My dream was to have my own business. I took up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Marketing. Back then, I always thought that I was born to be an entrepreneur. On my third year in college, I put up my own business. A costumes for rent service. It started in 2013 where cosplaying is an expensive hobby. I am a cosplayer and to sustain this, I thought of having my costumes for rent. It was hitting not just two birds but three - with one stone. You see, I was earning through having my costumes for rent, I was also earning during events and other special occasions with the use of those costumes and lastly, I can sustain the hobby.
It was very fulfilling not until the pandemic happened. Events were no longer allowed which means that there will be no rent. For three months, I was devastated. How am I going to survive? Where am I able to get money to pay for bills? Clients were asked for refunds, cosplay gigs were all cancelled, and production shoots were postponed until further notice.
In June, I finally came up with an idea to put up another business. I will be pursuing sewing! Face masks are a must. Aside from that, I can sew clothes and costumes as well, in the future. All I have to do is learn how to sew.
But, the problem is, I don't have a sewing machine. I don't even have money because I have no income during those 3 months of lockdown. How am I going to put up another business?
I just tried my luck. I posted on Facebook that I wanted to have a sewing machine. Quickly, one of my friends messaged me and told me that she is selling her sewing machine. But, I don't have any money at the moment. Well, good news! She said, she can ship it to me right away and I could just pay her when I have money. I was really shocked and couldn't believe it!
I got the sewing machine, yes, but I don't have any fabrics. I told my brother about this and viola! He gave me Php700 just to buy some fabrics.
Next, I watched tutorials on how to make face masks. It was trial and error. When I was already confident with my works, I started posting on my Facebook account. Right after I posted, a relative ordered 50 pcs, a friend ordered 20 pcs and next thing I knew, a lot of people were ordering more.
I did not only learned how to make face masks but also accessories and dresses!
I also thought of selling materials that I use to make my crafts so that I could save and earn more money!
As of now, I have my own shop on Shopee, a popular marketplace in the Philippines and a Facebook page. I may not have a lot of likers on my page and Shopee account but I do have a lot of resellers who order in bulk. You may check out our group - All About Business by Faye.
I have learned few things when it comes to putting up your own business.
1. Hobby
We can earn with our hobby. It will not make you feel like you are working.
2. Skill
I realized that when you have a skill, you can use it to generate an income. It just depends on how you are going to sell yourself. In my case, I have just learned a new skill and combined it with the things I learned as a Marketing graduate.
3. Passion
We have to ignite our passion. We struggle and feel demotivated but we have to embrace the journey. Finding your passion takes time, a serious thought, a lot of effort and a trial and error. Read books, watch videos, and think.
4. Multiply your earnings
As the popular saying goes, do not put all your eggs in one basket. Make your earnings multiply by having different kinds of businesses.
OPPORTUNITIES DON'T HAPPEN, YOU CREATE THEM.
- Chris Gosser
Comments