That one sale snowballed into more, and before I knew it, I was navigating a whole new world of “how do I actually do this?” So here’s what I wish I knew before that first sale, in case you’re at the edge of your own creative leap.
That first sale felt amazing—but it also felt weird. My art had always been so personal. Letting go of it made me feel exposed, even vulnerable. No one told me how emotional it would be.
What I wish I knew:
You’re not just selling a product—you’re sharing a piece of yourself. That’s brave. Let it be beautiful and a little scary at the same time.
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I didn’t have a shop, business cards, or even a real idea of what I was doing. I just started. I said yes. And the rest—the branding, the packaging, the pricing, the “business stuff”—came with time.
What I wish I knew:
Starting messy is still starting. Don’t wait for perfect. Just begin. You’ll grow into it.
I definitely underpriced that first piece. I based it on materials and time, not value or experience (which I didn’t think I had). I was just grateful someone wanted it. But over time, I realized that pricing is deeply tied to self-worth.
What I wish I knew:
Charge in a way that honors your effort, your energy, and your art. People who value your work won’t question it.
When I first started selling, I tried to appeal to everyone. I thought I needed to change my style to match what “sells.” But that only watered down my voice. The people who loved my work? They loved my work—not a trend.
What I wish I knew:
You’re not here to be for everyone. You’re here to be you. Your people will find you when you show up authentically.
I wasn’t confident when I sold that first piece. I questioned everything: Was it worth it? Would they regret buying it? Did I really have what it takes? But the more I created and shared and sold, the more those doubts faded.
What I wish I knew:
Confidence doesn’t come before action—it’s the result of it. Keep showing up.
Selling my first piece was never part of “the plan”—because there was no plan. It was a moment that chose me, and I just said yes. Everything I’ve learned since came one small, imperfect step at a time.
If you're standing at that same threshold—wondering if your art is good enough, or if you’re “ready”—I hope this post finds you and reminds you:
You don’t need to be ready. You just need to be willing.
Say yes. Figure it out as you go. That’s where the magic happens.
Christie
