13 Business Ideas For Craft Enthusiasts [2024]
Do you love creating things with your hands and dream of turning your passion into a profitable venture? In 2024, the opportunities for craft enthusiasts are more varied and accessible than ever. Whether you knit, paint, or make jewelry, there are business ideas suited to your skills and interests.
You could start your own online store to sell handmade items directly to customers. If you prefer a personal touch, you could hold workshops and classes to share your craft skills with others. For those interested in scalability, there are opportunities in crafting subscription boxes or DIY kits that bring your creativity into homes around the world.
By exploring these business ideas, you could turn your craft hobby into a self-sustaining enterprise. Each idea has the potential to not only bring in income but also to bring joy to others who appreciate handmade artistry. Dive into this article to find the perfect match for your skills and entrepreneurial spirit.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other craft enthusiast businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
As a craft enthusiast, starting a subscription box business could be an exciting and profitable venture. Subscription boxes allow you to curate and deliver a niche set of craft supplies or finished products to eager customers on a monthly basis. These boxes are in high demand due to their exclusivity and the delightful surprise factor they offer, which can lead to a stable and recurring income stream.
By targeting a specific craft niche, you could ensure that your offerings stand out in the market, creating excitement and loyalty among subscribers. If you're ready to transform your passion into a business opportunity, consider learning more about subscription box startup costs and marketing ideas here.
Why start a subscription box business?
- Predictable monthly revenue means a more stable income stream.
- Showcases your creativity and unique craft ideas regularly.
- Builds a community of loyal customers who share your passion for crafts.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
2. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an eCommerce reselling business could be an excellent venture for craft enthusiasts looking to monetize their passion and supplement their income. By reselling products online, you could leverage existing marketplaces such as Etsy or eBay without the need to worry about production costs. This allows you to focus on curating unique, high-quality goods that resonate with your artistic sensibilities and attract a specific audience.
Additionally, starting an eCommerce reseller business is flexible and scalable. You don't need a website immediately; you could begin by leveraging social media platforms to reach potential customers. As your business grows, you could then consider developing a professional website to further expand your reach and increase sales.
Why consider starting an eCommerce reselling business?
- It requires low initial investment, allowing you to start your business without significant upfront costs.
- You could turn your passion for crafts into a steady income stream by reselling products that align with your artistic talent.
- It offers flexibility; you could start small on social media and scale up over time.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
3. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
As a craft enthusiast, channeling your skills into a stock photography business can be a lucrative way to supplement your income. Stock photography allows you to capture the intricate details and beauty of your crafts, transforming your passion into a steady stream of revenue by selling your images to businesses and bloggers who need high-quality visuals for marketing purposes. Plus, with a one-time investment in good photography gear and some practice, you can build an impressive portfolio that earns passive income by licensing your photos for specific uses.
Why start a stock photography business?
- Your craft expertise can shine. Craft enthusiasts have a unique eye for detail, making your stock photos stand out in the market.
- Generate passive income. Once uploaded, your high-quality photos can continue to sell, providing an ongoing revenue stream.
- Flexibility and scalability. You can grow your business at your own pace and even turn it into a full-time venture as demand for your unique visuals increases.
For more insights and success tips, visit Starter Story's stock photography business success stories.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
4. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be a fantastic way for craft enthusiasts to supplement their income and share their unique knowledge with a wider audience. By discussing your craft techniques, offering tutorials, and interviewing other experts in the field, you could build a dedicated listener base. This platform could not only generate revenue through sponsorships and advertisements but also broaden your reach, potentially driving more traffic to your other craft-related ventures.
Why start a podcast?
- You'll position yourself as an authority in the craft community, attracting more followers and potential customers.
- Monetizing through sponsorships and ads could provide an additional income stream alongside selling your crafts.
- Engaging content could drive traffic to your website or online store, increasing overall sales and brand visibility.
Learn more about podcast profitability and how to get started on a budget here.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
5. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Do you have a knack for creating compelling video content? Starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move. As a craft enthusiast, a YouTube channel offers the perfect platform to share your expertise, passions, and hobbies with a wider audience while potentially earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. Learning how to build a successful YouTube channel—like planning content, shooting and editing videos, and engaging with your audience—can be a fulfilling endeavor that marries creativity with financial opportunity.
A YouTube channel allows you to showcase a range of content, such as how-to guides, vlogs, educational material, and even entertainment. While it requires consistency and quality, the flexibility and potential rewards can make this a worthwhile venture. For more details on how to start a YouTube channel and its profitability, click here.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could monetize your passion by earning through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
- Your channel would allow you to build a loyal community interested in your crafts.
- Sharing tutorials and tips can establish you as an authority in your craft niche, opening doors to other opportunities.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
6. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business could be an ideal way for a craft enthusiast to supplement their income or even build a full-fledged business. By curating unique, craft-related products from third-party suppliers, you could offer a carefully selected collection that resonates with other craft lovers, all without the need to manage inventory or handle shipping logistics. This business model allows you to focus on the creative aspects, such as designing your online store and marketing to potential customers.
Learn more about the ins and outs of dropshipping here.
Why consider a dropshipping business?
- Minimal initial investment and no need for inventory management.
- Flexibility to focus on creative tasks like curating products and designing your store.
- Opportunity to test market demand with less financial risk.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
7. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Turning a brilliant idea into a mobile app is a fantastic pathway for craft enthusiasts to earn extra income or even start a full-fledged business. By developing a mobile app, you can provide a unique digital solution that caters to your artistic niche, whether it’s a platform for selling handcrafted goods, a tutorial app for DIY projects, or even a creative tool for fellow crafters. With mobile apps becoming an integral part of daily life, the potential for success and substantial revenue is significant.
