What can I possibly do?

[businessorbust]

Namechanged for this because I am utterly despairing and feeling really sad and humiliated.

I started my own business almost 20 years ago, as a seamstress. I never wanted to grow the business and employ staff, I just wanted to make a living. I initially worked from a room at home but 6 years ago moved into premises. I can't return home as our circumstances have changed and we no longer have a spare room.

All was going okay, then Covid hit. I was lucky enough to get a little financial support that paid my rent and kept me afloat. I thought that would be the worst it would get, then Liz Truss came along and my mortgage more than doubled.

The Cost of Living crisis is killing me. I'm not getting the number of clients I used to get, those who come don't want to spend any money with me bar a few and I'm exhausted trying to keep what feels like a sinking ship afloat.

I've tried offering sewing classes and workshops. All wonderful, we love them.....wait, you want us to PAY????

I've tried craft fairs etc. All wonderful, we love your work and your style......wait, HOW MUCH??????

I've tried facebook and instagram adverts. I've looked a local newspapers for adverts but they're £££££ and I just don't have it.

My unit neighbours and I are planning an open day to invite people in just to see what we do, as our building is kind of hidden. We're not allowed external adverts so no A boards or signage of any kind.

I've got a website, I use instagram and FB to show what I'm doing, I'm dropping adverts wherever I can, and honestly, nothing seems to be working.

I'm millimetres away from jacking it all in and finding a job instead, but I've absolutely no skills beyond my ability to sew, design and craft. My other talent is cooking. I'm also 56 so already on the scrap heap agewise. I'm fairly fit but have some health issues that mean a heavy physical job is probably beyond my abilities. I can't drive for money due to the terms of my driving licence (eg taxi or delivery driver)

I'm looking for work, but am totally at a loss as to how my skills could translate into some sort of employment. That's why I'm self employed in the first place.

I'd be deeply appreciative if anyone has any ideas of where I can go next, because all I see at the moment is a deep chasm that I'm about to jump into.

It's very unlikely to have much to do with you personally and a lot to do with logistics and convenience. If you're in a village the pool of people for whom you're convenient is small. That's why the town does better - it's convenient and accessible for more people. The social aspect of bigger classes probably also has an appeal.

Your skills are amazing, I am envious (in a nice way!!).

Maybe there is salaried work with an existing company such as a wedding shop doing either alterations or made to measure, or an artisanal clothing company (these seem to be getting more popular, especially with clothes made in the UK as people get more aware of exploitation etc), maybe a fashion house. Could be a question of researching companies and contacting them speculatively rather than looking for vacancies.

Can you diversify and use your sewing skills to make soft furnishings such as made to measure curtains or upholstery (I know that's a different skill set and quite physically demanding but perhaps it's transferrable)?

Baby clothes to sell to boutiques or online? Prom dresses for teenagers seem to fetch inordinate amounts. Could you approach a local boutique with some styles?

College technician

If there are any fairs on soon and you can knock some things up fairly quickly, fabric decorations for Autumn/Halloween/Christmas would be a good seller, they’re always what I look out for on Facebook selling events. People who have twiggy trees they decorate for each season etc.

Leaves, acorns, pumpkins, ghosts, baubles, gingerbread men etc.

What are Facebook selling events? Sorry but I'm a bit out of touch and don't get the best out of fb, clearly.

I find in many businesses these days the money is in 'niche' - I know a lady that makes kids patchwork quilts using bits of their old baby clothes- they aren't cheap and yes they sell

The same is true of memory bears or anything that involves babies-

Nostalgia sells - it's finding that niche and marketing the hell out of it- local mags, notice boards etc can work well too

Could you do a fabric Christmas wreath class/workshop. You provide the fabric and rings, prosecco and mince pies (?). Or with greenery etc if you can work with it. They sell out really quickly round here.

You say you have facebook and Instagram but how much do you utilise them?
What do you post exactly?

People don't like to be sold to, they like to know who they are buying from. Do you show yourself on stories etc?

You need to be niche, so focus on one part of the business and become the go to person/expert for the that.

Dog poop bags, pet beds and guinea pig mats and accessories made out of fleece?

Cringey maybe, but people appear v happy to spend a lot of money on the beloved fluffballs. Pet-type stuff also makes a good gift, coming up to Christmas.

Good call. The pet accessories market is huge; people increasingly spend on pets like they're DC.

I could see e.g. monogrammed and custom harnesses/leads/pet beds being big Christmas money spinners.

Goodness, you lot are creative thinkers. So many interesting ideas, I'm really grateful x

Omg yes pet stuff. I've spent an absolute fortune on mine, total sucker for personalised pet things, huge market

My cousin's daughter works for a charity doing arts & crafts therapy for adults with a variety of learning disabilities as well as autism etc.. they make seasonal craft items together to sell for the charity... the local council refers them and funds their places I believe.
You could use your skills in a similar way; find a charity that works with LD adults, mentally ill people, refugees, older lonely people and teach them crafting skills etc.

Also, I'm not sure of your background or if you do this already but a lot of cultures make wedding clothes to measure for the whole party from colours and fabrics of choice.

For a lot of Nigerian weddings for instance, the fabric will be bought in a chosen pattern or lace, to be made up by a skilled seamstress or tailor in the style that best suits each member of the wedding party and some guests.

No idea whether it's competitive but I would imagine there is a lot more work available compared to hand made Western bridal dresses if you can either advertise as a seamstress with this community (or another that has a similar tradition) or make contact with someone who has a business already who may want a skilled employee/ contractor

@businessorbust a lot of the craft pages I follow on Facebook join online selling events where their work is displayed in one place, just like an online craft fair. The main one that does events through the year is Showcasing Dreams. I’ve screenshotted their page below. I don’t know how you join the events or if there’s a charge as I just buy from them!

Have you an embroidery machine@businessorbust? I'm guessing you must if you have been doing wedding gowns.

If so, you could consider making dance dresses? Tutus for ballet, or Irish dance dresses command an absolute fortune - it is a while since I bought a tutu, but the last Irish dance dress I bought was £1500 and that was a few years back.

Get yourself an appointment with a firm that specialises in Information Advice and Guidance, what used to be called Careers Advice.

My adult child works in this area, and as I was reading your opening post, I saw in my minds eye, then throwing their hands up in horror when you said you have few skills.

Honestly, you have a myriad of skills, you just need an disinterested person (as opposed to an uninterested one 😁)to 're frame your experiences into something employers would be very interested in.

Your skills are in crafting…have you thought about working with children/adults with disabilities?

Cross post with @sommerjade

OP, TikTok and/ or YouTube may help. If you are not sure how to market yourself on TikTok/ YouTube ask someone who knows their way around the sites. If your work is good and you come across as engaging and enthusiastic it would be worth a try.

You sound like you have a real talent.

Thank you, I'd never heard of this before. I tend to just communicate with overseas friends on fb.

I have PM you; hope it is helpful.

Thank you for this, how kind. Sadly I don't have an embroidery machine or I'd be on it xx

Few people are able to make a living from crafts. Not much opportunity to profit.
What does make money is selling a service and your skills as a seamstress put you in a great position to offer services such as alterations, bespoke curtains, occasion dressmaking etc. I'd concentrate your efforts where people need your expertise.