Turning a Hobby into a Business: Is It Possible Without Technical Knowledge?

Hello, fellow entrepreneurs!

I find myself at a crossroads and would love to share my thoughts while seeking some guidance from those who have ventured into the world of small business. After recently losing my job, I am contemplating turning my passion for candle making and soap crafting into a professional venture. This hobby has brought joy not only to me but also to my friends and family, who have been encouraging me to pursue it further after receiving gifts of beautifully packaged candles and naturally scented soaps.

As I delve into this exciting possibility, I’ve researched raw material costs and discovered several B2B platforms, like Amazon and Alibaba International, offering competitive pricing for bulk purchases. However, there’s one significant hurdle: my complete lack of business acumen. Although there is no shortage of online resources, I feel it would be invaluable to hear directly from existing small business owners about what I should prepare for.

In particular, I am eager to know the three most crucial aspects of running a small business that I should be mentally and emotionally ready to embrace. Additionally, I am contemplating the idea of partnering with a friend who has shown interest in joining me on this journey. While her marketing skills could complement my production focus, I am wary of the risks involved in mixing friendship with business. My husband is quite skeptical of this idea, labelling it a potential failure even before it begins. Before I abandon this dream, I want to gather some genuine insights.

Have any of you started a successful business from scratch without prior hands-on experience? Your honest advice and real-life stories would mean the world to me. Thank you in advance for your help!