I Waited 10 Years to Start My Dream. Don’t Make the Same Mistake
- Sincerely Barbie
- May 30
- 4 min read
How I launched my craft business from a corner table (and how you can start with what you have).
When I started my creative business, my biggest dream was to design and sell t-shirts. I wanted people to wear my quotes, my designs, and my style. I’m talking about back in 2010! Even though I had experience in marketing and helped other entrepreneurs build their brands, I didn’t know how to start my own. I had so many ideas, and I used to share them with friends, but instead of support, I was told I was crazy and that no one would buy what I had in mind. And unfortunately, I listened.
In 2012, I got inspired again. I started creating quotes (just like the digital designs I sell today), but once again, someone close to me discouraged me, and once again, I backed down. Then COVID hit. My clients stopped hiring me, and since I was constantly active and creative, I said, “Enough waiting.” I invested the little money I had and jumped in. It took over a decade, but I don’t regret it. Today, I know I should’ve believed in myself from the start, and that’s why I’m here to encourage you not to wait as long as I did.
At first, I sold t-shirts through social media. My craft space was tiny, just a small table with my Cricut Explore, a Cricut heat press, and my weeding tools. I used Cricut HTV vinyl, but later discovered that Siser worked much better (faster, more durable, easier to apply!).
Then I noticed that custom Starbucks Cups were trending (not sponsored, I just genuinely love the brand 💚), and since I loved them too, I added them to my shop. That’s when I opened my Etsy store. While t-shirts didn’t sell well on Etsy, the cups did really well, so I trained my audience to buy directly from Etsy to keep everything in one place.
I know that buying equipment can be one of the hardest decisions. I went through that, too. I was scared and unsure, and my budget was tight. However, nowadays, there are numerous options available, such as Afterpay or other payment plans. You can invest little by little in the tools that will help you grow and get that money back over time. Because if you believe in yourself, in your business, and especially in your style, you will make it.
💌 And if you’re not so sure yet , if you’re full of doubts or fear, please reach out to me. I believe in you, too. And when you do, I’ll be here to remind you why your idea matters and how your project truly can work. ✨
🎯 Step 1: Define Your Path
Before buying anything, ask yourself:
What excites me to create?
Who do I want to sell to?
What’s the style I want to be known for?
Clarity will save you money and guide your decisions.
💡 Step 2: Start with What You Have
Your creativity is your biggest asset. You don’t need a room full of tools. If you have:
A computer, tablet, or even a phone
Internet access
Creative ideas…
Then you can begin! The fancy tools will come later, but your vision is your true starting point.
🛠️ Step 3: Real Options to Launch Your Business
✂️ With Cricut or Silhouette (DIY production)
Great if you already own or plan to learn how to use a cutting machine. You can make:
Personalized cups
T-shirts
Stickers
Tote bags and more
🌟 Without a Cutting Machine (yet!)
You can start by outsourcing part of the process:
Buy pre-printed DTF/UV DTF vinyl
Get your designs printed and assemble the final product yourself
🖨️ Print-on-Demand (POD)
Sell custom products without inventory and without designing yourself. You can buy designs from other creators (Etsy is full of amazing ones!) and apply them to mugs, shirts, notebooks, totes, and more. A POD provider prints, ships, and handles everything.
✨ And if you’re looking for beautiful, proven designs, I’m here to help. At Sincerely Barbie, you’ll find many bestselling designs and themed bundles ready for Print-on-Demand or Cricut crafting. You can also grab the Super Value Bundle, a fantastic investment if you’re ready for a full collection. If not, start small: buy just one or two designs based on your niche, and build from there.
🎯 Knowing your niche and style is key to choosing the right designs for your business.
🧰 Basic Tools to Start Creating
Here’s a quick list of tools depending on what you want to make:
🥤 For cups, mugs, or tumblers:
Cricut (Explore, Maker, or Joy)
Cutting mat
Permanent vinyl
Basic tools (weeding tools)
Blank drinkware
👉 You don’t need a heat press if you’re only using adhesive vinyl.
👕 For apparel (t-shirts, tote bags, etc.):
Cricut (Maker recommended)
Heat press (affordable models or mid-size Cricut press)
Or even a regular household iron if you’re just getting started!
HTV vinyl
Blank garments
📝 Tip: Start with what you can afford, and grow as your sales increase.
✨ Final Words: Start Where You Are, With What You Have
There’s no perfect formula, what matters is that you begin. Your journey is unique, but trust me: so many of us started scared, with limited resources, but full of passion.
❤️ And please, don’t make the mistake I made: waiting too long to start. I knew what I wanted back in 2010, but fear and outside opinions held me back. I didn’t begin until 2020. That’s a full decade. Don’t let that be your story. Your time is now. You don’t need to have all the answers today, just take the first step.
And if you need inspiration, motivation, or ready-to-use designs to get started, Sincerely Barbie is here for you. I’m with you on this journey, because I know this dream is possible, and you’ve got what it takes to make it real. 💕
Sincerely,
Barbie
No team. No big workshop. No magic formula. Just a corner table, a lot of vinyl, a laptop, and my heart in every product. These photos are from my early days. I look at them and smile because every business starts somewhere :)
💭 Before you go… I’d love to hear from you!
What topics would you love to see here?
Tell me in the comments! Your voice truly shapes this space. 💕
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