My cookie artist friends and I have some character traits in common. We began and continue to run our businesses from our homes. We had the desire to help our families' finances by adding another stream of income while being stay-at-home moms, homeschoolers or working full-time jobs. Our businesses are creative outlets that allow flexibility in our schedules and the ability to be our own bosses. Are you eager for these benefits as well? No, I'm not offering you a pyramid scheme, but sound advice from someone who's gone from dipping my toes in the water to semi-serious business owner who has learned some hard lessons along the way.
First, determine your motivation. I mentioned a few above; yours may be the same or differ, but you will need reasons for working late nights, making hard choices and not giving up when the going gets tough. And it will. Some of the challenges I've faced are economic downturns, supply chain issues, fussy customers, maintaining marketplaces and social platforms and solving all kinds of problems I never foresaw or knew existed. When I run into these trials, I go back to the roots of this business:
my family (see banner above) and my creativity in designing cutters
I also love working with talented artists like Korey, who designed the above cookie set.
Secondly, and super importantly if you're planning on running your business from home, start small. Our cookie cutter business began with one bundle, the ugly sweater,
and when that sold well, we started adding more cutter bundles for Christmas then eventually branched out into other occasions. I've read of cookie decorators that started with one shower or birthday party and gradually added more as their schedules allowed.
Third, organization is key to establishing your own business. Yes, you will have to organize supplies, materials and work space, but you will also need to coordinate your business plan which includes aspects such as finances, overview (purpose and story) and marketing. This step may seem overwhelming, especially if you don't have a background in or education for business ownership. To be honest and transparent, I do not understand every in and out of it all even now, and some things, like taxes, can be handed over to a professional in that field. You can investigate and learn as you go. Your concepts will change over time, and that's okay. You can grow with your business.
Fourth, use social media and search engines to establish a web presence and as a marketing tool even if in the beginning you will be serving your neighbors, so to speak. As you scale, you may be able to ship your products, you may want to write a blog or offer services such as classes. If you have these in place, adding value will be icing on the cookie.
Last but not least, form quality relationships with other entrepreneurs. Join Facebook groups in your field where you can ask questions. We have also hired coaches in the past who have built successful businesses to help us boost our skills and knowledge. You can also connect with mentors and teachers at conferences and conventions. We have formed relationships with people locally (our manufacturer) as well as cookie decorators as far away from our home in the Midwest one can go and still be in the United States.
Remember, I don't have a business degree, so my advice and encouragement comes from trial and error (and error and error and error). I have learned that building a business has strengthened my faith and relationships, allowed me more flexibility with my time which has brought opportunities of its own and given me an outlet for my creativity and curiosity. My prayer is that you are blessed in these ways and much more!