Studio Vlog EP2 - omg TAXES, shop problems and doing my best

[@edwardtheinsane]

Oh and people saying you're "cheating" by using stamps: that's ridiculous. It's like saying you're cheating by using software to draw. Don't let others tell you how to make your art. I love your stamp idea and the work you made is beautiful!

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

You are the sweetest! Thank you

[@ILeWeirdo]

Amen !. People are always trying to put someone down . Edward said it perfectly .

[@JustAnotherBuckyLover]

Thanks for showing the not-so-glamorous part of being self-employed. I'm sorry that you're struggling with your mental health too, and I hope you can work through this "bump" and come out in a better place soon. xx

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Thank you for your kindness

[@farhanagouher3018]

I'm still in highschool but I can see the struggles in having your business and well.... being an adult. It may seem boring but the final product is worth it. I may not fully understand what you amazing adults are going through. Keep going you amazing people!

[@LazuliRhyme]

Thank you so much for this video! It helps little businesses like me so much. It's hard sometimes getting into self-employment when it looks like just sitting back and drawing whatever you want all day. In reality it's so much more than that, and getting to see behind the scenes of your work is so helpful. Thank you! :)

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Totally! It is comforting when you can relate to others struggles and I want to show that the reality is not all fun and games

[@Killakuma]

Thank you so much for doing this! You're like the second person i've watched that talks about taxes and the semi ugly part of running your own business. As you said it's not just making pretty pictures and selling them. I'm super flippin' grateful you've done this!

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

I am really glad to hear that, thank you! :)

[@soupnikoniko]

Yet after your busy schedule you still find time to make vlog wow you're really amazing 👏

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Thank you! I really try my best :)

[@dajanajovanovic]

Being self-employed is probably the hardest thing that someone does. I'm self-employed too in one way, and I know the struggle. My advice to you is not to be afraid to ask for help. Get any help you can find and try to ease yourself. Maybe it's time to get an assistant or someone who can manage part of your chores. It's a lot of job for one man, and you'll end up burnt. Not to mention that your creativity will suffer the most. Stay strong.

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Thanks Dajana :) Yep it is hard! I honestly simply cannot afford an assistant, I had to say goodbye to my editor about a month and a half ago because I do not run my Patreon anymore which was the main source of revenue that was helping me run everything. Now I am back to square one but hopefully eventually things will take off with my new direction.

[@dajanajovanovic]

@@NicollesDreamsShop I'm sure it will be better as time passes. Being able to do what you like is priceless nowadays, not to mention making a profit for decent living. Your work is unique, you yourself are unique person, and believe me it would be rewarded in one way or another. Doing what you do is amazing already. Let me be little personal. I graduated economics simply because my parents did too. I'm working as an accountant for 10 year now. And I'm not 100 percent into it, simply because I wasn't been brave enough to follow my passion. So don't give up. You're doing it right.

[@imip1984]

It’s great showing your customers the hard work you are putting in to make their items, as well as the creative side. Get your well earned rest and I hope u get some time soon to work on some art (for yourself 😊).

[@zenamorgan1754]

I had both an Etsy store and a website, my husband did all of my accounting, ran the and updated the sites. I was the creator and did all the of the social media,plus all of the craft shows ,met with all of my vendors,did all the packaging and shipping. This was while working full time plus having a family and a home to maintain. So, yes!!!! Thank you for doing video. It is a lot of work. I don’t know how you do all of your videos episodes. I could never manage to that in my schedule. So hats off to you, you make it look so effortless. Love your channel 😘😘😘

[@LilMizzRockaChick]

I’ve been such a huge fan for such a long time, I have been following you for years and watched how big your channel has grown. I really do miss your dress up doll videos they were my favourite sort of videos to watch as i loved seeing you in your element! You can see how passionate you are about spending time with your dolls and making them look so beautiful but I understand how busy you must be, like myself I wish there was more hours in the day to get stuff done. Just remember to take a break every now and then and have some well deserved you time! X

[@mintytacostudios3067]

this was actually super useful, seeing how life isn't always sunshine and rainbows, but also that owning your own business is difficult, thank you for sharing that! best wishes Andreja!

