THE TRUTH! Let's talk through the good and the bad of running your own business!

[@chickenruncreations-needlefelt]

Totally agree with you Pippa! A year ago I never thought I would be where I am today and I absolutely love it.

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Same here! xx

[@TripleRoux]

Thank you, Pippa, I always come away empowered from your business videos and that is a wonderful thing!

[@feltsbyphilippa]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching xx

[@lilyroseshandmade6525]

Great video lots of helpful hints and tips thank you. 🤩

[@feltsbyphilippa]

You are so welcome!

[@Isla.M.W]

Hey do you think you might be able to make a tutorial on how to needlefelt bodies? I’m trying to make a felted sculpture of a character but I’m kind of struggling on how to make his body look normal 😅

[@AlisaHof]

Your honesty is always such a breath of fresh air. Really appreciate your behind the scenes/ business videos. So helpful!

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Thanks, just want people to see it is possible to set up your own small business xx

[@kayleyhoughton372]

Love your honesty Philippa and these videos you do so informative love it 😊

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Thank you so much! xx

[@michellestebner8050]

Thank you! This is wonderful, so honest, helpful and encouraging! Ironically for me, yours has been the only account that I wanted to support with patreon 😂. Totally understand your reasoning on closing the account.

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Thanks, yes, it was a big decision but really helped me in the long run with how I run my business. Loved being able to talk to everyone but then found it overwhelming too, thanks for being part of it xx

[@patriciapb8327]

Thank you Philippa, for your very inspiring sharing. I think it's important to learn, to have fun in order to be creative 🤗

[@feltsbyphilippa]

It really is and it helps me to do the other crafts to keep the fun and interest there xx

[@thecountrysidefelter]

Excellent video Pippa, thank you so much for the mention!

[@feltsbyphilippa]

No worries! x

[@nicolamoore4760]

Thanks for another great video. I feel that this is really timely for me as although I have sold at craft fairs, I need to push myself to diversify. I'm so grateful that you started your Patreon when you did as it helped me to find others that share my passion fir needle felting and I love meeting up at Yarndale. You continue to be an inspiration to us all ❤

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Thank you so much! Are you going to Yarndale this year? I'll be on the zoom next week so we can chat xx

[@nicolamoore4760]

@@feltsbyphilippa I'm hoping to but not sure yet. Speak to you next week 😁

[@toridonaldzoni9893]

Love your videos. Must say I am very grateful for the time you did do patreon as I now have some of the loveliest friends you could ask for from it. ❤ Another positive could / should be the difference you can make to other people ❤❤

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Thank you! And yes, making friends was the best bit and meeting at Yarndale was brilliant. It's amazing to have friends that love felting as much as we do! I do get messages from people that really are inspired to try felting or run a craft business so that is a positive to add to the list, you are definitely right, hope you are well xx

[@VinneyStanbury]

Fabulous, so informative and helpful! All questions answered. Thank you 🎉

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Glad you liked it xx

[@nikkikart6882]

Thanks Pippa, much appreciated, I love that you share your experiences. I am 100% sure I want to start a business, but after creating pages for everything on all the platforms, I am now like a rabbit in headlights.... not even sure how to START.. but I will work it out :) You are inspiring for me, as are a few other felters, that make it all seem possible....

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Yes, there can be so much to do so pick one for a whole month or two and just work on that, then move on to the next etc. Best of luck! xx

[@nikkikart6882]

@@feltsbyphilippa thankyou so much, that's a great idea, and a not too daunting one! xx

[@heather4142]

These kinds of videos are so helpful to me. One day I'll probably start my own business, and this is just great to hear. There's other KZbin videos that explain all this stuff, but for some reason, they seem so unachievable. Your videos always feel so real. Thanks Pippa ❤

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video and I really hope you do go for it in the future, best of luck when you do! xx

[@smallpluto]

I've wanted to open a shop for a very long time. Your videos inspired me to take the leap and just go for it, thank you so much :)

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Excellent, what my video on scammers too as they try to get new Etsy shop owners in the first few weeks xx

[@mandysmith4265]

Love all your videos Phillipa, I’ve learnt so much about felting from you and I’m really greatful for all the knowledge you share with us. I felt as a hobby but this may change at sometime down the line so these videos are fabulous for someone like me to have an idea of how things work. Thank you 🙏

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Thanks so much, yes, it's always good to have the knowledge and to know it can be done with a bit of hard work xx

[@redacaudill4356]

So glad you did this video. I am considering doing an Etsy page in the future and this has helped me to move forward with my plans. Thank you!

