Setting up my own business - in what though??

[bizzeliz]

I've been toying with setting up my own business for a while, I am currently working part time with two children at school age. I've confused myself so much I thought I'd see if anyone on here can offer me some good advice and support. Think I'm driving DH mad!

I like most craft activities, I am a basic sewer (cushions, purses, bags) and in the past after attending craft courses can now make pretty jewellery pieces. Most of the time I've made gifts for family but I want to branch out. I can also do upholstery and have tidied some old chairs.

I think I'm also good at event organising, I've always admired those people who have set up craft fairs or local arts festivals. I work in recruitment marketing and feel I could use my skills there.

Sorry one more area, I've helped friends/ clients with CVs and finding new jobs and wonder if I could also do that on my own.

So you see, my mind is totally confused with potential opportunities, I know I'd enjoy them all as I feel a spark for them all, I'm just unsure which to choose!

This feels like I should go to a careers adviser you used to get at school, not sure I've even posted in the right area. I really hope you all can offer me some advice or your own experiences on how to be more focused and to stop dithering!

Thanks in anticipation.

Thanks again for motivation and links, as I said before I love Mumsnet for sounding out thoughts and ideas.

Teamedward that's very impressive!

Where i live there has been a couple of little shops springing up lately which sell local crafters work, the crafters pay to rent shelf space, they also hold workshops there as well, i think they're quite popular but whether they make a profit i don't know.

I started this way buy crocheting baby items, it was really popular and got so many orders! Problem is how timely it is, i could easily make enough money from it if only i had time to do it. Now i've branched my business in to retail by buying from suppliers to start my own shop. I now do the handmaking as an option on my website, just as a hobby but still dont get the time.. I'm always looking for new things to go on my page, especially hand made bits, so if you wanted to maybe join me as such and have your bits on my website aswell i wouldn't mind giving you some more info :) Message me if your interested at all.

I would think about providing a service that people are needing rather than using your craft skills to make something you love and hope other people will...the advice on (not) making money from craft on this thread is spot on.

In a similar boat I trained as a curtain maker - started at home and then took a workshop, had freelance staff etc - there is always a demand for handmade curtains, Roman blinds etc, and you dictate the work/life balance so great if your DCs are small.

Upholstery is always in demand too but may be more costly to get started - tools, transport, space etc.

Having said all of that I was aiming to net a certain amount which I have achieved easily but it is hard to scale up - so now DCs are older I am giving up and trying to find a real job as no longer need the flexibility/short hours etc. It is immensely satisfying selling something you make (even something as uncreative as beige curtains!) and for me was a good choice for the lifestage I was at.

I never did this but wonder if there is a market for learn to sew classes - maybe a bit more craft than sewing machine - mother and son/daughter classes etc? This may tie into your events experience too and be more sociable (workign for yourself can be lonely, again I didn't like that but put up because the benefits were there for me)

Hi bizzeliz I know nothing about self employment although I am also looking into setting up a business. Anyway just a quick thought for you have you thought about something like after school clubs. As some parent may just want a little more time to get to school but not necessarily want to use the childcare club. Also being in a craft club is more productive than being in a after school childcare club. Just to say it is not a thought through suggestion. Good luck

Also what about approaching department stores, shopping centres and big retail chain or even hotels to see if they may want someone to set a craft table for a day or two in their shop to keep the kids occupied while mums can do shopping. Good luck