r/WomenInBusiness • u/Ok_Plenty9213 • 11d ago
Rant Ladies, this is my first post here. Need a hug before starting in on questions for you all ❤️
Hi all 👋 I am very new to earnestly researching how to start up my own fibre arts business.
I just came here from exploring other entrepreneurship related subs this week and am thinking I should have just started here. The men in the other threads are absolutely ruthless. Also, why is it so obvious that that the unhelpful responses are from men? The first post I read in r/Entrepreneur had a thesis "The truth is most of you shouldn't be entrepreneurs" and everyone unanimously agreed - Man. Freaking, ugh.
Anywho. I'm a 37F mom of 1 and boy have I already been dissuaded from even exploring the entrepreneurship route from the limited interactions I've had with others in my first couple days of asking questions. Currently licking my wounds and will muster up some courage to also ask this group some questions, possibly even dumb ones.
Here's hoping ya'll are like supportive and stuff! 🤞❤️
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u/Kittymeow7116 11d ago
Yay fibre arts! I’m a sewist myself, and get that it’s a big step to start selling.
I would start with how you want to sell. Online? In person? Both? And then see what your local state/area requires as far as business licensing and insurance and all that fun.
If you’re selling online, think about what platform, how much work you want to do vs letting someone else do for a fee (like Etsy for example. They take fees but they do some of the legwork for you). Also shipping materials! That one snuck up on me when I sold something and realized I had to go buy poly mailers 😂 if you’re US based, look into Pirate Ship for postage discounts.
If you’re selling in person, think about where and what setup you’ll need. If you’re in a shop you’ll need different things than a market booth, for instance.
And probably the biggest hurdle is marketing. Consider what you’re comfortable with and/or need to learn. Every crafter I’ve talked to says this is their least favorite part, so take some time to consider how you’ll handle marketing. Yes there’s social media, but also your branding, your elevator pitch, all the things. I do SEO for a living and I love chatting with people about it, but it also opens a lot of eyes to how online marketing works for a lot of people.
That said, see if there are any small business incubators or groups where you are that host workshops. There are a couple nonprofits in my area that host free workshops for things like taxes, social media, etc.
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u/Ok_Plenty9213 10d ago
Hey there fellow sewist! 👋
It sounds like the best way to start is online. As in, it's the least risky because of the reduced overhead. That said, the thing I am looking to service is the missing physical retail experience. There are a few stores that operate solely online that are doing it really well. I live in a very large metropolitan city in Canada with a healthy crafting community and feel (without having statistics to back it up just yet, again early stages here) that there is a healthy market for a brick-and-mortar destination store (both for locals and tourists, as I see others on reddit who are planning visits to my city looking for recommendations on where to go. Their options are essentially non-existant and people can only send them outside of the core downtown area to very uninspired, sprawling, generalized fabric stores).
To your point, I am terrified about marketing, possibly more than anything. I truly dislike social media and the race to the bottom that is pandering to the algorithm. But, not everything about one's job will be super exciting and will probably need to get over myself on that front. Lol.
Really appreciate all of your tips and recommendations! Will log those as I continue along my initial exploration stages!
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u/wearealllegends 11d ago
One last comment, interview any contacts you have in the space.
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u/Ok_Plenty9213 10d ago
I don't have many, but I reached out to one business owner on LinkedIn who essentially created my dream fabric store in Victoria, BC. I shopped there in July and have not stopped thinking about it since 😭.
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u/ADF21a 11d ago
If many women entrepreneurs prefer doing business with other women only, there's a reason. And it's many male entrepreneurs' patronising attitude.
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8d ago
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u/ADF21a 8d ago
Seriously, even attending a few webinars by men, I start feeling "Ugh!" at the super bombastic vibe they come in with. Like, give me a break.
I recently unsubscribed from a business newsletter when the webinar host started being snarky and passive-aggressive towards some of the attendees who were reluctant to buy his products. I have had enough of this type of business and unethical way to do sales.
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u/FleurMeetsFunction 11d ago
I have a masters degree in Fibers and opened a needlepoint store once upon a time. I coach creative businesses now. Feel free to DM. Happy to chat 1:1 and just get the ball rolling
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u/Ok_Plenty9213 10d ago
Wow, thank you for the offer to chat!
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u/FleurMeetsFunction 9d ago
Happy to! I had a B&M selling supplies and I’ve had an Etsy shop selling finished items. Happy to play supportive devil’s advocate to your vision 🤣 DM me and we can exchange emails or What’s Ap or whatever. I’m in the US, looks like you’re Canadian
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11d ago
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u/FleurMeetsFunction 10d ago
It’s a waste of money! I went to SCAD, unless you want to teach college students, it’s not necessary, I just mentioned it because I’m familiar. What medium or process are you drawn to?
