Let me ask you a hard question: when was the last time you thought about setting a boundary for your yarn business?
Setting boundaries in everyday life is hard, but they can be even harder in your business. This is because there is always a new launch to plan, an order to fulfill, a question to answer, or marketing skills to learn.
Being present and adaptable are crucial skills to have when growing your business, but at the end of the day, you should be running your yarn business; your yarn business should not be running you.
If this is something you are currently struggling with or has been on your mind, today’s post is for you. We are going to discuss how to create healthy boundaries, so you stay creative in your business and enjoy running it day to day.
Why Craft-Based Businesses Are Especially Boundary-Challenged
It’s challenging to set boundaries in any business, but it seems especially difficult in creative-based businesses. There are several reasons for this, but below are what I consider to be the top reasons.
1. We feel the need to produce new products all the time: Since we are in a creative industry, there is always that nagging feeling of creating something new and exciting for the next season, holiday, or big trend.
2. We are making handmade goods that take more time to produce: Since most of us are making things by hand, it can be hard to “close up shop” at the end of the day, because you know your inventory is based on you physically creating it. Plus, if you are a dyer, you are most likely dealing with a time-intensive process (like soaking, dyeing, etc.), batch inconsistencies, and the pressure to recreate colorways exactly.
3. We are building our own communities: These communities are, of course, our buyers, but at the end of the day, most of us creatives make genuine connections and feel the need to be available 24/7.
4. We are usually solo entrepreneurs: Most creative businesses tend to be solo entrepreneurs, which means you are responsible for the creation of the products, marketing, packaging, shipping, accounting, and more.
The Most Common Boundary Issues Craft-Based Businesses Face
You may be thinking that the boundaries you currently have in your business are fine, but are they really? Below are just some of the common boundary issues that yarn businesses face.
- Answering messages 24/7
- Constantly being on social media
- Underpricing skeins/handmade goods to stay competitive
- Overcommitting to your subscriptions, clubs, or wholesale business connections
- Accepting too many preorders (which results in long-term stress)
- Not communicating realistic turnaround times
- Accepting customer requests that add pressure to your business.
As business owners, we tend to go on with “business as usual” thinking that our boundaries are ‘’fine’’ when they are really not. I encourage you to sit down, think about the issues above, and write down where in your business your boundaries could be improved. You might be surprised by what you discover.
What Healthy Boundaries Look Like in a Craft-Based Business
So, what do healthy boundaries look like in a yarn business?
Well, this will vary depending on you and the type of yarn business you are running. However, in general, below are key categories that you should think about.
- Time: This could be having a set schedule for the time you spend on certain tasks (dying, packing, etc.), and scheduled time off.
- Communication: Having response window times, rules on customers sending you DMs, etc.
- Inventory: Knowing how much of a product you will make/carry, how much time you will spend on the inventory process, etc.
- Creative: Making decisions on what you will make vs what you won’t, having creative days on your calendar, etc.
When it comes to setting boundaries, you should think of them as providing structure to your business/life and not as restrictions. Changing your mindset in this way can greatly help you to have a better understanding of how your business should work for you and for your work-life balance.
How To Set Healthy Boundaries in a Craft-Based Business
If you have made it this far and are realizing that your boundaries could use some work, then let’s talk about how to set healthy boundaries going forward.
First, I would look at the list you made earlier and start with those areas of your business that are bringing you down mentally, emotionally, and physically. Then number those things on your list from most draining to least draining, and start with the area of your business that is the most draining to you at this time.
Below is an example of what your list might look like:
1. Constantly being on social media
2. Answering messages 24/7
3. Creating inventory
In this case, constantly being on social media would be the area you would deal with first, then you would go down your list.
Now, setting boundaries in your business is going to look different within each area of your business, like social media vs inventory. However, overall, below are the things that you can do to set boundaries in all areas of your business.
1. Reflect on your values and goals: You started your business for a reason, and you have personal values that you live by. So, think about what your goals are for your business and life, then design boundaries that help you to move closer to accomplishing those goals.
2. Know your limits: Don’t plan based on what you wish you could do, but what you realistically have the time and resources to do at this stage in your life/business.
3. Block off work time: Create a work schedule where you block time to do ALL the tasks you need to do for your business. In this case, get very specific because the more specific you are, the better picture you will have of where your time is going in your business.
4. Block off your personal time: Besides creating a work schedule, you will want to block off the time you are officially off work. This might sound silly, but planning your time off will give you the freedom to step away from answering messages or fulfilling orders.
5. Communicate clearly: Whether it’s on your website, Etsy page, or social media pages, communicate clearly turnaround times, what you offer, what you don’t offer, and response times. Then stick to what you said, and don’t waver on it to please customers.
6. Start small: If setting boundaries for every area of your business seems overwhelming, start small and go from there!
When creating your boundaries, don’t feel like you need to rush this process. Take your time and really think about what you need to be healthy in both your everyday life and business.
Also, don’t forget that once you set a boundary, you can always adjust it later, to fit anything new happening in your life and business.
Remember, you are the boss!
A Quick List Of Where To Set Boundaries
Now that you know how to set boundaries, below is a quick list of areas in your business where you might want to consider setting new boundaries.
- Colorways and Customer Requests
- Preorders, Drops, and Shop Updates
- In-person events (craft fairs, festivals, etc.)
- Customer Pricing or Wholesale Pricing
- Customer Service
- Customers’ Expectations
- Community Groups (Facebook groups, clubs, etc.)
- Social Media
- Shop Polices
- Work Hours
Again, this is a quick list, but it will definitely help you to start thinking about where to place some boundaries in your business.
How To Stick To Your Boundaries
Sticking to your boundaries is more difficult than creating them. However, to stick to your boundaries, I would recommend the following:
1. Practice, practice, practice: This is easier said than done, but once you create a boundary, keep following through with it. The more you do, the easier it will be.
2. Create scripts for yourself: Once you have your boundaries, write out responses that go with those boundaries so it’s easier for you to reply to customers. For example, you may have “scripts” for certain questions, requests, and complaints.
3. Be kind but firm: When sticking to your boundaries, always be kind but firm. As a business owner, you are allowed to make the rules and set the tone of what you will and won’t do in your business. So, lead with kindness when enforcing your boundaries, and nine times out of ten, your customers will understand.
Final Thoughts & Words of Encouragement
Setting boundaries is difficult, but so crucial to the success of your business. This is because, at the end of the day, you need to build a business that fits with the different seasons of your life in the long term.
Many times, we are just stuck in the “here and now”, but we need to be thinking about how to make our business sustainable for the future. This substantiablity starts with boundaries so you can protect your time, creativity, and the love for your handmade craft.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic! Share your experiences and tips about setting healthy boundaries in the comments below.
