Starting my crochet business was equal parts exciting and terrifying. At first, I just wanted an outlet to share my work with the masses, but the deeper I got into running a handmade shop, the more I realized how much actually goes into it. I could easily spend all day, every day working on my business. (more on why that’s a bad idea later!)

I’ve learned a ton along the way—some lessons the hard way, some from watching others, and some I wish I had known from day one. If you’re thinking about launching your own handmade business (or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes), here are a few things I wish I had known before I started Girl Germs.

1. Lean Into Your Crafting Community

One of the absolute best things about running a handmade business? The people. I’ve made so many connections with other small business owners, and it’s been a game-changer. Your fellow makers get it—the struggles, the excitement, the absolute chaos of running a creative business.

Find your people. Join online groups, interact with other makers on social media, support each other. I used to think of business as a solo endeavor, but turns out, it’s way better when you have a whole bunch of crafty friends cheering you on.

(P.S. If you own a small business, I highly recommend making an account on Threads. The community I’ve met there is so wonderful!)

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Put Yourself Out There

I know, I know—posting on social media can feel, well, embarrassing at first. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: you cannot be shy about promoting yourself. Make the silly reels. Post that TikTok. Talk about your work, share your process, show up on your stories. If you don’t hype up your business, who will?

The more you put yourself out there, the more people will connect with you and your brand. And trust me—once you take the leap and get started, it gets so much easier!

3. Do Your Research on Etsy SEO

I used to think you could just list an item, write a cute little description, and people would magically find it. Spoiler: they will not. If you want your stuff to actually get seen on Etsy, you have to learn about Etsy SEO. Keywords are everything. Look at how other successful shops title their listings. Research popular search terms and use them strategically in your titles and descriptions. It takes time, but once you figure it out, it makes a huge difference in getting your products in front of the right people.

4. Go at Your Own Pace

When I first started, I felt this pressure to do everything at once—list a ton of products, post daily on social media, run sales, figure out shipping logistics, create the perfect branding…and, shocker, it was overwhelming as hell. If I could go back, I’d tell myself to chill.

You don’t have to have it all figured out on day one. Focus on one thing at a time, set small goals, and allow yourself to grow at a sustainable pace. Burnout is real, and your business will be better off if you don’t run yourself into the ground trying to do it all at once.

5. Utilize All Forms of Social Media (Yes, Even Pinterest)

Social media is hands-down one of the best tools for growing a handmade business. And while Instagram and TikTok are the obvious choices, don’t sleep on Pinterest! Pinterest isn’t just a place for inspiration—it’s a search engine. People use it to find products, DIYs, and aesthetic ideas, and it can drive serious traffic to your shop. Repurpose your content, pin your listings, and make it work for you. The more places you show up online, the more chances people have to find your work.

Final Thoughts

Running a crochet business has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, but it’s also been a huge learning curve. If you’re just starting out, know that it’s okay to make mistakes, take breaks, and figure things out as you go. Lean into your community, put yourself out there, and don’t be afraid to own your work. You’ve got this! 💫