November 15, 2017

[130] When a Hobby Should Stay a Hobby with Amanda Adams

27 minutes

You want to turn your handmade hobby into a business… but, should you?

Is turning your hobby into a business really what you want? Have you thought about what that would mean?

How much time you’ll have to devote to the ‘business’ side of things? How little time you’ll have to actually design and make things?

How taking your relaxing creative hobby and turning it into a business will fundamentally change your relationship with your craft?

In today’s episode I talk to Amanda Adams – the sewasarus behind the successful Bimble & Pimble blog and #bpsewvember Instagram challenge.

She is my dear friend… who makes absolutely no money out of her sewing hobby. And she likes it that way.

Why? Listen in to hear why she’s made the conscious decision to keep her hobby a hobby, and why you might want to do the same.

P.S. This is the final new show of the year! As of next week I’ll be starting the Summer Series: Best of 2017.

See you in 2018! If you want to join me in January for the Handmade Biz Bootcamp (a 3-week course to kick-start your year) make sure to join the Thriver Circle when membership opens soon.

Love the show? You can show your support by:

Leaving a review on the C&T FB page.

Leaving a review on iTunes.

Donating a few dollars towards the costs of producing the pod.

Joining the Thriver Circle – without the members of the Circle, this podcast would not be possible.

Quotes and Highlights in this episode:

When you start a business your time is redirected into the business rather than the craft.

“It’s vital that you get enjoyment out of the business side of things” {Jess}

With a business the results of your creative pursuits are for someone else rather than for you and yours.

Consider whether there is a market gap for your service or skill set.

What happens to the enjoyment of your business when it becomes your business?

“If you turn all your creativity to profit… it will fundamentally change your relationship with your hobby.” {Jess}

Rather than sell a finished labour intensive product are there ways to sell things related to the product such as patterns or teaching?

There are options is you would like to experiment with starting a business.

If you are on the fence about starting a business consider going into business with someone else to share the load.

Give yourself permission to trial and choose not to continue if it doesn’t work.

“If you love your hobby and want to start a business – give it a crack” {Jess}

Reflect on your core values to help make a decision. Only you will know if this is the best choice for you.

“You don’t have to turn your passion into a business.” {Jess}

But remember: you can always change your mind and try it as a business in the future.

Find Amanda on her blog and instagram.

Download or listen to this episode.

http://createandthrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/130_when_your_hobby_should_stay_a_hobby_with_amanda_adams.mp3

You can also subscribe to the podcast and listen to this episode on iTunes + Stitcher)

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By Jess Van Den

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