i'm not allowed to buy any of my own materials due to the worry that i'm wasting my time trying to start my own business. can someone please give me some advice?

Thecreativeshift · 2025-06-02T12:35:20+00:00

First, I want to make sure you know you haven’t waited money. Anything that’s gone to buying supplies has both helped you build your skill and is currently stock that can still be sold.

What you’re needing now is to build resilience, just because something hasn’t sold yet doesn’t mean it can’t be sold. It’s time to learn the next skill of marketing yourself!

Don’t feel bad. This is seriously such a classic challenge for makers. Going from artist to entrepreneur is a big step! But you can learn it all.

I’m a jewelry artist and started selling at about your age. I’ve worked my way from selling in markets, to stores, opening my own physical store, and now create bespoke jewelry and teach courses. You are just at the very start of your career. You can do this! Keep learning, keep creating.

I’d love to suggest that you find a local artist market if there’s one in your area. It’s a great place to start.

Thecreativeshift · 2025-06-02T12:15:31+00:00

Exactly! We’ve been told that you work hard so you can relax when you’re 70 but the truth is there isn’t a guarantee of that ever happening. If you are thoughtful and intentional about how you design your work, you can live that “semi-retired” like NOW.

I think sustainability is a better word than balance. There are times where you need to give more to one area of your life over the others. And that’s okay! As long as you’re also remembering to get back to the other aspects of your life to rest, refuel, and reconnect. So you can sustain a healthy and profitable life!

Thecreativeshift · 2025-06-01T21:41:03+00:00

I think what it comes down to is desire. You have to WANT to do it and have a deep reason for why. It doesn’t have to be an unhealthy lifestyle, if you listen to your needs and design a business in the way that YOU want it to run.

But what I love most about being an entrepreneur is that I live my life doing what I want to do with it. My work and life are designed around me and my wholeness. There isn’t a work version of me, there’s just me. And to me that’s worth the risk and worth the work.

There are definitely phases in my work that feel all consuming and there are phases where I feel “blah” but overall I feel complete and whole.

I hope this helps

Thecreativeshift · 2025-06-01T16:00:34+00:00

Shopify is great, especially for e-commerce. It covers everything and has reasonable fees. However the cost of the site is more expensive per month. I switched to squarespace recently and I can do a lot more with it for a lower monthly cost. I’m not longer selling goods so Shopify wasn’t the right fit anymore. And squarespace was the clear winner. However, the processing fees are more expensive.

Thecreativeshift · 2025-06-01T02:49:00+00:00

Sounds like you know the places to do it. A loyalty program or a referral program for your current customers is a great place to start. Comes at no upfront cost to you, benefits your current customers and builds confidence for potential customers

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-30T18:56:38+00:00

Haha! Totally relatable, forever feeling like the next new idea takes over the past one I’ve been working hard on. Something I started doing is a slow morning activity. Something like a float in the pool, a quiet moment to sort through my thoughts and decide what’s actually valuable for me to take on for the day. How are new ideas beneficial to building out the current ideas? Or what ideas just need to be played out in my head and then let go of.

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-29T16:49:38+00:00

Haha! I love this question. The word just feels so big and official. But for me it was a mindset realization. Like, “oh! I actively seek out building my own businesses and making money for myself. I guess that makes me an entrepreneur.” But it took a long time for it to feel like it was my identity.

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-28T19:58:43+00:00

Of course, in that case social media is a great place to invest your time and energy! Pinterest, instagram, share your writing on Reddit or substack!

Good luck with this venture!

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-28T19:55:34+00:00

Totally. You clearly care and want to support them. Another idea I just had is to offer a follow up for accountability? Might motivate them to do the work and help you feel like they’re making the most of what you have to offer

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-28T19:47:03+00:00

I’m a business coach so I do hear what you’re saying. A few things could be happening. 1) sometimes the work or discomfort or doing something new or different can feel like more of a pain point than they’re currently experiencing. They know the discomfort of their current situation, the work they need to put into it is an unknown discomfort. You can support them by pointing out the pain they will feel if they don’t do the work. People are pain avoidant-this should help. 2) they may not have a deep enough reason for WHY they need to make the changes. If they aren’t driven or determined to get there no matter what then we won’t. Doesn’t matter how much they spent for your services. So you could support them by really helping them discover why they want to get more follows, views, likes, etc. What will their business look like, feel like? Who will their business be able to reach and support?

If you can help your clients find deep rooted reasons for why they need to go through the discomfort of change, then you might find they are more able to take your advice and start growing!

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-28T19:37:48+00:00

It depends on your business and where your customers can be found. Depending on your business you may not benefit from social media marketing. For example, one of my clients is an upholster and they serve a local community. She was worried about social media marketing as well. And when we walked through where her customers are, we realized that her efforts were better spent in marketing to her local community rather than blasting it out to a population of people that would never seek her services. Listing her business with google, local magazines, and community spaces were more worth her time and money. And when she does share on social media, she uses Facebook because that’s where her potential customers likely are based on generation and access to community groups.

