The Struggles Of Running A Handmade Business

[@C.FrostArt]

I'm so glad I found your channel. I've been browsing so many videos on all platforms on advice for starting a new art business, and they all seem to be "guaranteed success in x amount of days" or "why you will never succeed". You're so real and reassuringly honest. Hearing you talk about genuine issues is actually a relief, rather than off putting. Makes me feel a little more prepared, but still petrified!

[@KimBliss]

This is so lovely of you to say, thank you! I'm really glad it made you feel better and not worse about starting an art business. 💚💚

[@OneBlessedMamasKitchen]

I completely understand!! I homeschool my 4 year old, have an Etsy shop, KZbin channel, and a part-time job. There's never enough time. 😂

[@KimBliss]

Ahhh a fellow plate spinner. I salute you! 😁💚🫡

[@nice2nettles]

The emotional rollercoaster is real! Sending hugs, you need them this week I think x

[@KimBliss]

Thank you, this week is indeed being a dickhead. But next week will be calmer so, ONWARD! 😁💚

[@eddieeynon1856]

Thank you, Kim. This year has been really tough, especially in the UK. We are still suffering from the 'Cost of Living Crisis'. Thanks to the past decisions of The Lettuce (I am sure you know who I am referring to) potential customers have found their disposable income vanish and are spending less on handmade products as a result. Good luck with the home schooling. That must be so stressful 🤗❤

[@KimBliss]

Oh I know *exactly* who you're referring to, although she's been known as far worse in our house. We were due to remortgage just when that all kicked off so you can imagine the stress! Thank goodness that's behind us at least. Although the cost of living continues to bite. Hang in there Eddie. I have to believe things will get better. What's that saying? It might pass like a gall stone, but it will pass. 😁💚

[@eddieeynon1856]

@@KimBliss Oh no, Kim 😱Please, please let next year be better 🤞

[@rachelmoffat9650]

Thank you for all of this - so much of this is what runs around in my head all day every day. Really appreciate hearing it said. Very best wishes for the homeschooling and finding a new balance ❤

[@KimBliss]

Cheers Rachel! 💚💚

[@BonkersAboutAlice]

What gets me is when Etsy make a suggestion about something to improve my store I do it and there is no change..(

[@KimBliss]

Nothing about Etsy makes sense these days.

[@boldfacedtruth]

You know what works best for your shop. Just because Etsy suggests something, it doesn't mean it will work for you. Etsy sends the same thing to everyone. Know your consumer market and know what they feel are the important things.

[@stephpicton6092]

I'm going to simply send you hugs. I have seen the last 2 weeks of you on here seem a little more negative than previous videos. Things in the UK have been simply been awful this year. Sometimes you just need to take a breather and just do your best. From one small business owner to another, there is a sun behind that black cloud and it will shine again. Xx

[@KimBliss]

Thank you Steph. 💚 You're right, it really has snuck into my work. It was one if the reasons I decided to be more open about what's been going on behind the scenes so folks wouldn't think this was normal! 😄 Not long now. Once I've got the autumn update launched, I expect things to calm down a bit again. A girl can hope! 😁💚x

[@jennyjumpjump]

Pricing is also a range--Even if you price "too high", you'll still probably get some people willing to buy. Then you can decide what to do. Better pictures? Better descriptions? Different colors or materials? It's not always the best to drop the price immediately

[@KimBliss]

Agreed!

[@CricketsBay]

Such an important video, Kim. People need to know this stuff, but we often can't see this side of it because small business owners just don't talk about it. On the homeschooling thing, it's helpful to find a group in your area who all homeschool, and talk to all the parents about tips and strategies and schedules. Don't just talk to the leader of the group. And if it's a medical reason that you're homeschooling because of, if your local group isn't supportive (they want in-person playdates when your child is at serious risk of dying if she gets a lung infection), drop that group like a hot potato.

