Running a handmade business from home

 

Having run a handmade business from home for a number of years, I know how difficult it can be fitting it all in. Even as the kids get older, I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news but it doesn’t get much easier! Life just keeps on getting busier.

I wanted to share a few tips I’ve learnt along the way.

 

1. Involve your kids in your business.

 

Kids love to feel as though they are a part of anything you do. As I would prepare for a market on a Saturday night, a time that would normally be spent with the family, I would ask them to help me get ready for the next day. Give them simple little jobs such as by putting flyers in the bags. They will also become excited by your successes if they feel they’ve played a part no matter how small it was.

 

2. Discuss the importance of your business with them.

 

My girls knew right from the start that my business was a very important part of our family. I explained that the money I earn helps contribute to our household. Don’t dismiss your business as being unimportant. Show pride that you run a handmade business, you will be an awesome role model to your kids!

 

3. Running a handmade business in set hours can be difficult.

 

I often hear women who work from home say how they try to squeeze running a business into school hours, nap times or after hours when the kids have gone to bed.

Although I try to work inside the allocated hours I set, it is not always possible to stick to these boundaries. I learnt very early on that I couldn’t feel guilty about this. My family grew to understand I sometimes need to attend to business during time they feel is theirs.

 

4. Ask for help.

 

There will be days/weeks when nothing gets done around the house. Tea will go uncooked, washing piles litter the floor and school lunches will have been bought from the canteen three days in a row! If your kids are a little older ask them to pitch in with the chores. Simple things like helping get lunches made, tidying rooms or helping with dinner. Make it feel like it’s a team effort.

 

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This post was bought to you by Jodie Maloni is the owner of The Haby Goddess. You can find lots of craft and sewing tutorials over on her blog www.thehabygoddess.blogspot.com plus a gorgeous collection of haberdashery supplies from indie suppliers at the online store www.thehabygoddess.com.au