How I did it: It's still very early and operations are small right now, but it's happened! The thing I've planned to do for many years is finally coming together. Today it's a simple online shop, in a few years...who knows?

Lessons & tips:

• Don't rush in before you're ready, but equally don't delay if you feel the time is right.
• Make sure it's something you enjoy, otherwise you won't keep it up.
• Be sure you can afford to start-up and maintain a period where you'll lose money. You've got to spend a lot before you start making profits.
• If you aren't sure how it will turn out, take up running a business as your hobby and keep your day job. That way, you're not putting all your eggs in one basket, and you won't sink money into it if it fails because it will basically be like funding something you enjoy. (Think about how much much other people spend on their hobbies).
• Above all, have fun! Make this your passion and be proud of the service you're providing other people.

Resources:

• My parents, first and foremost. I'm still a student, so they fund everything.
• My friends, who are incredibly supportive and offer a lot of encouragement.
• The Internet, which is an endless source of market research, the cheapest place to find materials, etc.

Sep 12, 01:12AM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers