Let's answer some questions that my Instagram followers asked me! Don't feel like reading? Watch my newest YouTube video answering these questions, too!
Q: When/how did you start your business?
A: I did already write a blog post on this, but I started this business in June of 2022. I had gotten a Cricut machine for Christmas a few months earlier and started making stickers. I opened my Etsy shop with the help of my dad in June which was originally called Graceful Sticker Shop. After a few months, I realized I didn't want to limit myself to just stickers- I had so much more to offer! Now, we sell so many different items! Our Etsy got shut down in October of 2024 which was absolutely devastating, but I knew I couldn't give up on my small business. And that is how this website came to be! (Check out our full story in my other blogs!)
Q: What motivates your business work?
A: This is such a great question! Honestly, I absolutely love what I do. Yes, there are tedious parts like taking products pictures, uploading products to the site, prepping for shows, but it is all worth it to me. Seeing people truly love and get excited about what I make is the best feeling ever. Don't get me wrong, I have my moments where I feel so unmotivated to work and that is ok. This January, for example, was rough for me. As a student, I had midterms and it was just overall a busy month for me. I had little to no motivation to craft or make new products, but now I'm back in a groove. It happens and there is nothing wrong with being in a slump for a little bit!
Q: What gave you the idea to start a small business?
A: During the pandemic, I was really into bullet journaling. I loved buying stickers and sticker sheets from other small businesses to use in my journal. Once I learned how the creators made them, I knew that was what I wanted to learn how to do. Stickers was what I originally started selling but once I learned to craft and get creative, I couldn't stop making new things! I would see ideas online that I couldn't help but make myself. And that's how my business has grown so much!
Q: How do you price your items?
A: This is a good question... I think that everyone will tell you something different. For me personally, I account for all of the materials I use to make the product and factor in my time - which is SO important. Your time matters! If products are harder to make or take more time/materials, then it is more expensive. It can be hard to price your items at a point where you make a profit and your customers are happy, but don't undersell yourself! What you make and the time it takes you to make it is valuable.
Q: Do you like doing in-person markets/events? Are they hard?
A: For me, I love doing in-person craft shows and markets. I know for some business owners they are the opposite. They aren't always easy and it can be a long day. Set up, taking down, standing all day, handling payments, etc. can be tough! As a little business though, these shows are my money makers - especially if it is a well known and good event. Some events you can't know if they will be good or not and that is part of it. This process is trial and error. You will 100% attend shows that aren't good where it is slow and you might not make money- but that is ok. It is all about finding those shows that are IT- lots of people, good environment, not too long, etc. I totally recommend trying out a few in-person events if you run a business. If you don't like it in the end or find it isn't for you or your business, that's alright, but I think it is for sure worth a try.
Thank you for reading through our Q&A! I hope I answered some of your questions!