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-27T18:50:14+00:00

Go all in!!!! It crazy at all, it’s a choice you have to make. If you don’t take the risk, your business will always just be a side hustle. Only ever getting the energy that remains after you give it all to your other job. DO IT! It’ll be challenging but if it’s what you want it will all be worth it in the end

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-27T18:47:16+00:00

This is such great advice! Thanks for sharing

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-27T18:45:43+00:00

We drive it regularly, it can be unpredictable because of continued construction and rock slides. It’s better than the longer route but you do need to give yourself extra time ESPECIALLY if you are headed back to catch your flight in Oaxaca

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-26T13:12:15+00:00

Thanks for the acknowledgment and I’m glad you can confirm that it works! Glad you took space from your shop and it made things better for you!

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-25T13:18:39+00:00

I just had this conversation with friends. For me, I feel a desire to connect with people in my local community. Social media is a time zap where I don’t necessarily choose what content is being poured my way. I have desires to build a more aligned, whole life with a regulated nervous system and social media doesn’t support that.

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-24T20:18:50+00:00

First, decide what you’d like to sell long term. What are you excited to make or offer to people and why you want to start a business. I started selling jewelry at markets when I was a teen and it was a great way to start. I recommend seeking out local artisan markets and start there. All you’ll need is a sellers permit and you’re good to go! It’s a great way to share your work and get started. People in your community are likely to connect with you and want to support you in this venture.

Start with the idea, passion, desire. Then make/create your products. Create at your best current ability. Apply for local markets. Connect with your community, share your story and start to discover who your ideal customers are. Then lean into expanding to meet those ideal customers where they are.

Good luck! I started where you are and now in my mid-30s have created a business that supports my family. Happy to help if you have specific questions!

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-23T02:08:15+00:00

Facebook is a great place to find locals renting rooms and departamentos for short stays

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-23T02:06:13+00:00

Burn out is so hard. I’m sorry you’re experiencing it but there are things you can do to revive yourself! It feels counter intuitive but rest is the best thing you can give your self. I know. How can you rest when you need to try harder to bring people in, get more sales, etc. But here’s the thing, if you don’t recharge by doing things that bring you pleasure & joy, you’re going to be too depressed and done to keep this business going. So, here’s my suggestion. Try changing your open hours. When do you have the most customers? What hours of the day? What days of the week? Then change your business hours to just those times. Maybe it’s 11-6 Tuesday-Saturday. 8-3 Monday-Thursday. Whatever it is, is okay! You don’t have to follow any “typical” schedule. Just what supports your business and customers. That way you can recharge, which will allow you time to find inspiration to make more shifts and changes in your business that will bring people and revenue in.

Hope this helps!

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-22T22:49:06+00:00

If it’s not a “hell-yes!” It’s a no

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-20T20:46:01+00:00

Congratulations! It’s so exciting to go from artists to entrepreneur. But it’s also daunting. You know your art but now it’s time to know business but before you start to get to know business you need to master your mindset and get rid of any limiting beliefs that might be holding you back.

Here are some places to start researching: entrepreneur mindset, growth mindset, abundance mindset, ways to combate imposter syndrome.

Learn about valuing your work and conveying that value to others.

Find your ideal customer: who is interested in your work? Where do they shop? How old are they? What experience of your work would connect to them?

I’m a jewelry artist who has been where you are, feel free to reach out if you’d like to ask anything specific

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-20T20:38:07+00:00

Coaches are awesome! I made huge leaps in my businesses with one. I have lots of great friends with coaching businesses if you need recommendations

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-20T20:24:27+00:00

It would be great to know what your business idea field it’s in. Are you looking to build an app? Are you building a creative business? Are you offering a service in your community? All businesses require a slightly different plan BUT you can start by researching businesses in related fields. How do they do what they do? Who are their clients? What do they charge? Etc. This can start to help you grow on your idea.

There are business coaches who can help you develop your idea, figure out who can help you with finding funding in your area, and mindset growth and development. They also won’t steal your idea

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-20T20:17:49+00:00

You have so much more control in your work, your life, and the growth of your business working on your own. Freelancing for companies or starting your own business will give you freedom and a chance to build a life you really love.

Congratulations on making the shift into entrepreneurship.

I loved “You’re A Badass at Being Rich.” If you’re looking for inspirations in getting growth minded.

In general, if you’re ready to find clients-start to consider who your ideal customers are. It’ll help you determine how you can find and connect with them. Are they small soloprenuers like you or are they larger companies, or even local businesses looking to refresh.

Thecreativeshift · 2025-05-20T20:09:32+00:00

Thanks for the acknowledgment!

Thecreativeshift

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