Retired CPA here - you hit all the right points that people need to consider when setting up a home business! If you want to make money, you need to be focused and intentional.
Thank you for getting in my face, and reminding me, I need to 'tighten up' my Time Management. The first 4 minutes of this video read me like a book 🤦🏾
Excellent pointers! It drives me crazy how people will say how much they sold at a market… I’m like ‘umm, no, what was the profit?’ $1000 in a day is not actually as good as it sounds if you spent 100 hours making the product plus $500 on materials. Money in isn’t the same as profit. Love your channel and your sewing style!
Yes! I know what you mean. $1,000 at a garage sale is pretty good, but may not be the same for a sewists depending on how much it cost to get there! So glad you are enjoying my channel. :)
My favorite business I’ve ever run is quilt binding. It’s a niche skill, very scalable, minimal communication, and super flexible. Of course, commissions do vary depending on the time of year! Thank you so much, there was so much wisdom in this video!
Girl! You were speaking to me and verifying all my challenges. After one year I started scaling back. And now 18 months later, I’m reevaluating again. It’s been exciting and backbreaking to say the least.!I’m retired from the job track and sewing and alterations is currently my retirement job. Whew! It’s tough when you want to serve people. But cutting back is the best thing I’ve done for myself. Lastly! I’m done doing custom. It certainly does not pay, no matter how much you get paid as it’s very time consuming work and most of the time, unappreciated. Only a small percentage of people can afford it.😅❤🎉😊
lol I thought something was crying outside it was your video.. I’m a welder fabricator, I been learning how to sew. lol my gf finds me amazing I told her I just want to make custom clothes for my daughter. They love my ideals and work so far… brings peace of mind sewing just like welding
Thank you!! Best realistic video ive watched. I WILL start doing this. Im sonall over the place with my sewing. Ine thing i did reali6is that i have to get up shower and out in real clothes and "go to work" if i wirk in my PJs it just die6feel right to me ...maybe its just me. Thanks again!! PS ..i hate customs, i feel it stiffles my creativity, but like you said i do some customs but they are from some of my regulars.
A pointer that I can give as a work from home woman is to send your kids to daycare while you work. You will have less stress if you are sure they are being cared for rather than you splitting your attention between jobs and your kids.
I see what you are saying! However I don’t work full time nor intend to. This is purely my hobby to tinker with while I raise my kids. But yes, definitely a full time job would need a care taker!
Awesome advice on time management as an entrepreneur!!! Needed this, I’m that kind of person too so these pointers work for me. Great video thanks, love all the advice!!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATION!!! I was stucked and burned out for awhile now 😞especially the friend think that you're always free because you work for youself.
I did the same thing...ran a nightgown sewing business from home while my 3 children were young then transitioned into opening a retail location...and I always felt same thing, don't waste time trying to do something you don't like to do or have trouble doing...that is wasting money...and I used a bookkeeper for monthly bookkeeping and used accounts to do taxes ...just hire what you need...great ad vice
That’s great! It’s fun to hear of someone who’s already done it and been through my season of life. I’m much smaller scale than you were, but I hope to maintain a little so when my kids are grown I have something to do!
Is there is a dressform you could recommend?. I'm only sewing for myself and have been watching videos about how to make patterns fit correctly, but it hasn't really helped. I imagine that if I could use a dressform, it would help a lot. The cost is a consideration too. Thanks.
Brilliantly done! Your applications of lessons learned is phenomenal. I would add that start up may (likely will) require more than 8 hours/day. But still; you’re absolutely right. Set your schedule and stick to it (or have no life!). You’re bang on with every point. Very valuable!
This is exactly what I needed. Recently started a sewing business and a shm, this video was very informative and helped me out tremendously. Thankyou Thankyou .
Love the very detailed and practical advice about time management + process ! Your advice about marketing is amazing as well. I 've had an online business for 5 years ( I used to be a life coach) so I know how easy it is to just ask yourself every morning ' Hummmm, what am I feel like doing today ?' but this is the worst thing to do ! It tooks me a long time to realize I was treating my business like a hobby... Thank you so much 😊
thanks for this, im an aspiring costume maker myself and finding focused time whether employed elsewhere or not its hard to manage ones own time efficiently and to hear this information as well as seeing all the wonderful projects being made is really useful and encouraging. everyone especially those who are self employed is individual in how they manage a goal achieving system.