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Excellent, there are lots of useful videos on Etsy for how to start and get your shop going, plus do watch my scam video as they catch a lot of new shop owners, easy to avoid though xx

[@StitchedByMrsFox]

Totally agree with you! I love working for myself and the flexibility it gives me with a young family. The best thing about social media is the exposure it gives you when running your business! x

[@feltsbyphilippa]

The flexibility is just so key, really happy I decided to go for running my own business, thanks for watching xx

[@LivingLambsVeganKitchen]

Your videos are so wonderful, and I want to thank you for not having background music in this one. I'm sure everyone has a different opinion, but for me, background music gets mentally fatiguing, especially if I'm watching more than one video. Thank you for all of your had work, your inspiring work, and your generosity in sharing your talent and experience! God bless you! ❤✝❤

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Thanks, I have got better at editing over the years and my beginning videos do have music, I have learnt to reduce this over the years, thanks for watching xx

[@LivingLambsVeganKitchen]

@@feltsbyphilippa I am grateful for your videos, music or not!!! Many thanks for all of your hard work and generosity! ❤

[@cathylipscomb7541]

Amazing advice!! Truly appreciate your time to make this video.

[@feltsbyphilippa]

You're so welcome! xx

[@victoriafiegehen70]

Thank- you for your information. I'm looking into doing this myself. You're very informative. Love your channel.

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Awesome! Thank you and hope it goes well xx

[@vickythomas17]

Thank for the mention, Pippa! Fab video as always. I do need to take your advice on saying 'no'. Xx

[@feltsbyphilippa]

No problem and saying no is really hard, I'm doing an order now that I really should have said no to but we live and learn xx

[@vickythomas17]

​@@feltsbyphilippa same! Just been sucked into a Highland Cow commission. 🤦‍♀️

[@SusanLockyear-lb7qq]

My first year in setting up my own crafting business in my early retirement and listening to your pod cast is really helpful for me. I did a lot of craft fares in 2023, some good and some bad. So I will take in all your advice and thank you for that x

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Glad you enjoyed it, craft fairs are hard work so well done, good luck with your business and thanks for watching xx

[@dodosmamma1692]

You’re so humble Philippa and I appreciate your honesty and insight about running your business. You make it look so easy. You were the very first channel on needle felting that I discovered and subscribed to. I’d never heard of needle felting until I was looking for wreaths on Etsy. I saw toadstools/mushrooms on some that were needle felted so that perked my interest. Your mouse underneath the toadstool was my first project. I’ve learned and continue to learn so much from you and a handful of other channels. It’s such a lovely and encouraging community. I have pretty thin skin and would find dealing with nastiness really difficult. I love your approach, delete and don’t let the negativity run. Thank you for sharing this with us. I like the idea of having a small part time business but it’s daunting too.💕💕

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Thank you! Yes, it can be daunting but you really can control how much or little you do. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I am in charge and I can take a break. I really liked that mushroom video, didn't enjoy the mouse but just love doing mushrooms, glad you enjoyed it too and you have been here since the beginning really, thanks you for all your amazing encouragement! Take care xx

[@dodosmamma1692]

@@feltsbyphilippa❤

[@Andrea-bw8xm]

Thank you for this honest information. I have been wanting to get started on doing business selling things I make. You give me inspiration! Knowing the pros and cons from a successful entrepreneur will keep my expectations realistic. This video came to me at just the right time. Thanks again! And I love your creations. I've ordered a kit to try my hand at needle felting!

[@feltsbyphilippa]

You are so welcome and I really hope you enjoy the kit. I do try to be super honest but I really wouldn't change my life at all, definitely worth it xx

[@CornishFelts]

This certainly deserves more views. She about Ricky customers, I used to run an online shop. Trying to move into selling felted part/full time and exploring different things/ways/adding other items to my finished pieces. 🤞

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Thank you, that's very kind, good luck with your business xx

[@dawnlawrence3372]

Very informative, thanks Pippa. I just in the process of opening an Etsy store in a couple of months so all the information was relevant.

