Making the decision to create a business from the ground up is both scary and rewarding. It takes a lot energy, time, money, and willpower to start a business and ensure that it is successful. The main thing I have learned over the last 4 years, is that in order to succeed as a business, you must treat your business as a business. I know most of us start our freshie businesses as hobbies and don't really look at it as a business starting out. However, if you don't treat it as a business, no one else will. I have worked my business as a working mom and as a SAHM and I want to share with you some tips that have helped me grow and become successful. Keep in mind as I am going through this that what works for me may not work for the next person. We are all different, with different styles and techniques. But I would love to share some of my experience in the event it may help others.
When I first started my freshie business I was a working mom. After working a full 8 hour shift, I would come home and work my business for what felt like all night. Not only did it affect my family life, but I very quickly was feeling burnt out, stressed, and overwhelmed. I realized that as a business owner, I am the one who sets my schedule and business hours. To protect my valuable quality time with children and husband, I needed to set expectations for my customers and boundaries.
I started off by sitting down and creating a schedule. For instance, Monday-Tuesday or Wednesday (depending on the amount of orders) I would utilize these days afterwork as my "baking days". On Wednesday-Friday, I would utilize my time after work as "decorating/painting/packaging days". I have 50/50 custody of my oldest 2 kids so at this time on the weekends when I was off from my 9-5 and I didn't have the boys, I would work on anything left over that I didn't have to complete during the week.
I then set "business hours" in which I was available to my customers. For instance from 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday I was available to respond to orders, questions, concerns, etc. If it was outside of my set business hours, the following business day I would reply. This allowed me to set a boundary and be a more active parent that I was before. Once my kids were asleep I would work on anything digital such as graphics, photo editing, watermarking, scheduling Facebook posts, etc.
Once my schedule and business hours were set, I set a TAT of 7-14 business days. By setting a TAT, this creates a more business/professional atmosphere and gives you a timeframe for kids, work, life, etc. to happen. This also allows time for you to order supplies. I don't scent my own beads because I don't have the room to store them, I don't have the time or patience, and financially broke down it costs about the same for me. So, it is cheaper, easier and more economical for me to order pre-scented beads from a supplier. The supplier I use is fast and I get my supplies within a very reasonable timeframe. But by having the TAT in place, it allows for me to wait for needed supplies.
In 2023, I became a SAHM when I had my daughter. During this change to a SAHM, I did have to adjust my business hours and closed days. My business days are now Monday - Thursday and closed on Fridays (not a business day). I did this to provide time to drop off orders at my local pick up location and the post office. Because my family does come first and I value our quality time, I no longer work on anything business related after 4-5 pm. Once my kids are asleep I do sit down for about an hour or so and work on anything digital/back office that needs to be done.
The main thing from all of this is, treat your business as a business. Set a schedule that works best for you and your family. Set business hours in which you are available for your customers. Set a TAT to allow you time and flexibility to fulfill orders. Set those boundaries for yourself and your business. I wish you all nothing but success and happiness in your business. I want to see everyone succeed.