is having a small business worth it? unsuccessful launch day becomes important learning experience
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2022
- Hi friends:) Sometimes launch day doesn't go as planned. And that's ok! I launched my latest clothing collection a few weeks ago and it was definitely my least successful launch yet in terms of online sales. I'm still figuring this whole entrepreneur small-business-owning thing out, and I'm happy to share the details with you all - no matter how disappointing or frustrating the process is. I'm working on revamping my shop and hopefully start producing items that can add value to my customers' lives. Hope you're enjoying the process, & hope you enjoy the video:)
~SOCIALS~
Personal accounts:
IG: @monicarazak
TikTok: @monicarazak
For my small business:
IG: @monicascollective
TikTok: @monicascollective
~SHOP~
My Shop (Official): monicascollective.com
My Shop (Etsy): www.etsy.com/shop/monicasDIYs
~MUSIC~
Epidemic Sound referral link: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Tags:
small business, life in my twenties, hoboken, new york city, lifestyle content, sustainable business, fashion, nyc fashion, fashion brand, handmade fashion brand, morning routine, night routine, productive vlog, aesthetic vlog, aesthetic apartment, etsy shop, crafting room, diy, crafting room, she shed, sewing room, software engineer, software development, 9 to 5 job, side hustles, productivity, time management, day in my life, pop up shop, vendor booth, launch day, crafting studio - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Monica Rome wasn’t built in a day… if you have passion in what your doing and your good at it which you are you cannot fail!! Shake it off, regroup and kill the game like you know you can!!!
Where you were in this video, is where I'm at right now. Look at how far you have come! Your videos are my motivation to keep going. 💗
I just discovered your page and it’s been so inspiring, I had in a launch in February too and sold nothing, I cried for 2day me and my as in bed for a few more days, it’s so difficult and exhausting as a designer who hand makes all her designs from scratch. The efforts, the hours and sweat is just a lot. But I wiped my face and got back to it. I’m now just exploring pop up and events and some are okay. We will keep pushing and showing up girl 🥰
Watching you do all those hard work and feel bad of not "selling" as much as you expect, but still have that positive outlook, makes me literally ashamed and envious. I have been making accessories since last year, but the ugly truth is, I'm just a starter and not a finisher. I have boxes upon boxes of finished and unfinished products, that I don't even wanna see them because it only makes me feel bad.
Thank you for being open about your experiences, and thank you for this video. You don't know how many people you inspire out there. I'm grateful that I happened to watch this tonight (12 hours diff), 'coz it made me wanna pick up my projects again, and start really selling them.
You would not believe the amount of projects I start but never finish! The fact that you event start a project is impressive and puts you a step ahead of others who are too scared to start! So keep going! I'm so glad my videos inspire you to keep creating:) Keep pushing and know that once you finish a project, it'll feel amazing and make you realize all the hard work was worth it!
I absolutely feel this. I've had many launches that completely flopped. I've rebranded, redesigned, nearly quit a few times, and done everything I could to "fix" my business. I've been doing this for two years and I'm still not seeing much growth. But knowing I'm not alone in that is reason enough for me to keep trying. If you're thinking about closing your small biz-- DON'T!!!! You're going to get there in your own time. Everyone is different. You can do this!!
Thank you so much for your support!! I feel like it's frustrating seeing so many other small businesses take off so quickly while some of us are taking a liiiiiitle longer to grow haha. Thanks for the encouragement, I hope you never give up either and keep pushing!
I’m glad you decided to stay the course. Sometimes we just have to regroup and have another plan of action to get what it is we want.
I've learned that when I'm upset and considering quitting all of this, I usually just need a couple days and a few coffees, then I'm good to go again! Haha, thanks for the support:)
I love how you are very creative in different areas of crafting. There is a lot emphasis on finding a niche specific idea but th fact that you explore sewing, jewelry making etc. is awesome! 😌
Thank you! I considered sticking to one niche but then I was like nah, that sounds boring. Haha, for now I just want to create as much as I want while maintaining high quality work. Maybe one day I'll pick one thing... or maybe not!
