7 Craft Business Success Stories [2023]
If you have artistic passion and the skills to make unique art, consider starting a craft business. Craft businesses make jewelry, clothing design, card making, painting, sculpting, ceramics, among others.
According to research, the global handicraft market size will reach over $1252 billion in the next decade.
The best websites to sell your crafts include:
Here are some real life success stories of starting a craft business:
1. With Love From T To You ($12K/year)
Theresa, the owner of the blog DIY Lifestyle, started her blog as a way to share useful information about gluten-free, vegan, and healthy recipes, crafts, and travel tips. Over time, she realized she could monetize her blog by selling handmade products through her small business called "With Love From T to You." With her blog and Etsy shop combined, Theresa now makes an average income of $700 a month.
How much they make: $12K/year
How much did it cost to start: $200
Current team size: 1
DIY Lifestyle blog owner, Theresa, turned her passion for crafting and writing into a side income source, attracting hundreds of thousands of global visitors, with her blog generating $400-$500 a month and her online Etsy store bringing in an additional $200-$300 a month, showcasing her unique, all-natural, one-of-a-kind polymer clay earrings, home decor, and huts inspired by Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, reading and home decorating.
2. Stencil Stop ($960K/year)
Colin came up with the idea for Stencil Stop after realizing there was a lack of readily available stencils, specifically Clemson University's logo, online. He set up a rough website and sold his first stencil on the very first night, providing validation for the demand for stencil solutions. Since then, Stencil Stop has grown to earn around $100K per month in revenue by expanding product lines and manufacturing capabilities.
How much they make: $960K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 9
A packaging designer started Stencil Stop in 2015, which now earns around $100K per month in revenue selling stencils, offering custom stencils as some of its best-sellers, and attracting and retaining customers through simplified products and efficient advertising techniques.
So... can you actually make money with a craft business?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesnโt.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
3. Blue Skies & Ko ($12K/year)
Katlyn, the founder of Blue Skies & Ko Boutique, started her business after rediscovering her love for crafting. She initially began hand stamping jewelry as a hobby and started an Instagram account to share her creations. After receiving custom order requests and participating in a local small business event, she realized the potential to turn her crafting hobby into a profitable business. With a focus on positivity and personalized jewelry, Katlyn launched Blue Skies & Ko Boutique, doubling her income within a few months and expanding her customer base across the United States.
How much they make: $12K/year
How much did it cost to start: $2K
Current team size: 1
In this case study, Katlyn breaks down:
- Start: Posting her hobby crafts on Instagram
- Acquisition: Focused on one platform and published a lot of content
- Growth: Expanded from accessories to clothing, pet products, and more
Just go for it! There will never be a perfect time to start and there will always be those โwhat ifโ moments. Push past that and just go into it ready to learn and grow!
4. VIDAVIN ($600K/year)
Saleh Sokhandan, the founder of Vidavin, started his business after realizing the demand for unique and artistic experiences. With a background in 3D painting and optical illusion techniques, Saleh created 3D art and optical illusion products that quickly gained popularity. Starting with a 3D washable sticker, Vidavin has expanded its product line to include mirror mugs, necklaces, and framed wall art. In just a few years, Vidavin has reached a revenue of $1 million, attracting customers who appreciate new and artistic experiences.
How much they make: $600K/year
How much did it cost to start: $2K
Current team size: 7
This case study follows the journey of Saleh Sokhandan, the founder of Vidavin, who started with $2,000 and grew his 3D art and optical illusion business to $1 million through unique products, influencer marketing, and a focus on creating pleasant experiences both for customers and himself.
So... can you actually make money with a craft business?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesnโt.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
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