Have you ever thought about starting your own business? I have.
By mentalward
@mentalward (14691)
United States
March 29, 2011 7:35am CST
I spent most of my working life working from home, doing typesetting, proofreading and copy editing. That work dried up here as the companies I sub-contracted with began, one by one, to send their work overseas where they could get it done MUCH cheaper. 
After that, I worked as a legal transcriptionist online. That was nice but, with my medical problems, I simply could not sit at the computer very long and it affected my work. So....
I have a lot of hobbies and I've often thought about turning one into a business. I never could pinpoint it down to one thing, though. I have so many hobbies that it's just hard to pick one I'd like to turn into a business. But, I think I have finally done it.
I have been working on a bas relief of a Maltese dog, mainly because I have two Maltese babies and I've always loved working in clay. I want to make one of every breed of dog out there, eventually. I know it will take awhile but this first one has turned out so nice that I'm encouraged to make more.
I will be making molds of each one as I get them finished so I can make many from each one I complete.
So, what do you think? Any thoughts? Any suggestions? Any small business of your own you'd like to share?
After that, I worked as a legal transcriptionist online. That was nice but, with my medical problems, I simply could not sit at the computer very long and it affected my work. So....
I have a lot of hobbies and I've often thought about turning one into a business. I never could pinpoint it down to one thing, though. I have so many hobbies that it's just hard to pick one I'd like to turn into a business. But, I think I have finally done it.
I have been working on a bas relief of a Maltese dog, mainly because I have two Maltese babies and I've always loved working in clay. I want to make one of every breed of dog out there, eventually. I know it will take awhile but this first one has turned out so nice that I'm encouraged to make more.
I will be making molds of each one as I get them finished so I can make many from each one I complete.
So, what do you think? Any thoughts? Any suggestions? Any small business of your own you'd like to share?12 people like this
29 responses
@gwssgaa1008 (448)
• India
29 Mar 11
Yes I am have plan to start a online business site where I can provide money to people for working in it. For that I need money and I am currently in may online investment sites and earning a good income and when I will earn $1000 I plan to start a site like this and currently my income is raising every month and I hope by next year I will fulfill my dream
2 people like this
@venkatachary (1165)
• India
30 Mar 11
I like to start but I do not know how to go about? How you are earning? I earn only very little.
@gwssgaa1008 (448)
• India
31 Mar 11
I earn money from investment sites and it is increasing day by day. Now I earn almost $150 and will increase to $400 weekly after 16 months
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
29 Mar 11
I don't have any one talent that I can build a business on. I've tried making things and selling them on eBay but that was a bust. I had thought to buy antiques or unusual things and sell them but that didn't work out, either. I guess you could call my writing a small business but I have a broker that gets me the articles so it's not all independent.
I think it's a great idea you have about the dog figures. The only problem is that you can get dog figures at Walmart for around $4-5. You have to make them very special, perhaps a realistic facial expression or something. Those commercially produced figures lack life-like qualities.
One thing I could suggest: I saw a life-sized golden retriever sitting on the floor of a physical therapists office and it looked so real I said "Hi, sweetie" before I realized it was a statue! They decorate it for Christmas, sports events, etc. People would like things like that, or small puppies statues they can put in their house like my in-laws have because they don't want the work and mess of a dog but the nice sight of one.
2 people like this
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
29 Mar 11
But these aren't dog figures. They're 3-dimensional wall art. I've searched for something like them online and only found a few examples, none of which were wall art.
I could even add doing these of people's own pets. They'd just send me a photo and I could turn that into bas relief. When I was in college, I worked in all kinds of medium but found that I was best at working with clay. I know I could do this.
I have the stuff to make molds and I have plaster so as soon as I get this one turned into a mold then pour my first plaster cast, I'll post it here.
3 people like this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
29 Mar 11
Oh, I misunderstood--that's a GREAT idea!! With more and more people choosing to own pets instead of having children, and all the old people whose children have grown and their pets are a substitute child I think that idea will catch on in a big way! You could even do it from photos of dearly departed pets, don't forget that niche.
2 people like this
@commanderxo (1494)
• Canada
30 Mar 11
Way to go girl.
Go for it.