[@h.stiemke4217]

THANK YOU for taking the time to show/ explain this. Most people probably don't realize how much WORK it is. You are truly an inspiration. Best wishes for continued success!💗

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Thanks sweetie

[@kyara_arts]

Thank you so much for this video! This is something noone ever talks about, but being an artist has many risks and legal stuff we have to do. Wish you all the best Andrea ❤️

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Thank you so much! I know these videos are not what people enjoy watching nor something that will drive views and subscribers, but I feel it is important to share and be open and honest about it.

[@xxonspotlight]

Fondest wishes and hugs, Andreja! Hope you're doing better lately.

[@Dollily]

Thank you for sharing this video. I will be dealing with my own taxes soon and it’s definitely stressful and not fun! Your videos are always a great inspiration for me. I really enjoy watching you create beautiful things. 💜💜

[@Lithillia]

You are doing so well! I just found you and your channel and you are an amazing artist! It is so sad that artists struggle with their emotional stuff and I am glad to see that you get help to sort it all out. Thank you so much for showing us the work and world behind the curtains, and you look very organized! Well done. I am also in Australia, been here for 5 years, starting on my 6th. Now, let me go back to binge on your older videos

[@karennelson4499]

Thank you, so much for sharing the everyday grind of running your own business! A lot of creative people don’t think to share this part of running a small business.

[@astraica]

That is a LOT of work you do! You're so amazing! Keep up high spirits and know everything will work out!

[@sireninside9570]

I need that desk!!! The amount of work and effort you put into each delivery is amazing. I aplaud you x

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Thank you very much

[@thnead]

Please don't feel too stressed, because you have loving fans who will always be there for you during problems

[@uliu1612]

Hey Nicolle!I watch all your videos but i don't usually coment. I really love your content and, you didn't sound so well in this one, i hope you are doing well. I love your passion and dedication for everything you do but please..don't push yourself too much, love you~

[@sylkz4438]

Andreja you are an inspiration to many creatives and Im sad that you are feeling a little down. I suppose none of us are immune to the struggles in life but I thought Id just let you know how appreciated you are! :)

[@sylkz4438]

also this video was very helpful...any chance you might let us know the packaging supplier lol? I live near Dandenong :)

[@ariya3189]

I love your studio vlogs your voice and your workspace and the music in your video editing makes it so relaxing to watch and listen to and I love watching your videos as I draw I feel like it even makes them better in a way!

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Thank you dear

[@Fancylooks]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience, though it sounds frustrating and tiring, I am glad your tax declaration is over till next year! What a relief

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Yes I am glad this is all over for now ☺️ Thank you!

[@calyppy]

You are a constant inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing what you do ❤❤❤

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Thank you for being here

[@thequerier47]

Sounds very exhausting! Thanks for shedding a light on this sorta stuff. It’s really enlightening!

[@edwardtheinsane]

Thanks for sharing your struggles with us. Having your own business seems as stressful as it is rewarding. I'm glad that at least your day ended on a triumphant note. Thank you for all the hard work you do for us! And you know I'll be there if you want to crank up the ol' Patreon again!

[@noddyfry]

Hope you're OK xxx You work so hard, you're an inspiration!

[@KAW67]

I’m glad you’ve made this. A lot of people don’t realize that you can’t run away from these obligations. I do miss seeing more in depth doll vids tho on KZbin too

[@federicaparuolo7337]

Please, take good care of yourself. Remember we support you and that once in a while taking a break is necessary

[@sajinokami]

sharing that YOU can have problems being productive, makes you so relatable. thanks for sharing.

[@Animefairy02]

Girl! You can do it! You are very talented! You inspire me! HUGS!

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

[@Animefairy02]

@@NicollesDreamsShop😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 You made my day!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@GMart3D]

Hope you are doing better Andreja, please take care health always comes first. Many hugs and positivity

[@eithynia]

Your hair looks so good! I would love if you could tell us what products do you use for your hair or film a skincare and haircare routine! 💕

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Oh thank you very much! My skincare is nonexistent because I am allergic to everything :( I just wash my face with water twice per day. In regards to hair I use Joico k pak shampoo and conditioner with Unite leave in treatment. That is all, my allergies really limit what I can use nowadays :(

[@JustAnotherBuckyLover]

@@NicollesDreamsShop Ack - sorry to hear that. I've got a ton of allergies too (including cosmetics, washing powers/detergents, fabric softener etc) and I actually have a number of severe allergies that require me keeping EpiPens... but sadly there's a countrywide shortage right now, and so yeah... I'm just having to go without right now and just hope I don't suffer an anaphylactic reaction. Allergies suck.

