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Have you ever thought about opening your own online store?

Last Updated: December 8, 2014 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner - 19 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.

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Happy Monday everyone! If you’re looking for my regular Extra Income & Life Updates, I posted them on Saturday instead. Also, I started my Facebook page for my blog on Saturday (finally), so you should definitely like it if you haven’t done so yet.

Today I have a post from Crystal. I’ve been following her blog since last year and I’ve always loved it. When I found out that she was opening her own online store, I e-mailed her IMMEDIATELY and asked her if she would post for me!

She said yes (and even offered a discount code below) and I was ecstatic. I know all of us think and dream about one day doing something that makes us really happy, and I really wanted to get her input on what it was like to start her own store. It’s definitely a dream of mine one day as well.

I’ll let her take it away now.

Good morning! 
I am Crystal from The Crystal Faye Blog.

I recently decided to pursue my dream of being an entrepreneur. It was a very bold and risky adventure, but with the determination and support of those who love me, it was made possible! 

I opened an online boutique Crystal Faye. And I couldn’t be any happier!
I wake up each and every morning excited to package orders, order new items, and connect with my customers!
 
I believe that some people truly think that opening an online store is extremely easy. That is by no means true! There are SO many different things that I have learned through opening a store that I want to share with you, those who are wanting to open their own store, or those who want to be an entrepreneur of any kind.
I talked to several different business owners during this process to get their advice and words of wisdom. That is what I want to share with you today. Several things that I have learned through this process.1. It’s not easy.
I have never had a job that was “easy.” Nor did I expect this job to be easy. I wanted a job that I would love waking up to. 

2. Timing is everything. 
Make sure you have people that will support your business. Make sure you have the time to do this. Most importantly…Make sure you have the financial stability to do this. It isn’t cheap by ANY MEANS!
I always dreamed of owning my own store. But I was always “too young” to actually talk about opening it. I got married this past June, and after much talk with my husband, we knew that this was the best time to begin pursuing this dream. We don’t have kids yet, which was a huge factor in deciding when I was going to open. We agreed that opening and settling down with my own business would be best if done before children!I couldn’t imagine having little babies running around the house while I am packing orders up and heading to the post office!

3. Figure out what you want out of your new adventure. 
Do you want this to be your full time job, part time job, or just something “for fun?”

I want this to turn in to my full time job by the end of the first year. At this rate, I see that being highly possible.

4. Talk to mentors. 
Whether it be through emailing or through different social media tools, talk to people who know what they are doing. There are so many people out there who own Etsy shops who are wiser than wise when it comes to opening your own business. You can do research online, but you will not learn everything you need to know to run a successful business. Talking face-to-face to someone who has “been there” is the best.

5. Learn to love what you do. 
At first, it can be stressful. extremely stressful, but remember- Dreams don’t work unless You do. Being an online boutique owner is the greatest job. I love everything about it! I always get a smile on my face when I see someone has made an order! Makes for a happy heart!

Please if you have any questions about opening your own business, feel free to contact me! I would love to chat!

Also-check out my online store and use Michelle10 for 10% off your purchase! 

Thanks, Michelle for allowing me to take over your job for the day! Have a wonderful Monday!

Have you ever thought about opening your own online store?

What’s holding you back from starting your dream job?

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19 Comments
Filed Under: Career Tagged With: Career

About Michelle Schroeder-Gardner

Michelle is the founder of Making Sense of Cents, a blog about personal finance and traveling. She discusses how her business has evolved in her side income series. She paid off $40,000 in student loans by the age of 24 mainly due to her freelancing side hustles. Click here to learn more about starting a blog!

Comments

  1. Greg@ClubThrifty says

    November 5, 2012 at 6:03 am

    Congrats on your Facebook page Michelle! Congrats on your online store Crystal:)

    These are some great tips. My question would be how do you market one of these stores? There are so many online stores out there, how do you get the word out?
    My recent post Top 5 Finance Apps to Keep Your Finances in Check

    Reply
    • Crystal says

      November 5, 2012 at 3:09 pm

      Hey Greg! The marketing for an online store is extremely difficult, but it is possible! I have used big name bloggers, twitter, and facebook! In the week that I have been open, I have had sales that match the amount of money put into the site. It is all about the social media marketing tools! What a great questions!

