Note: This is not legal or tax advice. Every business situation is different, and we recommend consulting a qualified tax professional to determine what's best for your specific circumstances.
Running a small handmade business means there's always something to do. And when I say always, I mean always.
Some days we're designing and making jewelry. Other days we're packing orders, updating Etsy and Shopify listings, prepping for markets, or cleaning the studio.
For a long time, Will and I tried to do all of it ourselves. Like many small business owners, we thought that was just part of the deal. But eventually, we realized something important: doing everything on our own wasn't sustainable — and it wasn't helping the business grow in a healthy way.
That's when we started hiring help occasionally.
What Gig Workers Can Help With
Our gig workers don't make jewelry — that part stays with us. What they do help with are all the essential tasks that keep the business running behind the scenes, including:
- Cleaning, packaging and pricing jewelry to get ready for markets
- Organizing and tidying the studio
- Packaging and shipping orders to customers
- Product modeling and photography
- Etsy and Shopify maintenance and updates
- Helping with production work (we don't, but some do)
- Selling and working in the booth at markets
None of these jobs are “extra.” They're foundational. And having help with them makes a noticeable difference in how smoothly our days run.
Will helps me with production work on pieces like these earrings below — soldering, hammering, balling ends for ear wires, cleaning up the ends with a burr cup — all busy work that is helpful! That division of labor alone saves hours of my time.
Gig Workers vs. Employees (How We Handle It)
The people we hire for this kind of support work are gig workers, not employees. That means they work as independent contractors, not as part of our regular payroll. We don't withhold taxes from their pay, and they manage their own tax responsibilities.
Our helpers work on their own schedule and timeline, choosing when and how much they want to work from a running list of tasks that always needs attention. I don't set a fixed schedule — flexibility is part of what makes this arrangement work for everyone.
At the end of the year, any gig worker who meets the IRS reporting threshold is issued a 1099 form for tax purposes. This is standard for independent contractor work and allows us to keep things simple, transparent, and compliant while offering flexible, short-term or part-time work.
We're always upfront about this arrangement so there are no surprises. Clarity and honesty matter to us on both sides.
Why Gig Work Makes Sense for Us
Our workload isn't consistent week to week. Some weeks are calm and creative. Others are packed with orders, shows, or deadlines. Hiring gig workers gives us flexibility — we can bring in help when we need it without committing to a rigid structure that doesn't fit the reality of a small business.
It also allows us to focus our time where it matters most: designing, making, and selling our jewelry.
When we're stretched too thin doing everything, something always suffers — usually creativity, online sales, or burnout levels. One of our biggest ongoing challenges has been keeping our website updated and adding new listings consistently to Etsy and Shopify. I now have one worker who focuses specifically on shop listings, which requires time that Will and I simply don't have.
Another reason we love this approach is that it supports people who need flexible work. Our gig workers are often students, friends, artists, or folks juggling multiple responsibilities. Flexibility matters to them — and it matters to us.
Where You Can Find Help
- Family members
- College or high school students — they always need extra cash
- Other crafters — some of my market buddies have helped fill in when Will or I couldn't be at a market
- Friends — have friends do jobs that require someone trustworthy
- Kids' friends — my kids' friends have helped with markets, photography, office work, etc.
We do our best to be clear, respectful, and fair. Good communication and mutual respect go a long way, and we truly value the people who help support our business.
This isn't just about getting tasks done — it's about building relationships and creating a work environment that feels human. And yes, anyone who helps out usually goes home with jewelry of some sort.
Letting Go of the “Do Everything Yourself” Mindset
There's a lot of pressure in handmade and small business culture to do it all. To hustle harder. To never ask for help.
But here's the truth: doing everything yourself isn't a requirement — and it's definitely not a measure of success.
Hiring help doesn't mean we care less about our business. It means we care enough to protect our time, our energy, and the quality of our work. It allows us to show up more fully where it actually matters.
A More Sustainable Way to Run a Small Business
Hiring gig workers has helped us build a business that feels more balanced, more organized, and more sustainable long-term. We're still deeply hands-on — just not burned out.
If you're a small business owner who feels stretched thin, constantly behind, or guilty for needing help, know this: you're not failing. You're growing.
And sometimes growth looks like letting someone else help pack the boxes.
If you're building a small business and struggling to do it all, consider where you might be able to ask for help — even a few hours a week can make a big difference. And if you're someone looking for flexible, meaningful gig work, reach out to local handmade businesses, crafters, or small shops. They're almost always grateful for good people who work hard.