[@rough_sketch6139]

I can’t get over how cute your cat is 😍😍😍😍😍

[@alexotter1760]

no wonder youve sounded so tired in the past couple videos!! i feel you deserve a break but it is necessary work to do :^( i hope it gets better over time, youre such an inspiration to me and i wish you didnt have such exhausting workloads

[@aliwilkinson4687]

I really enjoy your vlogs and I think it is so important to show all sides of your work. Fingers crossed things improve 😊

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Thanks Ali :) I appreciate your kindness!

[@lumnous3533]

i LOVE going on that road (the bolte bridge one) Its so pretty at night with all of the lights!

[@rinyukimura1838]

stamps are not a cheat for inktober :< don't let anyone tell you otherwise, inktober is about challenging yourself in some form of art medium. thank you for the in depth look at the tax and business parts of being self employed, I've been looking at it for awhile but I never knew how to begin or what to focus on learning and this is honestly a big help in the right direction. don't forget to be proud of yourself for getting this part of your life squared away for the year so now you can try to relax a bit more for the holidays and please don't push yourself emotionally or physically, just take it one day at a time.

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Thanks Rin :)

[@forchun88arrereh50]

Super multi tasking if your self employed indeed good luck andreja btw love your customizations and drawings

[@chiwawachan]

Thank you for showing us the fun and the struggles of having a business!

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

You are very welcome!

[@melody_BP]

Am I the only sicko who loves boring work like spreadsheeting etc?

[@noddyfry]

I live for it

[@NoelTugy]

Nope

[@catherineclipse3553]

Thank you so much for showing this side of being self-employed, Andreja :) I found it quite useful seeing this side of running your own shop, as I want to run my own online store after I finish my studies. Do you have to fill out the spreadsheets because you need to justify everything you spend your earnings on for the store? Does personal spending come into affect with this?

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

You are very welcome! The spreadsheet is used to calculate and track my expenses connected to my sources of revenue (be it KZbin, Etsy etc) so that I know how much taxes I owe to the government. So here is a simplified example, if I spent $30 to make a sticker and sold it on Etsy for $50, I would then add to my spreadsheet all of the costs that were part of the $30 (sticker sheet, ink, packaging material, etc) because then instead of paying 25% taxes on $50 I would pay 25% on the actual revenue from the sticker - so 25% of $20 ($50 minus $30). That makes a huge difference because it would mean that I only had to pay the ATO $5 in taxes instead of $12.5. This is a very basic example though, there are other things that have to be calculated on top such as superannuation, GST etc which will affect even more how much money you actually keep to invest further into your store. So the spreadsheet keeps track of all those expenses because the taxation office can begin an audit for multiple years in the past and if that happens I need to show them clear proof of my expenses and calculations to show that I paid the right amount of taxes. I hope this made sense :)

[@catherineclipse3553]

@@NicollesDreamsShop oh of course, that makes sense. Thanks for the explanation, Andreja :)

[@lpslollipop539]

Your voice is so calming

[@runrunrin8732]

you can purchase zebra printers instead which are cheaper and can find used ones on ebay etc(the brand has been around for a long time)... I bought an old zebra printer 2844 and it works extremely well, mine is used and only cost 60$, it came with 3 label rolls.

[@melissa3342]

Oh goodness. Thank you for making this video. It sounds like you're having a tough time recently.

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

You are very welcome! :) There is way too much unrealistic romanticism regarding running your own shop, I want to show that things are not easy nor fun sometimes. Yes Google spreadsheets allow quite a bit of automation. But the thing that takes the most time is adding entries manually, assigning them to categories, writing what each entry is used for in case the ATO decides to throw an audit at me in 3 years. That is the thing that takes the most time and I am not sure if there is any way to make the process more efficient.

[@melissa3342]

@@NicollesDreamsShop I'd be happy to brainstorm with you if you ever feel like it. I've been playing around with them recently trying to explore options for accounting stuff I've been needing to do. Definitely not an expert though, just dabbling.

[@pettook]

lol "cheating". That really sucks about the stamp supplies. Hopefully the next batch runs more smoothly

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

hehehe ;) I hope so tooooo! Gosh this experience was stressful! Oh do you deal with a ton of spread sheets as part of your work too?

