I'm going into my 4th year as a boutique owner, and I realized that I, too, need to make some changes that I am ready to make. This year, for me, was extremely slower than ever but has allowed me to reflect and have a changed mindset about moving forward. This video was very relatable and motivational at the same time ❤
A very honest and open vlog - well done for sharing it. Maybe you need to look at what you sell well (grim reaper cat sticker for example) and design "collections" around them rather than having lots of random stand alone things. I love your cat designs and it would be great to see a collection of items such as notepads, sticky notes, note books, washi, holo stickers, pencil cases, mouse mats etc with the cats on. Hope that helps. Wishing you lots of luck going into year 3!! x
I appreciate how candid you are about your business growth. I can totally relate. I know exactly what you are talking about when you describe trying things out of panic and not really thinking them through. Thanks for making this video!
The fact that you can look inward and really assess what you think is not working and be willing to pivot is HUGE. I work with a lot of creatives, and you would be surprised how many people will go out of their way to put blame *everywhere else* but at their own feet where they can actually do something about it! Also, I'm sure seeing particular people online like Baylee Jay and Katnipp can give one a false sense of what to expect, while forgetting that these people took YEARS to develop their businessess to where they are now. To expect that level of success to happen for you in two years what it took these creators 10+ years to accomplish is just setting yourself up for frustration. As long as you're focusing on what you need to do, and actually do it (so many people forget this part!) then you're on the right track. Remember the game is long but it's worth it, especially if it's something you really want to do.
I think you hit the nail on the head with sticking more to stationary. A niche within a niche is the goal, the more specific it is the easier it will be to succeed. People think you need to target as many people as possible when actually you need to target a narrow audience! Keep smashing it you’ve got this! It’s all about mindset :)
I used to use my bedroom for work too and recently got my own art studio, which is a million times better! It's important to have that healthy separation and I'm glad it's helping you too 🥰
Have you considered creating a character and world for the character? Like your AbiNova character/avatar could be the main focus and then you create collections of her and her cat on adventures or doing things that most people can relate to ex: reading a book/e-reader at a cozy cafe and then products for the collection that are cafe and coffee themed. You could also do a forest theme/collection as mushrooms are supposed to be a big trend right now. I think you are incredibly talented, it's just you need some cohesive theme to get noticed. Much like Disney has Mickey Mouse and friends, Marvel has Iron Man and all the Avengers etc.; if you create a character world, fans will find you. Good luck on year three.
It can take up to 10 years to be successful in a business and no quick fix, some people less. As you go along you will create many things to get to the point where you will find that one thing or product that will lift your business. I've learned so much during my time as a small business
I'm so glad you were able to step back for a bit from your business to rest your brain and to restore the clarity you needed to find motivation for going back into your creative work again. It sounds like you were burnt out from working so hard. Please don't forget to take care of yourself and I look forward to seeing your fresh ideas.
I'm also coming up on my two year mark and it has been a challenge for me as well. I made profit my first year, but it was 89% sponsorships. In 2024, I put a lot of money in and focused on ecommerce, but it has not paid off. I'm very anxious that I will be in the negatives this year. I need to get a better grasp on my business finances, but it gets so confusing. Some steps that I've been taking recently is trying to track losses in terms of wasted product and unused tools/subscriptions. I've also been estimating how long it will take me to sell all of my inventory. Both of these things have been extremely eye opening. I could use some small business friends to talk to about these things with, so if you're ever interested I would love that.
Absolutely! It's always nice to talk to fellow small business owners! 😄 and it sounds like you're going in the right direction despite everything else! keep going! 🤗
I've just hit two years too. I have been using my profit to buy more equipment and I have moved into my own studio room. I thought I would be ending this year with a reasonable profit and even was worried at one point that I might have to pay TAX. haha that sounds funny now. So thank you for reminding me about the ups and down and that its not just a linear rise. I think I've been measuring my success by etsy sales but I have a weekly local market as well that has almost matched the income from ETSY but I had not realised. I guess like you my goal would be to replace my three day a week JOB with my business but mine is more of a retirement plan being much older than you. Enjoy your new home and studio. my failure of the year was starting a shopify store in July that has not had one single sale...... £25 a month for nothing....
Another truthful vlog Abi. You convinced me to come out and discuss the truth of my business as well. It was such a great feeling. You are onwards and upwards now. Just remember everything you have learnt and achieved that you never knew before. Just do it girl.
I actually really needed to hear this today ! I'm trying to start my own business and honestly have too many ideas in my head and have been floundering hopping from 1 thing to another since June. Today has been 1 of those days where everything has gone wrong and I feel like there is just too much to learn. I feel much better for hearing your story and that it's just a glitch and maybe I just need to stand back for a minute to gain perspective ❤
I also think you should focus on your visual identity as well and not only focus on a niche within a niche. I’ve looked over your etsy store products and the items really don’t tell me anything about you as an artist, it’s just random stuff which you like. That is probably going to be the tricksest part though because drawing the same theme will get boring so I hope you find something that keeps you creative and happy!
I can't find the video but this illustrator www.youtube.com/@MimimooIllustration/videos had a video explaining how she started as developed her distinct style. She started very similar to you even known her business / income streams are different, but when I see her work I know it is made by her. I don't know if this will help but maybe experiment with leaning into a specific style more like with your Cat Reaper Sticker that is super cool. Can't wait to watch your journey, especially as I am also UK based.
Have you thought about making your stickers into planner kits? There is a huge demand for them. For example coffee monsterz co, paper Kay, perkeys paperie etc. just a thought 💭
Would be fun to focus on some animals that have a big only following or picking out animals that are very unique. I love your red panda sticker for example. You could to tucan, capybara, frog, pigeon, quoka,... I agree with the grim reaper cat as well! Cute animals doing 'bad' things always seem to work on social media as well, there's this meme with a goose that has a knife for example. And for sticker sets I love to buy sets that work around a 'vibe' so for example your cats in a cozy reading vibe sticker set or grim reaper cat in a halloweenie, witchy vibe sticker sheet with a crystal ball, skeletons,... I love making themed weeks in my calendar for example. Or stickers you could use for scrapbooking or cards, that include many colours/shapes of something similar like I have a set with a bunch of different moons and stars and one with all kinds of flowers in the same art style. Hope this gives you some inspiration! Keep it up!!
Can you sublimate fridge magnets at all? I'd love a sassy cat fridge magnet 😭 I could imagine they take up little space, low cost to make and low postage so you'd get more revenue from them, could even make those magnet bookmarks that are floating around Your sassy cats are what helped me find you, they'd be cute on a tote bag or a tumblr, maybe using old successful designs on top of new designs could work for you?
I sell on Etsy (over 3,500 sales) and I've just had a look at your shop. I would recommend trying to improve your product photography as some of your backgrounds are a bit cluttered. And no chipped nail polish please! I hope that helps. Love your videos!
Just another quick thing - you need to do an introduction on each video saying who you are and what you do. I think you just expect your viewers to know this but it doesn’t work for new people when they stumble across your videos so that may be preventing you from growing your channel
Yes! Totally agree, I usually make notes for my sit down and talk videos but I just kind of wanted to have an honest talk this time around so forgot about doing an intro ahah. but it's definitely something to think about in future videos!
it's so hard to know what will sell and what wont sell! I thought they would sell really well but I think they've gone off trend and stanley cups have become the new big deal ahah
@@AbiNova you're right. At some conventions I've done, some particular items sell super well and then at the next I can't even sell one. I think you're in the right direction with sticker sheets, though. Stickers seem to be evergreen, especially with children and young adults. Do you have a sticker book yet? Might be a nice addition if you're selling stickers as well.
I love your videos and listening to you talk about trying to make everything instead of concentrating on what you want, is exactly how I feel right now. Just a very small suggestion but you say “my small business, my business” a lot of times and can be a bit irritating and I tend to stop watching to the end because of it. Maybe have a look at that as I think you may be putting people off watching your videos, we know you run a small business!! I do love seeing what you do though.😊
Etsy is a difficult place to sell. It controls how you are seen online by potential customers, not you, so you are at its mercy to some extent. Time to build your own website?
You dont have any branding on your videos nor in tje dropdown info. There should be a link to your etsy shop. Also put your business name, art types etc! You didnt even mention in the beginning of this video WHAT you actually make...stickers, magnets, ceramics ie, WHAT????
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm going into my 4th year as a boutique owner, and I realized that I, too, need to make some changes that I am ready to make. This year, for me, was extremely slower than ever but has allowed me to reflect and have a changed mindset about moving forward. This video was very relatable and motivational at the same time ❤
A very honest and open vlog - well done for sharing it.
Maybe you need to look at what you sell well (grim reaper cat sticker for example) and design "collections" around them rather than having lots of random stand alone things.
