Starting a Side Hustle with Frosted by Lane

Show Notes

Introduction to Frosted by Lane

    • Creation of Instagram account and initial sales within 24 hours
    • Transition from product drops to a Shopify store

    Challenges with Shopify Transition

      • Comparing product drops to Shopify
      • Decision to choose Shopify over Etsy
      • Initial payment process through Venmo and challenges encountered
      • Difficulties with pricing, shipping and product photos on Shopify

      Product Photography Setup

        • Experimentation with lighting and backdrops
        • Use of budget-friendly fabric backdrop and ring light
        • Frustrations with steaming fabric backdrops
        • Maintaining consistency in photography with a phone and tripod

        Marketing and Social Media Strategy

          • Handling two separate business entities on Facebook
          • Hesitation towards using TikTok for marketing
          • Focus on Instagram and Facebook advertising and sales through Shopify integration
          • Challenges with using Meta

          Shipping and Local Pickup

            • Decision-making process for shipping and pickup options
            • Initial pickup success and subsequent challenges

            Brand Development and Logo Creation

              • Inspiration from the movie “How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days”
              • Use of Canva for logo designs
              • Creation of heart-shaped fake cake logo resembling frosting

              Custom Order Experiences

                • Difficulties with shipping heavier items and absorbing extra costs
                • Custom orders via direct messages and for a photography project
                • Boost in confidence from participating in a professional photo shoot

                Platform Management Issues

                  • Struggles with setting up and integrating Etsy with Shopify
                  • Manual integration of products on both platforms
                  • Tracking business expenses using “You Need A Budget” (YNAB)
                  • Realization about correct cost and pricing calculation

                  Product Streamlining

                    • Focusing on items that take less time to make
                    • Discussing the popularity and appeal of her products

                    Development and Expansion of Product Line

                    • Transitioning from making products for friends to selling
                    • Building a local following via Instagram
                    • Expanding the product line to include functional items like clocks, picture frames and mirrors

                    Frosted’s Fake Cake Creations

                    • Inspiration from a local vintage shop and online DIY research
                    • Materials used: paper mache, wooden boxes, lightweight spackle and cake piping bags
                    • Learning new frosting techniques and adapting them

                    Customer Reception and Concept Challenges

                    • Difficulty explaining the concept of fake cakes at markets/art shows
                    • Positive reception from those who understand the concept

                    Business Management Tools and Expansion Plans

                    • Using the YNAB app for budgeting and tax reporting
                    • Gathering ideas from social media and Pinterest
                    • Plans for expanding presence through markets and community events

                      Find full show notes, including links mentioned in the episode, at carrierollwagen.com.

                      Carrie Rollwagen

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