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This TikTok Live was focused on one of the biggest issues I see in the craft industry:

Crafters are guessing their prices.

And when we guess, we usually guess too low.

We look at the supplies in front of us and think, “Well, I spent a few dollars on this, so maybe I can sell it for $15 or $20.”

But that is not pricing.

That is hoping.

Hope does not pay for your supplies, your packaging, your labor, your website, your selling fees, or the next round of inventory you need to keep your business moving.

This is why Week 5 inside the Charmie Business Lab was all about Pricing Without Guessing.

Because if you want to treat your craft business like a real business, your pricing has to reflect the real cost of creating, packaging, selling, and growing.

Stop Pricing Like It’s “Just Handmade”

One of the first things we talked about during the live was the way handmade sellers sometimes downplay their own work.

You made it by hand, so you think it should be cheaper.

But handmade should not mean cheap.

Handmade means someone took the time to design it, source the materials, assemble it, package it, photograph it, list it, market it, answer customer questions, and ship it.

That has value.

When someone buys a finished craft product from you, they are not just buying beads, charms, glue, acrylics, pens, toppers, or packaging.

They are buying the convenience of a completed design.

They are buying your eye.

They are buying the finished product they did not have to learn how to make themselves.

They are buying the collection you created for them.

That matters.

Your Customer Is Not Breaking Down Your Supply Cost

A real customer is not sitting there trying to reverse engineer every piece of your product.

They are not calculating what you spent on each bead, each charm, or each drop of glue.

If someone is doing that, they may not be your customer. They may be another crafter comparing your cost to what they think they could make it for themselves.

Your actual customer is looking at the finished product and asking:

Is this my style?

Do I love this?

Would I use this?

Would I gift this?

Does this feel special?

Does this feel worth it to me?

That is why your pricing has to be based on your costs, your value, and your target market, not on the fear that someone else might think it is too expensive.

Define One Sellable Unit First

Before you can price anything, you have to know exactly what you are selling.

In the live, I used a complete collection-style product as the example.

Not just one pen.

A full sellable unit.

That example included:

• One beaded pen with an interchangeable magnetic system

• Two character toppers

• One collection display

• A personalized name on the display

• Packaging

• The work required to assemble and finish the set

That is a very different product than “one pen.”

This is why I teach Collection Crafting.

A single pen is a product.

A connected pen, topper set, display, personalization, and matching presentation is a collection.

And remember:

If there’s no connection, it’s not a collection.

When you are pricing, you need to define what the customer receives before you can calculate what it costs.

Direct Materials Are More Than the Main Pieces

The first pricing mistake is only counting the obvious supplies.

For example, a crafter might count the pen and the character, but forget the rod, adhesive, refill, spacers, rhinestone tape, packaging pieces, labels, or display.

That is how your profit disappears.

Your direct materials include every physical item used to create that finished product.

That can include:

• Pens

• Beads

• Spacers

• Character toppers

• Acrylic pieces

• Charms

• Rods

• Refills

• Glue or adhesive

• Creation tape

• Rhinestones

• Display pieces

• Custom letters

• Bases or mounts

• Any item used directly in the finished product

Even if something only costs a few cents, it still counts.

A few cents here and a few cents there become dollars very quickly.

That is why I always recommend breaking down your supplies by unit cost.

If you bought a pack of 100 letters for $20, each letter costs 20 cents. If you used five letters, that customization cost $1.

If you bought a pack of seven figures for $9 and used two, you need to divide that pack cost by the usable quantity and multiply by the quantity used.

That is how you stop guessing.

Labor Has to Be Paid Before Profit

Your time is not the leftover amount after everything else is paid.

Labor is part of the cost.

During the live, we talked about timing your actual production process. That means writing down the steps and figuring out how long it takes you to make one sellable unit.

For example:

• Gather the supplies

• Coordinate the design

• Assemble the pen

• Add custom letters

• Attach mounts or bases

• Decorate any display pieces

• Package the finished product

• Quality check before shipping or handing it to the customer

Even if you are currently doing all the work yourself, you should still account for labor.

Why?

Because if your business grows, you may eventually need help.

If you go viral and receive 100 orders, you need to know whether your price can support paying someone to help assemble, package, or prep orders.

If your price only works because you are working for free, the business is not priced correctly.

