The Ugly Truth Of Growing Your Small Business

My issue isn't growing big not knowing what to do. My issue is not growing at all, socials dead, streams dead, it feels like I am putting in all the hard work for myself only and I have been doing this for over 5 years now. It feels really isolating and empty, because I feel like I genuinely have some really cute products to offer.

That’s why I don’t do personalized or custom (money maker). I design my own cut files and sell at markets. I always sell out. Reason I don’t sell online - I hate dealing with shipping. I just want to make enough to pay off my bills and pay off my home, spend time with my kids, pets and go to movies on $5 Tuesdays.

Great perspective here. I think a lot of folks don’t fully consider the ramifications and trade-offs of growth until they’re far down the path. Only after they sign commercial leases and get employees do some realize “crap - I’m not home for my family which is why I started this”, or “man now I HAVE to make all these sales or I can’t pay my huge overhead”. It’s a story I’ve heard many times now.

I’ve missed your videos! Makes sense and growing the business is not the key to happiness. Money isn’t the key to happiness! When your kids get older it may change but do what you want to do because you can’t go back and change it!! Good luck!

Sallie, that's the exact decision I made. I had the same troubles last year, where I had to put my shop on vacation mode, just to be able to BREATHE again. It was scary, but I decided to raise my prices even if it would mean less orders. And yes, Etsy "punished" me with removing the bestseller tags on some of my products, but within a few months I had them back. I have now less work, but the same amount of revenue, although this year seams to be a bit slower in general. So, yes unlimited growth is not always the solution. I realized I traded my mental health for money. It is not worth the pain. Wish you all the best. You have the right stuff to be a successful entrepreneur, becaus you can make tough but sensible decisions.

Ive grown so much I have to really watch when I post things I make on marketplace because I'll get overwhelmed. Sounds like a good problem to have and is until you realize how much time you work instead of spending it with your family. My business is my fun and passion but it isn't my families so I have to really balance things out. Its not easy.

This video pin points so well everything that people may not know. Love your vulnerability in this and the real side to it.

Aw Sallie you are just so sweet! I’m a mom to 2 small boys and I totally relate to everything you said. I’ve missed your videos girl! Glad to have you back. I’m so happy that you are doing better and have systems in place for yourself! ❤🎉

so happy to see you back on YouTube. Good luck on all your decision ahead for you and your business.

Great video Sallie, I can totally understand the fear behind going on vacation mode on etsy. It's terrifying and emotional. I have only a few sales on there at this point, last year around this time I felt like it was finally getting a little steam and I was so afraid of doing something wrong that would stop the train lol But honestly, as I tried to figure out shipping and the cost and stress behind it I started thinking is this worth it?? Setting limits on your product is the best way to go. If you are earning a good living and are happy then I say take on only what you can handle and enjoy your success. You are a gem, thank you for all the honesty I have learned so much from you through the years on youtube!

Hey Sallie, I just want you to know how proud of you for being so real. I live an hour away from you and I have had 3 businesses including a laser business, and two other businesses spanning 20+ years. I have followed you for many years and seen a young person like myself. I too homeschooled my children and grew a business during that time to provide for them. Though my husband did not partner but occasionally helped when I too was overwhelmed. I am glad you shared your heart with your community and fellow peeps. Yes, your why is important, and in the seasons of being in business your why changes and changes with the stage of our children too. I encourage you to find balance and adjust as you need to. Being a mom and wife are your most important roles. Know that I have been praying for you through, as I knew something was up when the videos were few and far between. I too also had to re-focus due to becoming a more full-time caregiver for my 91-year-old father who had a stroke in January. Though we are empty nesters now, I had to take two months off from my business. The plan you share is similar to what I chose 6 months ago, even to scale back. I currently have my 60-watt laser up for sale and am just going to focus on what my Glowforge can do. That helps me stay small but profitable. You know going backwards to how I used to be and how I founded my business is not so bad. People and customers actually are excited I am bringing some of those 4-5-year-old designs back. Any way know I am praying you through, your strong faith and your talented entrepreneurship will still make you successful in all you do. If you ever want to get together and eat on the boulevard (Olive Garden) just let me know.. You can reach me anytime on FB at JoAnn Heaton ETC.. Be Bless friend!

Hi. I grew a business from £4000 - £1.3m and then got a partner to help with other bits. In the end I lost it all, because of the partnership and even had to go bankrupt. But a sliver lining was I found my new wife and never looked back. Now we make what we want and have fun and life. Just remember, having everything, doesn’t bring happiness.. stay strong.

Sallie - you are such a gift to people wanting to start small businesses. Not many people share so generously and honestly the way that you do. I agree with what you say about hustle culture, it is so toxic. I have the benefit of being an employee of a small-medium business that our boss founded in her garage. Now they have 20-50 employees depending on the season. As I navigate starting my own business, at this stage I don’t see myself wanting to have employees and a commercial property. I just want to be able to have enough to live a comfortable life, doing what I enjoy. That could change once I get there. But you are so right - focusing on your why is important. It’s ok if your why and your capacity changes over time. But the hustle culture of always doing and being more, is unhealthy and unrealistic. Much love from Australia 🇦🇺 ❤

Great to see you back, wondered where you went😂. Great video and so very on point. Wearing all the hats as a small biz owner can be very challenging.

It's really helpful that you've added bullet points, makes it easy to follow 🥰

Omg. You r literally saying everything I am going through as well. It is so hard to go through. Everyone always says it’s a good thing that I’m busy. I literally work nonstop. So much stress and I am so happy to hear I am not alone. You can not even talk about it online because people think u r bragging. Not true. Really looking for people who are going through the same thing and ideas of how to handle it. This video came at the perfect time. Just to know I am not alone. Thank you so much!

Smart move 👍 bigger is not always better.

Oh how I’ve missed watching your videos! I hope you’re doing amazing ❤thanks for all the things you have constantly shown us, we appreciate you!!😊

SO PROUD OF YOU ❤️ Thank you for sharing your story with us and giving such great tips for this situation!

Love this...gone through it myself, it's tough and I appreciate you creating this video