@@monicarazak Very cool!
Keep going Monica you will get there! The world needs young creative people like you, and fast fashion needs the pressure from businesses like yours.
Keep an open mind . You are very talented & keep pushing for what you believe in. ❤
I'm not alone. I used to think I should give up, but you inspired me. Thank you
So happy to hear you didn't give up! It's also really good to know that I'm not alone in this either:)
Don’t give up, you got this!!!! I just checked out your website and you’re sold out in some apparel. Good jobs b!!!! 😊😊😊😊😊
Thank you for sharing your journey. I find it so hard to find people out there who feel the same way I do. I haven't started my art business yet for the same reason I just don't feel like I'm supported right now. I have a full time job too, so dedicating many hours and money just to flop is hard to think about when it comes to starting a small business. Please continue to share your journey it's so encouraging! 💗
Thank you so much for your support:) The goal is to always stay optimistic and inspire other creators out there with my successes AND failures. Whenever you're ready to start your business, I encourage you to go for it!
3:08-4:00 this is exactly how my live view looks & how i feel right now…the last sale that i made was july & i probably would have 0 sales if i didn’t go to markets in the beginning. i’ve even redesigned my store 3 times, still nothing. i’m glad you shared this with us bc there are other business who don’t show these kinds of things💚
We all need to support one another to get through the frustrating times:) Hope your business starts growing soon and you get some more sales:) Thanks for the support!
I'm in the same boat. Started my Online Handmade Jewelry Boutique in July. Have made only one sale total so far. Even tried a few % off sales & free shipping. Getting lots of likes & views & stuff on posts on social media ,like you were saying, but no sales. Going as a vendor at my first craft show in early November. Is there anything you can recommend I can do?
@@WinchesterDixon8797 i’m sure you’ve heard this before, but definitely make sure that any signage you use is in a big font and clear to read. this makes it easy for people to see your pricing when walking by. spread your business cards out on your table so it’s easier for people to grab & go. if you have any qr codes, make sure those are also visible. i always say hi to anyone walking by to catch their attention. model your own product, it helps people get an idea of how it fits. don’t go to markets expecting to make a lot of sales. markets usually help you get your name out there locally, but you do have a chance to make back what you paid for the space. i hope some of this helps & good luck friend💚
Thank you for sharing this journey of yours. I myself went thru the same disappointment on my launch day last year and because of you i wanted to keep going forward and replan my business. Thank you for being such a good inspiration girl ❤❤
Wow I'm so happy you decided to keep going!! Thanks so much for the support and I'm so glad that my videos inspire you to keep creating:)
wow you've done an amazing job !
I’m in love with your stickers. Do you make custom ones?
Thanks for sharing your experience
Hey Monica! You inspire me SO much. I think much of the reason maybe launch didn't go according to plan is because of the current state of the economy here in the US. Something I would like to say though is that I someday hope to buy from you -- but recently I didn't because unfortunately I need to invest at the moment in clothes for fall/winter weather and summer is drawing to a close, so since much of your collection felt aimed towards warmer weather, I am waiting to see what else you put out that may be better suited towards colder weather. I hope your pop up shops go well, and I can't wait for the next video!
I TOTALLY agree. I definitely released this collection a little too late in the season, plus it ended up being my most expensive collection during the worst economic time of this year. Thanks for the feedback and thank you so much for your support:)
I thought your collection looked absolutely stunning too🥺💗 I gasped when i saw the photos!! Keep your head up queen you’ll get it 🫶🏼✨
Thank you so much:) I really appreciate the support
So inspiring, glad you didn't quit 🙌
Your designs are beautiful 😍 i think its just a matter of time and you will start getting your desired sales
Thank you! The plan is to keep pushing and working hard to make that happen:)
OMG. Don't play to price.That's a no-win game. Play to all of the things that make your brand special. Which it is. For all of those reasons that you listed on your label of your scrunchies. More marketing does it. People are paying $20/scrunchie when they adore the brand. Which people do for you! You just need to share about your launches, what's in them, etc more. Get people excited with lots of videos like this one, but about your upcoming launch. You may already be doing this, but I just haven't seen it yet. I just started following you.
