Executive Director at Dimewise | Rotarian | SMEs Enabler | Coach | Speaker | Mentor| Entrepreneurship Development | Building impactful collaboration with Funders & Partners to drive sustainable social change.
The Dos and Don’ts of Turning Your Hobby into a Business Starting a business in rural areas can be challenging due to factors like limited technical knowledge and training. However, certain businesses are particularly well-suited for rural Kenya, such as textiles, weaving, spinning, tie-dye, coloring, fabric bleaching, and handicrafts made from wood, bamboo, glass, and soil. Many of you may already be crafting as a hobby, so starting a business selling your creations doesn’t require formal technical training. There’s a growing demand for handcrafted goods nationwide, making now an excellent time to transform your craft hobby into a business. Here are some dos and don’ts for turning a hobby into a business: Dos ✅ Take Action: Don't just jump in without preparation, but also avoid overthinking and getting stuck. Take steps every day to move your business forward. ✅ Do Your Research: Understand how to price your products, manage your time, and identify gaps in your knowledge. Talk to people who have successfully turned a hobby into a business to learn from their experiences. ✅ Decide Where to Sell Your Crafts: You can start small by selling at the local market such as Gikomba or go bigger with an e-commerce website. Explore online marketplaces as suggested by platforms like Jiji.ng, Kilimall - Affordable Online Shopping, and many more. ✅ Use Technology: While your handicrafts may be based on traditional techniques, modern technology can be incredibly helpful. There are free apps for everything you need, from social media management to bookkeeping. ✅ Seek Advice: You don’t have to do this alone. Connect with others in your community who have launched similar businesses, such as Dimewise Entrepreneurs Community, join social media groups on Facebook or LinkedIn, or find a mentor who can guide you. Don'ts ❌ Don’t Treat Your Business as a Hobby: To succeed, you need to adopt a business mindset. This is crucial because the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) distinguishes between hobbies and businesses. A hobby is typically not pursued for profit. Transforming your hobby into a business can be highly rewarding, but it requires careful planning and a shift in perspective. By following these dos and don’ts, you can set yourself up for success and turn your passion into a profitable enterprise. Join the Dimewise community today and get access to valuable resources, support, and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs who are all striving to make their business dreams a reality. Let's achieve success together! Join Here: https://lnkd.in/deaqPewq
