Why do you do what you do?

Why do you run your own creative business when it’s so much easier to get a “real” 9-5 job?

Why do you stay up at night creating new designs or promoting your work?

What’s it all for? The Creative Hive Manifesto exists for four reasons:

• To remind ourselves of our why
• To keep us focused and strong even when we are faced with hardships
• To build a community of united makers, artists & designers
• To create a future where being self-employed or running your own business as a maker is a socially and culturally accepted job description

Your Power

When I told my family I was going to run my business full time in 2011, no one thought I could make it.

I started with two luggage bags, no friends or connections and no money.

I took a second job and I fought for my vision.

Most importantly, I trusted and had faith in myself and what I believed. I’ve talked to hundreds of makers and small business owners and we share common desires and challenges.

At Creative Hive, I believe in these values of being a successful small, creative business owner.

It Starts With You

You will be open and willing to accept and adjust to new changes and make improvements where necessary.

You will commit fully to your business and make it a priority, apart from your self and your family.

You will be strong, keep a positive outlook and not give up when experiencing challenges and roadblocks.

You will do the work required to move your business towards your vision.

You will focus on what you can control and you do not believe in competition.

You will only ever compare yourself to you, never to someone else.

Profitable + Sustainable

You will build a business that sustains your life as well as your family’s.

You will build a business that sustains your other passions and creative endeavors.

You will build a business that is efficient and organized so that you have time freedom to do what you love and be with your family.

You will build a profitable and honest business that pays you for your contributions and value to the world.

Smart + Strategic

You will be resourceful and seek help from others on all challenging aspects of running your business.

You will never play the part of victim in your life and business.

You will take the right steps towards achieving your goals, even when you are unsure what is right, you will take action.

You will do more of what is positively impacting your business.

You will stop doing what does not work.

Make Your Mark

Creative businesses that struggle or worse, fail completely do not share these values.

You do not rely on luck and hope that things work out in the end. 

It’s time to be honest and stop cheating yourself. #toughlove

Click the manifesto above to download. Print it out!

Read it at the start of your day, every day to remind you of your why and let it guide you.