[@NatashaSmartTextiles]

I completely identify with everything you’ve said Kim, thank you, it’s good to know we’re not alone!🥰

[@gillianmcmurray]

Thanks Kim.Running your own small creative business is certainly a world of fun 😆

[@KimBliss]

Isn't it though! 😄

[@hookinateacup]

Good luck with the whole real life thing. Been there. One of the lowest points of being a human for me. Feel strong that you have made the right decision. I hope all your viewers and customers can give you the support and grace that you need. ❤

[@juliepeacock3576]

I love the honesty not many sellers are honest , but it's the true reality and I am exactly the same time, juggling business and family, and finances, Etsy changes drive me crazy, I try and give each task 20mins to a hour, switching off is hard at the end of the day

[@KimBliss]

Switching off is *very* hard, I couldn't agree more. 💚

[@JLJCoastersPlus]

Should not say this,but you look a bit tired my friend. Think the late nights and stuff is overwhelming. For me it’s still a hobby with some money at the end. Saying that you have inspired me over this year to carry on and thank you for that. You are a strong woman, and I bet you are hard to manage as you said. Medal to your better half 😱🤪. Don’t stop my friend. Xxx❤❤❤

[@KimBliss]

You're not wrong, I've been feeling like a knackered old boot lately! Things will hopefully calm down a little once the shop update is done though. 😊

[@JLJCoastersPlus]

@@KimBliss you inspire to many people., that includes me. Not many people really to the comments but you do. That is a feat in itself. Look forward to the next vid

[@paradehandmade]

I concur! 😂 What more except..yip! The actual creation of products keeps me semi-sane...😅

[@elaineruane8025]

I can fully identify with you! Thank you for your honesty because that’s the part a lot of people don’t talk about. Sometimes it’s like a mad house with all I’ve going on as a sole trader handmade business, also working part time job, housekeeping and family life 😅. It helps to share our frustrations ❤

[@angelaehrhardt272]

Boy, I know all what you talk about. I am struggling to do a schedule that will work for my business.

[@rachaelt3294]

Making my soaps isn't just a pour and go thing. I have lots of time that goes into each design since i dont make basic bars only. The cost of everythig going up has kied my bottom line. I'm back after a 2.5 year vacation and ready to create! My problme niw is finding all my stuff and making a space for it all in our new, smaller, home. Ugh.... ♡

[@KiyaheikeMeUk]

I hear ya! Ditto here. Certainly multiple streams is really good. I'm planning on scaling up and that is a scary move. Good luck!

[@KimBliss]

Thank you and you too! 😊

[@lisablakedesigns]

Hi Kim! I can totally relate to everything you just said, except the homeschooling part. I imagine it’s a big change in your schedule. Life has been crazy for me the last 5 years. Running a small creative business is challenging. I’ve had to give myself a little grace, which is very hard for the control freak OCD part of me. I had frozen shoulder for two years, so I had to learn to let go of a completely clean house and let it be “man clean” as my husband would say. That made me lazy. 😂 I could sit here and list out a hundred unexpected challenges since 2019, but I won’t. All of this to say, I see you, have been there, am there right now. You can do this, you need a little adjustment period, so give yourself grace. You will get done what needs to get done. The rest can wait.

[@KimBliss]

"Man clean", I love that! I'm definitely going to be using that one going forward. 😄💚

[@EwiMacrame]

Hi Kim! I just discovered and subscribed to your KZbin channel! I'll definitely be coming back on those days when I hit a creative block but need to get back on track. Great work!

[@KimBliss]

Thanks and welcome to my little corner of chaos! 😄

[@rcarol9986]

All so true, conflicts - believe in yourself 😊 I was thinking, so many of us in the same boat. ❤️

[@paradehandmade]

This video will be a great resource for people who run craft businesses by themselves. So good to put it out there. Thank you! 🎉❤

[@MargotMichelle55]

Hope you and yr family are ok Kim thanks for your amazing videos and content to help us with our small businesses !

