I started my small crafting business just under two years ago and I've been pretty happy with my growth. Last year was the first full year and I saw a great leap in opportunities for events, I have my items in two local stores (hopefully a third by the end of spring!) and I'm trying to get some passive income started by having my patterns for sale online.
A lot of my profit from last year went right back into my business, with upgrading fixtures, buying a tent, printer, tablet, cricut, etc. But now that those are handled, my only costs from here are materials.
I'm working part-time for a local chain grocery store and I see how little my time and effort is valued. I get compliments all the time on my work, but I am only making a dollar more than when I began three years ago, and it's pretty much the same as the newer hires. I want them to get paid well for their time obviously, but I have been in customer service almost as long as some of them have been out of diapers, and it's just discouraging.
I'm getting that three year itch to leave, but I don't want to commit to another position when my goal is to be fully self-employed in the next year or two.
I am also afraid my craft is a fleeting fad and it's not long term. But I still dream of the day I can promote myself to customer and give them a “Sorry for Your Loss” card with my notice inside.
Regardless, I'm glad this place exists, it helps knowing like-minded people are out there.