3 answers
stella
Student
Lisle, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
743 views
How can I get a business off the ground?
My parents have always encouraged me (14) to have my own business, so I when I suggested that I sell my art, they were super excited. However, due to our extremely busy lives, the idea of me owning a small business was thrown to the side for at least a year. I want to start a business, but I have no clue what to do. I have so many options, but I’m not sure which would be the most profitable. I could crochet pieces and sell them, I could make digital stickers and sell them on shirts or sweatshirts, or I could even hand-draw art pieces and sell them that way. The problem is, the website in which I plan to sell on is Etsy, which is SUPER competitive for small businesses focused on selling art. I’m not sure which path would provide the best profit or which path would interfere with my schedule the least. I need help, and fast!
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Stella !
Your question and the information makes me happy and I am so impressed at your talent and ambition ! There is a way this can be done. I am very enthusiastic about you getting your business up and running.
It sounds like you have no issues with the ability to produce the merchandise you have such a talent for. First I would suggest continue to produce all sorts of the handmade items you've mentioned. Produce the stock you will need. My first idea is to not discount in-person shoppers. There are consignment shops near your area and I will provide a list of them in a link below. Try meeting with the shop owner and say that you have some items you'd like to consign at the shop. How this usually works is that when your item is sold, the shop owner gets part of the sale money and you get part of the sale money. This may be good for starters. See how it goes.
Continue with Etsy. You never know who is going to like your particular item. It's worth keeping Etsy as that is another opportunity to sell. Sure, there are lots of stores and items on there, but people have a certain style they like and it just may be that your items catch their eye.
Find local flea markets and occupy a booth. This can be great for selling all of your items that you've mentioned, that's why your first step would be production of quantity. Check with the flea market managers about any fees involved in using a space or booth at their flea market. Something in addition and similar to this would be the opportunity to have a space at any local fair, bazar, festival, holiday fairs and events similar to those.
For your artwork, if you want to get more into designs, drawing and even if you want to start making paintings, visit some cafes or restaurants about your artwork. I have been to some eateries, cafes, tea houses that have people's painting and drawings for sale on their walls. Just ask the owner if they would give you a showing, even if they say one or two, it will be a way to possibly sell your art work. You can work all this around your schedule.
Another idea I have is to think of this as a crafting/artist venture. Connect with some crafts people and artists in your town and find out what they are doing. Since they are most likely older and full-fledged into their careers, they could really be of help.
It sounds like you are doing all the positive things to get your business on the way. You are very fortunate that you have good supports because that greatly helps and is of the utmost importance. In conclusion, when it comes to your type of business, you should cover all bases - internet and brick and mortar shops and open air markets. That increases your sales. Having your own business means that you set your own schedule, so there's no reason to worry about fitting it into your schedule as you are the manager.
I wish you all the best in school and creating your own business. It sounds very exciting and I am happy for you to have the opportunity !
https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Consignment+Shops&find_loc=Lisle,+IL+60532 CONSIGNMENT SHOPS IN LISLE
Your question and the information makes me happy and I am so impressed at your talent and ambition ! There is a way this can be done. I am very enthusiastic about you getting your business up and running.
It sounds like you have no issues with the ability to produce the merchandise you have such a talent for. First I would suggest continue to produce all sorts of the handmade items you've mentioned. Produce the stock you will need. My first idea is to not discount in-person shoppers. There are consignment shops near your area and I will provide a list of them in a link below. Try meeting with the shop owner and say that you have some items you'd like to consign at the shop. How this usually works is that when your item is sold, the shop owner gets part of the sale money and you get part of the sale money. This may be good for starters. See how it goes.
Continue with Etsy. You never know who is going to like your particular item. It's worth keeping Etsy as that is another opportunity to sell. Sure, there are lots of stores and items on there, but people have a certain style they like and it just may be that your items catch their eye.
Find local flea markets and occupy a booth. This can be great for selling all of your items that you've mentioned, that's why your first step would be production of quantity. Check with the flea market managers about any fees involved in using a space or booth at their flea market. Something in addition and similar to this would be the opportunity to have a space at any local fair, bazar, festival, holiday fairs and events similar to those.
For your artwork, if you want to get more into designs, drawing and even if you want to start making paintings, visit some cafes or restaurants about your artwork. I have been to some eateries, cafes, tea houses that have people's painting and drawings for sale on their walls. Just ask the owner if they would give you a showing, even if they say one or two, it will be a way to possibly sell your art work. You can work all this around your schedule.
Another idea I have is to think of this as a crafting/artist venture. Connect with some crafts people and artists in your town and find out what they are doing. Since they are most likely older and full-fledged into their careers, they could really be of help.
It sounds like you are doing all the positive things to get your business on the way. You are very fortunate that you have good supports because that greatly helps and is of the utmost importance. In conclusion, when it comes to your type of business, you should cover all bases - internet and brick and mortar shops and open air markets. That increases your sales. Having your own business means that you set your own schedule, so there's no reason to worry about fitting it into your schedule as you are the manager.