Packaging Is Part of the Product Experience

Packaging is not just a cute extra.

Packaging protects the item, supports the customer experience, and costs your business money.

If you are shipping, packaging may include:

• Shipping box

• Bubble wrap

• Tissue paper

• Shipping label

• Tape

• Stickers

• Fragile labels

• Thank-you card

• Care card

• Freebie, if included

If you are selling in person, packaging may include:

• Shopping bag

• Tissue paper

• Protective case

• Bubble wrap

• Insert card

• Business card

• Care instructions

If you hand a customer a delicate handmade product at a craft show, that customer may put it in a wagon, bag, purse, or car with other purchases.

You still need to protect the product.

That packaging cost needs to be included.

Overhead Can Quietly Destroy Your Profit

One of the biggest wake-up moments in the live was overhead.

Overhead includes the business costs that support your ability to sell, even if they are not physically part of the finished item.

That can include:

• Website fees

• Software subscriptions

• Design tools

• Marketplace fees

• Craft show booth fees

• Equipment

• Utilities

• Internet

• Licensing or commercial use fees

• Business support tools

The example we worked through showed how overhead can completely change your pricing.

If your monthly overhead is $64 and you only expect to sell two units that month, then each unit has to carry $32 of overhead.

That alone can make your product feel impossible to price.

But that does not mean the product failed.

It means you need to review the business costs attached to it.

In the example, we looked at how reducing unnecessary overhead could dramatically improve the margin. Instead of paying for tools and website costs that may not be necessary at the beginning, a newer seller could use lower-cost or free options until sales volume supports a bigger platform.

That is why I often suggest starting simple.

If you only have a few products or collections, you may not need the most expensive setup yet.

You need a safe, professional way to take payments and protect your business, but you do not need every subscription, app, or platform on day one.

Selling Fees Must Be Included

Another cost that gets missed all the time is the selling fee.

Every sales channel has its own cost structure.

Your website may charge a payment processing fee.

A marketplace may charge listing fees, transaction fees, payment processing fees, advertising fees, customer service fees, or fulfillment-related fees.

Auction platforms may still charge a fixed transaction fee even if the item sells for a low amount.

That matters.

If you sell something for $1 and your platform charges a 30-cent fixed fee plus a percentage, you have already lost a large part of that sale before considering the actual product cost.

This is why I always say you need to verify your current selling fees.

Do not assume the rate you remember from last year is still correct.

Check:

• Variable percentage fee

• Fixed transaction fee

• Monthly fee

• Listing fee

• Marketplace fee

• Payment processing fee

• Advertising or promotional fee

• Any other platform-specific charge

Then write down where you verified the fee and the date.

That way, you are not building your pricing on outdated information.

Net Profit Is Not the Same as Getting Paid Back

There is a big difference between recovering your costs and making profit.

If your customer pays $70 and your true costs plus selling fees are $68.99, you technically made a little over a dollar.

But that is not a healthy business.

You may have recovered most of what you spent, but you did not create enough profit to grow.

That small amount does not help you:

• Buy better supplies

• Replace equipment

• Hire help

• Pay for content support

• Invest in ads

• Prepare for a larger launch

• Cover mistakes

• Handle lost packages

• Build inventory for the next collection

That is why net profit margin matters.

Your net profit margin tells you how much is actually left after your costs and fees.

For handmade craft businesses, I recommend aiming for a healthy margin that gives your business room to grow. In the live, we used a 45% target net profit margin as the goal.

The exact number may change depending on your product, business model, and customer base, but the point stays the same:

Your price needs to leave room for the business to survive.

If the Price Feels Too High, Do Not Panic

Sometimes the first calculation will make you want to cry.

That is normal.

When you see the full cost of materials, labor, packaging, overhead, fees, and profit, you may realize the price is much higher than what you expected.

That does not automatically mean the product is impossible to sell.

It means you need to review the numbers.

Ask:

• Are my material costs too high?

• Am I using too many expensive components?

• Am I paying for software I do not need yet?

• Am I on the wrong selling platform for my current sales volume?

• Am I offering too much in one product?

• Am I selling to the wrong customer?

• Do I need to simplify the first release?

• Can I make this a premium or limited collection instead of a standard offer?

• Can I reduce packaging cost without reducing protection?

• Can I increase my monthly sales volume so overhead is spread across more units?

