The other side of business
- Dusty Santos
- May 2
- 3 min read
Updated: May 13
Making things is my favorite thing in the world. To hold something in my hands that will last forever. Something that wouldn't exist without me. That feeling is the best!
But this week wasn't about making, it was about the other side of business. Research, writing, digital design, and home life.
I researched how and where I want to start an online store.
Amazon: Cost $40 a month, but the obvious traffic is a huge bonus.
Wix: Cost $17 - $36. I already have a website using Wix, and I need to purchase a plan in order to have a proper website anyway.
I'll probably do a mix. Get the cheapest plan on Wix to get the proper web address, then host the Amazon store.
That's $57 a month for the online space. I still need to consider material cost for product making, shipping materials, and the shipping cost itself. Also the cost of table space and of my Maker Space subscription.
It all adds up and I refuse to raise my prices. My $5 keychain charms will always be $5. So goes for all my other products.
Amazon Affiliate Time
Seriously, this is the easiest way to support my business. Click the link and anything you buy
- within 24 hours -
gets attributed to me and I get a small %
If 24 hours passed just click it again.
You don't have to purchase what is showcased, you can get anything!
Every product I feature I have personally
purchased and approve.
Featured Item:
Writing was especially fun this week. In addition to this blog post, I got to write my first book review. I reviewed 'Witness' by Whittaker Chambers.
The book was almost 800 pages and was a page turner. It's a true story about a former communist who left the party and then outed a very high ranking government official.
Give it a read and you won't be disappointed! My review is right here:
Digital Designing is time consuming but worth it. Every design you see took time to make.
My method is usually the same, but can vary. I usually create an image with AI then draw on top of it. Never using the original image, but taking inspiration from it.
Here is an example. I wanted a bass to be swimming in a certain direction. It took a few tries but I finally got AI to make what I wanted.
I took that image and made designs on top of it. Eventually giving me a design I created completely on my own.
This week however I did something new. I created a little design (first image). Then fed that design into AI, and told it to expand that design (second image). Then I had to smooth everything out and make it pretty.
I used colors that Keurigs are made in. Which brings me to what this design is for. I realized that the k-cup holder I made really needs a nice pad to protect the holder from drips of coffee and scuffs from the Keurig.
This design will be printed onto vinyl, which will combine with a soft rubber pad. I can't wait to see it in action.
Home Life also needs my attention. The usual cleaning, and cooking of course but my kids too.
Playing catch with my youngest, outside enjoying the sun. Then taking her out for a smoothie.
Another day, going to the elementary school for a cultural celebration where we learn about different cultures and eat lots and lots of food! The unique food is always a treat. Especially the sweet rice!
Almost every night my family shares a show. Usually an animated show of my youth. Dragon Ball Z, Samurai Jack, and Soul Eater, to name a few. Even new shows like Centaur World, and our favorite Final Space.
Currently we are watching Avatar the Last Airbender. Truly wonderful show for families, and the voice acting tie to Samurai Jack is nice to.
Planning a lot of making for next week and hopefully a new table date!
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