One thing most of us have in common, especially on this page is the desire for “business success”. However, what that success looks like can vary greatly from person to person. For some, it might mean running a large storefront with a team of employees, while for others, it’s simply maintaining a steady flow of repeat orders quarter after quarter. No matter the scale, we all have our own personal measure of what success means for our business.
I was thinking about the times when I was the most creative or producing at my best. Success doesn’t just happen. It was usually a mix of hard work, focus, and the right circumstances coming together. When I think back to the most successful times in my business, a few key things stand out about the environment I created for our shop.
First off, the timing was right. The market was ready for what I was offering. It was about being prepared when the opportunity showed up. Having the ability to have the stock on hand to turn products quickly was also key.
Second, I wasn’t spending my time scrolling on social media, looking at what others were doing. I wasn’t in Facebook groups comparing myself to other makers or trying to copy trends. I was offline, in my own space, focusing on creating what I wanted to make. That kept my ideas authentic and my work true to my OWN style. I started making things I would buy and this really gets back to “Who is my Who” audience.
Third, James was out marketing our products and knocking on doors. He was putting in the work to get our name out there and make connections, which made a huge difference. That kind of effort brought in new opportunities and kept the momentum going when we needed it most. I can’t underestimate this part enough. Keep knocking on doors. They will open.
Fourth, I also made sure my mindset was in the right place. I was focused, disciplined, and willing to take risks—but they were calculated risks. Every decision was intentional, moving me closer to my goals instead of just winging it.
Finally, I leaned into the digital tools I had and made the most of them. Specifically Adobe Express and Flowpaper. I prioritized capturing high-quality photos of my products and continuously refined and upgraded my product snapshots while actively producing. Keep updating your product pictures as you make the same items. Continual improvement.
Through this process, I learned a crucial lesson: staying visible and engaged with your existing customers is essential. If you’re not consistently reaching out, sharing updates, or reminding them of your value, you risk being forgotten. Building a successful business isn’t just about attracting new customers; it’s about nurturing and maintaining relationships with the ones you already have.
In business, It isn’t about having the fanciest tools. It is about using what you have effectively to create momentum, stay visible, and build genuine relationships with people who value your work. Reread that again so it sinks in.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t always hit home runs. Not every idea or product takes off, and that’s okay. But when I do have those big wins, it’s not because I got lucky. It’s because I put in the work, tuned out the noise, and trusted my process.
Looking back, my success has always been about staying focused on my own lane and being ready when opportunity knocks. When you have the right mindset, the right people around you, and your own unique approach, success feels a lot more like a choice than a chance.
Reach back in your mind and write down what the environment or setting was like when your shop had the most success. Then think about those things and if need be, implement them again. I am doing this myself as I have been on the “burned out” train a bit. But now is the time, time to get refocused and hit those goals.
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