In the live example, the price became much more workable once the overhead was reduced.

That is the power of actually doing the math.

You stop guessing and start making decisions.

Collections Make Pricing Easier to Explain

This is why I keep coming back to collections.

A customer may not understand why one pen is $70.

But they can understand a complete customized collection that includes a decorated pen, character toppers, display, personalization, and a finished giftable presentation.

That is a different offer.

A collection creates more value because the customer is receiving a full experience.

That does not mean every product has to be huge or expensive.

It means the product needs to be positioned clearly.

There is a difference between:

“Here is a pen.”

and

“Here is a one-of-a-kind collectible desk set with interchangeable toppers, a personalized display, and a coordinated design made for someone who loves this theme.”

One is a product.

The other is an offer.

Do Not Start New Collections on Sale

One point I want to repeat clearly:

Please do not launch a brand-new collection by immediately discounting it.

When you start a product on sale, you train customers to question the real value.

A discount can be used intentionally later, but it should not be the foundation of your pricing.

Your goal is not to make the product look cheap.

Your goal is to explain the value clearly enough that the right customer understands why the price makes sense.

Brand Your Work

Another important point from the live was branding.

If someone buys from you at a craft show, on a live, or through a website, they need to remember where the product came from.

Branding can be simple.

It can be:

• A logo sticker

• A small tag

• A care card

• A branded insert

• A QR code

• A thank-you card

• A business card

• A branded display detail

When customers own your work, they should know how to find you again.

That is especially important if you are building collections, because the whole point is to give them a reason to return.

Price for the Business You Are Building

If you want your craft business to grow, your pricing has to support growth.

That means your price should cover:

• Materials

• Labor

• Packaging

• Overhead

• Selling fees

• Profit

It also means your product needs to be designed for a real customer, not just priced based on fear.

If someone says your price is too high, that does not automatically mean your price is wrong.

They may not be your customer.

Luxury brands, collectible brands, and specialty product lines do not sell to everyone. They sell to the people who value what they offer.

You need to know who those people are.

That is why pricing and target market go together.

If you try to sell to everyone, you will either sell to no one or attract people who do not value the work.

Your Homework

Choose one product or collection and complete the following:

1. Define one sellable unit.

2. List every direct material used.

3. Break down pack costs into unit costs.

4. Time one real production batch.

5. Calculate labor based on an hourly rate.

6. Add packaging costs.

7. List your monthly overhead.

8. Divide overhead by expected monthly units.

9. Verify your current selling fees.

10. Calculate your true cost.

11. Choose a target net profit margin.

12. Compare your current price to the price your business actually needs.

13. Decide whether to adjust the price, reduce costs, simplify the product, or reposition the offer.

Do this for one product first.

Not your whole shop.

Not every item in your inventory.

One product.

That is how you start building pricing confidence.

Final Takeaway

Pricing without guessing is not about making every product expensive.

It is about making sure your price is honest.

Honest about the supplies.

Honest about the time.

Honest about the packaging.

Honest about the fees.

Honest about the work.

Honest about the business you are trying to build.

If your product is priced too low, you are not just discounting the item.

You are discounting your time, your creativity, your future inventory, and your ability to keep going.

You work too hard for that.

So before you price your next product, pause and do the math.

Because once you know your numbers, you can stop guessing and start pricing like a business owner.

Let’s Discuss…share your thoughts:

Have you ever priced a product and realized later that you forgot to include your time, packaging, or selling fees? What is one cost you need to start including from now on?

If there’s no connection, it’s not a collection.

That one sentence is at the center of Collection Crafting.

A collection is not just a pile of cute products. It is not twenty random pens on a display. It is not buying every charm, bead, acrylic, cabochon, or character you love and hoping customers figure out what to do with it.

A real collection has a connection.

It has a theme.
It has a customer.
It has a reason to exist.
It has a reason someone would want more than one piece.

And that is where so many crafters can start shifting from “I make cute things” to “I create products people collect, gift, use, and come back for.”

Collection Crafting Is About Making the Sale Easier

One of the biggest points from the live was this:

Your customer should not have to work hard to understand what you are selling.

If someone walks up to your craft show booth or sees your video online, they should be able to quickly understand the collection.

They should be able to think:

“That’s my style.”
“That’s my character type.”
“That’s my hobby.”
“That’s my gift person.”
“That belongs together.”
“I want the whole set.”

When everything is random, customers get overwhelmed. Too many choices can make people freeze instead of buy.

But when you group products around a clear theme, color story, character style, season, hobby, or target market, the decision becomes easier.

Instead of asking them to sort through fifty unrelated products, you are showing them a finished idea.

Your Inventory Is Not the Business Plan

We also talked about something a lot of crafters deal with quietly:

Buying a lot of supplies does not automatically mean you have a business.

A lot of us started by buying what we liked. Cute beads. Pretty charms. Limited drops. Things we thought would sell because we loved them.

But if you bought everything from your own taste, you may have been buying as the customer, not planning as the business owner.

That does not mean the inventory is wasted.

It means the next step is to organize it with intention.

Ask yourself:

Who would actually want this?
What theme does this fit into?
What collection could this become part of?
What customer would connect with this?
Where would I sell this customer?
What product would make the most sense as the anchor piece?

That is where Collection Crafting begins.

Start With the Target Market

Before you build a product line, ask:

Who am I designing this for?

Not “what beads do I have?”
Not “what did I just buy?”
Not “what is everyone else making?”

Start with the person.

Examples:

Teachers
Nurses
Book lovers
Coffee lovers
Sports moms
Badge reel users
Kawaii collectors
Theme park-inspired shoppers
Holiday gift buyers
Craft show customers
Pen collectors
Small business owners

Once you know who you are designing for, the product decisions get easier.

A teacher collection may need pens, badge reels, notebook charms, and giftable sets.

A nurse collection may need badge reels, interchangeable toppers, keychains, and practical accessories.

A book lover collection may need pens, bookmarks, cozy colors, and gift bundles.

The customer tells you what belongs in the collection.

Show It, Don’t Over-Explain It

One of the strongest selling points of the Chibi SnapCharm™ system is that it is visual.

You can show the topper snapping onto the pen.
You can show it switching to another base.
You can show the same design displayed on a Character Stand.
You can show how one base can become multiple looks.

That matters because customers understand what they can see.

At a craft show, you do not need a long speech. You can simply demonstrate the product.

Online, you can create faceless content by showing:

The topper swap
The pen in use
The collection displayed together
The packaging
The bundle options
The before-and-after of turning supplies into a finished set

Your collection should be doing some of the talking for you.

Stop Selling One Random Item at a Time

One pen can be cute.

But a connected collection gives the customer a reason to buy more.

That could look like:

One pen plus multiple interchangeable toppers
A badge reel with seasonal topper options
A starter set plus monthly add-ons
A display stand with collectible character designs
A mystery pack built around one theme
A gift bundle with coordinating pieces
A limited release with matching add-ons

This is why collections matter.

They create a natural next purchase.

The first purchase introduces the customer to the product.
The second purchase lets them add to it.
The third purchase turns it into something they collect.

Price Like a Business Owner

We also talked about pricing because this is where a lot of crafters accidentally undercut themselves.

If a product costs you money to make, takes your time, uses packaging, has platform fees, and requires shipping supplies, then it cannot be priced like it came off a dollar shelf.

You are designing something by hand.

That has value.

Your price needs to include:

Materials
Labor
Packaging
Platform fees
Transaction fees
Overhead
Profit

If you are selling on a marketplace, live platform, auction platform, Shopify, Big Cartel, or anywhere else, you need to understand the fees before you set the price.

Starting an item too low can mean you are paying the customer to take your product.

That is not a business.

Packaging and Presentation Matter

When you are creating a collection, the way you present it matters.

A customer is more likely to understand the value when the product looks complete.

That can include:

Clear packaging
Care instructions
A collection name
A matching display
A simple insert
A safety note when needed
A photo showing the full set
A video showing how the product works

Small details help the customer feel like they are buying something intentional, not just a loose craft item.

Craft Shows Need a Clear Customer Too

Another big point from the live was craft show strategy.

You can adjust what you bring based on where you are selling.

If you are selling at an anime-style event, bring products that fit that customer.
If you are selling at a school event, bring teacher, school, and giftable collections.
If you are selling near a military base, patriotic, military-family, or service-related themes may make more sense.
If you are selling at a holiday market, bring seasonal and giftable bundles.

Your target market can shift based on the event.

But your table still needs to make sense.