Wow thanks for the video, it's a great video with lots of good points and it's a great. I like how you help me look at time management and setting a target for an income. The hole video was helpful thanks❤
I'm going to watch this every few months to remind me what I should be doing while starting my business. 😅 I've made a lot of mistakes and shed lots of tears. Amen to everything in this video!!
Good for you in making mistakes! A lot of people are afraid to make the mistakes, but that’s where you learn! It’s very rare that everyone hits the mark in the first try without experience. You’re doing great!
You have been the most realistic about embroidery business and stay at home mom. I get it we are starving artist creative human being that want to earn a living enjoying the thing they do.
Yes! In some ways our wealth is from the creative process. So much fulfillment from creating. But ig we can find the right product we’re passionate about, we can make a living (at least partial as a stay at home mom!)
TH-cam algorithm brought me here. Find your channel for the first time. I love it. I don't even sell anything relate to sewing but I can sew tho. I draw and sell illustration. Thanks for the advise about the calendar. Also I am thinking to make scrunchies to sell but feel very discourage with the market over saturated plus china products. Will you make more video discussing about how to make profit in this bad economy and saturated market. Thank you.
Welcome to my TH-cam community! So glad you found me 🙂 making a video on that topic is definitely a consideration! Thank you for the recommendation! I appreciate all the feedback I can get 🙂
Nice video thank you! It makes me think about when you talk about custom... I think it depends on what you're accepting, the value you can add with it, if it takes you a lot more time with custom or not, and if you want to work with a stock or make to order, it really depends on your market, there is money in custom too, it just takes boundaries to set to not accepting everything and knowing how many time it takes you doing what imo
I'm not an experienced sewer but I took a few lessons and I was an industrial sewer way back in the day. I'm not interested in making things per se but want to offer mending and alteration services. Do you have any specific advice for me? Thank you. 🙂
@@loriweitzel I would apply all these principles, but because you’re not providing a product but a service, I’d time each project (such as hemming etc.) and see how long it takes you. That way you’ll know if you’re getting paid enough. Alterations can be tricky because it’s in the custom realm, but if you learn from your mistakes on how you quote a project, you can make a some money.
🎉i want to start a sewing business from home i tried many things i have an etsy shop so i plan to sell dog bandanas and pillow cases🎉🎉🎉❤❤i love your channel and tips to get started🎉🎉🎉
Hello, I’m really interested in fashion and sewing dresses and would like to become a good dress designer. How did you learn it? Did you go to a fashion school ? Or joined a program. I would love to know. Thank you
This is awesome, thank you for this -- especially loved the very first point! Can I ask, as I've been researching this & can't seem to find the answer - I bought a 4 thread overlocker (serger) but all the patterns & youtubers say to sew the seam first (with sewing machine) then overlock (serge) the seam ..but there is a line of stitching with the 4 thread overlocker so I'm not sure if I'm over doing the seams or should I just overlock (serge) the seam and not sew it first? Many thanks in advance.
Excellent question! I personally do not do a separate stitch on my sewing machine. I've never had an issue with my serger snapping... actually the sewing machine seems to be more at risk for this, so I'm not sure why people seem to think this is necessary. I especially like to serge my waist and empire waist seams because it is more flexible and it doesn't feel like a tight stitch when you are wearing it. I have seen some people say the overlock machine is only for knits... I personally disagree based on my experience. Never had an issue and I've worn dresses with overlock and still have not seen a seam give. Perhaps this would be for a 3 thread serger, but I haven't researched or used one. Although I could see where a 3 thread machine wouldn't have the base stitching line and perhaps people are mixing up with a 4 overlock machine?
@@thetailorette so glad I'm not the only person in the world just skipping the sewing machine for the straight stitch! I haven't had the serger bit come undone and as you mentioned, it feels more flexible so it's feel better to me AND it's so much faster to just whip it thru the serger!
