The Realities of Running a Craft Business: Challenges and Lessons Learned

Hi everyone, I'm Princess, the founder and owner of LoveKnots - Arts & Crafts. From a young age, I’ve always gravitated towards creativity. Whether it was drawing, building small projects, or pouring my energy into art subjects, I always found joy in creating. Even in college, I preferred brainstorming business ideas for thesis projects over excelling in exams. I loved researching, being innovative, and presenting ideas with passion.

This journey made me realize that my calling lies in creativity, storytelling, and selling. These are the things I thrive in. But, like many entrepreneurs, I sometimes feel burned out. There are moments when I want to drop everything I’ve started and search for a new purpose. Yet, something about this industry keeps pulling me back—just like your favorite comfort food that you always come back to, no matter how many new flavors you try.

I know this struggle isn’t unique to me. Many of us feel this way, especially during financial difficulties. It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that our small businesses have sustained us before. The work we’ve put in, and the opportunities it has created, are already blessings. God often uses these endeavors to meet our needs—even some of our wants.

But when we shift our attention elsewhere, we risk losing faith in our businesses. I’ve been there more times than I can count. I’ve lost touch with my crafts and felt like my business wasn’t growing. So, I’d try something new—a job, a skill—and eventually realize that everything I learned could be applied to my own business.

See, when you feel lost, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. You’re just navigating through life, figuring things out. That’s one of the reasons I love crafting: it allows me to return to what I love with more knowledge and confidence each time.

So, don’t be afraid to try new things and spice things up! Rest when you need to, but don’t quit. Yes, the competition is tough. Infact, there will always be someone better than you—but that’s okay. Instead of comparing yourself, focus on improving yourself, loving your craft, and enjoying the process.

If you don’t put value on your creations, who will? If you don’t love what you’re doing, what will inspire you? Ask for guidance from the Lord—His hands are never too short to lift us. He values us deeply, and with His confidence, we can value ourselves and our work too.

So, keep creating, keep learning, and keep growing. Remember that every challenge is an opportunity to come back stronger and more inspired.

Stay blessed and never stop crafting!