A booth full of unrelated products makes customers work too hard. A booth arranged by collection helps them find what connects with them.

The Main Takeaway

Last night’s biggest lesson was this:

You may have collected the inventory, but now it is time to turn that inventory into something customers can collect from you.

That means building with intention.

Choose the customer.
Choose the theme.
Choose the anchor product.
Create the connection.
Show how the pieces work together.
Price it like a business.
Package it like it has value.
Then give customers a reason to come back.

Because Collection Crafting is not about making more random products.

It is about creating product lines that make sense, sell clearly, and give your customer something to keep coming back for.

Action Step

Look at one group of supplies you already own and ask:

What connects these items?
Who would want this?
What would the first product be?
What could they buy next?
How can I show the full collection in one photo or short video?

If you can answer those questions, you are no longer just sorting supplies.

You are building a collection.

Instead of creating one pen with one permanent topper, the Chibi SnapCharm™ system gives you the ability to create a base design and then let your customer switch out different characters, charms, or toppers depending on their mood, theme, season, or collection.

That small shift changes the entire way you can sell your designs.

You are no longer just selling one pen.

You are creating a collectible experience.

Shop the Chibi SnapCharm™ system here:
🔗 Chibi SnapCharm™ Collection Link

What We Covered During the Event

During the event, we walked through how to use the Chibi SnapCharm™ system to create a full collection from start to finish.

The main focus was showing how crafters can take inventory they already have, especially character toppers, flat charms, acrylics, or small collectible figures, and turn them into a sellable collection instead of letting them sit in storage.

We talked about:

• What comes in the Chibi SnapCharm™ Creator Kit

• How the Character Mount attaches to your topper or character

• How the Magnetic Base Bead works on bead pens

• How Character Stands create a collectible display option

• How to decorate your base beads, mounts, and stands

• Why target market matters before you build a collection

• How to turn characters into mystery packs

• How to use monthly releases or themed drops to create repeat sales

• Why branding your work matters

• How to avoid undervaluing handmade products

• How to safely use glue, magnets, UV gel, rhinestones, and creation tape

The biggest takeaway was this:

Your customers are not just buying supplies or a single finished pen. They are buying the experience of collecting, swapping, displaying, and personalizing their designs.

Why the SnapCharm™ System Changes the Way You Sell

For a long time, bead pens have been built as one finished design. You create the pen, glue the topper, photograph it, sell it, and then start all over again.

That works, but it also limits you.

With the Chibi SnapCharm™ system, you can create one base pen and give your customer multiple topper options that can snap on, snap off, and be displayed when they are not in use.

That means one customer can start with one pen and continue collecting toppers over time.

They can collect seasonal characters.

They can collect mystery characters.

They can collect themed drops.

They can swap their topper from a pen to a badge reel or keychain when using SnapCharm-compatible base pieces.

That is where the business opportunity gets exciting.

You are not only trying to make one sale. You are building a reason for your customer to come back.

What Comes in the Creator Kit

The Chibi SnapCharm™ Creator Kit is designed to introduce crafters to the system and help them create their first interchangeable collection.

The kit includes the main components needed to create base pen designs, character toppers, and displayable character options.

Shop the Chibi SnapCharm™ system here:
🔗 Chibi SnapCharm™ Collection Link

The key components we discussed were:

Magnetic Base Beads

The Magnetic Base Bead is the piece used on bead pens. This is what allows your SnapCharm-compatible topper to attach to the top of the pen.

You can build your bead pen as usual, but instead of permanently attaching one topper, you add the Magnetic Base Bead so your customer can swap different characters or designs.

Chibi SnapCharm™ Character Mounts

The Character Mount attaches to the character, topper, flat charm, acrylic, or embellishment that you want to make interchangeable.

This is the piece that lets the topper connect to the Magnetic Base Bead, Flex Base, side mount, or Character Stand.

Character Stands

Character Stands give your customer a place to display or store their toppers when they are not using them.

This is a big part of the collectible feeling.

Instead of the extra toppers sitting loose in a drawer or on a desk, customers can display them like a mini collection.

Design Wand

The Design Wand is used to help hold your base bead while you decorate. This is especially helpful when adding rhinestones, UV gel, creation tape, or other embellishments before placing the finished piece onto a pen.

Expansion Options We Discussed

The event also covered how the Chibi SnapCharm™ system can expand beyond pens.

