From Passion to Business: The Struggles of Getting Started
Starting a business is like setting off on a road trip without a map. You know where you want to go, but how to get there and the twists, turns, and detours along the way are anyone’s guess. For me, the journey from woodworking hobbyist to small business owner has been both rewarding and, let’s be honest, downright challenging.
The Leap of Faith
Deciding to turn a passion into a business is a leap of faith. I’d spent years woodworking as a way to unwind after long days in the IT world. Building things with my hands brought a sense of calm and accomplishment, a stark contrast to the digital grind I was used to. But the idea of making woodworking my livelihood was daunting. Would anyone actually buy my creations? Was my work good enough? The self-doubt was real, but so was the desire to have my own business and make a living doing what I loved.
Finding My Niche
One of the first hurdles was figuring out how to get a business started. I had to research federal, state, and local rules to figure out what to file, where to file it, and with whom. As you can imagine, Uncle Sam doesn't make it easy. Next, I had to figure out what to focus on. Woodworking is a vast world: furniture, decor, custom pieces—the possibilities are endless. At first, I tried a little bit of everything (and I’m still open to exploring new ideas), but that approach was unsustainable. Eventually, I realized that my best work came from creating custom, handcrafted items that told a story. From crosses to step stools to wind chime stands, I found joy in crafting pieces that were both functional and personal. But narrowing down my niche took time, trial, and a fair share of errors.
The Financial Reality Check
Starting a business isn’t cheap. From tools and materials to website hosting and marketing, the expenses add up quickly. And if you think about the irony of it, when you start, you don’t have any money. I quickly learned that budgeting is not just important—it’s survival. It’s a balance between extending yourself to get things going but not driving yourself into unrecoverable debt. There were months where every dollar earned went right back into the business. And let’s not forget the unexpected costs—like when a saw decides to quit mid-project or when I underestimated just how much shipping materials would cost (that one wiped out all the profit). Managing the financial side of the business has been one of the most stressful parts, but it’s also taught me the value of careful planning and adaptability.
One of my big mistakes in finance was very recent. A client wanted five workstations, which required several thousand dollars in materials. I said, "Let’s go!" and before I knew it, I blew through all my capital just to float that build. I quickly learned why contractors always ask for money upfront before building your deck or replacing your roof. Once the stations were delivered, I got it all back—and then some 😉—but it was touch and go there for a bit.
Wearing All the Hats
When you’re a one-person business, you’re not just the craftsman. You’re the marketer, accountant, customer service rep, and, on occasion, janitor. Well, actually, I have kids for that last one. Learning to juggle these roles has been both exhausting and enlightening. Marketing, in particular, has been a challenge. I’m a tech guy, but I don’t do social media and websites. I’ve spent hours researching social media strategies, tweaking my website, and trying to figure out what exactly to post and how to drive traffic. Some days, it feels like there’s never enough time to get everything done.
I’ve offered my wife the job of Chief Marketing Officer, because she has a degree in marketing. But apparently, $0 salary doesn’t meet her pay requirements. 😂.
Balancing Business and Life
Starting a business doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Life keeps moving, and balancing the demands of work and family is a constant challenge. My family is very important to me, so running the business around school pickups or my kids’ games has an impact. There have been late nights in the shop, missed weekends, and moments where I questioned if I was doing the right thing. But there have also been moments of pride—like when my kids see a finished piece and say, “Wow, Dad, you made that?” Those moments remind me why I started this journey in the first place.
Lessons Learned
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that starting a business is not for the faint of heart. It requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to research and learn. It’s about finding the balance between passion and practicality and understanding that success doesn’t happen overnight (this one grinds against my personality. But most importantly, it’s about believing in your vision, even when the road ahead feels uncertain.
I regularly think about the saying "It’s not how many times you fall, but how many times you get up." Because, trust me, you will fall. Whether it’s stumbling through getting all your licensing right, configuring your website, or having an unhappy customer (in the beginning when every customer matters). The key is remembering your passion and why you are doing this.
Looking Ahead
While the journey so far has been anything but smooth, it’s been worth every struggle. Each challenge has been an opportunity to grow, both as a craftsman and as a business owner. As I look ahead, I’m excited to see where this road leads—twists, turns, and all. For anyone out there considering starting their own business, my advice is simple: take the leap but be ready to pivot. The struggles are real, but so are the rewards.