and steady journey!

[@misseskimo1]

Really good tips as always! You always really inspire me to get to work on my business and be more thoughtful of how I spend my time and effort.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy to hear you're inspired! Yes, it's good practice to do a monthly (or whatever frequency works for you) review of your time spent, where sales came in from, and figure out what to do more of and what to cut out! It's eye opening because usually what we FEEL is working, isn't always what is ACTUALLY working haha!

[@firesis888]

This video is so helpful, to tell the truth, you are my best online friend during quarantine, thank you Mei:)

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's so sweet of you! I appreciate you following along!

[@brennagarciaasisabgelement7917]

Thank Your for the advice. I did burn out because I am running a household and have a severely disabled child. Burn out came from the trade shows mostly. I loved the creative part. Congratulations on your new business!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That sounds so hard, Brenna. You are a strong woman. 💝

[@shesoshortie]

Another fantastic and incredibly insightful video! So happy to have discovered you.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much, Julie! I'm so happy to hear that!

[@kurniandanirosaida4612]

Thank You Mei!!!!! I wanna start handcraft biz and your advice really help us!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy to hear that! Best of luck getting started on your journey - you can do it!!

[@faimiri1306]

thank you for this !! im looking into starting my own business and this video helped me most !! :]

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm really glad to hear that, faimiri! Best of luck getting started!

[@whitneyallen540]

Great information! Thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching!

[@gardenlarder]

Love watching your videos Mei

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you, I appreciate you!! 🌹

[@thepoolnoodlelady4281]

Excellent tips and I really took the 4th item to heart since I am selling products few people have ever heard of. I know that it is an uphill battle but I'm prepared. THank you for consistently great information.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You can definitely take that as an opporunity to teach people about your product and hope that they will share with others. Outreach to those in your niche will be key here!

[@HannahGarnier]

Wow that part about burnout and realizing that all you did was business and school. I hesitate to say “all you did” because it was a lot of work and great dedication but I totally resonate with this right now. It’s just being sure about how you are spending your time.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I know exactly what you mean, Hannah! It was taking such a big chunk but was really only two things. It's hard once you get into a rut like that but changes had to be made!

[@angelpittman9858]

Thanks for your great information!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

My pleasure! I appreciate you watching, Angel!

[@sexynena1028]

Thank You! 🌷💕

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching, Elvira!

[@LB-eb3me]

great video, thanks !

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much!! ❤️

[@missshanel4229]

I’m obsessed with your channel. This was all super helpful. Thanks for sharing your lessons. Btw, where did you get your pink peg board? I need it today! 😆

[@CreativeHiveCo]

YAY! I appreciate you taking the time to tell me that. Peg board? We made it! I got the frame from Ikea, and the peg board from Home Depot. We had to cut it down to size to fit the frame first, then spray painted it. And you can find lots of peg board accessories (the shelves/baskets/hangers) from Azar Displays: azardisplays.com/

[@WorldArtzLLC]

Love your videos I'm a new subscriber. I've had my business selling physically for some time now and due to COVID I'm slowly learning to transition to online. It's great watching your videos not only for the learning aspect but also for the reassurance of some of the things I already do. Just wanted to say thanks for all the great helpful content.👍💯

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm glad it's been helpful! If you've been transitioning to selling online, you might like this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWKTgqJpr6ZnbdE

[@WorldArtzLLC]

@@CreativeHiveCo thanks, will check it out.👍

[@flowersafeheart]

Paying close attention to your videos!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much!! ❤️❤️

[@HawaiiGirlAdventures]

Thank you very much for the tips! Would love to see your new business!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

So glad you enjoyed this Lovena! So... I usually say I'm an open book and am happy to share ANYTHING but this is the one thing we (husband and I) don't feel comfortable sharing as it is proprietary in nature and not looking to broadcast the URL publicly online. I've shared this with my students in my course, as this new business is a great learning tool/case study. Sorry about giving you an unfavorable response! 😟

[@HawaiiGirlAdventures]

@@CreativeHiveCo I understand, Mei - no worries!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

@@HawaiiGirlAdventures Thank you for being so understanding!

[@Sunshinesmile23]

I am a ceramic artist but I also work a full time job. I have been slowly trying to build up my Instagram, sell on Etsy, and do craft/art shows. Let alone actually find the time to make my work. I see other artist friends that have so many followers and I think- why can’t I seem to build that up? And I start to question if I’m going to be able to make this successful. I also have suffered from low self esteem. My art is my passion and I want to make it a career.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I know that it can be overwhelming at times (I just did a video on it, in fact! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6mYZqCCgZWnr5Y) but you have to try and not compare your business to others. Instead focus on what you can do - can you identify your target audience and interact with them more? Can you build an email list and reach out to them?

[@chloedao3868]

Very informative

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching, Chloe!

