One of the things I’ve been thinking about recently is what it means to turn my hobby into a functional business.   I’m building Low-Key from something I genuinely love, both with the website where I’ll eventually sell items and then my YouTube Channel (which is closer than ever to being ready!).  I’m still in the early stages and so it hasn’t become boring or felt like “just a job”, and honestly, I don’t expect it to.  But it has made me think about how to keep the fun in it as it grows.

I have so much going on with all my many projects that it keeps the enjoyment fresh enough.  Of course, I’m still just building everything and I’m not reliant on making money from any of it yet.  I’ve built enough of a buffer to help get to that point.  But will it get to a point where I no longer enjoy it as much?  And how do I make sure it doesn’t get to that point?

I think the main thing I need to focus on is the next project.  Everything else will fall into place after that.  Plus, I know that as I post videos, people will have suggestions on new content they’d like to see that will help keep me motivated. 

I do also want to create an Instagram specifically for Low-Key, but I want to make sure that it will bring people to the YouTube channel or my website.  I’ve debated on creating a TikTok.  My hairdresser suggested I create one, but that’s its own monster.  And I want to make sure it doesn’t turn into more of a job.  I remember a friend of mine had a TikTok during the heaviest parts of Covid and it got so bad she eventually left all of her social media.  I don’t want it to get so bad that I also abandon all of my projects.

My migraines have also been a reminder that I need to be realistic about my capacity. They’ve been particularly bad lately and have affected my schedule for getting work done on my sewing channel. I love having ideas for new projects, but living with chronic illness means I have to build Low-Key in a way that still works when I’m not feeling great. Keeping the joy in it also means giving myself enough flexibility to rest, adjust, and not feel like I’m falling behind.

In any case, I want to make sure I don’t get bogged down in the business end of what I’m doing.  I want to keep it fun and light and enjoyable for myself, and for others.  That’s the whole point, right?  I need to make sure I check in with myself, like doing those Reviews, and ensure that I’m still finding the enjoyment as I move along on this journey.

Have you ever thought of turning your hobby into something bigger?  And if you have, how do you maintain the joy of it without it turning into a job?