Do you have the talent and drive to start your own jewelry business? Maybe you enjoy making delicate bracelets or chunky rings, but do you also want to take the time and make the effort necessary to transition your hobby to a money-making scheme? It will take a lot of work to make your jewelry business succeed, especially in an already crowded market. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to increase your odds of success.

First, make sure your product is really of the quality necessary to sell professionally. People may praise your work when you’re doing it for free, but you need to find out if it’s actually good enough to sell professionally. Ask your closest friends for their honest opinions, and make it clear that you considering taking the risk of starting your own business. If there are really your friends, they will be honest with you. Is your work original enough to stand out in the field? Is it good enough quality to sell profitably? Find out before you take the next step.

If you do decide to sell your work, start small. There are online retailers that make it easy to start out. This is a less risky option to begin with, since there is little overhead for the seller. Use social media and other free avenues to advertise and promote your product. Share pictures of your work on social media and ask your friends to share the posts with their associates. This will help you see your market and get an idea of how successful you may be.

Finally, if you’ve have success online, consider opening a retail business. You can work with already existing stores and try to get them to carry your product. Alternatively, you can open up a small storefront for a low cost. Choose mall kiosks, like those sold by All Star Carts and Vehicles, to sell your jewelry to an already eager market. Check out craft fairs and farmers markets for more options. Start small, but don’t give up.

Starting your own business can be risky, but it also can be uniquely satisfying to be your own boss. Don’t take any huge risks right away, but be brave in the face of adversity. By determining your market, selling in low-risk areas, and then in retail, your small jewelry business can succeed today.