[@marisas3715]

Hi Kim, just discovered your channel and I just wanted to say thank you. It’s been years since I wanted to create an Etsy/Online craft business but I always freeze and never do it. This last month the idea has been growing and growing like never before and I’m getting more confident that I can do this. Your videos really helped me to see and understand what that reality is really like. Some of it I already knew, some I did not know and most of it I knew but didn’t understand. But thanks to you, the bigger picture it’s looking sharper. Keep doing what you’re doing!

[@KimBliss]

You can absolutely do this. I'm glad my videos are playing a part in encouraging you. Thanks so much for watching along. 😊

[@mrssmith1845]

I love your videos, I can totally relate to everything you say. When I'm stressed and feeling a bit down about things, I think "would I rather work for self or somebody else"? So far I keep choosing work for self. Your videos really help a lot, thank you ❤

[@littlenestcreative]

100% it's a huge emotional rollercoaster balancing life and work! I have a P/T job to fill in the gaps of my business and I wish I didn't have to especially this time of year when I need to be home making up orders but I need to keep that wolf from the door also grrr ....although my P/T job is working in a very large craft shop ha ha Thankyou for talking each week I love listening to you whilst I work and hope your daughter is ok school can be so sH*t sometimes!

[@KimBliss]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with having a job on the side to keep the money side of things a little less stressful, in fact it's very sensible. It's how I got started too and there's no way I'd be able to do this full time now if I hadn't had that p/t job in the beginning to help pay the bills. 😊 My job wasn't working in a craft shop though, that might have made things harder as I just know I would've have been buying myself all sorts of things! 😄

[@dxmxrxsbxxckthxwxxdxlf3931]

I finally sold on Maker's Place on Michael's, but I have to make another cat that they ordered because I already sold the original cat at a garage sale. Talk about stress. I can totally relate to how hard it is to finish projects before starting new ones because I have limited space

[@KimBliss]

Oh the space issue can be stressful all on its own, I hear you. Good luck with making the cat! I hope you can get it done and sent out in time. 👍

[@danielajohnson177]

You’re the best ! Thinking about you . Hugs ❤😊

[@TheWoodWitch]

Please give yourself some grace. I feel that it's good that ppl like yourself have the space to express all areas of business, which sometimes includes life's ups and downs. This make you human and more relatble to ppl that maybe going through similar experiences. I also think that there's a level of bravery humidity that come with sharing one life. I will continue to support you and seen lots of light and love.❤❤❤ keep being you look forward to the next one rainbow blessing Renee

[@KimBliss]

Aw Renee, thank you. I did worry that I was bring too 'down' on here lately so this comment was good to read. You're right, life sometimes has downs as well as ups and I want to be honest about those times too. Thank you for the reminder that it's ok! 😊

[@Papershire]

Totally get you on having too many things pulling your attention, it's especially tough with homeschooling as well, luckily my boys are old enough to manage most of their learning. How do you have time to do youtube? I've been trying and failing to be consistent with it for years.

[@KimBliss]

Well up until recently I've been doing it while everyone was out of the house at work/school. So going forward, I'm not entirely sure! 😬

[@Gemzhealing]

Love that you keep it raw and real, no fluff with you because this is the true reality of a handmade business. We multitask so many things and right now my part time business is bleeding into all areas of my life. I love my business with a passion but juggling part time work, family, business and Adult adhd is not fun….and can get very overwhelming. Do you have any tips or a video on staying organised? Xx

[@KimBliss]

I have no organisational tips I'm afraid. All the standard ones just don't seem to work well or at all if you're on the spectrum in any way. ADHD is particularly tricky because you really do have to run with your brain and whatever gear it's currently in. I do like to gameify tasks, it helps get the stuff done that my brain has a mental block on. But I haven't found anything that helps with the distraction, and despite craving routine, I can't seem to stick to one for love nor money! All I can offer you is a thousand yard stare and a knowing nod. I get it, and I'm certain that whatever you're doing and however you're doing it, you're doing better than you realise. 💚💚

[@Gemzhealing]

@@KimBliss thank you no worries I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. I’ve also messaged you on IG as I wanted some info on your Patreon membership? Xx

[@KimBliss]

Ooh I'll have a look. I have been having issues with IG over the past few months with message notifications. I don't get any for days or weeks, then suddenly hundreds at once.