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Glad it was helpful! Remember Etsy is a slow burner and it's great to just get started with 5 to 10 listings and then gradually build it up, best of luck xx

[@stefanie006]

Thank you so much for sharing your real-world knowledge on running your own business! Loved it, and I appreciate your video presentation skills! 👍

[@feltsbyphilippa]

You are so welcome! Thank you for noticing the editing side, I am trying to gradually improve, thanks for watching xx

[@gaiaspirit5313]

Thank you so much Philippa, I always love to learn more about making a business. How much we all need to hear of the in's and out's of something this important, big step to make. Also, I looked up on youtube for the friends you mentioned and both of them didn't come up. Have a fantastic day/night across the pond :)

[@gaiaspirit5313]

Found them on facebook, you probably mentioned that, but I was too busy looking at all your art work behind you as I always do, so amazed at your talent for only doing this for four years, kudos to you Philippa, huggers :)

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Thank you! Glad you found them, they are all on Instagram too. Yes, lots of ups and downs with my business but pretty much all in a good way, wouldn't change it for the world, thanks for watching and always being here and supporting me xx

[@shammamurphy4172]

Agreed! I’m absolutely over the moon that you encouraged me to being this business, it’s the most fun and I’ve met so many great people in my workshops and they help me come up with new ideas, it’s just all around amazing. Thank you ❤❤❤❤❤

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Thanks so much Shamma xx

[@bethmegansmith4642]

Thak you hon this is so good and helpful .I have shared this with my fella thank you so much xxxxxxx Happy needle felting xxxxxx

[@feltsbyphilippa]

You are so welcome, thanks Beth xx

[@28paws70]

Thank you for making this video! I've been thinking about turning my needle felting into a side business and you covered a lot of the questions that have been rolling around in my head! ❤

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Glad it was helpful! It's just good to see other people doing the business and that it is possible xx

[@valeriecoulthard4776]

Philippa, I’m constantly blown away by your openness, honesty and bravery in all you do. I love this craft which your input has introduced me to for the last two plus years. Friends have encouraged me to take it to the next level but lack of confidence and a dislike of social media stops me. However this video, which is one of the best I’ve seen, builds confidence and enthusiasm to keep going and take the risk. I always look forward to your tutorials and vlogs on KZbin. Thankyou again for your teaching and inspiration. See you at the workshop 🤗xxxx❤️💕🌻

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Thank you! And yes, you really could take just a small step forwards to the next level, start slow and build it up. Glad you enjoyed this one, tried to be honest as possible, hope your holiday is going well and can't wait for the workshops, they will be great for meeting everyone and just having a whole weekend of felting! xx

[@aroundtheworldfibers]

Customer service can be so challenging and I think you handle this with such grace. I love your videos. You are truly such a breath of fresh air.

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Thank you so much! That is very kind and customer service can be a tricky one to navigate sometimes xx

[@ishbeljones5224]

Such wonderful truthful insight to your business, it’s not for me but you inspire and boost people’s moral , just want to send you a huge Welsh hug (cwtch ) and say thank you , you are a super Wonder Woman ! (Don’t wear the blue gear tho ! It’s so outta date ! ) genuine THANK YOU for what you do.

[@feltsbyphilippa]

You are so welcome and I really appreciate your kind words, what is the blue gear? x

[@ishbeljones5224]

Blue gear is the outfit that wonder woman wore ! Nearly as bad a superman pants n tights 😂😂😂@@feltsbyphilippa

[@lauriestallard8768]

Thank you for your honesty and sharing about your experience having your own business. Very helpful as I contemplate following in this path myself!

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Glad it was helpful! Lots to think about but really, definitely worth it in the long run xx

[@cepstockholm3915]

Brilliant Philippa! This is a straight forward analys of startsignal a business with lots and lots of useful advice. A big Thank You for your helpful advice, it’s taught me a lot.

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Thanks and glad you liked it, just an honest review of the ups and downs, thanks for watching xx

[@suegardner5726]

I love your videos and appreciate you sharing, warts ‘n all! Thank you…and please don’t stop doing what you do! Your business has blossomed so well over the years and it’s all down to your hard work even though you make it look easy!

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Thank you so much! It's definitely a gradually, constant, hard work attack but I am slowly relaxing a bit and not having to push all the time. Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it xx

[@eddyposh72]

Thank you Philippa, this is so helpful❤

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Glad it was helpful and thank you for always commenting and watching my channel xx

[@LilHeavenlyTreasures]

For me, if I get too much going at once I can get burned out. So for me, it is best if I do not more going than I can handle.

