I never planned to start a handmade business. Like many creatives, I simply loved making things with my hands. But turning creativity into something more — a real business — felt overwhelming. How to start a handmade business? That question haunted me for a long time. Could I actually make a living from what I loved? What if no one bought my work? What if I failed?
At first, I hesitated. There was always a fear of failure — what if I invested my time, energy, and hopes into this, and it didn’t work out? What if no one cared about my creations? At the same time, the thought of working a regular job forever terrified me even more. I wanted freedom, creativity, and the chance to build something truly mine. I wanted to wake up every morning knowing that my work mattered, that it brought joy to others. And so, despite the doubts, I decided to try.
My ceramic workshop before the war, where I built my first handmade business
For years, my ceramic studio was more than just a business — it was a part of me. I poured my heart into every piece, constantly learning, improving, refining my skills. But in 2022, my life changed completely. When the war started, I had to leave everything behind — my home, my studio, my equipment. I found myself in a new country, with no way to continue my work with ceramics. Suddenly, I was back at the beginning.
And with that came the same doubts all over again. What now? Start over? With what? What if I fail again? But I knew one thing: the desire to create never goes away. It’s not just a job — it’s a part of who we are.
I chose to start over.
With nothing but basic materials and my hands, I discovered punch needle embroidery, which later led me to designing and creating handmade embroidered bags. My brand, NoBoringBagsArt, grew out of this new passion. And just like with ceramics, I felt the same drive — the need to perfect every stitch, to improve, to make something even better than before. But this time, I also knew something else:
A handmade business isn’t just about creating — it’s about learning how to share your work, connect with the right audience, and turn your craft into something sustainable.
How to Start a Handmade Business: What Matters Most?
If you’ve ever wondered how to start a handmade business, you’re in the right place. When I first started, I had no idea where to begin. I made mistakes, learned through trial and error, and slowly figured out what really matters when turning creativity into a business. Along the way, I discovered that some questions are essential for every handmade seller.
Whether you’re just exploring the idea or ready to take the next step, this guide will help you understand the key aspects of building a successful creative business. Learning how to start a handmade business means more than just making beautiful things — it requires understanding how to sell, price, and market your work.
Some of the most important questions for handmade sellers include:
- How do you choose the right niche?
- Where can you sell your handmade products?
- What mistakes do beginners make, and how can you avoid them?
- How do you price your products so they reflect their true value?
- What tools can help you grow your handmade business faster?
Each of these topics is crucial for turning your passion into a profitable business. I explore them in separate articles, where you’ll find step-by-step guidance, practical tips, and real-world insights.
Starting a handmade business isn’t just about making beautiful things — it’s about learning how to share them with the world and make a living from your creativity.
Let’s get started—step by step, without overwhelm, and with a clear direction for your creative journey.