From Hobby to Business: The Learning Curve

Most of my creations were never meant for sale. They were made for the women in my family, my mom, my sister, my nieces, little tokens of love that carried stories and memories. Starting a business was the furthest thing from my mind. I had always heard the saying, “If you want to hate a hobby, just turn it into a job.” And for a long time, I believed it.

I was afraid that if I tried to make a business out of something I loved, I’d lose the joy in it, that it would start feeling like work instead of worship. But over time, I realized I’d been looking at it from the wrong point of view. What if this wasn’t just my idea? What if this was something God had been preparing me for all along?

I can’t say with certainty that this is one hundred percent the plan God has for me, but I do believe He planted this love of beadwork in my heart for a reason. The desire to create didn’t come from nowhere, it grew, little by little, until it became something that felt purposeful. And when my boys started growing more independent, it felt like God opened a window.

While we still homeschool, they no longer need me sitting right beside them every moment. Suddenly, I found myself with small pockets of time, moments I hadn’t had in years. And I asked myself, Why not use this time to create something that could also bless our family? Why not let God use the work of my hands in a new way?

That realization didn’t make the transition easy, though. If I had to name one of the hardest parts of shifting from hobby to business, it’s time, my time, my family’s time, God’s time. When it was just a hobby, I could pick up my beads whenever I wanted, make something here or there, and call it a day. But turning it into a business meant learning discipline, creating schedules, setting goals, and staying consistent.

And let’s be honest… I haven’t been on time for anything since I left the military thirteen years ago. Add in procrastination and the unpredictable rhythm of family life, and you can imagine how that’s going. Some days I feel like I’m thriving; other days, I feel like I’m treading water. But I’m learning that both days are part of the process. Growth doesn’t happen all at once, it happens quietly, in persistence and prayer.

Even now, I’m still learning how to balance it all. I truly believe my creativity and imagination are divine gifts from our Divine Creator, but I also wrestle with doubt. There are moments when I question whether my work is good enough or if anyone will even like it. It’s humbling to admit that. But I’m learning to let my faith lead the way, to create not for approval, but out of obedience. My prayer is that everything I make will reflect His goodness and be guided by His hand.

If I could speak to anyone standing where I once stood — afraid to take the next step, uncertain about whether your dream is “enough”, I would tell you this:
Be strong and courageous. He has overcome the world.

We were not created to please others. When we chase their approval, we lose sight of the person God made us to be. But when we create from a place of faith, trusting that He can use even our small beginnings, we find peace in the process.

I’m still learning, still fumbling through time management and self-doubt, still figuring out what it means to build a business while staying rooted in grace. But I know this much: every time I sit down to create, I feel His presence. And that’s how I know I’m right where I’m meant to be, learning, growing, and trusting Him with the work of my hands.