Happy new year, fabulous maker!
Welcome to the start of a sparkling, new blank slate! This is your moment to lay the groundwork for a year of abundance, creativity, and (let’s be real) some well-deserved cash flow. Because, friend, there’s no reason your passion for all things handmade can’t lead to profit.
Let’s talk about starting the year off right, planning for your handmade empire, and creating a budget that’s as fun as it is functional. Ready? Let’s dive in!
1. Big Dreams First, Numbers Later
Before we go diving into spreadsheets, let’s get clear on your vision. Grab your favorite notebook and pen, a vision board, or some markers and paper. Left-brained or right, it matters not—so long as you facilitate your aspirations in a way that is front-of-mind and aesthetically engaging. Now, answer these juicy questions:
What do you want your handmade business to look like by the end of this year?
Be specific. In the world of entrepreneurship, casualness brings casualties. The life of your business is held in the energies you put into clarity of vision. Imagine, on December 31st of this year, you look back on 2025 with immense gratitude. What does it look like? Does your business have that much needed logo? Did you refine your product line in order to wholesale? Did you upgrade your production capabilities? Did you sell 10,000 bars of soap? What did you do this year that made you both satisfied and grateful within your business?
How many products do you want to sell?
Be specific. “I want to sell a lot of soap!” …that sounds great, but it won’t get you anywhere. Rather, create a goal that is worthy of you and that can be tracked.
“I successfully sold 10,000 bars of soap in 2025.”
How much revenue would feel amazing to you?
Be specific. When contemplating and planning for your business, a good thing to ask yourself is, “How much? By when?”
“I proudly earn $90,000 of revenue in 2025.”
Friendly reminder: Revenue is the total amount of money your business earns from sales before subtracting any expenses.
When you’re clear on your vision, every decision you make—whether it’s about materials, pricing, or marketing—becomes so much easier. You’ll know exactly what aligns with your goals and what doesn’t. If, on a bubbly day of creative mania, you want to make soap that looks like a giant 3-layer wedding cake, you can ask yourself if doing this aligns with your business goals. If it doesn’t, maybe hold off until you knock out some of the duties that do align with your goals. And hey, maybe you need that creative outlet and decide to go for it…I’m not judging, just asking you to consider what is most important. If you plan on working on your soap business 240 days out of 365, and one of those days isn’t in alignment, you’ve reduced your opportunity down to 239. Now imagine if you lose focus once a week…those opportunities can dwindle fast.
Lovin Soap’s Planner has sections dedicated to dreaming and goal setting!
Mindful Maker Business Planner (Undated)
This eBook is included in our Business Membership! Join here! Or, get the individual eBook by clicking Add to cart below.
2. Budget Like a Boss
Budgeting gets a bad rap, but think of it as giving every dollar a job that helps you build your dream. Here’s how to make it simple and fun:
- Know Your Costs:
- Materials: oils, butters, fragrance, colorants, packaging—list it all.
- Tools: Need a new mold or cutter? Add it to your list.
- Marketing: Budget for things like social media ads, product photos, and a website.
- Overhead: Don’t forget things like utilities or shipping supplies.
- Set Revenue Goals: Take that dreamy revenue number you wrote earlier and break it down. How many products do you need to sell each month to hit that number? Be realistic and optimistic—this is your time to shine.
- Save for Taxes: It’s not glamorous, but it’s necessary. Put a percentage of every sale aside for Uncle Sam.
- Create a “Fun Fund”: Yes, really! Budget for something that brings you joy, whether it’s a new tool, a fancy planner, or a day off at the spa (or make that wedding cake soap!). Celebrate your wins, big and small.
Check out Pricing Your Handcrafted Soap: Profitable Pricing in 7 Steps Worksheets + Google Sheet!
Pricing Your Handcrafted Soap: Profitable Pricing in 7 Steps Worksheets + Google Sheet
Printable Pricing Worksheets + Google Sheets
3. Plan Your Production Like a Pro
Take your vision and turn it into a production schedule. You’re a creator, but you’re also a business owner. Make a list of what needs to be done and when:
- What products will you launch and when?
- What holidays or events do you want to plan for?
- What restocks need to happen regularly?
Batch your work for maximum efficiency. For example, dedicate one day a week to making products, another to packing orders, and another to marketing. Furthermore, your annual revenue goal broken down into months sounds straightforward, but we all know that it doesn’t work that way. You can’t expect to earn the same revenue in February as you will in December. Account for this and put a “weight” on your intended busy months and plan accordingly.
4. Market with Heart (and a Bit of Strategy)
Marketing doesn’t have to feel pushy. Think of it as storytelling—sharing the magic behind your handmade products. This year, commit to showing up consistently. Here’s how:
- Pick 1-2 Platforms: Don’t try to be everywhere. Focus on where your dream customers hang out—Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest? Match what you do best with where your customers are going to be and take immense advantage of planning to get their eyes on your stuff.
- Share Your Process: Behind-the-scenes content is gold. Let people see you mixing, pouring, packaging—they’ll fall in love with your craft.
- Plan Ahead: Use a content calendar to map out key dates and promotions so you’re not scrambling last minute.
5. Check in Monthly
A plan is great, but life happens. Make it a habit to check in with yourself and your business every month. Ask yourself:
- What’s working?
- What needs tweaking?
- Am I on track to hit my goals?
- What can I do to make next month even better?
Even if you are a business of one, hold a monthly meeting to answer these questions.
6. Don’t Forget to Celebrate!
Every sale, every milestone, every small win deserves a happy dance. Success builds on success, and acknowledging your progress will keep you motivated and aligned with your vision.
Here’s to an Amazing Year!
Building a handmade business is equal parts heart and hustle, but you’ve got what it takes to make this year your best yet. Stay focused, stay organized, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!
Let’s chat! I’m excited to jump back into the handcrafted soap maker business space and offer business coaching again! It’s been awhile! Check out my coaching offers and if you’d like to chat first, book a discovery call.
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