EPISODE 27 ~ MAKE MORE: Freelance Writing: Use Your Words As A Side Hustle Or Permanent Job

This time we’re talking about being a freelance writer.  This can be a profitable and satisfying full-time job or side hustle.  And just think of all of the companies that need things written, from blog posts to articles, grants to technical manuals.  My guest is Charles Silberman, a teacher by day and writer by night.

You’re really entrepreneurial and have also created some online courses.  THat’s a bonus we’ll get into later.  But first, tell us about your day job to set the scene.

I’m a PE teacher in Maryland.  I teach physical education in Montgomery County Maryland.  I teach ages 3 – 12.  I like it because I can make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of youth at a foundational level.  I wanted to branch out because I love writing, had been doing it for my profession for free for some time, and I knew I wanted to monetize it because being a teacher does not pay that great and comes with debt. 

Why did you choose writing as your side hustle?

It’s easy for me because I can sit down and right a high quality piece in a short period of time.  For me it’s easy. If you do something you truly love and have a passion for it will be easy to do the work. The hard part if you don’t know how to be an entrepreneur. While it has been easy to make the money, it’s not a get rich quick scheme. If you have expectations that you will make money on the very first day, it’s not like that.

Have you always been a good writer?

No!  I went from being diagnosed dyslexic in high school —I am not- my writing was that bad— to remedial writing classes and one-on-one help doing basic worksheets on things like subject-verb agreement to where I am now.  I overcame great personal odds in my youth that I was lucky to turn into something I am now doing well at.  As a famous song says, “Teach The Children Well.” Give them something they can grow by or something to that effect. But, obstacles are not to be seen as a moat that can not be crossed either.  I want to inspire people, I guess is what I am saying.

Some of your writing projects have been in line with your training as a teacher.  Was that synchronicity nice?

•I contribute to a blog for international PE equipment company. It’s amazing.

•An app company needed 50 reviews of educational apps. I used each app and wrote a detailed review for it. They put those 50 reviews in their app so that the reviews I wrote showed up on educational apps with my name on the byline. It was an exciting moment.

There is a variety of writing work available.  One of our steadiest writing jobs is for a criminal lawyer.  What do you do for him?

My first long-term client, who still remains faithful, is a criminal lawyer. I have done pages upon pages of content for him. Many were on topics I knew nothing about like forensic science and ballistics, which forced me to grow. What was interesting was that the first set of articles had to do with car accidents, and I had been in a significant accident, so I was able to write from a very personal level.

You have even gotten paid to write poetry, right?

My first favorite project was for a person who wanted to start a poetry site that I helped write poetry for.  I cannot count how many I have written, but I enjoy it so much.

And writing for clients on Fiverr lead to other things, right?

I am doing great now, but the confidence I gained going through this process, and the things I have taken risks to do are tremendous because of small success along the way early on and with the help of a mentor.  In addition, much of what I have learned, I have been able to apply right back to my field, including using the platform that helped me get started – Fiverr and what I earn there – to fund many projects that are related to my work.  I have turned that into a now growing platform of things. I’ve created 4 online courses.  And I have an online store as well as my presentations and greater projects coming in the pipeline. Things I get paid for! Things snowball, and where you start is not where you finish. 

I guess even your online courses involve writing?  How did you create them?  And how do you market them?

I wrote the majority of the content for 4 online courses that I created.  They are going really well.  I just presented at a big (400) person PE conference on two topics that relate to my course. And because of my presenting at this conference, I am helping create an activity pack where I was given free equipment, and am working on a 25-page document for this company to create activities using that equipment.  And if it all works out, I could get a share of sales of that.  I’ve now got two websites that bring in revenue too.  writeguy4us.com and newphysicaleducator.com.

What has the extra money meant to you and your life?

I am single. As a teacher it has given me extra money to save. To not feel like I am living paycheck to paycheck. Helped me with student loans. Helped me get new car when I was in an accident. Helped me do fun things I wanted to do. It’s amazing. My summers have never been so enjoyable. Don’t have to do summer camp. Can travel, see family and really enjoy myself while writing.

And now, the big question I always ask: What kind of money have you been able to make through your writing?

