Top 5 Lessons Learned As A Small Business Owner

Getting from There…

I have been running my little business for just over 2 years now. And, as you can imagine, there was a learning curve. There is a lot that goes into starting up and running an at home business. Some things I expected, some were a complete surprise.

Let me share with you a few things that I learned.

Lesson 1: Invest in Quality

That rotten word. Money. We all need it, especially in this day and age of the cost of living crisis. The thought of spending money on equipment and software as well as a place to host your products is very off putting.

It was for me when I first started. I tried before in the past and didn’t do well, so I was very reluctant to do it only to find I would never make a sale.

But it is worth it! It is such an ego boost to know your effort has been worth it in that first sale. Just do your research and don’t just go for the cheapest option. Invest in decent quality equipment and products. Shop around, read reviews and make that investment.

It is also worth it to invest in advertising. Check to see how much it costs to advertise on your preferred platform. I will be honest, I did not want to invest in this area. But my husband went over my head and my fears and he paid for advertising on Facebook and Instagram. It brought in more views and more people to my Etsy shop at the start. So it is definitely something I would recommend you do when you start your small business and get that exposure at the start.

Lesson 2: Fees – The Hidden Charges

This did bite me in the rear end. I did not look into hidden costs on my selling platform, so therefore did not take this into account for my pricing.

I use Etsy. Simply for the ease of TAX purposes as they will add VAT to products if needed to. However, there are a tonne of hidden charges; Listing charges, operating fee, processing fees, transaction fees. I didn’t do my research, and got burned on these fees. They may seem small charges but they build up.

I strongly recommend checking for hidden fees before committing to a selling platform.

Lesson 3: Proof of Postage

Gah! Lost items in post!

It’s going to happen, sadly. Especially when you are sending a lot out and to somewhere outside the UK. Make sure you have proof of postage. No matter who your courier is, keep that proof of postage in order to claim for lost or damaged items.

I use Royal Mail 99% of the time. They are cheaper, more convenient, and more eco-efficient. And I either go to my local post office or use their collection service so I can get a receipt or email as proof of postage. I have managed to get most of the money back for lost or damaged items because I had these.

If you don’t, then the courier can either refuse you a refund or you get a partial payment to cover the lost item. That can be a lot of money lost. 

So get that proof of postage!

Lesson 4: Some are Never Happy

Sorry folks. I am not Amazon.

My first negative review was like a slap in the face. And it was something beyond my control (Lost item in post due to Royal Mail strikes) and they gave me a negative review before contacting me and it really did upset me.

It can be a big setback for many, and I took a mental health hit. It took me a couple of days but I eventually realised that you just can’t please everyone. And some lonely folks on the internet just have nothing better to do than leave bad reviews for the simplest things.

So, I guess what I am saying is, ride it out. Don’t give up and learn from it. You will get even more lovely reviews and it will swamp that bad review. You got this.

Lesson 5: Social Media Takes Time

The creative outlet that will bring more customers to your door (both digital and physical)

That’s the point of social media right? But it takes so much time. I was constantly doing social media planning and creation and spending less time with my family. While yes, it is important to post regularly it is also important not to lose sight of the important things.

It will take time to build up that following, the likes and then you have the research into how the algorithms work (especially when they change frequently. I am looking at you Instagram) So, please don’t be disheartened if you don’t get the likes you want, trust me you are being seen.

I now plan my social media posts a week in advance, that includes the image and caption as well as the tags. It has made things so much easier and getting a lot more likes since I am planning better.

…To Here

Every small business or independent contractor is going to have teething problems no matter what. These are just the main ones that really stood out for me.

It is easy to get frustrated and upset. But stick with it. Ride it out. It will work out in the end, you may not see much of a profit for the first year. Use that first 12 months to learn, adapt and improve. And you will start to see changes and all that hard work will be worth it.

Well, I hope that was helpful. Please let me know what you thought about this post in the comments below.

I am also on social media so please feel free to follow me using the links below.

Until next time, stay cool.

Sublimation or Vinyl? Which is best for me?

A few times this month, other parents have asked me a question. More mums/parents are looking at alternative or additional incomes, especially now with the cost of living and childcare costs increasing. It’s no surprise that this question is commonly asked of me.

In this article, I’ll delve into the intricacies of both methods, offering insights into their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

And no, we won’t be diving into the cosmic Koala conundrum.

What is Vinyl and Sublimation?

Vinyl involves cutting designs with a machine, peeling them off, and applying heat to adhere them to various surfaces. Sublimation, on the other hand, entails printing designs onto special paper and transferring them using heat.

What Can I Do?

There is a tonne of stuff that you can do with either.