[@pettook]

Nicolle's Dreams I’m a staff accountant so yes. Lots and lots of spread sheets. And a few boxes of receipts show up each year as well which I get to sort and deal with 😂😭

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Omg then you are a pro at this girl!!!! You must be the queen of spreadsheets and numbers :D

[@atinysoftbean1645]

2:30 I just now watched the first Studio Vlog and when you said you got inspired by other KZbinrs, I wondered if Fran was one of them because she uses this format for almost all of her videos. I guess that confirms my theory. :D Also, I love these types of vlogs and I always loved your more vloggy videos, so I'm really happy that more videos of a combination of the two are coming our way!

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Thank you so much for the encouragement ❤️ and yes I am a big fan of her work, she was definitely one of the youtubers that inspired me to start creating content that I feel more connected with :)

[@onlybrenda23]

New video!!!🤩💖💖

[@compulsive_jaywalker1861]

I just noticed that you sound kinda like Marzia. Who agrees? (Btw love your hair❤)

[@naturalhotty]

I think its just the accents

[@LePezzy66]

I could see how the weight was lifted off your shoulders after you came back from your taxadvisor. Good luck with the rest of your business! I love your work!

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Thank you :) Yeah getting all of that sorted and finalised definitely made me feel less stressed.

[@ChaoticShelly]

Seeing you wear a sweater while sitting in shorts and a tank top in hot, sunny Brisbane makes me so jealous. Even during the cold snap we had a couple of weeks ago (when you shot the video) I was warm! haha

[@shamanacay]

Omg!!Im laateeee!!but I watched it though even if im late!!I LUV YOU ANDREA AND NAMINE!!❤️❤️😍😍

[@Anna-ul1fj]

Could I ask what store your box supplier is? I live in melbourne and just started my own etsy store up and LOVE the options they had available, Id prefer to go in person rather than online so I can size things correctly

[@Tsoutsi]

I'm really enjoying these vlogs and I appreciate you are sharing the part it isn't usually shown of this kind of business! May I ask you where/how you've managed to learn all this stuff about taxes etc.? I would like to know how it works :)

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

I am very happy to hear that :) honestly at first I tried to research things on my own, but things were so confusing and overwhelming, that I ended up booking an accountant and then when I met her I was like “Help me, I have no idea how to do this properly, I don’t know where to start and I am freaking out badly 😅” then after quite a few meetings, we slowly figured things out. I am still learning something new every year because obviously policies change often, so her knowledge and expertise ensures that I do things the most efficient and correct way.

[@Tsoutsi]

@@NicollesDreamsShop Thank you!❤ Yes, I can relate to the overwhelming feeling and this is what has prevented me from selling my creations online :S Looking forward to your next vlogs, they are very calming and interesting!

[@carlyshipman9722]

I'm really enjoying these vlogs! It's interesting and inspiring to see how diligent you are with your tasks! Thanks for taking the time to make these videos ^^

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Thanks Carly :)

[@handcraftlaury]

Ahh , me too i sell on etsy , and i Only sell what i have in stock , i buy only when i have a custom order , that way you dont have to stress out for delivery time .

[@LMB925]

I'm an accountant in the US and I think you'd be very happy if you'd look into a bookkeeping software. Most are pretty easy to learn for what you need and once you set up the codes entering the data will be breeze. Also, you'll save money by your accountant spending less time going over your data. They can just run your General Ledger reports and get the totals needed. You'll spend less time entering data because a lot of what you use can be categorized with brief notes. You just scan and save all your receipts in case of an audit. You'd be surprised how little detail is actually needed if you categorize your expenses. We get a ton of data from our clients at the CPA firm I work at in the US and most of it isn't necessary. The clients pay us anywhere from $75 to $300 an hour for us to go through useless data and bags/boxes of receipts that they think matter, but really don't impact their taxes.

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

I’ve tried a couple of options, but so far everything that I used was so so complicated :( I’ve spent hours watching tutorials trying to learn but only got frustrated. Do you have a specific software that you recommend that is super user friendly and easy to learn?

[@WeronikaSalach]

I'm doing my taxes right now so this came right on time ^^

[@DarklitofViolets]

I just made a cup of coffee to watch this better 😌

[@landobridgeman]

This title is the biggest mood

[@bortonea]

Thanks for this. Why did you stop doing patreon?

