Do your use a paper planner? An agenda? I use one called the Happy Planner. Lots of people use stickers in their planners. But people with the Happy Planner I feel use them more. One of the biggest draws to the planner is the fact that it is so pretty. I wanted to be able to make my own planner stickers that were specific to my life!
At first I was designing them in Google Drawings. But when I printed them out on the sticker paper, I had to cut them by hand. My planner uses a layout that stickers are not sized to fit. I had to size them and make them special.
Later I did a planner swap with a girl in my Facebook group. By then I had made the decision to purchase a Cricut. A Cricut is just a machine that will cut the stickers on the sticker paper and make them easy to use. It also comes with software to help you design stickers.So now I could make all kinds of custom stickers! My swap partner used a small planner that is also hard to buy stickers for that fit. I made her custom stickers that she loved my new Cricut. I posted them online and they got a lot of interest.
People were asking to see more designs. I got Adobe Illustrator on my tablet and a fine point drawing stylist. I drew a few things and watermarked them. Then I showed them to a few people online and got a really good response. A few people asked the name of the shop where I sell them. All this made me consider opening a shop on Etsy.
Opening an Etsy shop is exciting! The idea that I could make designs that people want in their planners makes me overjoyed! It sounds like it would be super easy too! Just a few clicks and photos and boom sales! But when I decided to research opening a shop I realized, if I treated it like a REAL BUSINESS, it would not be easy. It was going to take work! There are different requirements for each state. You have to report how much you charge in taxes, There is a decent amount of start up costs. You have to know how to get traffic to your shop. There is a whole guide on Etsy to read about how to run a successful business. You have to start your shop with product. There are tons of vids with tips.
So for this reason, I decided I needed a business plan. So I went online and found one I could use a guide. I wrote down my purpose and all that stuff. But the big part was when I added up all the start up costs. It was over a grand! I have actually found ways to lower that cost... But eventually I decided to open a shop. I am just going to buy the stuff I need a little at a time. I got a deal on some things. Other things I am going to start with and upgrade as I make money. I am slowly making product for the launch. I have to take some paper work to the courthouse at one point.
I really love making things for others they enjoy. If I can do that and make income, all the better! Plus, I love drawing and designing. It is therapeutic! I know setting up my shop will take time. I want to do it right! But also I just hope people love my designs! I hope that make their planning truely, Happy!
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