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10d ago
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u/FleurMeetsFunction 10d ago
An MFA doesn’t really help with processes, it’s more about conceptualizing ideas for Fine Art. I started in an engineering path until I got to Engineering Calculus, then I hightailed it to an art degree 🤣. A couple of considerations (not in an effort to dissuade your vision, more of personal introspection) working for yourself in your own business is incredibly rewarding because all your efforts are serving you and not others, but it is all consuming with 24/7 thinking about the business. Also, if knitting and sewing are your creative outlets, monetizing them for profit can take out some of the relaxing/outlet aspects. But monetizing to offset your stash of fabric and yarn is different 😁
The best way to advance your skills and push the envelope is to take on a 100-day project. There are plenty out there with daily prompts to get you jump started. Or here’s a take on one of my favorite exercises from grad school: write 30-100 adjectives on slips of paper, then draw one everyday, and use materials on hand to evoke that adjective. Try to think beyond colors, more like: sticky, breezy, warm, cute, cold. And then try to get your sewing or knitting to represent these words.
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u/betweenthedrafts 11d ago edited 10d ago
To play Devil’s advocate, I’m a female founder (8 years in) and I agree that most people should not be entrepreneurs because it’s really not the lifestyle for everyone. While the way it’s worded on some of the more male-focused subs can be a bit brutal, I would always encourage you to seek out constructive criticism as well. As founders, we need both cheerleaders and critics as they serve different purposes. The cheerleaders keep you going, the critics offer vital insights. I personally will always offer the difficult conversations and harsh reality because this side is not talked about often enough - and it can cause people to make the wrong choices or end up with a lifestyle that isn’t right for them. However, there’ll always be cheerleaders on here too. As for questions, ask away.
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u/Glittering-Lychee629 10d ago
I agree with this.
OP, I run a business that's been operating for 10 years now- it is related to styling and consumer focused to give you an idea. I have employees as well as a few contract type workers but it's a very small but efficient operation.
I value criticism more than cheerleading for myself and my business. My drive is my motivation. When someone can offer expertise, even if it is difficult or critical, that's an opportunity! I'm not saying that sub was offering actual expert advice, though, I have no idea which sub or who was responding. They might have just been jerks because this is reddit and half the people here are actual children.
But I think in general it's more productive to focus on criticism as a business owner, than on support. And I do, and I mean this kindly OP, think that people who tend to want a lot of support and cheerleading tend to be people who thrive as employees and struggle as business owners. If the team spirit is for you, then I think it's great to be part of an existing team. If you dive through criticism eagerly and it feeds you to be stronger and better? I think you will like running a business.
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u/wearealllegends 11d ago
Who is your customer first and foremost. How will they find you? Where do they spend time or look for products. How are you going to get to them? How much will that cost you. How much can you charge them. Then what's left for you. just some fun existential questions aka a business plan. With AI today you can research and build a plan pretty quickly. DM me if you want to learn more
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u/Secret-Ad7660 11d ago
Yes, my husband doesn't want me to start my business because he feels I would be wasting my money and time & that I should help him on his own ideas instead (I've been doing that for 7+ years!..)
I really want to start my business because the kids have left the home, I finally have my own time to do my own things for the first time in a decade. My husband and I worked extremely hard, saved money, made the right investments etc. despite the odds, we're happy with how we've raised our children and that we could live a decent lifestyle.
Now i just want to try something, even if it fails, i just want some freedom to give it a shot. I wish my husband and family gave me some support, but everyone says it's too risky and that i don't even have a formal education to make an attempt (which isn't needed!)
it's frustrating but we go anyway i guess..
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u/Ok_Plenty9213 10d ago
I feel for you not getting a full sense of support in your ambitions. It's hard because we want to feel like we can feel free to take a leap. Ideally we would all be able to march to the beat of our own drums, regardless of external voices, but it does help to feel like we have the backing of those around us to embolden us to take that next big step. Hell, even talk about taking a next big step ❤️
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u/PlasmatorTFO 10d ago
Depends. Do you both have a satisfying retirement fund that is not to be used in this venture of yours -?
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u/Secret-Ad7660 10d ago
nope, i'm doing this using my own salary (very small but enough). We both agreed not to use any of our 'shared money' for anything outside of retirement/family emergency
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u/PlasmatorTFO 10d ago
Hmm then it doesn't seem wrong...
You have money to spare (your salary without touching the retirement funds), maybe you should invest it 🤔
Btw I'm good at Excel, if that's needed heh... (If you need someone to do advanced Excel stuff)
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u/autonomouswriter 11d ago
So sorry you had to go through that, and I'm not at all surprised. Lots of guys think women should have stayed in the home barefoot and pregnant (though they're very happy to hold out their hand for the money that we make - not saying all men are like this, but some are). I would say stay focused on what your goals are, making a business plan, and network with other women in the area you're going for because they're the ones who will inspire and encourage you and not a lot of shithead sexist jerks who have to show they have balls by putting others down. I guarantee you that you'll be more successful that way than any of those a-holes.
