When you learn and perfect a new skill, someone is bound to say, “You should start a business.” As easy as it is to say, people often overlook the fact that running a business is just as challenging as creating the product itself. I was taught how to crochet from a very young age and spent years honing the craft. Recently, I turned that passion into a small online business. Suddenly, crocheting for hours was only one part of the process. Capturing the perfect product photos, building a brand identity, reaching the right audience, managing orders, and meeting deadlines all became equally important responsibilities.
Slowly I began experimenting with photography, taking the right picture with the perfect lighting to suit the vibe of my business, utilizing tutorials, advice from friends and family to create an intriguing setup. I tried to pick a layout that reflects consistency, ensuring brand integrity is maintained. Then began editing posts on Canva.
Another skill I learnt was online market research. Any business owner knows that pricing products is one of the trickiest things. The target audience often has varying budgets and will honestly always ask for a lower price. So, while pricing my products, I decided to view different business owner’s Instagram profiles to understand their methods. I also used AI chatbots like Gemini and ChatGPT, gave them details of my products, their pictures, and a brief idea of my audience. This allowed me to have a broader understanding on what a reasonable price is like.
Since we recently launched, we don’t have such a huge following, but I believe that by learning such skills, I not only improve my skills but also open doors to different possibilities. I discovered I enjoy being adaptable and acquiring new skills, improving my confidence by showcasing a personal passion on a global scale. This experience also taught me that growth often begins the moment we are willing to learn and do something unfamiliar.