I wish you all the best in school and creating your own business. It sounds very exciting and I am happy for you to have the opportunity !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
350
Answers
Spanish Fork, Utah
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Look at this workbook and see how you can use its steps to help you get started in something: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/topics/self-reliance/2017/14678_sgmb_book_eng.pdf?lang=eng
Then you might want to check out Dave Ramsey's book EntreLeadership and see how it can be helpful.
Then you might want to check out Dave Ramsey's book EntreLeadership and see how it can be helpful.
Ryan Cody
Lead Product Designer & UX UI Engineer
2
Answers
Greenville, South Carolina
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hi Stella!
Kudos on your decision to launch your own design and art enterprise! This venture offers immense freedom, an aspect that we, as creative individuals, greatly appreciate.
The first step in this journey is to establish your brand identity. As a business owner, your initial design task is to determine how you want your enterprise to be perceived. Elements such as logos, color schemes, potential website designs, or tags for crochet items will not only position your business as a credible contender but also make it seem more tangible to you.
When it comes to products, designs that begin as digital assets can be highly profitable early on and can be produced swiftly. For instance, printable stickers or logo t-shirts can be created as orders come in during the initial stages of your business. This approach allows you to assess the demand for these products before committing to large-scale production. This could be a good starting point from a design standpoint.
Moreover, as you create these designs, seek feedback from everyone - friends, family, classmates. Listen to their likes and dislikes, but remember, you are the designer, so use your discretion when considering their advice. Incorporate their feedback into your design decisions and continue to refine your designs. This iterative process will eventually yield a product that your target audience will appreciate. If they express a liking for your products, encourage them to make a purchase.
Once you have your digital product and business design assets, you can set up a store on platforms like Fiverr or Etsy and start selling your merchandise. It's important to keep a record of your sales and profits, as this will be necessary for tax purposes once you start earning, which is a positive sign!
Lastly, consider officially setting up your business entity (LLC or S-Corp / C-Corp). Platforms like LegalZoom can simplify this process. You'll need to choose a business name and register with your secretary of state (if you're in the US), a process that LegalZoom can guide you through. Alternatively, you could hire a lawyer (which can be costly) or do it yourself (which can be challenging).
Once these steps are completed, you'll officially be a business owner!
I suggest doing this only after you've established all of your business assets (like logo, color palettes, potential website, etc.) as these will be required to demonstrate that you're a legitimate operating business. Also, ensure that you have a steady income (either from your business or another job) to sustain your business (and figure out your minimum operating cost).
As you grow, consider seeking professional help with tax services.
While this may seem overwhelming, running your own design business can be incredibly fulfilling and creatively liberating. The best part is, you don't have to do everything all at once. You can pace yourself, figuring out your preferred direction and learning about entrepreneurship and design simultaneously.
Wishing you all the best, Stella!
Design logos, color palettes, potential website, and other business assets
Design digital products to be made into merchandise.
Get feedback on your designs from everyone.
Consolidate that feedback and make design decisions.
Set up store on Etsy or Fiverr
Kudos on your decision to launch your own design and art enterprise! This venture offers immense freedom, an aspect that we, as creative individuals, greatly appreciate.
The first step in this journey is to establish your brand identity. As a business owner, your initial design task is to determine how you want your enterprise to be perceived. Elements such as logos, color schemes, potential website designs, or tags for crochet items will not only position your business as a credible contender but also make it seem more tangible to you.
When it comes to products, designs that begin as digital assets can be highly profitable early on and can be produced swiftly. For instance, printable stickers or logo t-shirts can be created as orders come in during the initial stages of your business. This approach allows you to assess the demand for these products before committing to large-scale production. This could be a good starting point from a design standpoint.
Moreover, as you create these designs, seek feedback from everyone - friends, family, classmates. Listen to their likes and dislikes, but remember, you are the designer, so use your discretion when considering their advice. Incorporate their feedback into your design decisions and continue to refine your designs. This iterative process will eventually yield a product that your target audience will appreciate. If they express a liking for your products, encourage them to make a purchase.
Once you have your digital product and business design assets, you can set up a store on platforms like Fiverr or Etsy and start selling your merchandise. It's important to keep a record of your sales and profits, as this will be necessary for tax purposes once you start earning, which is a positive sign!
Lastly, consider officially setting up your business entity (LLC or S-Corp / C-Corp). Platforms like LegalZoom can simplify this process. You'll need to choose a business name and register with your secretary of state (if you're in the US), a process that LegalZoom can guide you through. Alternatively, you could hire a lawyer (which can be costly) or do it yourself (which can be challenging).
Once these steps are completed, you'll officially be a business owner!
I suggest doing this only after you've established all of your business assets (like logo, color palettes, potential website, etc.) as these will be required to demonstrate that you're a legitimate operating business. Also, ensure that you have a steady income (either from your business or another job) to sustain your business (and figure out your minimum operating cost).
As you grow, consider seeking professional help with tax services.
While this may seem overwhelming, running your own design business can be incredibly fulfilling and creatively liberating. The best part is, you don't have to do everything all at once. You can pace yourself, figuring out your preferred direction and learning about entrepreneurship and design simultaneously.
Wishing you all the best, Stella!
Ryan recommends the following next steps: