Handmadeology

Anyone can become an expert. It doesn’t take a diploma or for Oprah to say you are {that may help though}. It takes practice, knowledge, skill, & recognition.

Now it’s time to think about the new year, regardless of when you consider your year to begin.

It’s the end of the year: fiscal, calendar, it doesn’t really matter. Most of us are already thinking ahead. Lots of ideas, plans, and probably a sense of “how can I ever make this all happen?”

There are currently over 269,000 open shops on Etsy and, I’m proud to say, one of those belongs to me. I’m Lisa Jacobs of the Energy Shop—a spirited little spot where I sell mostly bracelets. Jewelry is a crowded market on Etsy, but I’ve made over 800 sales this year.

So what’s a designer to do when creativity runs the show and a business mind takes the back seat? Well, let’s start with want NOT to do.

There are many benefits to selling on Etsy. One of them is the opportunity for great personal interaction with your customers which can leave a great impression and increases the chance that they will think of your store for future purchases.

The buzz over the holidays has begun and you are about to enter the best time of year to be a handmade business. As more people crave shopping local and buying smaller what you do becomes increasingly important. But this is also a time to rev up for next year with some cash in your pocket.

  Here is a post o get you thinking about warmer days! The summer craft show season is fast approaching and for many of you that means replenishing inventory. Here are a few tips for streamlining your production that you can use this summer and all the way through the busy holiday season. Spring is [...]

There are 3 key business statements that are key in helping guide you in your business planning. To be successful, every business, no matter how big or small, should take the time to prepare them. It is important that they don’t simply reside in you head.

Today I celebrate one year of self-employment. Yep, one year of coffee shop lurking, pyjama pant wearing, and creating into the wee hours of the night. One year of thrilling new experiences, learning, and growth. Also, one year of occasional mind-shattering boredom and guilt.

How to be a walking, talking brand Have you ever cringed when someone asked you, “What do you do?” Even when I discovered work I truly loved doing and practiced how I would tell others the moment the spotlight was on me I froze! In these moments you have two options–one is to state your [...]

The more visitors get to spend time with you and understand why you create, the more likely they are to buy your work and tell their friends about you.

Simply My Harvest LLC is a series of financial e-courses created especially for creative entrepreneurs. These courses are designed to empower you and your business from your first steps to tax time and everything in between.

By developing each of the these five elements, you will build a strong visual identity and communicate a clear message to your customer that will be worth your efforts.

The best kept secret to getting those customers who are yearning for what it is you create? Put yourself in their shoes. Of all the possible groups of people you know you can sell to who is it you most love?

This will be my fourth holiday season on Etsy, and I have learned a lot of valuable lessons during my tenure in the glitter-filled trenches. No matter how many times I run errands or order packing materials, I will always run out when I need them the most.

Have you had the artistic slump hit you? Have you felt sometimes that you just are missing inspiration in your work? You’re not alone.

Are you prepared for the influx of customers that may come knocking on your business’s door? If not, I’m here to to give you a quick tip that can make your holiday experience a much easier one.