When a Handmade Business Loses Its Heart: Why I Run Mine a Little Differently
One of my hand knotted beaded necklaces with sterling silver Dahlia flower charm (This particular one sold at a farmers market to a fellow vendor.
Some people are surprised to learn that treating a handmade business too much like a business can actually hurt it. Sounds backwards, right? But hear me out.
When makers are constantly told to “scale,” “optimize,” or “post daily to grow,” they sometimes lose what made their work special in the first place. Suddenly, the joy of creating turns into a checklist. The connection to each piece gets lost in algorithms, email funnels, and endless strategy talk.
I’ve learned that for me, my business needs to breathe. It needs room for creativity, imperfection, and slowness. I choose not to mass produce. I don’t outsource my hands. I may not post every day… but when I do, it’s real. When you buy from me, you’re getting more than a product. You’re getting hours of thoughtful design, careful crafting, and yes, even a little stubbornness about doing it the right way… not just the profitable way.
So if you ever wonder why my items might take time, cost more, or come with little stories, it’s because I’m still in it. Heart and hands both.
I’m just one person doing my best to figure it all out. I create everything by hand, manage my website, pack orders, work in my in person shops, and still try to leave space for inspiration to show up. Some of my items, like candles or delicate pieces are harder to ship, so I only offer them in my local spaces. Others live online where they’re easier to list, pack, and send. It’s not always a perfectly streamlined system, but it’s honest, thoughtful, and built with intention.
Alongside my handmade pieces, you’ll also find a curated selection of wholesale items in my shop. I choose each one with care to complement the style and feel of my handmade work. These additions help me offer a fuller, more inspiring experience for my customers… while also helping me keep the lights on, quite honestly. As a small business owner, sometimes I have to get creative not just in what I make, but in how I keep going. Every piece, whether handmade or curated, is chosen with love and purpose.
At the end of the day, I’m just someone who loves making beautiful things and sharing them with people who appreciate the little details. Thank you for being here, for supporting my journey, and for choosing handmade and heartfelt.
