YOU DON'T NEED MORE PRODUCTS? YOU NEED A PLAN. (here's mine.)

The title might sound misleading, because yes, eventually you will need more products. But unless your strategy is to flood the market with more listings than anyone else, what you actually need is a plan. One that’s rooted in your strengths, aligned with your life, and built on a foundation that feels solid, not chaotic. And I promise…it’s easier than you think.

Can I be honest? When I started, I didn’t have a plan. I wasn’t even sure I wanted a business again. After a long season of illness, I was worn out. I craved change, but didn’t have the energy to dream big or map out a business strategy. I just knew I wanted joy and laughter back in my life. So I started small. I created a few mugs with funny sayings, which turned into cards with funny sayings. And to my surprise, people loved them. Those little creations helped me reconnect with the part of myself that felt alive again. It wasn’t a massive launch, it was one product, one day at a time. But it turned into the foundation of a passive income business that now works while I rest, spend time with my family, and support others on the same path.

I’ve talked to dozens of people who dream of selling digital products or starting a print-on-demand business. They know they have the ability to create products that people would love. They know they don't want the old small business model of hustle 'til you drop. They’re creative, motivated, and have great ideas. But when it comes to the how...how to start, how to get seen, how to actually make sales, the doubt creeps in. The market’s too saturated. I’m starting too late. Other people already make what I want to make. I need income now.

Here’s what I reply: you don’t need a million products; you need a solid foundation. A rinse-and-repeat system. A way to show up with intention so your online business grows without burning you out.

So what would I do if I had to start over?

1. Do a little soul-centered research.

Not the scary spreadsheets and projections kind, just the what inspires me? kind.

What products do you love seeing online? What do you wish existed? Who would you love to create for? Hint, start with who you used to be. Did you create something for yourself that solved a problem? That’s gold. That’s your niche whispering to you.

"If you’re solving a problem for yourself, you’re likely solving it for someone else, too." – Shanna Skidmore

2. Brainstorm from a place of joy, not pressure.

• List what you love, what you’re good at, and what brings you joy

• Dream beyond your current circumstances (even if things feel messy right now)

• Visualize your ideal days and align your product ideas with how you want to spend your time

• Identify your niche and unique point of view

• Conduct market research to validate your ideas

All of this creates a business plan that fits your life, not the other way around.

3. Build a brand before you build products.

If I could go back in time, I would’ve started with branding first. I know who I am and the things that will always be true about any brand I create, but determining those things in the beginning would have saved me a ton of time. My brand voice, aesthetic, colors & fonts guide the look and feel of every product I release. This gives your business or shop consistency and trust, and it helps your audience connect with you much faster.

4. Find your signature style.

This part takes time, yes. But by identifying what you love early on, through mood boards, inspiration, testing techniques, you’ll get to “that feels like me!” sooner than you think.

“You don't find your voice. You use it until it finds you.” – Sean McCabe

5. Create in collections, not one-off products.

Whether you’re selling funny mugs, illustrated art prints, or Etsy digital downloads, collections always sell better than random one-off products. They help your audience shop with intention, and they make your brand look more professional.

I teach this in depth inside my membership, but whether you join or not, this strategy is something I wish I had learned earlier.

You really can create a solid creative business without all the hustle.

You can create an income stream that grows over time. You just need a system that feels doable and repeatable. That’s what I help you build. If you're ready for that first (or next) step, check out my membership page.

Warmest regards,

(P.S. I’ll never ask you to hustle harder. Just smarter.)