My Journey of Starting to Sell My Art

I started my journey of opening a business last year when I stumbled back onto a site a friend had mentioned years ago, Etsy. I was making stuff ALL OF THE TIME because I was at a place in my life where I felt I needed to create to have a more positive balance in my life. I was so confused about the process of obtaining a license and getting everything together, so I put it to the backburner while I focused on my busy school schedule. You need a business license if you plan on selling, in most states.

I started contacting organizations and teachers early this year, but many of them were not sure of how the process worked for e-commerce sites. So I decided to take a business class over the summer to get a better handle on things. I also attended a seminar at the local library, which was hosted by another Etsy shop owner.

So with a better outlook and a little breathing room from the subject I took what steps I essentially needed and decided to break it up into smaller tasks I could complete over time.

My Process:

 

1. Product: I had plenty of creations and would always worry about whether I had enough, but figured I would make more over time and through the excitement of life.
2. Naming the Business: Ok, this was a struggle, as it is for many others. Whoever has tried creating a business name will often tell you it is. I knew what I wanted it to portray and the feelings I wanted to express. I made lists upon lists for months until I came up with Quirky Heartmade, which I love.
   
   
   
   
3. Business Filing: So the research for what to file and the naming process were running concurrently. By the way as I am writing this, I just filed my name. And they approved me. Yay!!!! I was obsessively checking, because I thought since I filed at 11am yesterday morning, I thought I would get approved same day, but even better. I got the email of approval at 8am Halloween morning! Happy Halloween to me!!!                                                                                                     

*Start at your state government sites or do a google search for tax government with your state to see what you need.     

As for my process, I had to decide my business setup (which can differ: sole proprietor, LLC, Corporation-variations, Partnerships and there are a few more) register my name, possibly register for an Employment ID Number (EIN/FEIN), sales tax permit, no zoning permits for me luckily because I am not selling directly out of my house but look into that, there are a few more based on your location and line of work.
**A lot of times you can just email or do things online so definitely try that if you're an introvert or if you have extreme social anxiety or other reason where you are unable to call. But they are usually both quick options, so don't rule out calling.                                 

By the way, at least for Ohio you need both a vendor's license (online) and transient vendor's license (if you want to do craft shows). I was a little surprised by that but it makes sense.

     4.    Packaging: I saw what everyone was doing at craft fairs and online, but was unsure of how creative my mailing packaging could be. One of the best books I found at a local library that I absolutely LOVED was: Packaging Your Crafts: Creative Ideas for Crafters, Artists, Bakers, & More. That was unbelievably inspirational. My research has given me some awesome ideas for when I package my own crafts.

Packaging really is just based on the personality of what you are selling, though. Have fun and be creative with it. Do something that speaks to you!

    Other helpful hints:

• By the way this is just my personal process it may differ from state to state or country or profession. However, there are often state websites where you can search for your needed information.

• Just remember to break it down into easier tasks and don't try to think of it all at once. It is helpful to think of it as what you must do to get to the next step or as a checklist.
• Just be passionate about what you are doing so it will give you the drive to get there!
• Have a way to determine if you will be able to be successful before starting.
• Start a log of your expenses, possibly using google docs. It's good prep work.
• If you're in a place where you're waiting for anything to go through, but know you're going to get it, try to buy packaging or other useful items but don't overdo it, just in case.

These beginning blog posts might be a little out of order. Sorry about that. Tried finding the right way to organize.