When I bought my serger from a Juki dealer, they said this was one of the best things about the 4 thread serger is that you don't need to use the sewing machine for basic seams anymore :). Stronger seams and saves a lot of time. But because I sew for myself and different new patterns, I will baste first to check fit, as the serged seam is obviously more permanent.
Good question! It does take some trial and error to know what to make. I started out with aprons and made several sewn items and one day i posted a regency dress and everyone started asking for one and I couldn’t keep my shop full. But it took throwing some mud at the wall to see what sticks.
Just discovered your channel so I have a lot of binging to do, but do you have any tips on starting a business? I have ideas but I have no idea where to start. It’s so overwhelming and terrifying.
So glad you are a part of channel! Excellent question... this biggest thing is to get started. A lot of people get stuck in the phase of I need to aim perfectly the first time. Really what it is, is learning from experience. Don't be afraid to start with what you think is the most logical step. Even the best business owners started with what we all seem to be silly ideas. Don't be afraid to start!
Good thinking, however, it’s hard to get paid for the right hourly rate. If you’re doing detailed alterations that usually run for $1,000 but it ends up taking you 2 weeks you’re already in the negative and most people won’t pay 3000 for a 1000 alteration. Sometimes it works great, but a lot of times custom is never paid enough. But, some love custom and don’t mind getting paid less and that’s perfectly to fine 🙂
I hear ya! It takes time and trying different things. The biggest thing is do something… even if it ends up not being the path you take. Those mistakes are what teach you what to do 🙂
You have been the most realistic as being a sahm and always having the kids I have been struggling but I found the best times that would be free for me to get to work is at night or early in the morning Ill try the google schedule that will help with time management tremendously
That would make sense you have mornings and evenings! It’s hard finding time, but I’ve enjoyed seeing how I can manage my time with the little amount I have to work on things. Learning to appreciate any little bit I have 🙂 I’m amazed at how much even 2 hours can do when I’m intentional!
Retired CPA here - you hit all the right points that people need to consider when setting up a home business! If you want to make money, you need to be focused and intentional.
That's a real compliment coming for a CPA! I had to learn the hard way that not being focused and intentional can waste a lot of time.
Thank you for getting in my face, and reminding me, I need to 'tighten up' my Time Management. The first 4 minutes of this video read me like a book 🤦🏾
I have to remind myself too! It’s so easy to get off track. So glad this was helpful for you.
Excellent pointers! It drives me crazy how people will say how much they sold at a market… I’m like ‘umm, no, what was the profit?’ $1000 in a day is not actually as good as it sounds if you spent 100 hours making the product plus $500 on materials. Money in isn’t the same as profit. Love your channel and your sewing style!
Yes! I know what you mean. $1,000 at a garage sale is pretty good, but may not be the same for a sewists depending on how much it cost to get there! So glad you are enjoying my channel. :)
My favorite business I’ve ever run is quilt binding. It’s a niche skill, very scalable, minimal communication, and super flexible. Of course, commissions do vary depending on the time of year! Thank you so much, there was so much wisdom in this video!
I never thought of that but I could see how quilt binding would be straight forward! So glad you’re enjoying my content 🙂
Girl! You were speaking to me and verifying all my challenges. After one year I started scaling back. And now 18 months later, I’m reevaluating again. It’s been exciting and backbreaking to say the least.!I’m retired from the job track and sewing and alterations is currently my retirement job. Whew! It’s tough when you want to serve people. But cutting back is the best thing I’ve done for myself. Lastly! I’m done doing custom. It certainly does not pay, no matter how much you get paid as it’s very time consuming work and most of the time, unappreciated. Only a small percentage of people can afford it.😅❤🎉😊
Yes to everything you said and you're definitely speaking from experience! Sounds just like what I've learned myself. :)
lol I thought something was crying outside it was your video..
I’m a welder fabricator, I been learning how to sew. lol my gf finds me amazing I told her I just want to make custom clothes for my daughter. They love my ideals and work so far… brings peace of mind sewing just like welding
this is such a great video that I will definitely be referencing through out my sewing business journey! Thank you for sharing
You’re welcome and happy sewing! 🙂
Thank you!! Best realistic video ive watched. I WILL start doing this. Im sonall over the place with my sewing. Ine thing i did reali6is that i have to get up shower and out in real clothes and "go to work" if i wirk in my PJs it just die6feel right to me ...maybe its just me. Thanks again!! PS ..i hate customs, i feel it stiffles my creativity, but like you said i do some customs but they are from some of my regulars.