I had been working part time at a rec center making $300-$400 month for 20 hours. I came on Fiver in 2015 and in the same 20 hours made $800.  That was just the beginning.  Now I average between $25 and $30/hour.

Congrats!  What do other people need to know if they want to make money writing like you do?

• Find a mentor. Someone who knows how to do what you are trying to do.

  • You have to have a plan and know exactly what you are trying to sell or create.
  • And finally, know your prices and how much time you want to give to something for that price.

Charles has written a guest blog post about different kinds of writing work AND he has created a video that explains more about how he is juggling multiple side gigs and how you can too.  That will ALL be available at EasyMoneyShow.com/27.

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EPISODE 26 ~ MAKE MORE: Consignment Shops: Find Out How To Step Up Your Game From Selling At Consignment Shops To Owning One

Let’s talk “making more” by converting your secondhand clothing into cold hard cash. Or helping other people sell their clothing and taking a cut. I’m talking about either selling your clothes at a consignment shop OR owning that consignment shop! I spoke with Sandra Packwood, owner of Do You Deja Vu in Warrenton, Virginia, to find out more.

How did you first get started in the consignment business and how many years has it been now?
I’ve been open 7 years and weathered all kinds of economies, and still my business – and those who consign with me – thrives. consigning with my store is a great, easy way for people to make money. I sell fabulous items at terrific prices.

Tell us how it works. A customer brings you a sack of clothes and what happens next?
I personally go through the items people bring me because I am the one who curates what we will and will not sell in my shop.

Let’s tell people what sells best. You’ve brought some bestsellers to our studio for me to check out. Tell us about these garments. What makes them such hot stuff? And how much can you sell them for?

The bestsellers by far are accessories like belts and scarves because they can fit most anyone. In addition, high-end designer items like Gucci do very well. But I also carry normal store brands like Ann Taylor because I want to appeal to a broad spectrum of clients.

You then put the clothes you accepted on display. Is there a time limit for how long you’ll try to sell them? And if something doesn’t sell, what do you do with it?
Yes, I limit the amount of time I leave things on display. I keep the store fresh. Customers have a choice of getting their clothing back or allowing me to donate it to several charities that I work with.

The women who consign through you, what are they doing it for? Spending money? Money to live on? What?
Some truly need the money. Others sell things so they can buy others and freshen their wardrobes. many live here and might like the opportunity to make some “mad” money, as one of my consignments calls it.

For those who might want to OWN a consignment shop rather than selling at one, what’s the most fun or satisfying thing about the business?
I am also a stylist, having worked for Jil Sander and Escada. Many of my customers walk through the door and announce, “Sandra, dress me!” And I do. Time and again.

Who would be more likely to consign through you than do what you do, how does the commission work? What’s your cut and what’s theirs?
A common commission in the business is 50/50. I also do 60/40 sometimes.

OK, Give me some examples of customers who have really scored and made significant money selling clothing at your shop.
One woman brought me a fur to sell and I cut her a check for more than $4,000.

And what about you, Sandra? Is owning a consignment shop a good living for you?
I am a single mother. I support myself and 3 kids. It’s a living in the high five figures for me. AND, more importantly, I am doing something I absolutely love.

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EPISODE 25 ~ MAKE MORE: Modeling Jobs: Pose For Artists To Make Extra Cash

Drawing, painting or sculpting the human body is one of the most fundamental —yet one of the most challenging—  projects for an artist, so practice is key.  And that’s where you could come in: artists need real humans to re-create.  This is one of my more exotic “make more” ideas, so I’ve got an exotic guest for you all the way from Australia, artist’s model Regina Kaloozny!

Let’s begin at the beginning.  What made you want to be an artist’s model, also called an art model or Life Model?

I did want to be famous for something one day! The modeling was my plan B.  If I didn’t make it as a big shot architect or artist, then hopefully some great artist some day would immortalize me in a masterpiece! 

How did you get started?

The first time I tried to get into life modeling, it was exceptionally hard and I gave up after a few months of trying and getting nowhere. Many established places in Melbourne didn’t want to take someone without any experience… which meant that I couldn’t get the experience!

About 8 years later a friend at university was modeling and I asked her who to speak to at her regular modeling gig.  The school gave me a go and I loved it.  They recommended me and once I had a few places where I’d modeled, it became easy to get work.

Was it strange?  That first time you modeled?

The very first time I modeled, I was in a pose and from the corner of my eye I saw all the people at the easels glancing at me again and again.  I started wondering if I had something stuck on my face.  I had completely blanked in my mind that the whole point was for them to look at me.  They were drawing me!!

Now you are an architect.  What made you continue with the art modeling?

I started this work when i was at uni.  I did it a little bit while travelling through Europe (i figured it’s a good job when there is a language barrier). I don’t need the work but i really love it. I thought I’d give it up when i got my a job based around my degree but I missed it too much. I love modeling.  I love drawing and I’m starting up a regional life-drawing business, bringing models to regional art communities.

I have to ask the question everyone is wondering: do you have to get naked to be an art model?

I get a lot of people asking me if they can model just the one time to face their fear of fully exposing themselves and experience feeling confident in their bodies. For me, I’m facing my fears by doing a public interview. Showing my body is not something I feel is revealing but talking is! And on that note of body confidence I still am really shy at the beach in my bathers. I don’t even have bikinis but there are no fears with going completely naked.  I wear glasses and I generally take them off for modeling so I can’t really see the artists well anyway!

Is it better if the people seeing you nude are strangers?  I know I’ve sunbathed topless in Europe, but would never do it in the U.S…

One time at my architecture job, a friend invited everyone from work —an office of 100+— to come draw with us that evening. He forgot I happened to be modeling at that place that night. I did freak out that my bosses, etc, would come see me naked.  Mixing the modeling with my corporate world is not something I’ve done yet – It would, in fact, make the others more uncomfortable, I think. 

The other burning question: do you have to look like a supermodel to be an artist’s model?

The best thing about this job is that you distinguish yourself by simply being yourself. All of our bodies are unique; we have different shapes and also in the way we move and carry ourselves.  Life Drawing groups like to draw various models because it gives them new challenges and new types of poses and shapes and volumes to draw.  I’ve been modeling for almost 10 years now and I’ve seen my body change via people’s drawings. It’s a really interesting way to see yourself —through the eyes of others and their interpretation of that on paper/canvas.  

How long do you have to hold a pose —and is it ever difficult?

Poses range from 30 seconds to 20 minutes (poses can be a whole day or even five weeks long but sittings are 20 minutes maximum so your body doesn’tget too stiff.

It takes ‘work’ to stay in your pose. Every now and again you’ll get an itch or something, but if you wait enough it will go away or otherwise people don’t mind if you have a scratch and resume your position quickly. Sometimes your body gets stiff, legs go to sleep, things go numb, you get pins and needles.

I am a fidgeter so I was a bit worried I wouldn’t be able to sit still for very long but it’s very different when you are a model. 

But there was one time when you really DID have to move while modeling.  Tell us that story.

The largest class I’ve ever modelled for had about 500 people. It was in Brisbane and they were trying to get into the Guinness Book of Records.  I got a little sick and had to throw up. I had to run —naked— past all the drawers to find a bathroom, trying not to throw up before I got out of sight!

You’ve had lost of adventures thanks to art modeling.  Tell us about your big radio interview last year.

I was asked last year to do an interview on one of the Australian radio stations when they were doing a segment about nudity and being comfortable in your body . They said they wanted to interview me while I was in the nude. I thought this was the funniest thing ever because who is going to know for certain whether I am naked or not through the radio. They actually did film it (from the back, shoulders upwards) and posted it onto their Facebook.  I have to say – I have never had so much eye contact in my life as during that interview. It felt really good, like I was really being listened to!

Time for the impolite question I ask all my guests: How much money can you make as an artist’s model?

In Melbourne, a life model society exists that has regulated a minimum pay of $35/hr and a mininum 2 hour shift. In regional Victoria we are paying $40/hr because of the extra travel time or petrol and some places have a travel allowance of up to $20. Most of the shift are 2 hours so unless you can get yourself a lot of shifts a day that are close to each other or are lucky enough to find all-day work at workshops, it’s mostly a side job for extra cash for most people.  Photography models do get more $75/hr.

Of course, Regina is quoting Australia dollars.  If you convert that to U.S. dollars, her $35 dollars an hour is $27 an hour here.  I also confirmed with some American art models who say the pay typically ranges from $15 to $30 an hour, depending where in the country you work.  What has this extra money meant to you, Regina?