Both techniques offer a myriad of creative opportunities. Sublimation excels in transferring hand drawings, digital artwork, or photographs onto surfaces like coasters, jigsaw puzzles, and bags. Conversely, vinyl is versatile, allowing intricate designs to be cut and applied to almost any surface.

What’s the Setup?

Starting either venture requires minimal equipment. For vinyl, a cutting machine and heat press suffice, while sublimation necessitates a printer, ink, paper, and a heat press. Initial costs for both range from £300 to £500, with sublimation setups typically costing slightly more.

Space Required for Equipment

This was one of my biggest worries. Where am I going to put it all?

Consider the space needed for equipment placement. Sublimation equipment, particularly clam presses, is heavy and requires stable placement. Vinyl equipment, while lighter, can still occupy considerable space but offers more mobility.

Do I Need to Learn Anything New?

Sublimation is relatively straightforward, involving printing, pressing, and minimal trial and error. Vinyl, however, demands proficiency in specialised software, precise cutting, and meticulous application, resulting in a steeper learning curve.

Can I Work it Around Childcare?

This is my main question. And probably is the question that lead you to read this blog post (and I thank you so much if you got this far)

And the answer is yes. 

Both methods offer flexibility for parents to work around childcare schedules. Sublimation may be more time-efficient, as designs can be quickly printed and pressed. However, vinyl allows for more intricate designs, albeit with additional time and effort.

When my son was napping I was able to process orders, print off designs and start packing as he slept soundly. I would then do pressing in the evening or on days he was at nursery. Now the naps are gone I can still work around him, just be prepared to be interrupted (a lot) to open a banana.

Decision

Ultimately, the choice between sublimation and vinyl hinges on personal preferences and time constraints. While sublimation offers ease of use and durability, vinyl provides versatility in design. Consider your workflow, space limitations, and desired outcomes before making a decision.

I went with sublimation, simply because I didn’t have the time to individually cut out different colours of vinyl, put it all together and then place it on a suitable surface. It was quick and easy to set up and get going. Another attraction was that it allowed me to use photographs and hand drawings on products allowing me to offer more personal products to potential customers.

Conclusion

Whether you opt for sublimation or vinyl, embarking on a creative business venture can be rewarding. By weighing the advantages and drawbacks of each method, you can select the approach that aligns best with your skills, resources, and lifestyle

All hail the cosmic Koala!

Building Bonds: A Thank You Note

Photo by Courtney Hedger on Unsplash

Happy New Year everyone! What a year 2023 was.

Our small business receive an increase in sales as well as social media followers last year. Which is amazing since the business only began back in 2022.

And it’s all down to customers and some amazing people who showed support on social media.

Customers are obviously the driving force for any business. But last year I had some lovely new customers as well as plenty of return customers too. Some had left some absolutely lovely reviews. Just makes me smile when I re-read them when I am feeling down.

Social media plays a big part in almost everyone’s day to day life. And it has been lovely to have support from other small businesses. I have also been tagged in a couple of social media posts by customers showing off their buys. Always lovely to see my products in the wild. So to you heroes, Thank You!

Here is to 2024 and hopefully see more customers and more small businesses growing strong.

I have been doing a lot of planning for this year. Not only for products but for blogs and social media content. Is there anything you would like to see? Any suggestions? Let me know in the comments below or use the contact us form.

Setting the Stage for Success: Unveiling My Business Goals for 2024

As 2023 comes to an end, we prepare to slide into a Christmas cheese coma, while enjoying Wallace & Gromit, it’s time to set our sights on the upcoming year. My business journey, started as a way to earn extra income while managing childcare, has evolved into a promising venture. With a brand-new website and a growing customer base, it’s crucial to plan for the challenges that 2024 may bring.

So, lets jump in.

Financial Goals:

With a successful profit margin achieved in the business’s inaugural year, our primary financial goal for 2024 is to build upon this success. We will be investing in expanding our product offerings, including the exciting prospect of incorporating a self-built laser cutter machine by my creatively-inclined husband. This addition will enable us to introduce new designs and personalization’s, enhancing our market appeal. We will also be increasing advertising investment to drive more traffic to both Etsy and our website, with an aim to increase sales.

Lifestyle Goals:

Amid the pursuit of business success, maintaining a well-balanced life is paramount. Reducing screen time and embracing quality family moments become focal points. As we look forward to expanding our family, achieving balance assumes even greater significance, necessitating efficient time management and avoiding burnout.

Impact Goals:

With the introduction of our new website, a commitment to giving back to the community comes to the forefront. Plans include sharing insights on starting a business, providing sublimation tutorials, and potentially offering free templates. Leveraging my background as a video editor and graphic designer, I aspire to create engaging content to reach and assist a broader audience.

Creative Goals:

In 2024, I wish to push creative boundaries and delve into new artistic territories. While digital drawing remains a staple, I’m eager to revisit watercolours—a nostalgic passion. Additionally, experimenting with new sublimation materials, such as cushions, tea towels, and makeup bags, promises to infuse fresh creativity into our product line-up.