That is important because many crafters do not only sell bead pens. Some sell keychains, badge reels, flat acrylic pieces, notebooks, and other handmade items.

Flex Base

The Flex Base is designed for flat surfaces like badge reels, notebooks, flat beads, acrylic pieces, and keychains.

This gives crafters a way to make flat designs interchangeable instead of permanently attaching one charm or topper.

Get your at:
🔗 Chibi SnapCharm™ Flex Base Link

Side Mount

The side mount works well for keychains and bead rod designs where you want the SnapCharm-compatible piece to attach from the side instead of directly on top.

Get your at:
🔗 Chibi SnapCharm™ Side Mount Link

Builder Packs and Expansion Packs

If you already know you are building a larger release, builder packs and expansion packs help you stock up on the pieces you need without buying another full starter kit.

Get your at:
🔗 Chibi SnapCharm™ Bulk Builder Sets Link

Start With the Customer Before the Beads

One of the biggest business lessons from the event was this:

Pick the person you are designing for before you pick your beads.

If you are building a princess-inspired collection, the colors, packaging, photos, and content should feel magical, soft, giftable, and collectible.

If you are building a dragon collection, your photos and styling might feel bold, fantasy-inspired, metallic, or adventure-driven.

If you are creating for teachers, nurses, badge reel users, book lovers, coffee lovers, sports moms, or kawaii collectors, the design choices should match what that customer already loves, uses, collects, or gifts.

This matters because a collection is not just a random group of products.

A good collection has a clear customer, a clear theme, and a reason to buy more than one piece.

Turning Inventory Into a Mystery Collection

A huge part of the event was about using the SnapCharm™ system to move inventory you already have.

Many crafters have bins full of toppers, characters, acrylic pieces, beads, and charms they loved when they bought them but have not turned into finished products yet.

The SnapCharm™ system gives you a way to turn that inventory into something customers can collect.

One idea we walked through was a monthly mystery character collection.

Here is the basic structure:

1. Create one to three base pen designs for the month.

2. Choose a clear theme for the collection.

3. Attach Character Mounts to your characters or toppers.

4. Let them cure fully before packaging.

5. Package characters in mystery bags.

6. Include a Character Stand when needed.

7. Sell the pen with one or more mystery toppers.

8. Offer premium mystery packs for rarer or higher-value characters.

This lets you create excitement around the reveal.

Customers love the feeling of opening a mystery bag, seeing which character they got, snapping it onto their pen, and displaying the extra topper on a Character Stand.

Resource links:

Mystery bags:
Mystery Mylar Bag Link

Portable heat sealer:
Portable Heat Sealer Link

A Simple Monthly Collection Model

Here is an example of how you could structure a monthly release:

Base Pen of the Month

Create one main pen design that matches the theme.

Example:
A summer-inspired pen, a school staff pen, a princess-inspired pen, a dragon collector pen, or a holiday-inspired pen.

Mystery Character Pack

Each pen could include one mystery SnapCharm-compatible character.

Deluxe Mystery Pack

Offer an upgrade with a rarer, larger, blinged-out, or higher-value character.

Add-On Character Packs

Sell extra characters separately so customers can keep growing their collection.

Bundle Option

Offer all three base pen colors together with multiple mystery characters.

This gives your customer choices without overwhelming them.

They can buy the basic version, upgrade, or collect more over time.

Decorating the Magnetic Base Bead

During the event, we also decorated a Magnetic Base Bead to show how the base can match the rest of the pen design.

You can decorate your base beads with:

• Creation tape

• Rhinestones

• UV gel

• Flatback pearls

• Paint

• Small embellishments

The key is to keep the magnetic connection area clear and flush so the topper can attach correctly.

Resource links:

Creation tape:
🔗 Charm Creation Tape Link

Sugar rhinestones:
🔗 Sugar Rhinestones Link

Portable UV light:
🔗 Portable UV Light Link

Decorating Character Mounts

The Character Mount does not have to stay plain.

Because the Character Mount is visible under the topper, you can decorate it so it looks like part of the finished design.

During the event, we showed a few options:

UV Gel

UV gel can be used to paint or coat the visible part of the Character Mount. You can use a base coat, color coat, and top coat just like you would with nail-style UV gel applications.