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

I am very glad you liked it! :) I stopped Patreon because that was meant to support my doll related videos, so now that I changed focus, it made no sense to continue the campaign since most of the people started supporting me because of the doll content.

[@nequishathomas4133]

Thank you

[@starbuterffly4541]

love

[@naoki3934]

you are so beautiful! 🌸✨🌈🌸✨🌈🌸✨🌈

[@fruitsushi]

I recently got a mint and I wish I could help you get the stamps!

[@greciavhappy3591]

Amo tus videos

[@salimatujah1574]

Hi how are you doing my best fan Andreja I have a question if you live in Maryland can you order anything from your shop.

[@chrisforbes7162]

I miss your beautiful dolls and their clothes☺️

[@Amora986]

You are so beautiful♡I understand all the hard work you have to put into your business🤦‍♀️You have a wonderful attitude &i hope things go back to running more smoothly for you soon! Sending positive energy &good vibes to you beautiful ⚘❧❤︎❧⚘

[@yunibunny4986]

So basicly you earn less and spend all on tax? I didn't understand cuz i know etsy gets taxes (i don't like etsy) but about youtube ? KZbin tax you too? And patreon tax you? Or all the struggle is from the sales that you have to send packages to people? By the way your art is great !

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Well it is the law, KZbin will not come after me but the taxation office of your own country might when they notice money coming into your bank account. In the end it is my duty to pay taxes on any income no matter where it comes from(KZbin, Patreon, Etsy, Amazon etc) and no matter if you only make videos or send products to customers. By law I must declare whatever money I make and pay the correct amount of taxes. Most platforms do not do that automatically for you, you have to do it yourself so for example if I earn $100 from KZbin I always take 25%-30% away to the side for when the end of the financial year comes and I need to pay what is due. Things can be complicated this is why I've hired an accountant to help me out so that I do everything right and I do not get in big trouble with the government.

[@AmbarTin]

Holis me encantan tus videos

[@простоерисование]

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@puffysheeplexi]

Bendigo... poor girl... she does so much... ; ^ ; you need a good vacation sweetheart...

[@LayllasLocker]

I had no idea you have to deal with youtube and taxes. O.O

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Yeah any sort of revenue has to be declared to the taxation office including KZbin. Then about 25-30% of your revenue goes to the government for taxes, 9% goes to your superannuation, then you have things like GST, school loans, etc. It took me a few years before I felt like I knew what I was doing. My poor accountant has been so patient with me, having to explain things over and over xD

[@KN-en3tk]

All this sounds hard but good luck and for your problem about the materials why don’t you see an average of how many people buy stamps then order the materials

[@divastarz5039]

How did you get 10 years younger from your last video with your face?

[@lolasouza3068]

loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[@jennglow4647]

😃

[@henrybaez4068]

guaho

[@elena_iva7839]

Hello! I am a 561. Thank you.🌷

[@maricel.lucero1]

Andreja please comeback. What is happening?

[@minecakmak3477]

i love you

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

[@МарияОрлова-ц3ц]

Вам нужен помощник.. и больше отдыхать..

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

I have no money for an assistant :(

[@Kiki_Stone]

aN aNGEL

[@monaadel4512]

I love you but how thay give you the mony??😞😞 tell me friends ☺

[@sati6574]

Ты русская?

[@laila3270]

Make another BJD dressing video I would be very happy about that ☺️

[@angelikarenn9374]

Yeeeessss

[@sylphaedollstudio2636]

Please talk to your accountant about Xero or some other accounting software. I use it for my business and it’s a lifesaver. You’re doing a lot of unnecessary work with your tax spreadsheets!

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Really? Thank you so much for the suggestion :) I just had a look at their page, but I assume I still need to input all of my purchases manually, categorize them etc which is what makes it so time consuming. Or is there a specific feature or some sort of automatization that makes things much faster to do?

[@sylphaedollstudio2636]

You can link it to your business bank account, use your debit card for every purchase, and Xero (what I use) receives all the transactions directly from the bank, so at the end of each month all you need to do is go through them and reconcile them (assign a purpose, write a reason. You can setup rules for recurring expenses as well so all you need to do is check and press ok to reconcile it). You can give your accountant access to the books so they can work on it without you needing to be there as well.

[@sylphaedollstudio2636]

And you can import as much historical data as you can get from your bank.