I love your cat designs and it would be great to see a collection of items such as notepads, sticky notes, note books, washi, holo stickers, pencil cases, mouse mats etc with the cats on.
Hope that helps.
Wishing you lots of luck going into year 3!! x
Agree
thank youu!☺ This is in my plan for future products and launches!
I appreciate how candid you are about your business growth. I can totally relate. I know exactly what you are talking about when you describe trying things out of panic and not really thinking them through. Thanks for making this video!
The fact that you can look inward and really assess what you think is not working and be willing to pivot is HUGE. I work with a lot of creatives, and you would be surprised how many people will go out of their way to put blame *everywhere else* but at their own feet where they can actually do something about it! Also, I'm sure seeing particular people online like Baylee Jay and Katnipp can give one a false sense of what to expect, while forgetting that these people took YEARS to develop their businessess to where they are now. To expect that level of success to happen for you in two years what it took these creators 10+ years to accomplish is just setting yourself up for frustration. As long as you're focusing on what you need to do, and actually do it (so many people forget this part!) then you're on the right track. Remember the game is long but it's worth it, especially if it's something you really want to do.
So true ❤
I think you hit the nail on the head with sticking more to stationary. A niche within a niche is the goal, the more specific it is the easier it will be to succeed. People think you need to target as many people as possible when actually you need to target a narrow audience! Keep smashing it you’ve got this! It’s all about mindset :)
I used to use my bedroom for work too and recently got my own art studio, which is a million times better! It's important to have that healthy separation and I'm glad it's helping you too 🥰
Have you considered creating a character and world for the character? Like your AbiNova character/avatar could be the main focus and then you create collections of her and her cat on adventures or doing things that most people can relate to ex: reading a book/e-reader at a cozy cafe and then products for the collection that are cafe and coffee themed. You could also do a forest theme/collection as mushrooms are supposed to be a big trend right now. I think you are incredibly talented, it's just you need some cohesive theme to get noticed. Much like Disney has Mickey Mouse and friends, Marvel has Iron Man and all the Avengers etc.; if you create a character world, fans will find you. Good luck on year three.
It can take up to 10 years to be successful in a business and no quick fix, some people less. As you go along you will create many things to get to the point where you will find that one thing or product that will lift your business. I've learned so much during my time as a small business
I'm so glad you were able to step back for a bit from your business to rest your brain and to restore the clarity you needed to find motivation for going back into your creative work again. It sounds like you were burnt out from working so hard. Please don't forget to take care of yourself and I look forward to seeing your fresh ideas.
Hang in there. It's wild times. I'm half way through third year with this one and its starting to feel more together. Keep at it and good luck.
I'm also coming up on my two year mark and it has been a challenge for me as well. I made profit my first year, but it was 89% sponsorships. In 2024, I put a lot of money in and focused on ecommerce, but it has not paid off. I'm very anxious that I will be in the negatives this year. I need to get a better grasp on my business finances, but it gets so confusing. Some steps that I've been taking recently is trying to track losses in terms of wasted product and unused tools/subscriptions. I've also been estimating how long it will take me to sell all of my inventory. Both of these things have been extremely eye opening. I could use some small business friends to talk to about these things with, so if you're ever interested I would love that.
Absolutely! It's always nice to talk to fellow small business owners! 😄 and it sounds like you're going in the right direction despite everything else! keep going! 🤗
This video hits home for a lot of small business owners! You’ve got this, keep going! Thank you for posting this. I know I needed to hear it ❤
Yes I agree, I love watching Abi and her truthfulness. She is the reason I did a truthful RUclips and I feel great.
I've just hit two years too. I have been using my profit to buy more equipment and I have moved into my own studio room. I thought I would be ending this year with a reasonable profit and even was worried at one point that I might have to pay TAX. haha that sounds funny now. So thank you for reminding me about the ups and down and that its not just a linear rise. I think I've been measuring my success by etsy sales but I have a weekly local market as well that has almost matched the income from ETSY but I had not realised. I guess like you my goal would be to replace my three day a week JOB with my business but mine is more of a retirement plan being much older than you. Enjoy your new home and studio. my failure of the year was starting a shopify store in July that has not had one single sale...... £25 a month for nothing....
I love your raw honesty here
Another truthful vlog Abi. You convinced me to come out and discuss the truth of my business as well. It was such a great feeling. You are onwards and upwards now. Just remember everything you have learnt and achieved that you never knew before. Just do it girl.
love the confidence and realizations and plans!! you got this!