[@lynylyn316]

more great advice, thank you! Can you include a link to your new business? I'd like to check it out.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed this! So... I usually say I'm an open book and am happy to share ANYTHING but this is the one thing we (husband and I) don't feel comfortable sharing as it is proprietary in nature and not looking to broadcast the URL publicly online. I've shared this with my students in my course, as this new business is a great learning tool/case study. Sorry for an unfavorable response! 😟

[@peachladycraftscelia7200]

I love your design and I don't even care about the scent! Your design is amazing!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Aww, thank you Celia! I really appreciate that 😌 I think that's because you're also an artist at heart! 🌹

[@peachladycraftscelia7200]

@@CreativeHiveCo OMG, thanks a lot!!! I know a lot of Japanese restaurants in Japan have their sushi made like that to display and I was always intrigued by the details :-) I really admire your work, bc I know how hard it is to make things TINY!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

​@@peachladycraftscelia7200 You're too nice to me, I don't deserve you! 😂 I LOVE those food displays at Japanese restaurants! They make them look so real 🤤

[@peachladycraftscelia7200]

Creative Hive why are you down-playing yourself? Of course you deserve my praise! You are just amazing! Please don’t look small to yourself again! :-P

[@CreativeHiveCo]

@@peachladycraftscelia7200 🌹👌 Hehehe ok! 😁

[@jag5798]

If I can’t do it myself, that leaves me unaware of how to measure success of those whom I hired.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Before hiring out you should have a metric of success for the job. If you hire someone to do your shipping, what would you consider success? Getting all the packages shipped out that day? Getting them all shipped out in x hours of the day? Making sure the packages look neat, the labels are straight, all the inserts are included, etc.? You would need to develop the markers for the job.

[@nataliesmith9782]

Thank you so much for putting out these videos. I feel a lot of the same way as you do. I have to know exactly what I'm doing instead of pretending to know. I'm at the point of pretty much knowing what I'm wanting to use as far as quickbooks & Shopify, I'm consistently learning about polymer clay & how to photograph my jewelry. I'm wondering what I should start with first, buy the plans for quickbooks & Shopify or make sure all of my products and pictures should be done and ready to post the minute I buy quickbooks & Shopify? While I know I can do all of it on my own I'm very nervous about promoting and getting good customers. Any advice on what exactly I should focus on first?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

This is a tough choice to make. Ideally you have your products ready to go, or else there isn't anything to list or to need Quickbooks for! 😊

[@nataliesmith9782]

@@CreativeHiveCo Sorry for not communicating better. I do have some products ready to go. I'm wondering how many sets & how many different designs should I have ready to go, 5 sets, 10 sets, more & 4 -5 different designs at a time?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

There's no magic number, unfortunately. You may make 1 of an item and then do made to order, or you may make a bunch and have them ready to ship. It depends on your model.

[@sofianunez2483]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. Lots of wisdom on this video. Eleven years ago I created a handmade wire wrapped jewelry business. I failed for the very same reason you mentioned. I became a seamstress. This time I'm focusing learning about the market. I was beginning to feel guilty for taking the time and not wanting to rush things like I did back then. I am a very shy person when it comes to social media. This is something that I need to take care if I want to be successful. I have confidence on my product, but how do I market my product on social media?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I think it's a great idea to take your time and make sure you are ready for a great launch. The great thing about social media is that it doesn't have to happen in front of other people - it's all behind screens, so that should help with some of the shyness! This playlist might help, too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXiaZaeKlL-kp7c

[@sofianunez2483]

@@CreativeHiveCo Thank you for your suggestions and for replying back.

[@RK-su4hs]

I learn so much from your videos Thankyou for being willing to be open and honest about your journey into the business world You are shining a light on the narrow winding path in front of me. Ans I’m sure many many others :) Do you offer consultations? I emailed you, and thought it may have gone to the junk file

[@CreativeHiveCo]

YAY! That totally makes my day to hear you say my videos are helpful! I try my best to make them useful :) I don't do private one on one consultations anymore, but do help out through my A Sale A Day program. We do group coaching in there. I'm not sure if I got your email, how can I validate/search? Is your email name "R K" also?

[@RK-su4hs]

Creative Hive my email is [e-mail] I am very interested to attend your class I was sincere in my compliments :)

[@CreativeHiveCo]

@@RK-su4hs I just checked my inbox for your email address and it looks like I really didn't get it! 😟 I'm sorry about that! Are you able to resend? My email is [e-mail]. Thank you!

[@RK-su4hs]

Creative Hive will do tomorrow morning Thankyou:)

[@RK-su4hs]

Creative Hive hi there. I emailed you a few days ago to the address you left me Did you receive it? Thankyou

[@milesmorales5000]

@9:50 she’s chuckling inside her mind thinking about me..........😉🤔

[@CreativeHiveCo]

😊🍔🍕🍗🍟🍓🥞🍜🍰

[@miniareechot6952]

Speaking to focusing on demand first (your customers), how do you even begin to recognize such demand?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Taking a look at trends helps. Focusing on what is selling in your shop, what customers are requesting.