[@runaroundsueaccessibletrav6357]

so Im happily getting my 3 sales a week on Etsy when suddenly the traffic just drops away, I pull myself together I push sales on facebook more and end up getting a good couple of weeks when..... My Printer dies... £179 of unplanned expense later and Im up and running again. Etsy still with reduced traffic but sales back to three a weekish, how does that work..... Then I make my 100th sale on etsy and I am floating on a bit of high.... challange up and coming how to go to USA for 10 days and not shut the shop as vacation mode killed it back in the summer. I have also had to spend a lot on a three day christmas fair which should have huge footfall but means I need to premake loads of stock, something I try not to do...... yet its a roller coaster and I am trying to enjoy the ride instead of just beening petrified I am going to fall out...... I am so so glad I found your channel as you tell the honest truth of the journey we are on..

[@KimBliss]

Printers are the actual worst. You've only got to look at one wrong and they'll cease to work, or will decide to cry ink everywhere, or eat the thing they're supposed to be printing on. Anything, but what you actually need them to do! 💚💚

[@falcieridesigns]

I generally work 7 days a week but try not to work in the evenings. Inevitably though, the lines are quite blurred. :/

[@KimBliss]

It does get like that sometimes doesn't it? 💚

[@boldfacedtruth]

My shop consumed my life for a while. Its difficult for me to find balance. I need to change my mindset because i feel guilty if im not constantly working. 😅 its terrible. And im one who always tells people that life is about balance. Had a few people lately tell me to take my own advice. 😅😂

[@KimBliss]

Yup this all sounds relatable! 😄 Although I'm not sure balance exists when you run your own business. I'm starting to think the best we can hope for is just slightly imbalanced! 😄

[@boldfacedtruth]

@@KimBliss 😆 🤣 I agree with you

[@gileswhiteheadartist]

I enjoyed listening to your video and can relate to everything you are talking about! My wife says the reason the cat will never sit on me is that I am too tense. I do struggle to relax running my own business. Have you made a video about how to calm down about it all and get the cat to sit on you again?

[@KimBliss]

Our cat doesn't sit on our laps either! 😄 It's funny you should ask about the video too because that exact video was going to be made for next week. The irony is that things are a little too stressful, and I might have to skip next week's podcast altogether to stop my brain from melting. Maybe next time. 😁

[@gileswhiteheadartist]

@@KimBliss I think skipping next week is the best solution - my request is just adding to the brain melt! The thing is, our cat will sit on everyone in the family apart from me. Either your cat just doesn’t like laps or you’re all too stressed 😆

[@KimBliss]

Have you tried buying his affection with a bag of those Dreamie cat treats, or whatever they're called? I've yet to meet a cat that can resist them. 😄

[@kathiewise3403]

Oh you did it again! 😂 I’m learning to not drink my coffee whilst watching you. I’ve spit me coffee on my iPad a few times! 😊 Thank you for being real! Honest! Encouraging! Remember, you do you! Find your priorities. For me, it’s God, family, crafts/business. You were made for greatness! You got this! Blessings ❤

[@KimBliss]

Aw thank you Kathie, and apologies for the coffee on the iPad! 😄☕️

[@Ohio_Memory_Bears]

❤❤❤

[@leanebelgrove237]

❤️

[@theflossingfisherman7925]

Morning kim, Did you build your own website or did you pay someone to do it for you.

[@KimBliss]

I did it myself using a Shopify template.

[@TrishParsons-u3b]

Respect Kim ❤️‍🩹 we can only show up as we truly want to share , thank you for your honesty , I follow you and always appreciate your hard work with support/ advice for handmade business ethics and truths 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@KimBliss]

Ah thanks love, this means a lot. 💚