I actually really needed to hear this today ! I'm trying to start my own business and honestly have too many ideas in my head and have been floundering hopping from 1 thing to another since June. Today has been 1 of those days where everything has gone wrong and I feel like there is just too much to learn. I feel much better for hearing your story and that it's just a glitch and maybe I just need to stand back for a minute to gain perspective ❤
I also think you should focus on your visual identity as well and not only focus on a niche within a niche. I’ve looked over your etsy store products and the items really don’t tell me anything about you as an artist, it’s just random stuff which you like.
That is probably going to be the tricksest part though because drawing the same theme will get boring so I hope you find something that keeps you creative and happy!
I can't find the video but this illustrator www.youtube.com/@MimimooIllustration/videos had a video explaining how she started as developed her distinct style. She started very similar to you even known her business / income streams are different, but when I see her work I know it is made by her. I don't know if this will help but maybe experiment with leaning into a specific style more like with your Cat Reaper Sticker that is super cool. Can't wait to watch your journey, especially as I am also UK based.
Have you thought about making your stickers into planner kits? There is a huge demand for them. For example coffee monsterz co, paper Kay, perkeys paperie etc. just a thought 💭
Great vlog and sounds like you have a good plan for year 3. Looking forward to seeing your new designs and character development xx
thank youu!
Would be fun to focus on some animals that have a big only following or picking out animals that are very unique. I love your red panda sticker for example. You could to tucan, capybara, frog, pigeon, quoka,... I agree with the grim reaper cat as well! Cute animals doing 'bad' things always seem to work on social media as well, there's this meme with a goose that has a knife for example. And for sticker sets I love to buy sets that work around a 'vibe' so for example your cats in a cozy reading vibe sticker set or grim reaper cat in a halloweenie, witchy vibe sticker sheet with a crystal ball, skeletons,... I love making themed weeks in my calendar for example. Or stickers you could use for scrapbooking or cards, that include many colours/shapes of something similar like I have a set with a bunch of different moons and stars and one with all kinds of flowers in the same art style. Hope this gives you some inspiration! Keep it up!!
Can you sublimate fridge magnets at all? I'd love a sassy cat fridge magnet 😭 I could imagine they take up little space, low cost to make and low postage so you'd get more revenue from them, could even make those magnet bookmarks that are floating around
Your sassy cats are what helped me find you, they'd be cute on a tote bag or a tumblr, maybe using old successful designs on top of new designs could work for you?
yess! I plan to reuse designs a lot more now! I will plan to do more sassy cat products in the future! 😁
I sell on Etsy (over 3,500 sales) and I've just had a look at your shop. I would recommend trying to improve your product photography as some of your backgrounds are a bit cluttered. And no chipped nail polish please! I hope that helps. Love your videos!
Just another quick thing - you need to do an introduction on each video saying who you are and what you do. I think you just expect your viewers to know this but it doesn’t work for new people when they stumble across your videos so that may be preventing you from growing your channel
Yes! Totally agree, I usually make notes for my sit down and talk videos but I just kind of wanted to have an honest talk this time around so forgot about doing an intro ahah. but it's definitely something to think about in future videos!
I also thought the tumblers would be a hot seller when I started and they were a total disappointment
Me too, even the glass libby jars. I am just not selling them.
it's so hard to know what will sell and what wont sell! I thought they would sell really well but I think they've gone off trend and stanley cups have become the new big deal ahah
@@AbiNova you're right. At some conventions I've done, some particular items sell super well and then at the next I can't even sell one. I think you're in the right direction with sticker sheets, though. Stickers seem to be evergreen, especially with children and young adults. Do you have a sticker book yet? Might be a nice addition if you're selling stickers as well.
@@ArtisticKatz i think people just have too many tumblers now 🤣 or they want custom ones with their names on them.
I love your videos and listening to you talk about trying to make everything instead of concentrating on what you want, is exactly how I feel right now. Just a very small suggestion but you say “my small business, my business” a lot of times and can be a bit irritating and I tend to stop watching to the end because of it. Maybe have a look at that as I think you may be putting people off watching your videos, we know you run a small business!! I do love seeing what you do though.😊
Etsy is a difficult place to sell. It controls how you are seen online by potential customers, not you, so you are at its mercy to some extent. Time to build your own website?
You dont have any branding on your videos nor in tje dropdown info. There should be a link to your etsy shop. Also put your business name, art types etc! You didnt even mention in the beginning of this video WHAT you actually make...stickers, magnets, ceramics ie, WHAT????