Why create a mobile app?
- Leveraging your craft expertise, you could create an app that addresses a specific need within the crafting community.
- Apps offer a scalable way to reach a global audience, extraordinarily increasing your revenue potential.
- The flexibility of mobile apps allows continuous innovation and updates, ensuring that your app remains relevant and engaging.
For inspiration, check out these success stories and marketing ideas for mobile apps.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
8. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business is a perfect fit for craft enthusiasts looking to monetize their creativity while keeping startup costs low. This model allows you to bring your unique designs to life on various products such as apparel, home goods, and accessories without the need for inventory management. By leveraging platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay, you can reach a global audience and control your operations from the comfort of your home.
A print-on-demand business makes it easy for artists to scale gradually, offering flexibility to expand as you gain traction. With dropshipping production and fulfillment, you can focus more on your designs and marketing strategies without worrying about the logistics. For more insights into the potential of this business model, you can explore how other entrepreneurs have found success in the print-on-demand industry here.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- No upfront inventory costs, reducing financial risk.
- Flexible work environment, allowing you to operate from home.
- Opportunity to monetize your unique designs and reach a global audience.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
9. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
As a craft enthusiast, starting a niche website can be a highly rewarding venture that allows you to merge your passion with entrepreneurial opportunities. By focusing on a specialized topic within the crafting world, you can build a dedicated audience eager to consume content tailored to their interests. Your expertise can help drive traffic to your site, opening up diverse monetization opportunities like affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products.
Building a niche website involves initial investments in research, content creation, and SEO to cultivate a loyal following. Over time, this platform can evolve into a dependable source of passive income, offering both creative satisfaction and financial rewards. If you have a deep interest in a specific crafting area, this entrepreneurial path could become a fulfilling project.
Learn from real success stories on Starter Story.
Why start a niche website?
- You could monetize a hobby you love by sharing your unique expertise with a dedicated audience.
- It offers various revenue streams, from ad placements to affiliate marketing and selling digital products.
- Flexibility in content creation allows you to work on your own terms while building a loyal community around your craft.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
10. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog as a craft enthusiast can be a perfect avenue to share your passion for your craft while potentially earning extra income. By focusing on a specific niche, such as knitting, paper crafting, or jewelry making, you could attract a dedicated audience that shares your interests and is eager to engage with your content. Monetization opportunities are abundant, from affiliate marketing and sponsored posts to product reviews and offering premium content.
Creating a blog is also a gateway to further grow your online presence through platforms like YouTube or Instagram, collaborating with brands, and even speaking at craft events. Moreover, your niche blog could serve as a portfolio that showcases your expertise and attracts followers who appreciate your unique perspective on the craft. Learn more about the possibilities with niche blogging here.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could turn your passion for crafts into a profitable venture by sharing your expertise and attracting a loyal audience.
- Your blog could act as a showcase for your creativity and skills, drawing in collaborations and sponsorship opportunities.
- A niche blog could open doors to additional platforms, allowing you to expand your influence and income potential across different media.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
11. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence as a craft enthusiast might seem unconventional, but it's a promising path to elevate your entrepreneurial ambitions. With AI-based business solutions, you could automate mundane tasks, analyze customer behaviors, and even manage inventory effectively—freeing up more time for your creative pursuits. Most importantly, you do not need a tech background to get started, as numerous intuitive platforms and support systems are available to help you integrate AI seamlessly into your business operations.
The demand for AI solutions is surging, providing a golden opportunity for craft enthusiasts to tap into this growing market and transform their side hustle into a full-fledged business. By focusing on high-impact areas and crafting a solid implementation plan, you could significantly enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and make smarter, data-driven decisions. Dive into the world of AI and discover new ways to innovate and boost your business performance. For additional insights and actionable tips, check out these success stories here.
Why opt for an AI-based business solution?
- Enhanced efficiency: AI can automate repetitive tasks, allowing you more time to focus on your creative projects.
- Data-driven decisions: Gain valuable customer insights and predict market trends to strategically grow your business.
- User-friendly platforms: Many AI solutions are designed to be accessible, so you don’t need a tech background to leverage them effectively.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
12. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
If you're a craft enthusiast, starting an online course sales business is an excellent way to monetize your passion. Whether it's knitting, pottery, or woodwork, creating an online course can help you share your specialized knowledge while generating a steady stream of passive income. With the e-learning market expected to reach over $645 billion in the coming years, there's never been a better time to turn your crafting skills into an online educational venture. For more insights, you can explore some startup success stories.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You could turn a one-time effort into continuous income by monetizing your crafting skills.
- Sharing your knowledge can position you as an expert in your craft niche, opening further opportunities.
- Helping others learn a new craft can be incredibly fulfilling, adding personal satisfaction to your financial gains.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
13. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
Starting an online survey tool can be a practical business idea for craft enthusiasts. By leveraging your passion for crafting, you could design intuitive survey interfaces that cater to creative businesses looking to collect customer feedback. With features like a survey builder, data collection tool, and reporting system, you could help other craft-centric businesses improve their services and understand their market better.
As this business grows in popularity, more companies are seeking convenient ways to gather valuable data. Building an online survey tool could be your key to supplementing your income and turning your crafting passion into a thriving entrepreneurial venture.
Why build an online survey tool?
- It meets a growing demand for data collection, helping businesses make informed decisions.
- You could leverage your creative skills to design unique and engaging survey experiences.
- It offers a flexible and scalable business model, allowing you to expand as your customer base grows.
For more insights, you might find these real-life success stories inspiring.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
