Hey hey!
I have been thinking about something: What if we are one question away from our next bold move?
Ask away, we need to move past the discomfort of unknowing and into the space where we allow ourselves to be brave and get the answers we need to create the businesses we want!
Why Cheaper Isn't Always Better When You're Starting a Product Business
How to evaluate a manufacturing quote when one is cheaper, the questions a price tag does not answer, and when the lower number actually is the right call.
Where Is Washi Tape Manufactured? A Real Maker's Guide
"I keep hearing 'overseas,' but where exactly?" If you've gone hunting for a washi tape factory, you've already found Alibaba and gotten lost. Here's what makers actually need to know about where washi tape gets made.
Your First Product Order Doesn't Have to Be Huge
Ordering your first run of products doesn't have to feel like a huge risk. Here's how to think about quantity, restraint, and starting informed in 2026.
What Overseas Manufacturing Actually Looks Like in 2026
Thinking about manufacturing overseas in 2026? Here's what the process actually looks like, including timelines, tariffs, and what nobody tells you before you start.
Tariffs in 2026: What Actually Matters for Small Product Businesses
Confused about tariffs in 2026? Learn what actually matters for small product businesses and how to plan product pricing with clarity and confidence.
How Much It Really Costs to Start Making Products
Wondering how much it really costs to start making products? This guide breaks down realistic cost categories so artists can plan without panic.
Why Research Feels Productive (and When It Starts Holding You Back)
A question I hear all the time is: “How do I know when I’ve done enough research?”
Research feels productive—especially when you’re trying to avoid expensive mistakes. But at a certain point, more information doesn’t create clarity. It creates hesitation.
In this week’s blog post, I’m talking about why research can quietly keep you stuck, how to recognize when it’s no longer helping, and what actually moves you forward instead.
Top 5 Most-Loved Blog Posts of 2025 for Artists and Product Makers
Before we head into 2026, let’s revisit the top 5 most-loved blog posts of 2025! From packaging tea towels to connecting with retailers and getting started in art licensing, these posts are packed with creative business insights and manufacturing tips.
What Are the Easiest Products to Start Manufacturing as a Creative?
Wondering where to start with manufacturing your own products? From stickers and tea towels to wrapping paper and notepads, here are the easiest products for creatives to produce—and how to start small while building a product line that sells.
How Do Tariffs and Shipping Costs Affect Your Product Pricing?
Tariffs and shipping costs can make or break your profit margins. Learn how to calculate your true landed cost, adjust pricing for changing rates, and handle the unpredictability of manufacturing overseas—with real-world advice for artists and product-based businesses.
What 10 Years of Tea Towels Taught Me
After 10 years of designing and selling tea towels, I’ve learned a lot about manufacturing, packaging, margins, and what makes a product line work. In this post, I share the top lessons every product-based business owner should know before creating their own textile products.
How to Make Eco-Friendly Products: A Manufacturing Guide for Artists
Thinking about creating eco-friendly products, but not sure where to start?
If you’re an artist or small business owner trying to make sustainable choices in your product-based business, this post breaks down what’s actually possible at a small scale. From print-on-demand options to low-waste packaging and realistic sourcing strategies, here’s how to move toward eco-conscious manufacturing—without needing to be perfect or go broke doing it.
6 Manufacturing Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Product-Based Business
Avoid These 6 Manufacturing Mistakes When Starting a Product-Based Business
Ready to launch your own line of products—like tea towels, stickers, or stationery—but feeling overwhelmed by the manufacturing process? You’re not alone. In this post, I’m breaking down the six most common mistakes creative entrepreneurs make when starting product manufacturing (and exactly how to avoid them). Whether you're sourcing overseas or producing small-batch items, these tips will help you confidently price, plan, and produce your first product run—without the costly errors.
Ideal for artists, makers, and small business owners getting started with manufacturing.
From DIY to Done: My 5-Year Journey to Perfecting Belly Bands for My Products
Struggling with packaging for your products? Learn how I went from DIY printing my own belly bands to outsourcing for a polished, professional finish—after five years of trial and error. In this blog post, I break down the best printing methods, outsourcing tips, and the key lessons I learned to streamline my packaging and boost my brand. Whether you're a small business owner or an artist selling custom products, this post will help you find the best way to produce high-quality belly bands without the hassle. Read more to get my top recommendations!
How Do You Organize Your Inventory?
Here’s a rundown of the storage pieces I’ve found that are both practical and ready to expand as my inventory grows in tea towels, washi tape, and wrapping paper.
Top 3 Certifications to Look For When Sourcing a Product.
Discover the three must-have certifications for safe and ethical product sourcing, including B Corp, ISO, and CPSC certifications. Make your sourcing process easier and aligned with your brand values.
How do you scale a business with product?
Discover effective strategies to scale your business by manufacturing custom products. Navigate US and overseas production with ease!
Buy me a cup of tea!
I started this blog to share answers to questions I recieve all the time. I figured the answers could help others who are finding their way in business.
If you would like to contribute extra to keep the ship afloat, consider a donation below. Cheers!
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Does working overseas make you nervous?
I get it – the thought of manufacturing overseas can be daunting. But with these five questions in your back pocket, you'll save yourself a whole lot of frustration and set yourself up for success.
Want to know the insider secrets to overseas manufacturing? I’ve got you covered! My guide will walk you through the must-ask questions that will help you cut costs and maximize profits!
So what are you waiting for? Don't miss out on this game-changing opportunity – download our guide now and get ready to take the manufacturing world by storm!"