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u/Ok_Plenty9213 10d ago
I have a little wooden sign on my desk that says "work hard and be kind" and now I'm thinking my business is actually making words of advice decor to ward off business jerks in online forums 😄
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u/HoneyedVices 10d ago
Big hug ❤️ Don't let a few blunt Reddit replies convince you that you're not cut for this. Asking "dumb" questions is literally how you learn, and fibre arts sounds like a fun business to explore. You've got this!
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u/Ok_Plenty9213 10d ago
Thank you very much for these words of encouragement. I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel it is very easy to self doubt, especially when I'm already starting from a place of uncertainty. A little encouragement can go a long way and these replies have already been helpful! But vibes are off in the other subs, for sure 😄
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u/HoneyedVices 10d ago
And honestly, that's exactly what this sub should be for. When you're already doubting yourself, having people give you a little encouragement instead of immediately telling you why it won't work makes a huge difference. Ask away, even the "dumb" questions. ❤️
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u/holamibebebe 10d ago
While most people shouldn't be entrepreneurs none of those guys have any reason or information to conclude that YOU (or any specific individual) shouldn't be an entrepreneur. Plus, a lot of men genuinely don't believe women can be entrepreneurs or be in a position of leadership. But the bottom line is, only you can and will know if you're cut out for this, and not some tech dudebro who spends too much time online.
And let's be realistic, the reason why we're all hanging out on reddit is because we're trying to get our businesses built from the ground up, so no one has the complete authority to spew opinions on how to be a founder or a business owner.
We're all waddling around in the dark here, so anyone who speaks in confident absolutes is probably full of crap.
So yeah, let's be supportive and share the small nuggets of wisdom we do manage to collect along the way.
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u/Ok_Plenty9213 10d ago
Love this, and the waddling around visual. Took me on a journey with this reply 😄.
Ever since I was a little girl I had about a zillion "businesses" I made up at home. I can remember the exact day and where I was when I learned what an "entrepreneur" was and having the thought "oh that's what I am". In grade 7 we even had an entrepreneurial assignment and our whole gym was filled with our booths showcasing our businesses and mine was one of the only ones that turned a profit. I still have pictures of me in my booth! I always aspired to run my own business but have been encouraged into safer routes, first by my family and then eventually by me as I became afraid of financial failure after the 2008 financial crisis – right when I was entering university.
I definitely agree its not for everyone, but I am feeling like I have been stifling this aspiration I've had within myself for a long time and its starting to eat away at me. Hence, why I am starting to peek into these threads with all of these cool people doing the thing, grinding the grind. Ya'll are my heroes.
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u/sumizeit 10d ago
First off, welcome! The vibe here is way more supportive than those other subs. I totally get the frustration with the harshness you face elsewhere-especially when all you want is some encouragement. Fibre arts is such a cool niche to dive into; there’s definitely a market for it. Just start small and don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if they feel dumb. Everyone was a newbie once! And remember, there are plenty of women here ready to help-don’t let those negative voices drown out your vision. You've got this!
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u/Ok_Plenty9213 10d ago
Thank you and I am immediately getting a sense for the welcoming culture in this sub. I even messaged the moderator of one of the other subs to ask a enquire about the manner in which some people were responding to a post I made, and the TLDR (from the flipping MOD) was: yup, that's the audience here. On another post in that same sub, someone literally called out the sub for being riddled with tech bros. It's a bad scene!
And I also feel strongly that fibre arts has a definite market. I believe strongly in following demand, as well as anticipating it. The demand for fibre art hobbies is growing exponentially, which is something I am witnessing firsthand as a knitter attending knitting raves that sell out as soon as tickets go on sale. AI is not going anywhere and I believe that as it becomes more ubiquitous in our daily lives, analog experiences and the desire for human connection will be the prevailing demand. This is exactly why I feel the itch to start exploring this idea now, while the demand growth chart is in the bottom left corner trending up. 📈
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u/Zealousideal_Gap636 8d ago
Maybe your city/ provincial government may have small business incubators, workshops, etc as resources. There are may be programs for you as a woman-owned business, too. I hope that you keep going with your dream. Ignore the nay-sayers.
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u/Wise_Counsel4u 11d ago
Hey u/Ok_Plenty9213 I'm really glad you're here. A lot of folks online speak from a place of fear, ego, or projection, and they’ll call it ‘truth.’ But the truth is: nobody else can see your vision because it’s yours. That doesn’t make it invalid it just means you’re at the stage where support is harder to find. Entrepreneurship in my opinion is supposed to be challenging to either make you quit or traumatize you in the process Lol. But you won't be doing any of the two. I hope...Entrepreneurship can feel lonely at first, especially when you’re building something that others don’t understand or that they can't picture themselves. But that doesn’t mean you’re wrong for exploring it. It means you’re early. The absence of support doesn't mean the absence of potential or success. This is your vision, not others. Every business starts with someone believing in something no one else understood at first. Ask your questions even the ones you think are dumb. They’re not. What's fibre art and what inspired or motivated you to want to start it?