Hobby to business

[Dottie]

Anyone successfully created a lifestyle business from growing and selling plants?

[RedThorn]

I think SewerRat did

EDIT : oops sorry just remembered that was selling veg

[Dottie]

When I say plants, I'm including veg in modules for planting out.

I suppose once a business was up and running then selling on veg is also an additional option.

[Hilary B]

Doing something you enjoy as a business sounds a wonderful idea, but sometimes the 'business' can kill the 'enjoyment'. Once you make your living from it, there is a compulsion that can interfere with the pleasure (especially if the business is struggling)

[Dottie]

Doing something you enjoy as a business sounds a wonderful idea, but sometimes the 'business' can kill the 'enjoyment'. Once you make your living from it, there is a compulsion that can interfere with the pleasure (especially if the business is struggling)

Yep I agree, or have always done so when I was working and earning.

However for health reasons I'm having to look at other options of earning a living and fitting things around my energy levels, so as I still get loads of pleasure from growing stuff, then I'm looking into it as a lifeline.

Obviously running a business is not easy, but nor is working for someone else at the moment and hasn't been for the last 18 months.

A major problem I would have to get over straight away, is the fact that I've always loved giving plants, food etc away for free. However I'm sure once I put my business head on, I feel this is something I'd learn to address.

I don't expect to earn anything like I used to when on a professional wage, but it would be good to earn enough to pay my bills.

[RedThorn]

PM Glutton4 as she has set out on her own too.

[Dottie]

PM Glutton4 as she has set out on her own too.

Thanks, will do.

[Snadger]

Doing something you enjoy as a business sounds a wonderful idea, but sometimes the 'business' can kill the 'enjoyment'. Once you make your living from it, there is a compulsion that can interfere with the pleasure (especially if the business is struggling)

How very true!

Pottering on in your greenhouse potting up a few cuttings and leisurely sowing a few seeds is a far cry from the modern day mass production where THOUSANDS of plants have to be potted on per hour to earn a crust...........

[kevnsue]

I have just started to do it this week having decided to become self employed after being unemployed for the last 5 months( see my photo page to see my products)cheers kev.

[Snadger]

I have just started to do it this week having decided to become self employed after being unemployed for the last 5 months( see my photo page to see my products)cheers kev.

You're getting quite good at it aren't you? I hope your cottage industry takes off for you!

[di]

Just had a peek at your pics KevnSue...pretty impressive!

Dottie,I guess your best bet is to go for it,as long as you're not giving up a steady income for it,there's nothing to lose in giving it a go.Where would you sell?Ebay/carboots/stall on drive?...almost every year I have a mad panic for someone local selling well started brassicas...no matter how hard I try I seem to be totally crap at growing from seed,there's always something that goes wrong.

[Alice]

The thing you have to remember Dottie is that there will be no salary going into your account at the end of the month, or any month. The only money going in will be what you have earned. Have you worked it out ? Can you do it ?
What is the minimum you need every month ?
Can you do that ?
It's a tough world but good luck if you decide to go for it.

[Snadger]

The thing you have to remember Dottie is that there will be no salary going into your account at the end of the month, or any month. The only money going in will be what you have earned. Have you worked it out ? Can you do it ?
What is the minimum you need every month ?
Can you do that ?
It's a tough world but good luck if you decide to go for it.

I think the Bank Manager may want to see an itemised business strategy also..............unless you don't need to borrow start up money from him.

If you're already in employment you could always start in a small way and 'Test the water' so to speak?

[bobleponge]

Do it.
If you can afford the start up costs, and have done any sort of market research and you think there's a chance you may even cover your costs to start with, then go for it.

At the worst, if you have covered your costs and nothing more, you will have no more or less cash than you have now, and will have spent a lot of time being productive, doing something you enjoy which will be therapeutic in itself.

I think from your post you are still working, so, as Snadge said, why not start whilst you're in your present job, testing the water and see how things go?
If you decide to go for it, good luck.

[Dottie]

I have just started to do it this week having decided to become self employed after being unemployed for the last 5 months( see my photo page to see my products)cheers kev.

Just had a look at your photo page and all your woodwork projects, great workmanship. Will PM you.