Phase 1: Decide What to Sell
| Product Type |
Examples |
Notes |
| Handmade Items |
Jewelry, resin art, candles, bags |
Direct crafting time needed |
| Custom Orders |
Personalized shirts, signs, stationery |
Charge for time and uniqueness |
| Digital Products |
SVG files, patterns, templates |
Passive income potential |
| Craft Supplies |
Stickers, kits, blanks |
Inventory + fulfillment required |
| Teaching/Workshops |
Virtual or local craft classes |
Requires prep & camera setup |
Phase 2: Validate the Idea
| Method |
What to Do |
Why It Helps |
| Market Research |
Check Etsy, TikTok trends |
See what’s in demand |
| Survey Potential Buyers |
Ask on IG stories or Facebook |
Tailor your offer |
| Test Listings |
List 1–2 items online or at market |
Gauge interest before investing big |
| Cost/Time Analysis |
Track hours + materials |
Ensure profitability |
Phase 3: Setup Essentials
| Platform |
Best For |
Pros |
Cons |
| Etsy |
Handmade & vintage |
Big audience, search traffic |
Fees add up |
| Shopify |
Brand control |
Customization, SEO |
Monthly cost |
| Facebook/Instagram |
Local sales, outreach |
Easy setup, no site needed |
Not scalable alone |
| Craft Markets |
In-person connection |
Instant feedback |
Inventory risk |
| TikTok Shop |
Trend-based items |
Viral potential |
Learning curve |
Business Setup Checklist
| Item |
Notes |
Optional/Required |
| Business name & logo |
Pick something memorable |
✅ Recommended |
| Separate bank account |
Track expenses clearly |
✅ Strongly Advised |
| Business license (if needed) |
Check local bylaws |
⚠️ Location-dependent |
| Pricing structure |
Based on materials + time |
✅ Critical |
| Packaging materials |
Branded if possible |
✅ Necessary |
Phase 4: Crafting Your Offer
Craft Pricing Cheat Table
| Cost Category |
Example |
Notes |
| Materials |
$4 in beads, $2 in wire |
Always track actual usage |
| Time |
2 hours @ $15/hr = $30 |
Don’t undervalue your time |
| Overhead |
Packaging, electricity, tools |
Divide by number of units |
| Profit Margin |
Add 30–50%+ |
Leave room for discounts/fees |
| Retail Price |
~$50+ |
Cost + margin = price |
Phase 5: Build Your Brand
| Element |
Action |
Result |
| Logo |
Use Canva, Looka, or Fiverr |
Builds recognition |
| Social Media Handle |
Match your name across platforms |
Consistency |
| Product Photography |
Use natural light + props |
First impression matters |
| Short Bio |
Who you are + what you make |
Builds trust |
| Tagline |
E.g. “Whimsical Laser-Cut Jewelry” |
Reinforces niche |
Phase 6: Time Management Tips
| Time Saver |
Description |
Value |
| Batch Work |
Make 10 items in a row vs 1 |
Saves setup time |
| Pre-schedule Posts |
Use Meta Planner or Buffer |
Maintain presence |
| Limit Custom Slots |
Prevent burnout |
Protect your time |
| Track with a Planner |
Use Notion, Trello, paper |
See what’s realistic |
Phase 7: Grow Smart
First 90-Day Goals
| Goal |
Metric |
Tool |
| Make First 10 Sales |
Etsy or Instagram |
Promote weekly |
| Build Email List |
50+ signups |
Mailchimp or ConvertKit |
| Gain Followers |
200–500 IG/TikTok |
Consistent reels/stories |
| Add 1 New Product |
Based on demand |
Analyze messages/sales |
Bonus: Side Hustle Pitfalls to Avoid
| Mistake |
Why It Hurts |
Fix |
| Undervaluing Your Work |
No room for profit |
Raise prices or simplify |
| No Tracking |
Lose money or miss trends |
Use basic spreadsheets |
| Skipping Research |
Products flop |
Always validate ideas |
| Taking On Too Much |
Leads to burnout |
Set weekly goals, say no |
| Ignoring Branding |
Blends into crowd |
Focus on photos, voice, name |
Turn your passion into profit , without losing your creative joy.