Career Advice: Turning a Hobby into a Business

Dear Debbie:
I want more than anything to build my work around my favorite thing in the whole world – making and decorating wedding cakes. So far, it’s just been a hobby and people tell me I’m really talented and should think about opening a business. That sounds so exciting but I don’t’ know how I’d make a living at it and I’m scared to leave the security of my full time medical clerk job. I need some advice. Tammy P.

Dear Tammy:
Congratulations on being aware of your passion! That’s the first step in making it a bigger part of your life – identifying it, getting specific, then taking action steps toward it. I recommend you start by doing some research on what it will take to turn it into a business. Jump on the internet and look at bakery or wedding cake business sites and learn what you can from others. There are many hats a business owner wears and sometimes the thing they love to do (like making and decorating cakes) gets lost in the paperwork and marketing. You might consider working for someone part-time who’s already taken that step. This way, you can see the inner workings of a cake business and decide if that’s the route you want to go. You can also spread the word about your passion a little more with some basic business cards and see how you handle the additional business.
As far as making the money you need and want to earn - with a good plan, a clear understanding of what you are taking on, and lots of patience and persistence, it can be done. You’ll discover that as you follow your true passion, it becomes second nature to talk about what you do, people become excited along with you, start telling others, and business will come your way. Did I mention patience and persistence? Go for it – step-by-step and you’ll make it happen!

If you are in need of career advice, please post your question as a comment and watch for the answer to appear in a future Smart Career Moves blog post. Enjoy your work day!