When I’ve been budgeting, I’ve used modeling money as my spending and going out money. At one or two schools I’ve received discounts to participate in the classes as an artist which is a perk.  During 20 minute sittings, I’ve taken to meditating. Sometimes I’ll get myself so busy I’ll have no time to myself, but if I happen to be booked in for a modeling session, I get excited that I’ll have some ME time to reground myself —while I’m getting paid!!

Do you model for love or money? 

It seems like a shallow sort of job!  You sit around in the nude looking pretty.   But I’ve found it one of the more meaningful jobs I’ve done. People get a lot of joy out of doing art and as a model you are giving them an opportunity to do it.  Also, generally people who go to an art class are there to enjoy themselves so there is such a wonderful vibe in the room. Normal work stresses are missing and everyone is appreciative of you posing for them… It’s a great energy to be around.

For others who would like some of that energy, let’s share some advice.  First you say, attend a life drawing class to see what it’s all about.

Yes, go draw at a life drawing class —or 2 or 3— to see what other models are doing and also to get an understanding of what the drawers themselves want.

You say look through art books.  What are we looking for?   

Flick through art books and see what poses the great artists have immortalized.  These are interesting poses.

Next, you suggest people try out some poses.

Sit still in poses you think you might like to do while you watch TV to see if your body can hold it.  Don’t push yourself to do poses that are too difficult for you just because you think they might look good. Artists need you to stay still and if something is too hard for you you’ll fall out of it and also the strain will show. A model’s energy does affect the class.

Where might people look for art modeling work?

Here in Australia there are life modeling agencies.  But if there aren’t any of those where you are, I suggest contacting art schools, colleges and universities. 

Check out this list of places in the U.S. that hire artist’s models.    

Guest Name: Regina Kaluzny
Guest Title: Art Model
Guest Contact: www.modelsink.net
OzArtFinder.com

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EPISODE 24 ~ MAKE MORE: Flea Markets: Buy Low, Sell High and You Can Make Six Figures

This time I want to talk about the remarkable money-making potential of buying things at flea markets, thrift stores and garage sales and re-selling them at a profit.  How much do you think you can make?  4-figures?  5-figures?  6?  My next guest, Robert Stephenson, calls himself the “Flea Market Flipper” and he’s going to answer that question.

Don’t tell us yet how much you make flipping flea market items, but DO tell us how you got started in this business.

I grew up doing it. I come from big family with 6 older sisters. When I was younger my parents would go to yard sales and thrift stores. Saturday yard sales were a big to-do at my house. We would get out the local newspaper Friday night and circle all of the good looking sales we wanted to go to. My mom would buy items for our family, but also bought things to resell and make some extra money.

You got married and introduced your wife to this hobby and then you two had your first child and that changed everything, right?

Melissa and I were married in 2007 and she quickly learned my passion for buying and selling used items. We both always treated it as a hobby that made us a little extra cash now and then. That is until our first daughter was born. Oh how kids change everything! Melissa cut her personal training business way down to part time so I had to pick up the slack by selling more. It’s funny what you can accomplish out of necessity.

Tell us about the tipping point where you decided to quit your quote-unquote “real job” and go full-time with your flea-market flipping.

I always made more money flipping on the side than I did in my day job as a real estate inspector.  The only reason I had that job was for health insurance for my family. I flipped part time here and there and then within the last 2 years I quit my full time real estate inspection job and I do this full time.

And I should say, full-time in your case is different from what many people would picture.  How many hours a week do you work?

I say full time but my family is the most important thing to me. I would roughly say 25 hours a week, maybe 30.  I don’t work a lot of hours. But I am able to do that because I have put in time to understand the systems.

Lots of people make money re-selling stuff on Ebay and elsewhere, but you have turned it into a living by focusing on the “weird.”  Tell folks what that means.

I look for weird stuff that is undervalued.  A lot of what I buy I don’t even know what it is but know it is expensive!  I do weird stuff. It can be undervalued bc people don’t know how to market it.  I have sold some crazy crazy.