      Reply
  2. DC@Young Adult Money says

    November 5, 2012 at 6:22 am

    I have thought about it, but have never gotten around to it. I'm not sure what I would sell. I wonder how different it is to have your own dedicated website with a store vs. having an Ebay or Etsy store? I know my mom wanted to put stuff up on Etsy, but it seems a bit different than having your own website that allows people to order things.
    My recent post What I Care About In This Election

    Reply
    • Crystal says

      November 5, 2012 at 3:12 pm

      Ebay is definitely a lot cheaper than having your own website or an Etsy site. If you are wanting to make it into a profession, I would open an online store! Ebay isn't a popular place for people to look for DIY kind of items! Maybe start with an Etsy shop, grow your clientele, and then create a website!

      Reply
  3. plantingourpennies says

    November 5, 2012 at 7:20 am

    Congrats on having your own store. I've known other people who have tried to sell different things online, and all have said it's quite hard. But it sounds like you're going into this with eyes wide open knowing about all the difficulties and ready to face them. Good luck!

    Reply
    • Crystal says

      November 5, 2012 at 3:18 pm

      Thanks so much for the encouragement! It has definitely been a learning experience!

      Reply
  4. LivingDFRocks! says

    November 5, 2012 at 8:11 am

    Michelle I think you've mentioned some key points. Getting a mentor who is already successful at what you're doing is important and evaluating where you are at in your life and if you have the time to devote to growing your business is key. As someone who is self-employed I can relate with the challenges and stress you face but if done well the rewards are really satisfying. Good luck to you!

    Reply
  5. John S @ Frugal Rules says

    November 5, 2012 at 8:22 am

    Congrats. My wife and I started our own buiness this year and love it. We've done many of the things you've covered. I completely agree that it's not easy. But, what thing that's worthwhile is easy?
    My recent post You Won’t Reach Retirement Without Saving for It

    Reply
  6. Budget & the Beach says

    November 5, 2012 at 8:51 am

    I never thought about it! I imagine it's hard work but if you're passionate about it a lot of fun!
    My recent post Hindsight is 20/20, but Old Habits Die Hard

    Reply
  7. Lance @ Money Life and More says

    November 5, 2012 at 10:09 am

    I thought about it but don’t have a unique product to sell and wouldn’t want to be in a price competition business. I like the idea of a drop shipping store but that is way above my head.

    Reply
  8. My Money Design says

    November 5, 2012 at 11:41 am

    Crystal, that is pretty awesome that you did this. The Internet is a pretty cool tool for turning regular people into savvy entrepreneurs. I've thought about this, and the only thing that is holding me back is having a decent product to pedal!
    My recent post My Money Design for Achieving Financial Freedom – November 2012 Update

    Reply
  9. Kim@Eyesonthedollar says

    November 5, 2012 at 12:13 pm

    Congrats for following your name. I have no idea what I would sell if I had a store. I would imagine it's a lot like blogging in trying to make your site stand out and get recognition.
    My recent post Rental Property Series: Let’s Drink to Having Tenants

    Reply
  10. Edward Antrobus says

    November 5, 2012 at 2:17 pm

    I'd like to second Greg's question. Where I always seem to fail is in actually achieving those critical first few sales.
    My recent post Is the Fiscal Cliff Really That Bad?

    Reply
  11. Elle sees says

    November 5, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    thanks for the post and the tips!

    Reply
  12. mycanuckbuck says

    November 5, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    Wow Crystal – you are on a role! Unstoppable! And so lucky your name is super catchy (your store, Crystal Light challenge,etc..)
    My recent post Why it’s very important to factor in long term costs for a house

    Reply
  13. SavvyFinancialLatina says

    November 5, 2012 at 4:25 pm

    That's so awesome! Congrats!

    Reply
  14. melissa blake says

    November 5, 2012 at 6:19 pm

    "Dreams don't work unless you do" — i loooove that! So true. Thanks for the great interview!
    My recent post An Open Letter To My Father: On milestones

    Reply
  15. Canadianbudgetbinder says

    November 6, 2012 at 9:08 am

    I've never thought about opening an online store but I'm sure like every job it's not easy. I think that if you want to achieve something in this life you have to go for it. Plan it, Research it and although bumps will happen along the way at least you are doing what you want. It's great to hear someone happy about what they do. Congratultions. Mr.CBB
    My recent post October 2012 Canadian Budget Binder Family Budget Update

    Reply
  16. apenny4athought says

    November 6, 2012 at 3:32 pm

    Congrats! Good for you! I just checked out your store and i really like it!
    My recent post My Net Worth Goal

    Reply

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