Being a self-employed designer and maker comes with a long list of unparalleled perks. What could be better than spearheading your own interior design brand? For starters, you get to set your own hours, make your own creative decisions, and be your own boss. But entrepreneurship - no matter the industry - is not for the faint of heart. Even the most creative, innovative, and successful of entrepreneurs face business...

One great thing about running your own business is you can do whatever you want with it. You can base your business on things you believe in. Most business owners who want to be eco-friendly will avoid using regular plastic tape, paper that is dyed or glossy, as well as styrofoam, like packing peanuts, in their boxes for shipping. Keep reading cheap and eco-friendly packaging ideas to find ideas on...

4 Things to Do When You Notice a Drop in Sales Businesses fluctuate all the time. Sometimes of the year are busier than others. And even the most successful and profitable businesses to go through slow spells. But sometimes a drop in sales can indicate that something has gone amiss with your business. How do you distinguish a short-term dip from a true sign of trouble? And what should you...

It's only October - but stores nationwide are already preparing for the holidays. It may seem a bit too early... But as a self-employed designer and maker, it's never too early to set your holiday goals. In fact, entrepreneurs in the design industry have much to look forward to with the holidays. What's there to anticipate aside from higher sales and more orders to ship out? For one thing, you...

Have you ever wondered what makes a business thrive? Of course, quality products and services form the foundation of any successful business. But there's almost always something unique that gives a business an edge. Some restaurants succeed solely because of their location. Some companies make it big because they invented something that no one had ever done before. Other businesses may do well because there's little to no competition nearby....

Time management is so important! How much time do you spend answers emails, posting on social media, and managing other tedious tasks? How often do those mundane, administrative tasks take away from time that could be spent growing your business or making your art? How many of those routine tasks could actually be done by someone else? Too many small business owners and makers spend too much time working on...

Creative burnout happens to even the most successful and innovative of designers. There are a lot of varying factors that lead to artists feeling void of inspiration. Whether the reasons are personal or job-related... you may be feeling the burnout, too. Are you wondering how to overcome creative burnout and find your groove again? If you're feeling like your creative energy is running on empty, here's what you can do...

Did you know that the majority of Americans feel unsatisfied at work? In fact, a 2014 report shows that over 52% of Americans were unhappy with their jobs. Overall job satisfaction has been on the decline. If you're looking to quit your job, you’re not alone. The prospect of being your own boss is one that many people dream of… but few ever pursue. How do you know when you're...

The process of creating new products is truly one that ebbs and flows. At times you may find your mind brimming to the top with brilliant ideas for products. And at other times, you may find yourself at a loss on what to create. As an independent designer, are you coming up with new ideas and concepts? How often are you yielding tangible results with your ideas? Creative roadblocks happen...

The Quick and Dirty Guide to Taxes for Makers The quick guide to taxes for makers will tell you everything you need to know. When makers start their own businesses, they get to benefit from being their own bosses. They get to set their own schedules. They get to be creative while they create their work. But, there is one challenge: taxes. As a business owner, it is helpful to...

How to eliminate stress and build productivity: Six helpful tips Small business owners and makers often find themselves overwhelmed by the challenges of getting work done. Whether they are busy making art or taking care of business tasks, all of these tasks take time and they can be stressful, too. Since makers often work alone, all of the stress of taking and processing orders, making products, as well as packaging...

When Someone Takes Your Design: How to Protect Your Art In the world of literature, experts theorize that there are only seven different types of stories and authors just keep recreating them with new characters and different settings. The uniqueness of storytelling comes in the style and content that authors put into their work. The same can be said about other art forms. When it comes to making art, there...

Time management is one of the most essential points of your startup business. It’s very easy to get distracted by tasks like emails and phone calls but making sure everything is running smoothly is crucial. Stephen R. Covey, businessman, educator, author, and keynote speaker said, “The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.” A very common question is how can you manage your time better? Fortunately, there...

In every business, it’s important to know your financial health. Knowing this information will help you make the best decisions for your business. It will also help avoid some financial problems. It doesn’t matter what method you use to keep track, just as long as you know how much money you are taking in and how much is going out. Keep on reading to find tips for tracking your business...

The holidays are approaching which means that your maker shop could get very busy, very soon. The holidays are exciting for Artisan Born makers who appreciate the increase in sales. But the holidays can also create stress for makers, too. Fortunately, other makers have been in this position, so you get to benefit from their experiences without having to undergo them yourself. Keep reading to find out how to keep...

It’s important to start budgeting for your handmade products business because it gives you a good baseline so you know where to start. Having a budget will help you figure many things like, how much money you have at that time, how much you will need to spend, and lastly, how much you need to collect to meet your goals. Those are the most important reasons. However, there are reasons...