Nancy Smyth, The YarnyBookkeeper

My Handmade Biz-Business Planning, the Secret to Success

Business planning is the secret to the success of your handmade or creative business. Do you set aside time regularly to plan out what it is that you want to do in your business? Over the next seven weeks, I want to share some tips with you that may help you with this whole business …

Creative Biz Foundations

A Realistic Budget Template for Handmade Business Owners

If you’ve ever wondered where all the money from your handmade business actually goes, this post walks you through the Handmade Business Budget Planner so you can plug in your own numbers and make a real plan for expenses, product costs, taxes, and owner pay before the money disappears.

Learn how to create a handmade business expense budget by looking at where your money actually goes — from software and booth fees to shipping, supplies, and owner pay.

Creative Biz Foundations

Where the Money Actually Goes in a Handmade Business

Money comes into your handmade business… and then somehow there’s still not much left. This post breaks down where the money actually goes, how to spot quiet money leaks, and why owner pay needs to be part of your budget.

Creative Biz Foundations

How to Estimate Your Handmade Business Income (Without Guessing Blind)

If your handmade business income feels all over the place, you’re not doing anything wrong. Learn how to estimate your income based on real sales patterns like markets, seasonal spikes, and slower months—so you can stop guessing and start planning your money.

Behind the Scenes Bookkeeping for Makers (Without the Overwhelm) Creative Biz Foundations

Why Handmade Business Owners Struggle to Pay Themselves

You’re making sales… so why aren’t you getting paid? Here’s what’s actually happening to your money—and why it keeps disappearing before you ever see it.

Mindset, Motivation & Productivity

Feeling burnt out? Stop & take some time for you

Are you feeling burnt out? If so, it’s time to stop and take some time for you! WHEW, I don’t know about you, but the last 3 months have left me feeling pretty burnt out – leaving me feeling exhausted and having trouble concentrating. For many handmade and creative business owners, having our own business …

Creative Biz Foundations Marketing & Growth Mindset, Motivation & Productivity

What are YOUR goals for your handmade/creative biz in 2020?

What are your goals for your handmade/creative biz in 2020?? You may think that’s a silly question, but with year end quickly approaching it seems to be one that is being talked about – A LOT – in many of the Facebook groups that I belong to. Some popular goals for handmade/creative businesses that I’ve …

The "so-called experts" in the handmade or creative business world all seem to recommend spreadsheets. I'm betting that most of them actually use software, even though they tell YOU that spreadsheets are the way to go - so they can SELL you a spreadsheet that they designed but don't use anymore!

Creative Biz Foundations Mindset, Motivation & Productivity

Software or spreadsheets for handmade business bookkeeping

Wondering if using bookkeeping software or spreadsheets for your handmade or creative business bookkeeping is a better choice? Well, you aren’t alone – it’s a tough question and doing the research makes it an even tougher decision. And, let’s face it, I KNOW that most handmade or creative business owners DETEST doing their books and …