Episode 19

How to transform your Creative Hobby into a Thriving Business

Published on: 3rd October, 2024

Welcome back to the Creative on the Grind podcast! In this episode, your host, DeAndra Jalisa, shares her personal journey and practical steps to help creative hobbyists turn their passions into profitable businesses. Whether you’re looking to monetize a side hustle or transition into a full-time business owner, DeAndra breaks down the mindset shifts, strategies, and action steps you need to take to turn your creative hobby into a thriving business.

She also shares real-life examples of successful entrepreneurs who started small and scaled their businesses through validation and determination. Get ready to dive in and learn the essential foundations to transform your hobby into a thriving business that you love!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction & DeAndra’s Personal Story

  • DeAndra shares how she turned her side hustle, Party Shop Avenue, into a six-figure balloon business.
  • Discusses the importance of trying different hobbies to see what sticks and aligns with your revenue goals.
  • She emphasizes finding a niche that differentiates your business from the competition.

Step 1: Shift Your Mindset from Hobbyist to Business Owner

  • Hobbyist Mindset: Just for fun, no pressure to make money.
  • Business Owner Mindset: Strategic, income-driven, and goal-oriented.
  • Action Tip: Create a daily affirmation like, “I am building a business that provides value to others through my creativity.”
  • Focus on showing up every day as if you’re already successful—“fake it till you make it.”

Step 2: Validate Your Creative Idea as a Business

  • Before investing money, validate that your business idea is viable.
  • Three-Step Validation Plan:
  1. Conduct Market Research: Analyze competitors, find market gaps, and see if there’s demand.
  2. Define Your Niche: Narrow down your audience and identify your unique selling proposition (USP).
  3. Analyze Demand: Check if the product/service is in high demand and if there’s room to innovate.
  • Real-Life Example: Sara Blakely’s Spanx—Started with footless pantyhose and refined her product based on feedback, turning it into a billion-dollar brand.
  1. Step 3: Craft a Simple Offer to Monetize Your Creativity
  • Start with ONE offer (product or service) and focus on mastering it before expanding.
  • Consider the cost, time, and unique value when pricing your product/service.
  • Action Tip: Present your offer professionally, even if it’s your first.
  • DeAndra’s Example: Focused solely on balloon installations initially, then gradually added backdrops, florals, and other services.

Step 4: Market Your Business & Build a Community

  • Share your journey and be authentic—people love to support underdog stories and watch businesses evolve.
  • Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest to showcase your work.
  • Action Tip: Post your creative process twice a week and engage with every comment to build a loyal community.
  • Personal Example: DeAndra shares how people followed her journey from being a hairstylist to a luxury balloon designer and now a business coach.

Closing & Final Thoughts

  • Summary: Shift your mindset, validate your idea, create a simple offer, and market your business.
  • Don’t overthink—just start! Everything else (like business registration and fancy websites) can come later.
  • Action Tip: Pick one step from this episode and take action this week.
  • Follow the podcast and connect with DeAndra on social media @DeAndraJalisa and @CreativeOnTheGrind.

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About the Podcast

Creative On The Grind Podcast
Welcome to 'Creative On The Grind With DeAndra Jalisa,' your go-to podcast for creative entrepreneurs looking to conquer the complexities of entrepreneurship, navigate life's challenges, and cultivate the right mindset for success. Join host DeAndra Jalisa, an experienced creative entrepreneur, as she shares her personal experiences and expertise, helping you level up and become your own boss. Tune in for actionable insights, inspirational stories, and practical advice from industry experts, all aimed at unlocking your full creative potential. Join us on this journey to thrive in the world of creative entrepreneurship and make your dreams a reality.

Follow DeAndra on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/deandrajalisa
https://www.instagram.com/creativeonthegrindpodcast

Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4zGH4nnMiylKaFtvhwKrWA

Subscribe To My Weekly Newsletter for business advice and motivation
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About your host

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DeAndra Crismon


DeAndra Jalisa Crismon is the founder of Party Shop Avenue. A bespoke balloon design company located in Los Angeles, California. DeAndra has been in the event industry for almost 10 years. She was a wedding planner and event designer who wanted to create something unique for the industry.

Which gave birth to Party Shop Avenue in 2017, she started posting her beautiful creations and her designs started to spread the internet like wildfire.

DeAndra has been able to work with some notable brands and influencers throughout her career. Clients like, Guess, Boohoo, Fabletics, Netflix, Fashion Nova, Mastros Franchise, Ispy, Colourpop, Sivan Ayla, Jessi Malay, Shayla Mitchell, Draymond Green, and many more. DeAndra had one of the biggest jobs of her career back in 2018 when she was flown out to New York to showcase her designs with Ipsy for Ispy Creator Day. Not to mention her designs were featured on Good Morning America the same week.

Now DeAndra is still persevering in the industry but is now mentoring aspiring creatives on how to grow successful creative businesses.