Let’s get into some examples.  Tell us about the Prosthetic leg:  Where did you buy it, how much did you pay and then how much did you sell it for?  I found it at a flea market. I knew a titanium leg with a knee joint had to be expensive. I paid $30.   We sold it the next day on Ebay for $1,000!

Next example, a Security tower.  What is that and describe the flip: That was one of our huge sales. We got it at a local auction. A parking lot tower they used for surveillance around parking lots. It rises up in the air 25 feet.  We paid around $6,000 and sold it in less than a month for $25,000.

Whoa.  You had to lay out a lot of money for that one.  Is that typical?

No, my comfort area of investment is $20-$50. That is what I usually like to spend. If I know I can make good money I will spend more but if I can turn that $20 to $50 into $300-$500, that is my usual range.

You once sold a portable Steam Room.  Huh?  I have sold a portable steam room. That was a weird one. Got it at a local auction.  I paid $25 and sold it for about $800.

And what is an Autoclave and how much did you buy and sell that for? Some things I don’t even know what they are. Like a couple months ago, I bought an auto clave.   I knew it was weird and a medical device.  It was a lot bigger than I expected.

Now people are starting to see how this can be lucrative.  So here’s the big question, Rob: how much money do you make as a flea market flipper?

In 2015 when I was still doing it part time, we made $42,000 in sales. That was with working roughly 10-15 hours a week at it.

Then in 2016, our third child was born, so I made the leap of faith and went full time. We made over $130,000 last year from flea market flipping.

And you’ve become such experts at the flipping that you now make additional money teaching other people how to do it, right?

Our real money comes from flipping stuff. We do have an online course and an eBook and a blog where we teach people how to do what we do.  Not making much from that.

And we will link people to your online course and eBook from EasyMoneySHow.com/24. It it about the money for you?  Or the freedom?

My family is everything. I have 3 kids – 4, 3 and 14 months. I am able to do stuff with them. Exercise with my wife every day. Walk the kids to school. Biggest thing is planning my own schedule. Doing what I want to on my own time frame.  We are able to travel. We are getting ready to go on a 1 year trip.  We bought a 40-ft RV and are getting ready to go on the road with kids next month.  It is allowing us to do that.  We want to get out of the normal rat race.

Let’s share some advice for people who are intrigued and want to emulate your success.  First, you say, only become a flea market flipper if you enjoy this sort of work.

If you already enjoy finding deals and visiting yard sales and thrift stores and flea markets, this is for you.

You suggest people try this as a side hustle first before going full time.

Don’t start this thinking you will bring ten thousand home a month. Use it to help pay bills. See if you like it.  You can make $500-$1000 on the side making little investments.

And finally, you say you’ve got to price things right.

Do your research. I try to price myself where I can undercut others and still make good money. Or I give a better shipping deal to make my items attractive.

Rob was kind enough to share a guest blog post about ways to save money on shipping because, of course, shipping eats into your profits.

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EPISODE 23 ~ MAKE MORE: Rover: Dog Lover? Earn Extra Cash By Caring For Your Favorite Pet

90-million dogs live in the U.S. today and that means there are more than 90-million dog owners who are stressed out about what to do with their pups when they go on vacation.  I know I am.  Enter “Rover,” the website and app where people with dogs can connect with people who would like to board, petsit or walk dogs.  Judy Fishbaugh is one of those who signed up.  Welcome, Judy!

This is one of those stories about how necessity is the mother of invention, because you started boarding dogs because you lost your job, right Judy?

I lost my job in 2007. I was a textile designer. I was downsized when the economy tanked and the only thing I could find was 20 hours to pick up at Bed Bath and Beyond. That doesn’t support anybody. I grew up on a farm and we always had dogs and I have always been in love with animals. I saw dog walkers out and started asking questions and put up a poster around the neighborhood and that’s how I got started.

Tell us how you went from posters on telephone poles to high tech.

It happened pretty fast because Rover and DogVacay came along right about then.  I found them online when I was looking for opportunities. I found Rover first, which came out first.  Those 2 websites have now merged.  I went online and signed up and I was approved and I was very happy.   When I first started I was so full I couldn’t keep up

I know Rover offers dog boarding, daycare, walks and also house sitting.  Which do you do and why?

I am a boarder. I keep the dogs at the house and take them on walks 3 to 4 times a day. Their owners are people that are traveling on vacation or overseas or business travel. Always overnight.

