How it All Started: My Arts&Crafts Business

Starting my own small business was the biggest decision I did last year. I am excited and anxious at the same time. It's really my plan last 2020 to start selling my arts/crafts, since I found my new hobbies back then but it got delayed for a year due to some personal matters, that's why it only happened last year.

When the lockdown took place in 2020, Our Company opted for a Work From Home Set Up. I was just at home working using my sister's laptop (coz the company only provide limited numbers of laptop/PC for us). It's really hard at first because it's a new experience to me, there are alot of factors that can affect your working efficiency. Like, poor Internet Connection; sudden power-outrage; and slowness of laptop due to heavy files that i need to open. Those are just mostly some of my dillemas during my working time.

I had some stressful working days and arts/painting/drawing helped me to relax. I made the most artworks during that year and I also found my new hobbies, which are Sewing and Resin Crafting.

Sewing Canvas Tote Bags

I got an idea to sew my own canvas tote bag while doing some painting on a canvas bag i bought in the past. It made me buy a mini portable sewing machine so I can try and experience sewing.

Actually, I have a background in sewing since both of my Mom and Grandma used to work in a Dress Shop/Garments Factory, i love watching my Mom sewing curtains, our own clothes and stuffs.

I also bought canvas fabrics, tape measure, pins, thread and extra needles. My first mini sewing machine was worth P200plus only (4$+) it was really small and looks like a toy. I was able to use it for months before it stopped working. Next, I've bought a new mini sewing machine that was worth P1.3K(26$+). I made my first few bags, that I've used personally. I feel like I am ready to sell my bags, but my fear was bigger than my courage so I didn't do it in 2020.

After losing my job, I've upgraded to a much better sewing machine. I invested around P10,500 (210$) for a new sewing machine. It's convenient to use and much easier for me to sew.

Resin Crafting

It all started out of curiosity, on how it feels like to do resin crafting. I got hooked at watching different videos about Resin, it's mesmerizing to watch so I wanted to know if it's the same if i'll be the one doing it. My first resin craft is Resin Palette. The intention is to just make a resin palette myself so I bought a moulder, epoxy resin and dried flowers, but I found myself enjoying it so much that it made me buy other stuffs too. I've bought a letter moulders and some materials for keychain making.

I stopped making crafts and sewing bags for a while. I don't have much time to do all those things while working at home since I am always rendering overtime. Instead, I go back to paintings and drawing again.

Months had passed, then afterwards I lose my job. It made me realized that maybe this is the sign or my chance to finally do what I was not able to do back in 2020.

I made a plan again, on what products to offer. I decided to sell resin crafts first before the canvas tote bags. I invested in additional resin crafts materials as well as in the packaging that i will be using. Everything was almost ready except myself. I hesitated again, I got really scared. It took me a couple months of contemplating before I finally able to start my plans. It was almost end of November 2021 when I started with my Arts&Crafts business.

Everything started from just a simple hobby or escape whenever i feel stressed. After all the delays and hesitations, I never imagine that I'll be able to continue my plans and make it happen. I am thankful to one of the youtube video I came across while scrolling for some yt tutorials before. His words gave me a subtle push to start taking action. I think, everything that happened was part of my journey and it all perfectly in time. I wasn't late nor early, it happened the way it should be. On my next article I'll share the current status of my arts&craft business.

Lead Image edited in Canva

Own Images Used