What No One Tells You About Growing a Creative Business

A Quick Hello

I’d like to quickly introduce myself, though in this larger story I’m only a small part. I’m Jayme, the daughter of the co-founders of Made by Marley. My lovely creative mum, Lel, and my practical, calm-under-pressure dad, Marty.

Marty, Lel, Marley… see what they did there?

I’ve watched Made by Marley grow from kitchen-table chats about “what if we…” into something that connects us with people who love creativity as much as we do. We’re not huge, and that’s fine by us. What matters most is the sense of community we’ve found with everyone who follows along, whether on YouTube, Facebook, or at events.

So, introductions done. Let’s get into the glue and paint of it all.

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Every Big Brand Starts Small

Every creative business starts with an idea.

People have great ideas every day, but the tricky bit is turning them into something real. It takes a mix of passion, persistence, and a fair bit of trial and error.

More often than not, the thing you thought would be your big selling point ends up being less important, and something you did just for fun ends up becoming what people love most.That has certainly been true for us at Made by Marley.

There have been mistakes, lessons, and small wins that felt enormous at the time. My dad always says, “You have to fail to succeed,” and it’s something that’s stuck with me.

The truth is, the hardest part isn’t doing the work, it’s starting. That fear of “what if it doesn’t work” stops so many creative people before they’ve even begun. And when you do take the leap and turn your passion into your job, you discover a whole new kind of challenge.

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When Your Passion Becomes Your Job

Life gets complicated.

The hobby that once helped you relax suddenly becomes the thing that keeps you up at night. Your happy place becomes your workplace. It can be joyful and stressful all at once.

One day you’re full of energy, coffee in hand, sure you’ve created something amazing. The next you’re staring at it wondering what on earth you’re doing.

That up-and-down rhythm is normal.

The real key is to keep finding joy in the process. Create because you want to, not because you have to.

Ask yourself:

Are you making what excites you?

Or what you think will sell?

There’s space for both, but your art will always feel stronger when it starts with

genuine curiosity or excitement.

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Learning Through Play

Experimenting has always been a big part of Made by Marley.

Lel’s style has changed a lot over the years, from soft vintage pieces to bright, layered, bohemian designs.

Every project, every “oops,” and every success has shaped her creative journey.

We’ve learned that play, curiosity, and a willingness to get things wrong are what make creative work fulfilling. If you’re trying to grow your own handmade business, give yourself permission to play again. Try new colours. Mix things you normally wouldn’t. Learn by doing, and keep going even when it doesn’t turn out how you imagined.

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Balancing Life, Family, and Creativity

Here’s the part you don’t often see online: balance is hard.

Time, family, money, and everyday life all compete for attention. And when your workspace is your kitchen table, finding balance can feel impossible.

We’ve all been there. The early morning craft fair setups, months of preparation behind you, your table looking beautiful, and then the weekend ends without you even covering the cost of your stall.

Then there are the good ones, where you drive home exhausted but smiling because everything just clicked.

I’ve stood in for my parents at fairs and taken my husband along as the driver, coffee fetcher, and, without warning, the friendly stall minder.

The world of craft fairs has changed a lot. There are more mass-produced goods sneaking in, and prices are rising for everyone. Buying handmade can feel like a luxury, and that affects makers as much as buyers.

But people still want connection. They want stories, care, and meaning behind what they buy. That’s where small creative businesses can shine. Every person who stops for a chat, every piece that finds a home, every returning customer who says they still love what they bought, that’s what makes it worthwhile.

These ups and downs are all part of growing a creative business. It’s never a straight path, but every fair, every new collection, and every conversation helps you understand who you are as a maker.

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The Real Secret to Growing a Creative Business

If there’s one thing we’ve learned at Made by Marley, it’s this:

Keep learning. Keep experimenting. Keep showing up.

You don’t need everything figured out to start. You just need to start, and then keep creating, even when it feels messy or uncertain.

Whether you’re painting furniture, designing prints, or just beginning your creative journey, your ideas are worth exploring. And if your work brings a little happiness to even one other person, that’s already success.

So here’s to the makers, the late-night painters, the tea-drinkers, and the brave souls who choose to make something with their hands.

We see you, and we’re right there with you, glue-covered fingers and all.

Love, Jayme ❤️