Home-Studio jewellery designer

Individual shoppers looking for something handmade, gift buyers and people who like supporting local makers.

You sell finished pieces at a price that covers materials, your time and fees. Extra income can come from custom orders and seasonal collections for holidays and Mother's Day.

• Design sense and a consistent style
• Hand skills in your chosen technique
• Product photography and writing listings
• Costing and pricing your work

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Once your sales pass the small supplier threshold, you need to register for GST/HST, so check with the Canada Revenue Agency
• Check that any metal or stones you use are described honestly, as there are rules on how precious metals can be marked and sold
• Consider product liability insurance, as many markets ask for it
• Avoid copying other designers' work, as this can create copyright problems
• Sales often peak before the holidays and dip in winter and summer, so plan your cash flow

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $300 to $2,000, depending on the technique you choose, your tools and materials, and how you set up your online shop and product photos.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $200 to $2,000, depending on how many pieces you make, your pricing and where you sell. Sales often peak before the holidays and dip in winter and summer.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and whether you must register for GST/HST once sales pass the small supplier threshold, through the Canada Revenue Agency. Also check rules on describing precious metals and consider product liability insurance.