[@About_Argo]

SEO and as companies are always in it for the money. They don’t work with you so they don’t know your back story or how you market your items. Their perspective is always going to be different, and not personalized to your business.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Totally agree, and this was my experience too Marla! Thank you for sharing! Did you work with one before too, or you have insider knowledge? 🤓

[@About_Argo]

Creative Hive I haven’t worked with one, but I’ve watched a lot of videos, researching and such. This seems to be the theme with these companies and it makes sense.

[@tiffanytran9556]

Hi Mei your videos is very helpful. I been doing Jewelry long time but I’m not conference to sale them and also don’t know how to start to sale. Is there anyway u can help me?😞

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You can definitely do it, Tiffany! This video on starting a jewelry business would be a good place to start: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2rQZmd4ZdOMiKc. Then go here to this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLd52Nr4SNc0ml7zPmF32i03H1pqZUlC1K I would also recommend my Facebook group - there are 24k+ creatives there, and their advice is amazing! facebook.com/groups/creativebizmarketing

[@gardenglory6624]

what is your shopify store that sells your prints? could you make a video on this please?? thanks

[@CreativeHiveCo]

We actually talk about it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpXRpqF_mpJ4ptE

[@gardenglory6624]

@@CreativeHiveCo Thank you...I will watch it.

[@RK-su4hs]

Would you consider making a video about the concept of action steps you applied in building your new business. Compared to the action steps you took when you set up your first business please “Experience is the only real knowledge “ Albert Einstein

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I LOVE that idea! Thank you for suggesting it! 😍

[@Halakah7]

LOVE your channel, I just now found it and this video is the only one I have watched so far... I just followed the link to "A Sale A Day program" and it says: "Enrollment is closed"... Here is an idea to think about Mei, perhaps there are MANY just like me who need to get started right away, I have no job, nor do I have $1000 to spare. (delivering for UberEats & Postmates at night to survive) What about putting a button next to that button that leads to a video or a blog post, SOMETHING that will help those of us that need to get moving NOW... A lot of us out here are in very dire situations, I know you have ideas about what we can do, do you have a video on this already? Will you make one for us? I am on the verge of signing up with Etsy & eBay, I really do not know what else to do, I have products, ideas, and have to act NOW... I am running out of funds so I can't wait around. Anyways, a long rant but I LOVE what you are doing and am going to subscribe right now... THANK YOU Mei!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Yes, I have over 100 videos here on KZbin that cover all of these topics. Here is a playlist on launching your business from zero: kzbin.info/aero/PLd52Nr4SNc0ml7zPmF32i03H1pqZUlC1K and here's how to start one specifically in 2020: kzbin.info/aero/PLd52Nr4SNc0kxPuNe0HCdvHI8w6vxkgqr

[@Halakah7]

@@CreativeHiveCo I am SO honored by your response Mei, since posting the above I learned a bit more about your success & accolades... I was blown away and I can say I truly believe that my business will be drastically better thanks to you. You took time out to help a stranger when your schedule must be huge... I will never forget you Mei! With tears in my eyes I want to say thanks. I was approved for your FB group and can't wait to meet all your friends there... Thank you, Rich

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Oh, I'm so excited you are joining us there, Rich! You will get some great advice and learn so much!

[@Blueowl896]

♥️💃

[@CreativeHiveCo]

❤️❤️

[@user-wq7qc8xs8k]

Hey Lyla..............................

[@CreativeHiveCo]

👋

[@zaidrodriguez7443]

I would love to seat with you so you can guide me, I am educating my self to star a hand made business. Please help me out.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi Zaid! I have a course that I have developed that lays out all the steps you need to guide your business. You can see more about it here: www.creativehiveco.com/a-sale-a-day-business/

[@ummfatima6224]

What is your shopify business called?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

My business website is tinyhandsonline.com, which I used Shopify to build.

[@ummfatima6224]

@@CreativeHiveCo Oh, I got confused since you mentioned that you started another print on demand business on shopify

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Oh, I see. Yes, each business has its own separate site. Shopify just helps you build out the platform.

[@kayots]

How much did you profit from tinyhands?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Tiny Hands brought in almost $200k in 2020.

[@timronchetti4719]

do not go to etsy,,, they thing thay can say anything on your feedback and lie to to hurt you pre done on purpose and so forth,,, Heads up

[@CreativeHiveCo]

This is why I tell people to have their own site set up and to use Etsy as a passive income source. It's an additional stream of revenue that can be set up to work for you.

[@timronchetti4719]

@@CreativeHiveCo WPP is better the shopify,,,, its your money, but why would you pay to them when get all those free plug for free and work better,,,

[@shadowartist8892]

What's the point of having a hand made business if you dont have time to make things? I dont want to spend all my time on business but on making art.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

This is true, and you may want to start thinking about what you can outsource to others. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYO6oGprjL2SfZY