I am listening to one of the latest Joe Rogan Experience podcasts and the discussion around AI and the elimination of workers in the US and the world frankly. It was very interesting and got me thinking about “thank goodness I started this business”. Hearing where things are going with jobs got me taking a deeper dive into this topic.
AI is going to eliminate jobs, especially in the corporate world. And to be fair, it’s already happening in some industries where tasks are repetitive, data driven, or easily automated. But what about the maker world? What about small businesses built around hands on craftsmanship, creativity, and customization?
The truth is, while AI is transforming many industries, the maker space is still one of the few places where human touch truly matters. Handmade goods, custom work, and small batch production can’t be easily replaced by software. People still crave authenticity. They want products that tell a story, that feel personal, that come from a real person, not an algorithm.
That’s the edge small businesses still hold. Whether it’s leatherwork, woodworking, engraving, or embroidery, AI may help with things like design or marketing, but it can’t replicate the experience of holding something that was made by human hands with intention and care. And that emotional connection? AI doesn’t have that in its toolkit.
That’s not to say AI has no place in the maker world. In fact, when used wisely, it’s a powerful tool. It can speed up design processes, generate mockups, help with social media content, automate backend tasks, and give small shops more time to focus on what really matters: the work itself.
And let’s be honest. In a time when job security is shaky and corporate layoffs are becoming common, having a side hustle or small business is not just a creative outlet. Having a side business or side-hustle is a smart financial strategy. A handmade product based business is still one of the hardest things for AI to truly disrupt. Read that again: A handmade product based business is still one of the hardest things for AI to truly disrupt.
So if you’re thinking about starting something on the side or doubling down on your business, now is a great time. The world is changing, but there’s still room and demand for real, hands on work. Just make sure you’re staying sharp, adapting, and learning how to use the tools (even the AI ones) to work for you, not against you.
This article is sponsored by GS2 Awards where they have you covered on laser blanks and machines like a Trotec Laser. https://gs2awards.com/pages/alisha-pate