Over the course of my many years, I too have owned and operated four small businesses, such as in: 1) Chromotherapy, 2) Commercial Art, 3) Itinerant Photographer, and 4) Retail Hobby Ceramics.
They all were a lot of fun, but at the same time, a lot of hard work too. Just don't let anyone try to tell you that you're wasting your time, or that you shouldn't do it, for it is truly a wonderful learning experience. I did my own book keeping, and even found that to be a joy as well.
I've said this to many others who were disgruntled with their job, that; "If you don't like the job you're in, or want to set your own hours and determine your own rate of pay, then start your own personal business. No one can boss you around either, because you are your own boss, and that in itself, is ALWAYS a good thing."
So, like I said; "go for it girl", and I wish the best of success.
Cheers;
commanderxo
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
30 Mar 11
It is the biggest dream of my life to own a business. My ideal one would be a boarding cattery because as everyone knows I love felines. I’ve looked into it and discovered that here in Australia there is good money to be made in this industry and I know people who own a very successful ‘cat hotel’ and they are doing abundantly well! Problem at the moment is lack of cash to get started. I started a couple of affiliate websites in order to earn so I can save for my cattery but so far I have the grand total of $1.64! As great as it is to have goals and dreams, it can be a tad demoralising at times! You should go for it mentalward, you are bound to do better than me!
2 people like this
@jazel_juan (15747)
• Philippines
30 Mar 11
Recently i have been thinking of this too.. but with so many things i want to do i still cannot point it out on which one i want, i am into crafts and i have been making these decenario bracelets and i have been selling them but i cannot go for it fulltime since i am also employed full time and i also love cooking and have been taking orders from friends if they want the food i am cpooking and baking, but since i am full time i also get to do it at night and break time...but me and huby have been planning about this, we want to be serious about this in the future and till we have the right capital for it.
2 people like this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
30 Mar 11
We have been contemplating about it, but we still have to accumulate funds for it.
I don't see myself retiring from my current job. I want to be my own boss in the future. Besides, rarely do you get rich by just being employed.
We have a taste of how to get into business last holidays and I have learned so much from it. We had a bazaar on the last quarter of last year and it had been a good learning experience. I hope to have a real business in the near future.
Good Luck on your endeavor!
2 people like this
@danishcanadian (28953)
• Canada
29 Mar 11
I'm still in the planning stages myself. I have taken a course to become a wedding planner, and my average is about 98% It would be fun to have a business downtown. I would like to specialize in a lot of multi-cultural weddings, and even alternative ones, such as gay and lesbian weddings, which are legal here. Anything I can do to help!
2 people like this
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
30 Mar 11
I was just thinking I'd been missing you lately...
I would like to make jewelry, but I've seen someone who made tiny sculptures and pins of dogs, and cats, how of polymer clay. They were very cute. I didn't buy any because I 1) didn't have money, 2) didn't have a place to put them and 3) figured if I wanted to bad enough I could do it myself...
But that's another possibility for you maybe? even if you make smaller molds you could make poly-clay of the critters...
2 people like this
@dodo19 (47050)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
29 Mar 11
I have never really thought about having my own business. I might have some ideas for businesses, but I've never really put more thought into setting up my own business, or anything. I don't really think that I have the interest to have my own business, or anything like that. I don't think that I have what you need to have a successful business, or be a good owner.
2 people like this
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
30 Mar 11
Hi Marti,
I am no good in any business, I guess. Even with simple MLM business I had years ago, did not make good for me.
I guess, the right person to make business for me is my wife. 
But did you know that, part of the money we received for Zayzay months ago, are now moving a little bigger? I mean, Bebie decided to put up a little store with stuff like canned foods, detergent, biscuits, rice, etc. to cater the small neighborhood.
She's earning not so big besides, most of the neighbor comes back and forth, for credit. At least, when payday comes, they comes back again to pay their dues.
And you know what's funny? There are times Zayzay would ask us to buy him toys or movie CD's of his favorite Power Rangers. We will tell him, we don't have money for this and that. And he will say, "Me have money." And where is your money? And he will go to the stuff and point his fingers all over the goods. 
But did you know that, part of the money we received for Zayzay months ago, are now moving a little bigger? I mean, Bebie decided to put up a little store with stuff like canned foods, detergent, biscuits, rice, etc. to cater the small neighborhood.
