Motivation Tips for Handmade Business Owners

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Y’all, I get it. There are days when life feels heavy—when the to-do list is long, sales are slow, and the motivation just isn’t there. I’ve been doing this handmade business thing for over 15 years, and I still have moments when I just want to crawl back under the covers instead of heading into my workshop.

But here’s what I’ve learned: when we lose our spark, there are simple things we can do to get it back. So if you’ve been struggling to stay motivated in your wreath-making or handmade business, this post is for you.

10 Motivation Tips for Handmade Business Owners

1. Remember Your “Why”

The first thing I do when I start to feel unmotivated is remind myself why I started.

Was it to pay for bills?
To quit your 9-to-5?
To have a little extra for Christmas or family vacations?

Write your “why” down and stick it somewhere you’ll see it every day—on your mirror, on your desk, even scribbled on a sticky note by your computer.

My own “why” started small. I wanted to pay for my kids’ dance and football lessons. But as my business grew, that “why” changed. Now, my reason is to show up for you—to help other makers build something meaningful that blesses their families too.

2. Just Start—Even Small

When motivation is low, the hardest part is getting started. So instead of overthinking, just do one small thing.

If you’re dreading making new wreaths, start by making a single bow.
If your Etsy shop feels overwhelming, list one new item.
If your supplies are a mess, spend five minutes tidying your ribbon.

Nine times out of ten, once you start, you’ll keep going.

Here’s my little self-talk trick:

“Julie, just put your shoes on.”

That phrase comes from how I talk myself into exercising—just start small. Once the shoes are on, you’ll take a few steps. And before you know it, you’ve walked further than you planned.

3. Keep It Simple and Celebrate Small Wins

When you’re overwhelmed, scale it back. Don’t focus on the 10 things you should be doing. Pick one thing and do it well.

List one product.
Make one video.
Send one email.

Then celebrate that win! You didn’t quit. You showed up. That counts.

4. Arouse Your Senses

This one might sound funny, but it works. Sometimes our motivation just needs a mood reset.

Light a candle, play some music, and shift your environment.
For example:

• When I’m creating spring designs, I’ll light a gardenia-scented candle.
• When I’m working on fall, I’ll play country music and bring out pumpkins.
• For Christmas? You better believe the cinnamon and Frasier Fir candles are burning.

Even if you’re not feeling seasonal right now, find scents or sounds that calm or inspire you—like eucalyptus oil, acoustic music, or even a little background chatter from your favorite podcast.

5. Find an Accountability Partner

Y’all, we weren’t meant to do business alone. Having someone to check in with makes all the difference.

Your accountability partner could be another maker, an Etsy seller, or someone in your business group. The key is that they get it. They’ll cheer you on when you’re down and celebrate your wins along the way.

6. Try Something New

When you feel stuck, shake things up!

If you usually make grapevine wreaths, try a deco mesh design.
If you always use bright colors, try neutrals.
If you normally sell on Etsy, experiment with Pinterest marketing or short videos.

Sometimes, simply learning something new reignites your creativity. It doesn’t have to be seasonal—try new techniques instead of new themes. For example:

• Experiment with layering ribbons differently.
• Try photographing your products in natural light.
• Learn how to write better Etsy descriptions.

Creativity thrives on curiosity!

7. Organize Your Space

A cluttered workspace leads to a cluttered mind. Take a day to clean, sort, and simplify.

Put away extra supplies and keep only a few rolls of ribbon or bases out at a time. Organize by color, holiday, or material—whatever makes sense to you. Sometimes just cleaning and resetting your space is all it takes to get back in the zone.

8. Reflect on How Far You’ve Come

Go back and look at your past designs, reviews, or messages from happy customers. When you see how much you’ve improved, it’ll remind you that your work matters.

I’ve had customers tell me my videos helped them through chemo or recovery or even tough personal seasons. That’s when it really hits me—what we make changes lives.

“What you make makes a difference.”

Never forget that your creations can bring peace, beauty, and hope into someone’s home.

9. Treat It Like a Real Business

If you worked a 9-to-5, you’d show up no matter what. So treat your handmade business the same way.

Even on the hard days, check in. Do one task. Answer one message. Work your business like a business.

“If I can check in for someone else, I can check in for myself.”

That line has gotten me through many tough seasons, and I hope it sticks with you too.

10. Your Work Matters

When you make and sell handmade designs, you’re not just decorating doors—you’re bringing joy to people’s lives.

Think about it: when someone comes home after a long day and sees your wreath hanging on their door, it lifts their spirits. It’s a small moment of peace and pride in their home.

That’s what keeps me going. That’s what motivates me to create and teach every single day.

Motivation vs. Ambition: What Really Fuels You

Here’s something I’ve learned after years of running my handmade business—motivation and ambition aren’t the same thing.

Motivation is external. It’s the candle you light, the playlist you turn on, or the friend cheering you on. It’s what helps you get started when you’re dragging your feet. But motivation comes and goes—it’s tied to emotion, and emotions change daily.

Ambition, though? That’s internal.
That’s the fire in your gut that says, “I’m doing this no matter what.”

It’s what keeps you working even when the excitement fades.

It’s what reminds you that you’re building something bigger than a wreath—you’re building a life you love.

When you shift from chasing motivation to being fueled by ambition, it’s a game changer. You stop waiting for the “perfect” moment and start showing up because you know where you’re headed.

Next time you feel unmotivated, ask yourself—am I looking for motivation, or am I going to allow my ambition lead the way?

Friend, you’re not alone in feeling stuck sometimes. Every maker goes through it. The important thing is to take one small step forward.

And remember—you’re running a business that matters.