❤
Your aesthetic is amazing. Your designs are beautiful. KEEP GOING. So fun to watch your progress.
Thanks so much for this, I truly appreciate the support and the advice!:)
I love your drive and style and I’m glad you’re not quitting! It’ll all be worth it in the end and a great story in the future!
Thank you so much for the support:) I always think to myself "well, at least this will be a good story to tell later on once I'm super successful" lol
@@monicarazak exactly!!!! You’re killing it!!! So inspirational 💗💗⭐️⭐️
You are awesome❤
Look at dollar tree for candle jars. They work great and can’t beat the price.
Hi! I am currently where you were when you posted this, and I have a question for you :( I'm REALLY struggling with sales. I make tote bags of my original paintings, and it's hand printed. I refine the colors by hand when it doesn't print right. It takes me about an hour per bag, and if I give myself a living wage then add the raw materials cost, I sell them at $36. But, people aren't buying them, because I think they buy tote bags made for ten dollars or less. I don't know how to get around this. I am considering selling at sustainable markets and seeing if people there would be more willing to pay for my labor. I wanted to ask you what you think because you mentioned the same issue. How did you pivot and find the people willing to pay for your labor? I know this was 9 months ago, but it looks like there's been a lot of growth since. I appreciate you sharing the journey and process. Truly appreciate it.
Don't be hard on yourself. You are a bright young lady and you need to keep tweaking things until you find your balance. I admire your work ethic and have difficulty figuring out how you can have a full time job and have your own business. Take advantage of your youth and follow your dreams. Watching you motivates me and I'm sure many are as well.
Thanks:) It's definitely a struggle working a day job and running a business, but I'm grinding while I can & I'm constantly working on my time management skills haha. Thanks so much for your support!
I know the feeling as a small business owner. Nobody not buying due to inflation. I had sold few items on my website. It is hard to stay positive but we can do it.
Feels bad in the moment, but we just need to keep pushing through and remember the reason why we're doing what we're doing:) Thanks for the support!
If you are able financially to keep going to realize your dream; go for it. You are one of the lucky ones, as you know what you want to do with your life. Many of us never realize what we actually want to do. I admire your vision. Look at Vera Wang, who was around 40, when she started her brand.
So true, at times I feel like I'm running out of time to be "successful", but there are so many examples of people who never stopped following their dreams and eventually, it worked out! I also think I'm lucky to know what I want, and hopefully through these videos, I help inspire other potential crafters realize their passions! Thanks for the support:)
❤️❤️❤️
I just saw the TH-cam video made by the owner of the most successful Etsy shop for dog collars,.where he created a new Etsy shop for Christmas ornaments and has ZERO sell during first 7 days. Guess what? It is normal!
Have you thought about modest clothing?😊
Maybe putting your website in the banner for your TH-cam channel would be a good idea! Because I’m trying to find it and I can’t find it
Great idea, I've been putting off updating my banner...so I think I'll work on that soon:)
Hi! new subscriber here, I like your studio, do you rent your studio.....? 🙂
Yes!
YOU NEED TO STOP TELLING PEOPLE THAT YOU ARE TAKING YOUR BED SHEETS AND YOUR PILLOW CASES TO MAKE CLOTHING TO SELL BECAUSE I WOULD NOT BUY ANYTHING EITHER INVEST SOME MONEY IN SOME FABRIC AND I MEAN YOU NO DISRESPECT
Thank you for sharing this bc I’ve often felt this way as well. I launched and so many ppl on IG said they would support and they didn’t. I also think that some of those launch dates videos may not all be “authentic” if you get what I mean. So we have to take everything we see online with a grain of salt as well. I’m sure some ppl do see success but there are sooo many other factors we have to keep in mind🤗 I can fully relate to you in your journey and I really appreciate you posting this for all of us 🫶🏽
Yeah I've learned to take those launch day videos with a grain of salt haha. Thanks for the reassurance:) and thanks for your support!