Turn Hobby into Business—have you ever thought about it? You might have looked at your passion and wondered, Could this be more?

Maybe friends and family have been telling you, “You should sell this!” Turning your hobby into a business might feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, it’s actually easier than you think.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to legally register your business in 5 simple steps before you jump in with both feet. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap and all the tools you need to get started. Are you ready? Let’s do this!

Why a Mindset Shift Is Key to Business Success

The first step in turning your hobby into a business is shifting how you see it. A hobby is something you do for fun, but a business is something you do to make money. So, we have to do a little mins-shift game. 

Start by changing your language.

• Instead of saying, “I just do this for fun,” say, “I run a business making [fill in the blank].”
• Treat your work with the same seriousness as a 9-to-5 job.

Believe in your value. 

Many hobbyists struggle with charging for their work, but remember, people are paying for your skill, creativity, and time. Not sure how to do that? Read this blog: How to Price Handmade Items for Profit

“Success begins with mindset. If you see your hobby as a business, others will too.”

Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Your Hobby into a Business

Once your mindset is in the right place, it’s time to take action. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started. BTW: you don’t have to be over 50 to benefit from this book. It applies to anyone who wants to learn the shortcuts to getting started.

 How to Choose and Register Your Business Name

This is the very first step to getting started is to name your business. There are 3 criteria to follow. 

Choose a name that’s:

• Easy to spell
• Easy to remember
• Reflective of what you do

Once you’ve picked it, register it with your local government to make it official.

Building Your Online Presence with a Website

Your website is your online storefront. Even a simple website can make a big difference in attracting customers. Platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Shopify are great places to start.

If you have never built a website before, I HIGHLY suggest you hire someone to help you. If you need help, reach out to me, and I’ll introduce you to my web designer. He built all my websites and also hostess them for me. And to answer your question, he’s very affordable.

What to include on your website:

• A clear “About” page sharing your story
• Photos of your products or work (Gallery)
• Easy ways for people to contact you
• Shop page to sell your items

Did you know? 47% of consumers visit a business’s website before making a purchase. Having a professional site builds trust. 

 Why Separating Personal and Business Finances Is Crucial

Open a business bank account to keep your personal and business finances separate. 

This will help you:

• Track your income and expenses
• Manage taxes more easily
• Look professional when working with vendors

I like using Hurdlr it’s user-friendly and less expensive than QuickBooks.  It makes bookkeeping a breeze.

Important Legal Considerations for New Business Owners

Starting a business comes with responsibilities. Here are some key legal aspects to keep in mind:

• Permits and Licenses: Depending on your location and business type, you may need specific permits. Check your local regulations.
• Structure your business: You will have to decide whether you want to be a Sole Proprietor, LLC or Corporation. 
• Insurance: If you’re offering services or hosting workshops, liability insurance is a smart investment to protect yourself.

Pro Tip: Consult a small business attorney or accountant to ensure you’re covering all your bases.

Real-Life Success Story: How to Turn Hobby into Business – From Crafter to Entrepreneur

Meet Sarah. She started out making handmade candles as a hobby. Her friends loved them so much that she decided to take a leap of faith and start her own business, but she wasn’t sure where and how to get started and needed help.

Sarah followed these steps:

1. She registered for the “First Things First” Start-up Business course
2. Joined the Private Facebook group to get connected and ask questions
3. Implemented step-by-step tutorials and watched the training videos 

Thirty-two days later, Sarah launched a thriving online store, earning five figures annually—all because she took that first step.

 

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when starting something new. Here are a few common roadblocks and how to tackle them:

Fear of Failure and How to Beat It

Remember, every successful business owner started right where you are, from the beginning. Focus on progress, not perfection.

Pricing Your Work Without Guilt

Research similar businesses to find a fair price point. Don’t undervalue your skills! Every artist, DIYer, and crafter has their own unique gift and talent. 

Finding Your First Customers

Start by promoting to your friends and family. Social media is also a powerful tool for reaching your audience. 

 

Take the Next Step: Join First Things First

Starting your own business doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right guidance, you can skip the guesswork and focus on what matters—building a business you love.

That’s why I created First Things First, a step-by-step program designed to help you turn your hobby into a business in just 30 days. You’ll learn:

• How to Name your business and secure your domain name
• How to open a bank account
• Learn the shortcuts to setting up your online presence
• Creating a logo and unforgettable slogan
• How to set up a shop and payment processing system
• How to build an email list
• Build a professional website
• How to find your ideal customer
• Simple strategies to start earning right away
• And so much more

 Join now and take the first step toward making your dream a reality.

 

Believe, Act, Succeed

Turning your hobby into a business is one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll ever take. Start with the right mindset, take practical steps to make it official, and stay consistent.

What’s holding you back? Share your biggest challenge in the comments, and let’s tackle it together. With First Things First, you’ll have all the tools you need to succeed. Your dream is waiting—go for it!

P.S. Make sure you don’t miss out on signing up for my blog, filled to the brim with home decorating and DIY tips!

 

 P.S.S. Do you need help building and monetizing your online business?  Join Empowering Women. Get started today!

XOXO,

Cheryl