Optimization Goals:

This is an area I am not well versed in so will be dedicating focus on SEO, keywords, and listing titles. The new blog will take centre stage, with meticulous SEO optimization, followed by an emphasis on social media growth. Continuous reviews and adjustments throughout the year will be pivotal for sustained growth.

Reputation Goals:

A more cohesive and universally recognizable brand identity is on the horizon. Striving for a seamless brand experience across all platforms, coupled with the creation of valuable resources on the website, will contribute to an enhanced reputation. Commitment to stellar customer service, evident in glowing Etsy reviews, will remain a priority, with a pledge to further refine and elevate service standards.

Other Goals:

Embracing courage is the final frontier. Stepping out from behind the scenes, I commit to being more visible on social media, sharing more than just a few photos. This newfound bravery is essential for personal and brand growth.

As I unveil my business goals for 2024, I invite you to share your ideas and offer any suggestions. Together, let’s make the upcoming year a transformative journey towards success.

All hail the cosmic Koala!

What on earth is sublimation and why is it awesome?

I first heard of sublimation in 2021. My husband suggested I start my own at home business using sublimation. It seemed like magic. Is it something that can actually be done at home? Is it really that simple? Who is the cosmic Koala in Star Trek: Lower Decks?

Simply put. Yes (Except the Koala, I have no idea what his deal is)

In the realm of crafting and personalized goods, the term “sublimation” might sound like a mystical process reserved for professionals. Surprisingly, this magical art form can be brought into your own home, transforming it into a hub of creativity. Additionally, you can explore different techniques and styles, experimenting with various materials and colours. Consequently, you can create a space that inspires and motivates you to express yourself artistically. Now, let’s unravel the enchanting world of sublimation printing.

What is it?

At its core, sublimation printing is an intricate process where a chosen image or design is meticulously printed onto specialized paper. Through the application of heat, the ink on the paper transforms into gas, magically transferring onto another surface, seamlessly merging with the material. It’s a bit like watching magic unfold before your eyes.

While this explanation might seem like the tip of the iceberg, there’s much more to delve into. In future blog posts, I’ll explore the essential components such as the type of printer, paper, heating presses, and other nuances that contribute to mastering this art form.. Consider it your invitation to return for an enlightening read.

Benefits of Sublimation

In a world where vinyl applications often sit atop fabrics, sublimation takes a different route, saturating the material with vibrant designs that won’t peel or crack over time. The benefits are undeniable, and in subsequent posts, I’ll delve deeper into the pros and cons of this method, keeping you intrigued and informed. Yes, more reasons for you to revisit my website.

Why Sublimation?

From my perspective, sublimation opens a realm of possibilities for detailed and intricate designs. Even hand-drawn or painted creations find a new life when transferred onto various materials using this method. The simplicity of the process makes it accessible to anyone with a creative spark—no extensive training or practice required. Just create, print, and press – it’s that straightforward.

Simples.

How big is the equipment?

The size of your sublimation equipment depends on your aspirations. I started with a standard clam press and printer that accommodates up to A4 size, but there are larger options for those aiming for A3 dimensions. My mug press, perfect for mugs, tumblers, and water bottles, is compact yet versatile. There are optional, additional attachments for different mug sizes, tumblers, and even baseball caps and plates available that will off you more flexibility but may demand additional storage space. It’s worth noting that the clam press is a hefty piece of equipment, and can’t be moved easily.

I hope this brief exploration into the world of sublimation has piqued your interest. If you’re curious or have questions about sublimation, my business, or items in my shop, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or connect with me on social media. Let’s embark on this creative journey together!

Regarding the Koala…

All hail the cosmic Koala!

Welcome to Doodles, Dreams, and Everything In-Between

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

From simple doodles and designs on a piece of paper that turned into a dream of running a small business from home. That is the story of PandaMotion Designs.

I am Charlotte and Panda Motion initially began as my freelance motion graphics and video editing business. When motherhood came knocking, so did the desire for a flexible income that danced to the rhythm of family life.

With a sprinkle of creativity, a dollop of determination, a bear hug from my husband, PandaMotion Design leaped to reality. Every product you see is a piece of our heart, crafted with care.

For nearly a year and a half I have been working only on Etsy selling designs on mugs, wall signs etc. we now have a website and looking to expand the client base and to work with local businesses. The website is still a work in progress, but hopefully it will begin to develop and find its legs soon. I will be planning more blog posts focussing on behind the scenes, bit of fun, family life and work, maybe a YouTube channel as well and much more.

Please feel free to browse the website and the Etsy shop and let me know what you think. I am also on social media so give me a follow and say hi.