– My Ongoing Journey
Starting a business has been a dream of mine for quite a while, and it seems fitting to reflect on my journey as we celebrate National “I Want to Start My Own Business Day.” While I haven’t reached that “I made it” moment yet, the road has been full of learning experiences, small wins, and plenty of perseverance. My story isn’t glamorous, but it’s real—and if you’re reading this, you might relate.
Trying Different Paths: Reselling Treasures
One of the paths I’ve been exploring is reselling items online. I scour thrift stores and look for cheap products that I can flip for a profit. For example, I once stumbled across a dress for just $1 at a used store. It turned out to be a high-end brand, and I made $40 off that single sale. These kinds of finds don’t happen every day, though. Most of the time, I’m only making a few bucks on each sale, but even small wins add up over time. That’s the grind, right? It’s a game of patience and persistence.
It’s not just thrifted finds either; friends and family have been a great resource. They often send me items they no longer want, and I sell those too. We work out a simple deal where they get 50% of whatever I make. It’s a win-win situation, and it keeps a steady flow of inventory coming in without any upfront costs.
The platforms I use to sell include Mercari, Poshmark, Depop, Curtsy, Vinted, eBay, and Etsy. Each platform has its quirks, and I’ve learned what works best for certain types of items. I’ll admit that Etsy is my least successful platform—my sales there have been much slower compared to the others—but I’m still giving it time and experimenting with different approaches.
My Love for Crafting
Another avenue I’ve been dabbling in is crafting. I love making things with my hands—whether it’s repurposing old materials or creating seasonal decor. The problem is, I don’t get as much time to devote to crafting as I’d like. When I do manage to finish a project, there’s a deep sense of satisfaction, but for now, this remains a secondary part of my business. The dream is to eventually dedicate more time to creating handmade items to sell, but for now, it’s on the back burner.
The Digital World: YouTube and Blogging
In addition to reselling, I’ve been growing another branch of my business through digital content—specifically YouTube and blogging. I’ve been at it for about a year now, and while I’m not making any money from it yet, I’m seeing signs of growth. Building an audience online is a long, slow process. Some days, it feels like I’m putting in hours of effort for minimal returns, but then I remember that growth often happens in small, unexpected bursts.
What’s great about this venture is that it doesn’t require much financial investment. I’m creating content around things I’m passionate about, and while it’s slow going, I’m hopeful that one day it will become a solid revenue stream. It’s about the long game, and I’m in no rush—at least not yet!
The Slow and Steady Climb
My journey to starting a business is anything but fast-paced, but that’s okay. I’m balancing this dream with other responsibilities, and each day I’m getting a little closer to my goal. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built through consistent effort and trying new things. Whether I’m flipping a thrifted dress or publishing a new blog post, I’m always moving forward.
So, if you’re thinking of starting your own business or you’re in the early stages like me, don’t be discouraged by the slow progress. Keep trying, keep experimenting, and remember that every small win is a step closer to your dream.
-Chandee
Dandychandee 