Ever thought about turning your creations into a small business?
How I’d Start a Small Craft Business in 2026 (Step-by-Step)
If you’ve ever made something and thought… “I wonder if I could actually sell this?” you’re not alone.
I get messages like this all the time. And honestly? The answer is yes - you absolutely can. So I wanted to break down exactly what I’d do if I was starting from scratch today, using what I know now. No overwhelm. No complicated steps. Just a simple path to getting started.
Step 1: Start with what you already know
You don’t need a huge range of products or a perfect brand. You can start with:
- Something you already enjoy making
- Something people have already complimented you on
- Something you can realistically make again and again
Think:
- Personalised mugs
- Tote bags
- Stickers
- Cake toppers
- Small gifts
You don’t need 20 products; you need one good one.
Step 2: Keep it simple (at the start)
This is where a lot of people get stuck. You don’t need:
- A logo straight away
- Fancy packaging
- A huge inventory
Just focus on creating a few quality pieces, taking clear photos and testing if people are interested. Perfection can come later, starting is what matters.
Step 3: Price it like a business (not a hobby)
One of the biggest mindset shifts is that you’re not “just crafting” you’re creating something of value. Make sure your price covers:
- Materials
- Your time
- A small profit
This is where a lot of people get stuck, because pricing can feel confusing at the start.
That’s actually one of the reasons I created my digital guides and pricing calculator to help take the guesswork out of starting a craft business. Inside, I cover:
- How to price your products properly
- Ways to make sure you’re actually making a profit
- Product ideas that are beginner-friendly and proven to sell
If you’d like to check them out, you can browse them here: Crafting Tools and Guides.
Because at the end of the day, if people love your work, they will pay for it 🤍
Step 4: Set up a simple online store
This is usually the part that feels the most overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
You don’t need anything complicated to start.
The goal here isn’t perfection - it’s having a place where people can actually buy from you.
Step 5: Share your process (not just the product)
This is where everything changes. People don’t just buy the product - they connect with:
- The process
- The story
- You
Share:
- Behind-the-scenes videos
- How you make your products
- Small wins along the way
This is what builds trust (and sales).
Step 6: Don’t wait until you feel “ready”
Truthfully? You’ll never feel 100% ready. There will always be something you could improve or something you’re unsure about. But the people who succeed are the ones who start anyway.
💭 Final thoughts
If you’ve been thinking about starting a small business, take this as your sign.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take the first step.
Start small. Keep going. Adjust as you learn.
You might be surprised where it takes you 🤍
