With deals filling up our inbox, we are counting down the days to BFCM! Following up on last week’s question, let’s revisit the moment when you first dreamed about starting your own business.
How did you choose what kind of business to start?
Hey @jasonh this is Alexis from Akohub. Deciding what kind of business to start was always about curiosity and a bit of trial and error for me (I was 15!). I didn’t have a grand plan. All I have was just a desire to try things out and see what stuck. My first venture was dropshipping jewelry and chokers because it was something trendy and easy to get into. Once I made my first sale, I was hooked on the process of creating something and watching it grow. From there, I moved into selling Polaroid products because I personally loved them, and it taught me the importance of selling something you’re genuinely interested in. Each experience gave me a better understanding of what worked and what didn’t, and I realized the best businesses come from a mix of passion and market demand. Now, I always tell people: start with something that excites you, even if it’s small. You don’t need all the answers right away, just a willingness to explore and adapt!
I love how you started your business and turned it into something you’re passionate about, @Akohub ! It’s great to hear that you’ve come so far and continue to explore and grow!
Deciding what kind of business to start wasn’t an overnight decision for me, it was more of a journey of discovery. I remember spending so much time thinking about what I could offer that felt meaningful, not just to me but to others… At the time, I had a passion for handmade crafts, so I decided to start a business selling personalized gifts. It wasn’t about following a trend or jumping into a booming industry; it was about creating something I truly cared about and believed others would value.
In the beginning, it was a lot of trial and error, testing out different products, listening to feedback, and learning how to market myself. But what shaped my direction the most was seeing how much customers appreciated thoughtful touches, like handwritten thank-you notes or custom designs. It showed me that people don’t just buy a product but they buy an experience and feeling.It also taught me to approach business as a way to connect with others, not just to sell something. I’ve carried that mindset into everything I do now. The best advice I can give is that start with something you’re passionate about and stay flexible, then you’ll find your way as you grow!
Mia @MooseDesk , love how you put it - a journey of discovery. I’m wondering how you told the stories of your hand-made products, so customers could/can find your store or products easily?
In my case, I wasn’t looking to start a business. Rather, it was the decision to turn an existing hobby into a business. The light just went on one day. Now I’m in the early stages - finishing up my Shopify site, preparing inventory, and then the big one - getting the word out to my niche market.