Yes I agree! I do all the things to get ready for the day. Make up and all. Makes me feel ready for anything 🙂
A pointer that I can give as a work from home woman is to send your kids to daycare while you work. You will have less stress if you are sure they are being cared for rather than you splitting your attention between jobs and your kids.
I see what you are saying! However I don’t work full time nor intend to. This is purely my hobby to tinker with while I raise my kids. But yes, definitely a full time job would need a care taker!
Awesome advice on time management as an entrepreneur!!! Needed this, I’m that kind of person too so these pointers work for me. Great video thanks, love all the advice!!
So glad this was helpful for you!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATION!!! I was stucked and burned out for awhile now 😞especially the friend think that you're always free because you work for youself.
So glad this helped you! I know I would've so appreciate it if I had heard this from someone else instead of learning the hard way!
Thank you so much for this video
I do most of these things but I struggle with consistency
Thanks again!
I know what you mean! It’s that whole being your own boss and holding yourself to consistency. I’m there with ya 🙌🏼
Thanks for sharing! Goals and boundaries sound incredibly important. Your insights are really helpful. I'm definitely saving this video for later!
@@laurenloertscher1319 yes absolutely! So glad you enjoyed it and feel free to ask me any questions 🙂
I did the same thing...ran a nightgown sewing business from home while my 3 children were young then transitioned into opening a retail location...and I always felt same thing, don't waste time trying to do something you don't like to do or have trouble doing...that is wasting money...and I used a bookkeeper for monthly bookkeeping and used accounts to do taxes ...just hire what you need...great ad vice
That’s great! It’s fun to hear of someone who’s already done it and been through my season of life. I’m much smaller scale than you were, but I hope to maintain a little so when my kids are grown I have something to do!
Is there is a dressform you could recommend?. I'm only sewing for myself and have been watching videos about how to make patterns fit correctly, but it hasn't really helped. I imagine that if I could use a dressform, it would help a lot. The cost is a consideration too.
Thanks.
Brilliantly done! Your applications of lessons learned is phenomenal. I would add that start up may (likely will) require more than 8 hours/day. But still; you’re absolutely right. Set your schedule and stick to it (or have no life!). You’re bang on with every point. Very valuable!
Absolutely! I almost included that point in my video! But yes, in the longer scheme of things, 9-5 is the goal 👍🏼
@@thetailorette Amen to that! Right now I’m 9 to noon. That’s 9pm to noon:-)
Thanks for sharing! Can’t stress enough how important this is. All the best to you
Yes, I can’t stress it enough either! Thanks for watching 🙂
This is exactly what I needed. Recently started a sewing business and a shm, this video was very informative and helped me out tremendously.
Thankyou Thankyou .
Thank you so much for guiding me and for the amazing tips❤
Great informative simple video.
Thank you ❤🎉😅
Love the very detailed and practical advice about time management + process ! Your advice about marketing is amazing as well.
I 've had an online business for 5 years ( I used to be a life coach) so I know how easy it is to just ask yourself every morning ' Hummmm, what am I feel like doing today ?' but this is the worst thing to do ! It tooks me a long time to realize I was treating my business like a hobby...
Thank you so much 😊
So glad you enjoyed my video 🙂 I only wish I watched a video like this a long while ago. But I’m thankful for all the trial and error too!
Very logical and practical but most creatives get caught out of this process. Thank you for this much needed video.
You’re welcome! It’s so easy to miss these things! Myself included 🙂
thanks for this, im an aspiring costume maker myself and finding focused time whether employed elsewhere or not its hard to manage ones own time efficiently and to hear this information as well as seeing all the wonderful projects being made is really useful and encouraging. everyone especially those who are self employed is individual in how they manage a goal achieving system.
Glad this was an encouragement to you! Being your own boss is hard, and it's difficult even for the most disciplined!