She's earning not so big besides, most of the neighbor comes back and forth, for credit. At least, when payday comes, they comes back again to pay their dues.
And you know what's funny? There are times Zayzay would ask us to buy him toys or movie CD's of his favorite Power Rangers. We will tell him, we don't have money for this and that. And he will say, "Me have money." And where is your money? And he will go to the stuff and point his fingers all over the goods. 2 people like this
@pratiksanghvi (1281)
• India
29 Mar 11
When I was small I had always thought that When I would grow Old Enough I would become a businessman and start my own business. I never wanted to do a job or something and I never thought of joining my dad's business. I wanted to start my own business and become a big person on my own.
Now I am currently working at my uncle's office where I am there just to learn the aspects of business and when I train enough I am going to start my own business.
2 people like this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
29 Mar 11
omg, thats beautiful!! what a great idea. i used to make native american and african beadwork at home and sell it. not just stringing beads, i mean designs on the looms, lighter cases, medicine bags, and my own special designs of earrings, etc. except it just wasnt enough. it barely paid for the supplies much less the long hours put into it. ive always long for my own book store. 
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
29 Mar 11
Hi Mentalward, I am not the business person.
I do not have the talent or inclination to start a business, and manage a business.
However, I am the investor type of persons.
I write for passive income, and then use the money for stock investment or buying silver bars.
As in all investments, there are some wins and some losses.
In the long run, I am confident that my investment choices will work out, and provide a steady dividend or capital gain.
I think I rather find a good company to invest, and not using the money for starting a business.
2 people like this
@katie0 (5203)
• Japan
30 Mar 11
Hi!
Yes, when I started becoming a webdesigner that was exactly the point, try to work at home, I was sending out resumés and couldn't get a job, plus I really don't like having a boss. I think the main reason for most of people is to be your own boss.
2 people like this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
10 Apr 11
Well, owning and starting your Own business is a dream a lot of people have, and in reality is one of the Best dreams out there to have. Personally with the economy the way it is and the issues with Medical care becoming so hard to get, sometimes I feel the Best way out of this is to become proactive in some ways and find your own job, or business to where you can afford Medical, etc. on your own as well.
Personally there are a lot of ways you can start with this. Even small ways to become self sufficient with this as well. I would check around to see what options there are such as shows, and events and maybe check out some sites like Etsy.com for ideas and advice as well.
1 person likes this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
29 Mar 11
Hey there mentalward. How have you been?
Sure, I've thought about starting my own business before. However, that didn't last long as I don't have any money to start one! Not that it matters much. I wouldn't know how to go about it anyway! LOL
Happy mylotting!
PS I don't know anything about bas relief, but I think it looks great.
Good luck!
2 people like this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
30 Mar 11
Far be it, for me...to assess whether you would/could be sucessful in today's miserable economy, Marti. I am not a naysayer, and truly wish you well. I, too, truly would like to have a business, that would incorporate my hobbies, but find in this troubled financial time, I have to fully rely on my two maintenance businesses, that supply a product that people have to have, rather than what they want! So, until the economy frees up..I will stay with Home/Lawn maintenance..and Tiling, as right NOW there is a niche for them!
I think, I will only be sucessful in "hobby business" when I find the thing that people have to have!
P,S. Have not forgot about your seeds, but for the last 3 weeks, have been on a Tiling job at the North end of the Island, Post Office at the southend, so can't get there...SOON, my dear! 
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
29 Mar 11
Hey! That's on my list of the first 10 I'll be making. I'll let you know!
1 person likes this
@Cutie18f (9551)
• Philippines
30 Mar 11
I say, "go for it!" Strike while the iron is hot. Yes, you will be able to make it since you have the passion and interest in that business. But be sure to focus and start thinking about the sort of business that will finally make you happy.
@aghiuta (525)
• Canada
30 Mar 11
I wish you a lot of luck with your new business .I tried to sell my oil paintings on canvas,and did not have enough sales to be able to make some money. Art is very competitive business and there are a lot of talented people around.I do not have the contacts either,and do not know how to go about it.I hope you do,and that you do real well.
1 person likes this
