The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Why are your hats so expensive? This is the most frequent and sometimes frustrating challenge. It’s not just a question; it can feel like a personal devaluation of your life’s work. I realised the question was often rooted in a lack of education about the true cost of mass production versus handmade creation. I stopped viewing myself as a competitor to Amazon or big-box stores. My customer is choosing between a meaningful, experiential and ethical purchase. The ultimate overcoming was transforming these challenges from points of insecurity into the very core of my marketing
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
There are definitely pros and cons of running my business.
The pros are:
- Creative freedom – I make what I love.
- Direct connection – The highlight of my week is getting a message from a customer saying the piece they bought became their favourite.
- Flexibility & ownership of time – I can structure my day around my creative energy peaks.
- Learning & wearing all the hats – I’ve become a (somewhat) proficient photographer, copywriter, accountant, marketer, web designer and customer service rep. It’s exhausting but wildly empowering to know I’ve built something from the ground up with my own hands and mind.
The cons are:
- Financial rollercoaster – Income is wildly inconsistent.
- There is no true “off” switch – Even on a day off, you’re thinking about the next Instagram post, the unanswered email or the order that needs to ship.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My first muse has outgrown her bonnets, but my handmade dream is just getting started. I’m expanding my heart and my craft to bring the same love and care to pieces for all stages of life. My hope is to share this handmade love with a wider audience and grow this little dream of mine into a full-time reality.
Visit the Emily Wants Summer website to find out more and browse their beautiful products. You can also connect with them on Instagram.