One of the best videos on this topic I've seen. Thanks!
You’re welcome!
Very real and informative real life experiences, I totally understand it work.
Wow, great information. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Wow thanks for the video, it's a great video with lots of good points and it's a great. I like how you help me look at time management and setting a target for an income. The hole video was helpful thanks❤
I LOVE your videos❤❤❤ They are always so helpful and inspiring! God Bless you and your family!❤❤❤
@@jesusgirl2096 so glad you enjoy my videos! God bless you too ❤️❤️
I'm going to watch this every few months to remind me what I should be doing while starting my business. 😅 I've made a lot of mistakes and shed lots of tears. Amen to everything in this video!!
Good for you in making mistakes! A lot of people are afraid to make the mistakes, but that’s where you learn! It’s very rare that everyone hits the mark in the first try without experience. You’re doing great!
You have been the most realistic about embroidery business and stay at home mom. I get it we are starving artist creative human being that want to earn a living enjoying the thing they do.
Yes! In some ways our wealth is from the creative process. So much fulfillment from creating. But ig we can find the right product we’re passionate about, we can make a living (at least partial as a stay at home mom!)
Wow awesome reminder, thank you 😊
Really interesting. Thank you
Thank you for your time!
TH-cam algorithm brought me here. Find your channel for the first time. I love it. I don't even sell anything relate to sewing but I can sew tho. I draw and sell illustration. Thanks for the advise about the calendar. Also I am thinking to make scrunchies to sell but feel very discourage with the market over saturated plus china products. Will you make more video discussing about how to make profit in this bad economy and saturated market. Thank you.
Welcome to my TH-cam community! So glad you found me 🙂 making a video on that topic is definitely a consideration! Thank you for the recommendation! I appreciate all the feedback I can get 🙂
Fabric saw?? How have I never heard of this contraption before! Thanks!
Great advice and your gowns are beautiful!
Love your video. Relevant and informative. 👌👌👌
Thanks for the advice.
You’re welcome!
Nice video thank you! It makes me think about when you talk about custom... I think it depends on what you're accepting, the value you can add with it, if it takes you a lot more time with custom or not, and if you want to work with a stock or make to order, it really depends on your market, there is money in custom too, it just takes boundaries to set to not accepting everything and knowing how many time it takes you doing what imo
Excellent tips!! Thank you!!❤
You’re welcome ❤️
Great advice. Thanks for sharing
Anytime!
I'm not an experienced sewer but I took a few lessons and I was an industrial sewer way back in the day. I'm not interested in making things per se but want to offer mending and alteration services. Do you have any specific advice for me? Thank you. 🙂
@@loriweitzel I would apply all these principles, but because you’re not providing a product but a service, I’d time each project (such as hemming etc.) and see how long it takes you. That way you’ll know if you’re getting paid enough. Alterations can be tricky because it’s in the custom realm, but if you learn from your mistakes on how you quote a project, you can make a some money.
🎉i want to start a sewing business from home i tried many things i have an etsy shop so i plan to sell dog bandanas and pillow cases🎉🎉🎉❤❤i love your channel and tips to get started🎉🎉🎉
So glad this helped you! Best wishes to you and your Etsy business!
Thank you, you are so inspiring! I make custom dresses too, but I want to sew kids stuff, I don't know how to jump up on my stuff more)
Kids items sound fun! I’ve always had an idea to do girls’ dresses. It takes a lot of practice and trying different things to see what works!
Honestly you’ve saved my life
So glad! 😄
Thank you so much! It’s so helpful!
You’re welcome! So glad it helped you!
Thanks so much. what brand of serger are using please...
That is a Juki serger
Love your channel !and I subscribed💕
Thank you! And welcome to my channel❤️
Great info!
hola desde la paz bolivia, realmente muy buenos tus concejos .
So glad this was helpful for you!
What is the best low-cost fabric saw? Thank you for your video.
This is the one that I use. I can't vouch for any other saws as I have never used the before. amzn.to/3XtKvTT
Hello,
I’m really interested in fashion and sewing dresses and would like to become a good dress designer.
How did you learn it?
Did you go to a fashion school ?
