October 23, 2024
Glowforge Team5 Steps To Start A Laser-Cutting Small Business
“I've seen a lot of people transform their creative passions into successful side hustles and, eventually, into primary income sources.”
Recently we caught up with Rebekah Bastian, Glowforge’s SVP of Marketing and Product, to talk about her article for Digital Entrepreneur about turning your creative passion into a profitable business. We’ll share 5 key steps to starting a Glowforge business as well as stories and advice from successful Glowforge entrepreneurs.
1. Create a Plan
As Rebekah points out, knowing what sort of products you’d like to make and conducting research in that area is a smart way to get started. You’ll want to understand the current market, competitors, and trends to make sure that you’re making products people want to buy. This kind of research also helps you get a sense for pricing structures of similar products, so you can better plan for your business’s finances.
Small Business Success Story:
Kate of Kate Slayton Lattering powers her custom sign business with Glowforge. She told Rebekah: “‘I look into trends from Pinterest, Etsy and Instagram to understand the market. Setting pricing is the most difficult aspect of this business — it involves estimating the design time, how long it will take to cut on the Glowforge, and how many sheets of acrylic are needed.”
2. Define Your Product
Understanding what it is you like to create is one of the most important aspects of selling creative laser-cut products. After all, you should be passionate about your products! Jeff Forbes of Honey Glow started off selling honey and beeswax candles, but began using his Glowforge to engrave votive holders, beehive boxes, and other laser-cut products which boosted his business enormously! Adding those extra details to an already profitable idea can help your small business go the extra mile.
Small Business Success Story: Chelsea Andersson is the creative mind behind ChelseaMakes, which sells laser-made dollhouse miniatures, DIY kits, & more! But Chelsea wasn’t always a Glowforge business owner. She started her professional career as a landscape architect, and it took a few years before she was confident enough to pursue her love of miniatures full time. Her advice? “Create what excites you. When you run your own business people always have ideas of what you should make or sell.”
3. Figure Out Your Distribution Strategy
With so many options to choose from it can be tricky to decide how to sell your creations. Here are a few things to consider:
4. Attract Customers
Marketing is the name of the game. Rebekah spoke to Cristina Arlia, the founder of Pink Sapphire Co, about the strategies she uses to boost her own laser-powered business. Cristina explained that she relies primarily on social media, posting regularly on Instagram, TikTok, and sending emails to her subscribers. “‘Marketing is a full-time job and making sure you're active and present on social media consistently, even when the algorithm isn’t favoring your content, is crucial.’”
In addition to posting on social media platforms, consider creating educational content or tutorials related to your products. For example, a tutorial video on setting up a custom engraving could garner you views on YouTube and naturally boost your brand’s visibility, as well as authority in your chosen product market.
5. Work Towards Your Vision
Rebekah empathizes with creators who worry about the ups and downs of starting their own business. “The entrepreneurial journey is long and bumpy, and it's important to have a strong why and a clear vision to keep going.” And don’t forget — you’re in good company! Thousands of folks have launched and maintained their own laser-powered brands.
Rebekah asked the seasoned business owners we’ve highlighted for advice they'd give people ready to take the plunge into starting a creative small business:
“The things that will really set your business apart are the items that come from your heart. If you love making it and love the finished product–other people will too.” - Chelsea, ChelseaMakes
“Don't wait to start, just go for it! You will learn and make mistakes along the way. Those mistakes turn into positives eventually.” - Kate, Kate Slayton Lettering
In summary, turning your hobby into a side hustle takes work, but the rewards are immeasurable! We hope these 5 steps help you transform your artistic passion into not just a viable business, but a fulfilling lifestyle.
If you're curious about other creative projects, check out how Holsten creates dynamic, sculptural pieces with his Glowforge.
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