At the start of 2013 I never imagined that I would be working for myself full time. It had always been my dream to be self employed but I never quite had the courage, until now!
How it began
I had been in the same job for 14 years but, since I had my son, I was struggling with less hours and no flexibility. It all began as an extra income project, making up bits and bobs in the evening and whenever I had any other precious spare time. Luckily for me, it seemed that people really wanted what I was offering. The orders started to trickle in and I thought if I could concentrate on this project fully I could really make a go of it. By June, I was ready to take the plunge!
It was a bit scary, leaping into the unknown but at the same time, a complete thrill. I knew I wasn't going to be earning millions but, on the other hand, we wouldn't starve! The last six months, the hours have been gruelling. I have been fitting in work around the school day and then beavering away until midnight every evening. But it has been so satisfying!
I had been in the same job for 14 years but, since I had my son, I was struggling with less hours and no flexibility. It all began as an extra income project, making up bits and bobs in the evening and whenever I had any other precious spare time. Luckily for me, it seemed that people really wanted what I was offering. The orders started to trickle in and I thought if I could concentrate on this project fully I could really make a go of it. By June, I was ready to take the plunge!
It was a bit scary, leaping into the unknown but at the same time, a complete thrill. I knew I wasn't going to be earning millions but, on the other hand, we wouldn't starve! The last six months, the hours have been gruelling. I have been fitting in work around the school day and then beavering away until midnight every evening. But it has been so satisfying!
Finding a niche
It was when I came up with the idea of my 'hat' pincushions that the ball really got rolling. I was amazed that, among the many pincushion styles, there really weren't that many hat shaped ones around! I had stumbled upon a little niche. My style had come together and I could now stamp the 'Crafty Jo' look onto any idea I came up with.
It was when I came up with the idea of my 'hat' pincushions that the ball really got rolling. I was amazed that, among the many pincushion styles, there really weren't that many hat shaped ones around! I had stumbled upon a little niche. My style had come together and I could now stamp the 'Crafty Jo' look onto any idea I came up with.
Are you ready?
If you are thinking about doing it for yourself, I thoroughly recommend it. There are a few, what I think are, golden rules.
If you are thinking about doing it for yourself, I thoroughly recommend it. There are a few, what I think are, golden rules.
- You have to be willing to put in the time and lots of it!
- I think it is also essential that you make quality products that you are passionate about, not something that you think will make a fast buck. The public are discerning and will see through tat.
- Countless hours will be spent social networking. Luckily for me, I rather enjoy this part. In this day and age it is completely necessary. There is no point having a beautiful website and gorgeous creations if nobody sees them!
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