Five Tips to Maintain a Social Life When You Own a Craft Business

Owning and running your own company can be very time-consuming, leaving you without much free time to socialize. Like many handmade business owners, I too struggle with this (especially in the winter months when it’s cold and less fun to be outside). But keeping a balance is important for your emotional health and happiness. Let’s talk about a few ways to stay social while running your craft business…

1. Make Plans and Don’t Cancel

It’s important to maintain friendships even when you have limited time for socializing. We all make plans and then hesitate when the day arrives. But even if you’re tempted to bail on a friend, try to go if you are physically able. You’ll most likely have fun, and then will be refreshed and ready to get back to work the next day.

2. Get Outside Regularly

This might sound silly, but you can’t be very social if you don’t leave your studio, apartment, or house. Yes, social media does help you connect with people, but nothing beats real face-to-face interaction. Get outside at least once a day, even if it’s just to grab lunch or a coffee. Most importantly, if you have time you should invite a friend to join you for a quick bite to eat.

3. Go to Your Friends’ Events

Supporting your friends in their endeavors is also important. If you know people in theater, visual arts, and music, make an effort to attend their events if they invite you. This will show that you believe in their creativity, and in turn they will appreciate your business as well. Other kinds of art can even inspire you for your own work!

4. Change Up the Places You Frequent

If you always go to the same coffee shops and restaurants, change it up occasionally. You never know who you’ll meet. Chat with the employees and locals and you’ll be happy you tried somewhere new! Don’t hesitate to tell them about your handmade business, but don’t be too cheesy or salesy.

5. Attend Local Meetups

Lastly, you can interact with people in your area by attending craft or other kinds of meetups. These kinds of events don’t have to necessarily be for artists or small business owners. You can join neighborhood organizations, fan clubs, college alumni associations, etc. to socialize. There are so many options, and you are guaranteed to meet new people. Remember to bring your business cards and wear your product (if possible) when networking.

What other tips do you have for staying social while running a business?

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Rebecca George

Designer at Purple and Lime, Inc.

A Cincinnati native, Rebecca studied Art History & Geology at the University of Michigan. From there, she earned a degree in Fashion Design and Marketing from the American Intercontinental University in London, England. Highlights of her career include having several pieces from her graduation collection featured in the international fashion magazine i-D (UK, Feb. 2007) and working on men’s leather pouches for the movie Elizabeth: The Golden Age (which won an Oscar for Best Costume). Her brand "Purple and Lime" is a line of super-fun womenswear, jewelry, and accessories based in Chicago. She has been successfully selling her line on Etsy and in shops for four years, and enjoys teaching others about online handmade selling!

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