Thinking of starting a vintage/handmade business? - Business Series - Part One, Vision

If you frequent Vintage Indie often you know that vintage and independent businesses are about 85% of the main content here. On our about page you'll learn that my goal is to give life to older things once disregarded. Bring them back into our world today as well as introduce you to the independent world of designers, crafters and artists.

I know first hand that starting a business can be somewhat intimidating and overwhelming but most importantly it's exciting. Do you find yourself in the midst of wanting to start your own business specializing in vintage or items you create? I hope this new series on starting and running a successful independent business will encourage you to keep moving with your goals for a successful outcome.

To begin thinking of starting your own business you need to set goals, a plan with some sort of direction. Whether you are thinking of starting a business for fun or for hobby it's good idea to have a vision.

Here are some important questions to ask yourself first and foremost before you begin. 

VISION - : the act or power of imagination (Merriam Webster)

Do you have a vision for your new venture? Vision can also be a statement to yourself of what you want to come of your ideas. At this point in the game, you don't have to necessarily have to have a business plan but your vision is a starting point in the right direction.

To get started, ask yourself a few questions and jot down a few important notes. I suggest keeping a single notebook all for jotting down ideas as they come.

1. What is my idea?  - What's the basis for your vision.

2. Do I really love this idea? One of the most important pieces of advice that I can give you is MAKE SURE YOU LOVE IT. Yes I'm shouting this. Make sure what you want to do is something you love or something you can vision yourself loving. Why go through all of this effort only to give up after all of your time, money and energy have gone into it.

What if you don't know if you love it? Then ask yourself, am I passionate about this subject? No matter what it is, there has to be initial spark and interest. Keep tabs on this, your happiness will keep your business successful.

If you love vintage toys, and your vision is to own a vintage toy store then the excitement of selling vintage toys, learning about them and sharing them with your future customers will give you the ambition that you need to help you grow. If you don't necessarily love vintage toys from the beginning, but see yourself enjoying researching them, selling and talking about them all of the time then go for it.

I have to say when I started my first business ( now sold, a bath and body company) I was so passionate and excited about it that I hardly slept. The thought of owning my own business was so exciting to me that all I could do was research every single aspect about that field.

Your Homework:

Write down your vision.

Have questions? Please feel free to leave me comments here and I'll do my best to answer them or if I don't know I'll try to find out for you.

 

Comments

[Geralyn Gray]

Thanks so much for your vision. The store I have worked at for 7 years has filed chapter 11 and will be closing by October. I have been collecting paper supplies and setting up a studio for quite awhile. Thinking someday I will have the time to create and sell my creations. My vision is to sell on consignment and create a blog with an etsy shop. I will be following your business start-up ideas closely. My vision=hope for a dream to be reality.

[Gabreial/Vintage Indie]

Hi Geralyn,

I hate to sound cliché, but dreams can become reality. Big or small, you just have to put your mind to it. I hope you find the series helpful and I'm glad to have you following along. Have a great weekend!

[Jill]

Yes, I too have a vision of opening my own etsy shop to sell my vintage items and someday to follow my handcrafted/repurposed/revitalized items. I love giving new life to something that has "seen it's day". My biggest hurdle is in my own mind, thinking that others would think I'm just silly. My husband and kids are all for it, I just don't mention it to anyone else.

[Gabreial/VintageIndie]

Jill,

I say go for it! What do you have to loose with an Etsy shop? I'll be touching on the subject of Etsy a little to help get those who want to start there.

First of all re-purposed items have their place and they are in deed wanted and needed. What a better way to recycle something. Giving it new life with your own personal touch. If your husband and kids are anything like mine, they'll be your best support system and that's all you need.

G