How long do dogs stay with you?

The longest stay is 3 weeks and the shortest is overnight. 

So we can picture this, how many dogs do you take care of at a time?

In the beginning I only had one.  At this point I take 9 or 10 dogs. I live in a brownstone on the parlor level or garden level so I have a big garden and a 2 bedroom duplex. For NY it is amazing. 

I’m sure having all those dogs in your care has led to some funny stories.

I had a little Dachshund named Bonnie and she was curious and fast. I had an opening in my fence that I knew no dog could go through. She made it through and all she did was run all over my neighbor’s garden. She would not come. I called her, shook treats and she would not come. Then she went to another yard and the owner had to come home and we passed her all the way over the fence and then over the fence again. 

Have there been stressful times too?

People in the neighborhood know who I am. I’m the lady who walks all the dogs.  I have had a few times where collars came off but I have never lost a dog.  I have gotten hurt myself.  I have had fractured wrists and injured foot in boots from getting hurt while walking the dogs. 

So the dogs can occasionally be challenging.  What about the people?

In the 6 years I’ve been doing this I have only had 1 client get upset with me.   It was just a miscommunication.  Everyone is so nice.  They are wonderful people.  Dog people are just nice people. 

So you work with good people and good dogs.  Is it good money?

When I started out the first year it was only $20,000 to 23,000 and now I am up to $30,000 to-35,000 a year. I was making $100,000 before.  I don’t have anything extra.  If I am low on money I pursue clients on line through Craigslist. 

How’s the quality of life compared to your old job?

I am happier now.  It is great for my quality of life. I worked in the textile industry for 15 years and it wasn’t easy. It was a hard industry.  People aren’t always that nice. I always thought there were other jobs I could do.  It is super meaningful to take care of these dogs. I have to do this.  I don’t want to go back to a 9 to 5 job.   

Now I want to share your advice with people interested in boarding dogs through Rover.  You say board dogs rather than walking them, if you can.  Why?

There are more people doing the walking then boarding.  Someone really has to have space.  I have one dog who is big, comes to my waist.   My apartment and garden are good for him.  You have to have space to take dogs of all sizes.

And finally, you say, do it because you love it.

If you don’t love it, get out.  Dogs deserve to have you love this.  Treat every dog with love.

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EPISODE 22 ~ MAKE MORE: Salaries: Know Others’ Job Salaries Before Asking For A Raise

On episode 19 I gave you some killer strategies for asking for a raise. But the best strategy of all is to know how much other people in your position are paid.
But how do you find out? People are usually pretty hush hush about their salaries. But there’s something about the anonymity of the internet that makes people tell all —and several websites now keep track of people’s salaries. Thanks to Amy Bergen of the Money Under 30 blog for this list.
The first is Salary.com. Now there’s an easy name to remember! salary.com provides job listings in addition to salary info.
Next up, Glassdoor.com, which has info on people’s pay and also provides space for people to gossip about what it’s like to work at different companies.
Third: PayScale.com really zooms in on the specifics of the job you’re asking about, with follow up questions about your skills and the kind of company.
Number 4: Don’t overlook the possible job search site Indeed.com because many companies publish salary ranges along with job listings.
5th, SalaryList.com lets you search by company rather than by position and verifies its info through official sources like the Department of Labor.
The best thing about number 6, SalaryExpert.com might be that it updates salary information on a daily basis.
And finally there’s the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a powerhouse of a government agency, that publishes an Occupational Outlook Handbook that lists salaries for tens of thousands of jobs.
Information is power. Go forth and conquer!

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EPISODE 21 ~ MAKE MORE: Selling On Instagram Can Make Your Home-Based Business Soar

Let’s get ready to learn more about creating and selling your own handicrafts —NOT on Etsy— but on Instagram. I never would have thought of this, but it makes sense. Go where the eyeballs are! That’s exactly what my guest Candace Hatch did. Candace, welcome to Easy Money!

Candace, tell us the name of your company and what you sell on Instagram.
My company is called LiliLane. I was planning on only selling girls headbands. When I first started, I told my husband, I will get tired in a week, but it snowballed. After a bit, I wanted to challenge myself. So I started doing skirts for little girls and then it has just grown. Now I do all sorts of clothing including pants, swimsuits, etc.