[@feltsbyphilippa]

I definitely have to watch burn out and all my pressures are self created so I have learnt to slow down xx

[@katm2419]

Thank you so much for sharing! I love felting & want to start a business because I don't have space for all of my makes & want to earn money to support my hobby. I'm not a people person so prospect of dealing with difficult & unreasonable customers terrifies me. What was your experience with comissions? I'm afraid that people will change their mind, find faults with my work & refuse to pay. I also want to make whatever I feel like making.

[@feltsbyphilippa]

There in lies the problem, I enjoy making what I want to make too so that is why I stopped commissions. I never had anyone not pay, I sent them photos prior to posting to confirm they were happy, they pay and then I would send. Only one lady wanted a slight adjustment once she had the item so postage back was costly. Photos and true colours are a pain, I did horses and they looked different in every photo so yes, commissions are tricky. Maybe just make and list what you want to do, have the item ready made so you can post straight away. This helps me feel not pressured. Hope you go for it though as it's great when you sell some felts and have room to create more and continue to learn xx

[@katm2419]

@@feltsbyphilippa Thank you so much! I'll just have to dip my toe in the water & see how it works

[@karenbrooks7197]

Thank you for sharing your insights. This has been really useful. 😊.

[@feltsbyphilippa]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching xx

[@karenbrooks7197]

Ah, thank you for replying. I'm a cross stitcher and quilter, so can appreciate the work involved in the gorgeous pieces you felt. I've had a go at felting using a kit, but am too heavy handed with the needles! Guess I need to keep practising!😅 . Love watching your videos and find them so honest and interesting 😊.

[@xtraChloenary-Feltmaker]

I would have been so cross about the undeserved 1-Star-Review. But of course, we need to be graceful. (and rant to our friends in private to let it all out) We probably have made mistakes as well when buying stuff not reading through it all. I know I did. Just wish she would have not written that review but contacted you first to sort it all out. Could she take it back/change the review? I sometimes have things that sell out at craft fairs and in the shops I have my shelves. So I do make more of them, because obviously they sell. And then they don't sell (as well) anymore. Had that happen with my cats and my Christmas penguins. I never sold a highland cow. And last craft fair I sold all of them. Even the green one with pink horns I just did to try tops wool. :D It didn't even have a price it was just a filler. :D But yeah, in person sales are always different from online. And I really need to swallow my pride and get Etsy started again. They have not reacted to my complaint and I hate that I have to give them money again after they basically stole from me. But there is not much I can do about it when all you reach is an idiot bot, if anyone.

[@feltsbyphilippa]

It is weird how you just can't predict at a craft fair what will sell although my highland cows nearly always sell. Sometimes sheep are popular and then sometimes they aren't. I sold no chickens at my craft fair then they all sold through Etsy! Anyway, it's fun running this business and being able to chat to fellow felters, thanks for watching as always xx

[@xtraChloenary-Feltmaker]

@@feltsbyphilippa Well, the difference between your highland cows and mine is yours are masterful. And not only because you made so many more than I have so far. I am planning on making mini Highland-cows (among other things) for a new shop I've been asked to present in. (It's been crazy with the offers this year.) It's going to start in May, and is more expensive than the other locations, but it's in a castle that is a tourist attraction, has events etc. So I hope it's worth the price. We'll see. I am working on building my own online shop now. Going to offer people the chance to buy from my Etsy shop in case they don't trust my page. Gonna have to make it a bit more expensive on Etsy because of the costs, but I can understand people wanting to go to an established page, not buying from a random website. So much is going on I am a bit of a mess...

[@adra_roa]

I’ve been trying to find a tutorial on making gradient effect on felting but i haven’t found one 😢 any recommendations?

[@feltsbyphilippa]

I searched blending wool for needle felting and several videos came up, you just need to blend gradually as you go xx

[@adra_roa]

@@feltsbyphilippa oh didn’t try that search! Thanks Philippa 🫶🏻

[@angelamoynahan2627]

Curious what you’re felting on the go approaches. Do you ever take your felting with you when you’re going to go sit somewhere for a while.

[@feltsbyphilippa]

If there is a table, like at a coffee shop as I get so uncomfortable unless I am sitting correctly. I take crochet now if it's a lower chair. I do stick my needles into the edge of my matt but have broken some doing this so probably need a proper tube for transport. People love watching and always come and ask what I am doing if I am felting in a coffee shop, really nice to show them it too xx