5 top tips from Urban Makers Designers on Running a Handmade Business

Turning creativity into a successful business is an exciting journey, but it comes with its own set of challenges. From branding and pricing to marketing and sales, there’s a lot to consider when running a handmade business.

At Urban Makers, we’re lucky to have a talented community of designers and makers who have built thriving creative brands. We’ve gathered their top five tips to help you navigate the world of handmade entrepreneurship—whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow.

Ready to take your handmade business to the next level? Let’s dive in!

Artist Stuart Hicking  – Share the story behind every creation 

It wasn’t until I set up my first stall that I truly realized how much people cherish the stories behind my creations. Watching their faces light up as I shared what inspired each piece was a revelation. Now, even in the online space, I make a point to highlight the reasons behind what I create.

Sometimes, my process begins with an experiment—exploring a new material or technique. More often, though, a treasured memory sparks the journey. Each creation carries a fragment of my story, and sharing this connection not only draws people to my work but also gives them a deeper emotional attachment to what they see.

Engaging with those who pause to admire my pieces has become one of the most rewarding parts of my creative journey. It fosters a sense of connection, reminding them—and myself—that every item on display is handcrafted with care and significance. These stories not only celebrate my work but also, hopefully, inspire others to take a little piece of that story home with them.

Shop Stuart’s Collection here 

Fernando from The Pure Scent – Organisation is key 

Running a handmade business is rewarding but demanding. You have full creative control, but balancing making, marketing, and logistics can be overwhelming, especially if you are running it by yourself.

Stay organised, set priorities, and streamline tasks. Customers value the personal touch—use it to build genuine connections and stand out.

Shop The Pure Scent candles 

Paula from Umm Pixies – Showcase your personality 

Don’t be afraid to showcase your personality and beliefs through your brand. At least part of the reason that people choose to support small businesses is that they feel a personal connection.

That connection might be with you as an individual, with your brand’s ethical and sustainable principles, with your style of design or more likely all of the above. Keeping the core principles for your brand in mind when you design your product, your packaging and even when posting on social media allows your passion and commitment to shine through and people will want to be part of your customer community.

Browse Umm Pixies products here 

Dorothy from Ohemaa Jewellery – Test your products and start small

Instead of going all in on big launches or expensive marketing tactics, I’ve found that a cycle of creating, measuring, and learning is the best way to grow without wasting resources. One of the biggest shifts for me was launching small batches first. Rather than making a huge stockpile of products and hoping they’d sell, I test the waters with a limited run. This way, I can see what my customers actually love before committing to larger production. It saves me time, reduces waste, and helps me avoid products that don’t perform as well as I’d hoped.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, my advice is this: start small, listen to yourcustomers, and be willing to adjust. Lean marketing isn’t about doing less, it’s about doing what actually works—and that can make all the difference in building a sustainable, successful handmade business.

Shop Dorothy’s’ Jewellery collection here 

Running a handmade business comes with its challenges, but with passion, persistence, and smart strategies, it can be incredibly rewarding. By staying organised, building strong customer relationships, and continuously refining your craft, you can create a business that is both sustainable and fulfilling. Remember, every successful maker started somewhere—keep learning, adapting, and most importantly, enjoying the journey!

If you would like to sell with Urban Makers you can apply here