When I came home and told my husband that I wanted to quit my teaching job and become the editor of a local magazine, he didn’t blink an eye. When I added, “And I want to start my own stationery business,” you could see the look of panic begin to cross his face.
For my entire working life, I’ve struggled to find a job that allowed creativity but that also paid well. My husband would say that there aren’t many out there, that a job is just a job, and that I shouldn’t worry about being happy, just about bringing home some money (the male point of view I guess).
I don’t know about you, but for me, I have to love what I’m doing. It took a while for him to get on board with my decisions, but when he did, he was very supportive.
But then the business started doing well, and I wanted to expand. I brainstormed things I could do: scrapbooking, handmade notecards … Then, I came across custom decorated clipboards – a perfect use for my extra scrapbook paper. It was a big hit!
After that, I expanded to making decoupage domino necklaces using scraps of paper I already had. At this point, my husband warned me: “Don’t start doing too much, what you do won’t be special anymore.” I promised him I’d stick to things that used my scrapbook paper and not venture too far out of my current zone. We shook on it.
He was right. Expanding too much meant I wouldn’t be special anymore. I had to decide what made me special and create a niche out of it. But how? I had so many ideas filling my head and so many things I enjoyed creating. How did I know what to focus on?
Here’s what I learned:
1. Hobby vs. Business
There’s a difference between a hobby and a business. Just because I like doing something doesn’t mean I can make money at it. For the purpose of finding my niche, I’d have to determine which was which.
2. Group like Items
I like to bake, write, edit, read, sleep, scrapbook, design, and take photos. But, it doesn’t make sense to have a bakeshop where I also sell invitations I designed. It doesn’t really fit well together. But, I can create a store where I sell birthday invitations and also items that make the perfect gift – it’s a one-stop shop, and it covers many of my passions.
3. Realize the Need for Change
Yes, change. I started with just stationery. Then added some items; then cut back. It takes a while to find your niche and what will work for you. Change is good and helps you get closer to finding what works for you.
4. Take Risks
This is kind of like changing. You won’t know what you’re really good at until you try it. You won’t know what sells until you put it out there for sale. This may mean taking risks, but ultimately, it will get you closer to finding your niche, and it will pay off.
Conclusion
On a final note, I didn’t find my niche by doing something I knew would make money. I found something that made me happy. Then, I found a way to make money at it. Have you found your niche?
Angela @ always B designs
Hi Anna! Thanks for the comments. I’m glad this article has been so well received! I think a lot of people feel the same way. Good luck to you!
Anna
Great advice and so timely for me! Love it. I too have a lot of ideas around my concept. It makes since to start with one idea ….learn the lessons, fine tune and then expand… And of course if necessary retract! ; 0 )
Angela @ always B designs
Thanks for the comments Karen! I can’t really say that I’m not burned out ever, so hang in there. It’s okay to do more than one thing. I still get overwhelmed by keeping up with my blog, social media, and everything else that goes along with marketing my business. You definitely sound passionate, which is a good start! :)
karen
I am still struggling with this area. I quit my work to stay home for my kids. Then, I got into selling on Etsy. Then, I discovered making eco-friendly items was the responsible thing to do. Then, I discovered blogging about being ‘green’ complimented my shop but at the same time, it took time away from creating. Then, I became a co-leader for EcoEtsy Team. Now, I really have no time to create. *sigh*
I do have too many ideas and I do have to focus….soon before I burn out. Thanks for the article.
Angela @ always B designs
Thanks Mary! I think a lot of people can relate, which is why I chose the topic I did. You will eventually find what works for you and it will be successful. Don’t get discouraged by slow growth. :)
Mary @ The Writer's Block
What an excellent article! I’ve been working on fine-tuning my niche, but I think I get distracted on the “make money” part. I’ve worked so hard at things in the past with money the #1 priority (though I did enjoy them) and they didn’t succeed. I love your advice that only when you focused on what you love THEN how to make that lucrative, you succeeded.
Thanks!