And to prove that anyone can do this: Candace, what kind of sewing skills did you have when you got started?
I had no idea how to sew when I started! My husband had to thread the sewing machine for me for the longest time because I didn’t know how to do it. I sew in a room in my house.

OK… so, I have to ask: what possessed you to start a handcrafted sewing company when you didn’t know how to sew?!
When I started, it was more about needing to feel valued financially in our family. I felt like my husband, Cliff, was the only one to work. I felt in a rut. I have always been very self-sufficient, and I thought even if I only made $20 a month… I needed to say I was contributing money to the family. Plus being in the military and moving a lot, it can be hard to stay in one job.

I think when people think of selling handmade items online, they think of Etsy. Why Instagram?
You shouldn’t necessarily go where everyone is going. Some people have great success on Etsy but I didn’t like the fees they charge and I wanted my own website. Went on Instagram instead which has been amazing. They are awesome for small businesses. You can do sponsored ads through them and there is a huge following for small shops. It’s mostly trendy moms between 18 and 35 and they love it. I now have about 25,000 Instagram followers.

No that you’ve been at it for more than 2 years, do you find the work easy or hard?
I would say it is hard work, but if you work it the right way it is easy — and so enjoyable. It is still fun. I love doing what I do. It lets me be creative. There are days I want to throw my sewing machine at the wall but 9 out of 10 days it is still fun.

What kind of hours do you have to put in?
I work about 8 hours a day, so pretty much a full time job. But you can make it fit your lifestyle. I take the kids to the zoo or the aquarium and then stay up late at night. I sew whenever the kids are asleep. I have 2 young children. A lot of times I stay up ’til 2 am. It takes about 3 weeks from the time orders are placed to the time they ship.

Have you made any mistakes that our listeners can learn from?
Don’t over stock. I have spent too much on fabric a million times – especially holiday fabric. Fabric I use is from amazing company in Durham and they make amazing prints with all water based inks. But the fabric is $30/yard which is expensive. Definitely have to be careful. I would be embarrassed to show you my wall of fabric now.

Now tell us about some of your biggest triumphs. I understand some well-known people have purchased your kids’ clothes?
The first time it happened to me it was a reality star. They are great promoters for your brand. A very famous football player’s wife purchases my items for full price and daughter wears them. That is a real thrill. Later, I was asked to include my clothes in gift bags at the Oscars and I was featured in Glamour UK!

Wow! And now you’ve hired other seamstresses and your clothing is in some brick and mortar stores as well. How did that come about?
Need answer about how this came about and which stores!

LiliLane sounds like a smash success. So Candace, I have to ask an impolite question I ask all my guests: what kind of money are you making at it?
I think my first year I made about $12,000 which I was very excited with, considering it was just fun money. This year I made $30,000 and it is going up every month. I now make about XX a month. I did not call myself money-savvy 2 years ago but I am now!

What has this additional income meant for your family?
It is huge. We are looking at buying a new house and I will be able to pay half the mortgage. It’s done so much for us. We aren’t millionaires but the financial help it has given us is beyond anything I imagined. The other day my daughter had to tell school why mom was special and she said because I make clothes that other girls wear. That tells me she notices what I am doing for the family and that makes me proud.

Time for some advice for people who might want to do what you do. First, you say don’t take everything to heart. What do you mean?
I would say anyone going into small shop community especially in clothing or tshirts – small shops are amazing but also very catty and cliquey so make sure you don’t take everything to heart. And if you have a bad experience with a customer just grow from it. You can’t let people tear you down. Let it go off your back.

On the other hand, you say that other people can be very helpful. Tell me about the Facebook groups that have helped you.
There are tons of groups on FB of mom bosses which is what we call ourselves and they have been very helpful. I would look up You Tube videos and ‘makers and mom bosses’ on Facebook. I asked a lot of questions and learned a lot.

And, finally, you say, make sure to put money away.
It’s easy to get into situations when you are first starting out and getting a bunch of orders and making money and go out and blow it all on craziness. It’s definitely a struggle to make sure you are putting away money for taxes and paying yourself. You can’t look at it all as extra money. You need to put money away for supplies. You learn as you go.

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