Or joined a program.
I would love to know.
Thank you
Thank you so much for sharing.
You're welcome!
This is awesome, thank you for this -- especially loved the very first point! Can I ask, as I've been researching this & can't seem to find the answer - I bought a 4 thread overlocker (serger) but all the patterns & youtubers say to sew the seam first (with sewing machine) then overlock (serge) the seam ..but there is a line of stitching with the 4 thread overlocker so I'm not sure if I'm over doing the seams or should I just overlock (serge) the seam and not sew it first? Many thanks in advance.
Excellent question! I personally do not do a separate stitch on my sewing machine. I've never had an issue with my serger snapping... actually the sewing machine seems to be more at risk for this, so I'm not sure why people seem to think this is necessary. I especially like to serge my waist and empire waist seams because it is more flexible and it doesn't feel like a tight stitch when you are wearing it. I have seen some people say the overlock machine is only for knits... I personally disagree based on my experience. Never had an issue and I've worn dresses with overlock and still have not seen a seam give. Perhaps this would be for a 3 thread serger, but I haven't researched or used one. Although I could see where a 3 thread machine wouldn't have the base stitching line and perhaps people are mixing up with a 4 overlock machine?
@@thetailorette so glad I'm not the only person in the world just skipping the sewing machine for the straight stitch! I haven't had the serger bit come undone and as you mentioned, it feels more flexible so it's feel better to me AND it's so much faster to just whip it thru the serger!
Yes! Rest assured! You’re not cutting a corner!
When I bought my serger from a Juki dealer, they said this was one of the best things about the 4 thread serger is that you don't need to use the sewing machine for basic seams anymore :). Stronger seams and saves a lot of time. But because I sew for myself and different new patterns, I will baste first to check fit, as the serged seam is obviously more permanent.
@bodyandsoul17 good to know! This makes so much more sense. Thank you for clarifying 🙂
This video was really helpful
So glad!
This is great info.
Thank you!
You it all the points !
So important!
Thanks so much!❤
You’re welcome ❤️
Great info, new here🧵✅
Thank you! 😃
I just started my sewing business. I have Shopify and Instagrams, Etsy and no sells. I have so much inventory. I do not know how to sell
How do u decide what to make and sell
Good question! It does take some trial and error to know what to make. I started out with aprons and made several sewn items and one day i posted a regency dress and everyone started asking for one and I couldn’t keep my shop full. But it took throwing some mud at the wall to see what sticks.
Just discovered your channel so I have a lot of binging to do, but do you have any tips on starting a business? I have ideas but I have no idea where to start. It’s so overwhelming and terrifying.
So glad you are a part of channel! Excellent question... this biggest thing is to get started. A lot of people get stuck in the phase of I need to aim perfectly the first time. Really what it is, is learning from experience. Don't be afraid to start with what you think is the most logical step. Even the best business owners started with what we all seem to be silly ideas. Don't be afraid to start!
So what if you just add more price to the custom made
Good thinking, however, it’s hard to get paid for the right hourly rate. If you’re doing detailed alterations that usually run for $1,000 but it ends up taking you 2 weeks you’re already in the negative and most people won’t pay 3000 for a 1000 alteration. Sometimes it works great, but a lot of times custom is never paid enough. But, some love custom and don’t mind getting paid less and that’s perfectly to fine 🙂
❤❤❤
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
😢 I'm the poor starving artist I'm in the midst of figuring out who my market is 🤔
I hear ya! It takes time and trying different things. The biggest thing is do something… even if it ends up not being the path you take. Those mistakes are what teach you what to do 🙂
1:55 😮 looks like indian sarees
Yes they are!
@@thetailorette that's awesome. Love to see what you will do with that stuff❤.
You have been the most realistic as being a sahm and always having the kids I have been struggling but I found the best times that would be free for me to get to work is at night or early in the morning Ill try the google schedule that will help with time management tremendously
That would make sense you have mornings and evenings! It’s hard finding time, but I’ve enjoyed seeing how I can manage my time with the little amount I have to work on things. Learning to appreciate any little bit I have 🙂 I’m amazed at how much even 2 hours can do when I’m intentional!