Important note: keep craft products separate from anything you use on your own nails. Once a tool or product is used for crafting, treat it as a craft supply.

Rhinestone Gel and Flatback Pearls

Rhinestone gel can be used to attach small flatback pearls or gems around the Character Mount for a finished spacer-like look.

Creation Tape

Creation tape can be cut down and wrapped around the Character Mount to create a quick rhinestone or textured finish.

This is one of the easiest ways to make a topper look more finished without hand-placing every rhinestone.

Glue Tips From the Event

The glue I recommended during the event was Aleene’s Jewelry & Metal Glue.

Resource link:
🔗 Aleene’s Jewelry & Metal Glue Link

This is my preferred glue for attaching Character Mounts because it has a gel consistency, gives a strong attachment, and does not run all over the character the way thinner glues can.

A few important reminders:

• Rough up the area where the Character Mount will attach.

• Use a small amount of glue.

• Do not over-glue.

• Give the glue the full cure time.

• Do not package freshly glued pieces too soon.

• Avoid alcohol wipes or aggressive cleaners around glue areas because they can contribute to blooming or residue.

• Wipe away extra glue carefully with a dry paper towel if needed.

Even if a piece feels secure sooner, give it the full cure time before selling or packaging. That protects the finished product and gives your customer a better experience.

Magnet Safety Reminder

The Chibi SnapCharm™ system uses a specific magnetic setup and performs best with official Chibi SnapCharm™ components.

Because magnets are involved, please use common sense and safe selling practices.

Keep magnets away from small children and pets. Finished products with magnets should not be sold as toys. Add a magnet warning label when selling finished products, especially if the item could be handled by children.

Resource link:
🔗 Magnet Warning Label Link

You should also be careful using magnets around electronics, medical devices, vehicle buttons, or anything where the manufacturer does not confirm magnet use is safe.

Use the Right Rod Length for the Design

We also discussed bead rod balance during the event.

The bigger the character or topper, the more you need to think about balance.

A larger topper can make a longer pen feel top-heavy, while a smaller topper may work well with a longer rod and more beads.

The goal is not just to make the pen cute. The goal is to make it comfortable to hold, usable, and something your customer will enjoy.

Resource link:
🔗 Bead Pen Rods Link

Brand Your Work

One of my biggest reminders during the event was to brand your work.

When customers use your pens, badge reels, or keychains out in the world, other people will ask where they got them.

If your branding is attached to the finished design, your customer does not have to remember your shop name on the spot. Your brand is already right there.

You can add branding with:

• Small logo charms

• Custom tags

• Branded packaging

• Stickers

• Insert cards

• QR code cards

• Custom display cards

Resource links:

Custom logo charm:
🔗 Custom Logo Charm Link

Do not hide your name from your work. You created it. Make sure people know where it came from.

Show, Don’t Just Tell

When marketing SnapCharm-compatible designs, the strongest content is usually the simplest.

Show the character snapping on.

Show the character snapping off.

Show it moving from a pen to a Character Stand.

Show the mystery bag being opened.

Show the pen being used.

Show the topper displayed on a desk.

Show the same character working on different bases.

You do not have to explain every detail in every video. Sometimes the most powerful video is just showing the swap.

That visual moment is what helps customers understand why the product is different.

Content Ideas From This Event

Here are a few content ideas you can create from your own SnapCharm-compatible collections:

Mystery Bag Reveal

Film yourself opening a mystery character pack and snapping the character onto the pen.

Caption idea:
“Which character did we pull for this month’s collection?”

Build the Base Pen

Show the bead selection, the Magnetic Base Bead, and the finished pen.

Caption idea:
“Making the base pen for this month’s collectible drop.”

Character Stand Display

Show the customer how the extra topper sits on the Character Stand.

Caption idea:
“Your extra toppers don’t sit in a drawer. They get displayed.”

Swap Test

Show one topper moving from a pen to a Character Stand, keychain, or badge reel using SnapCharm-compatible bases.

Caption idea:
“One character. Multiple ways to use it.”

Collection Launch

Show the full collection together.

Caption idea:
“Pick your pen. Pull your mystery topper. Start your collection.”

Pricing Reminder

Please do not undervalue your work.

When you price your finished products, include:

• Cost of the pen

• Cost of beads

• Cost of SnapCharm™ components

• Cost of characters or toppers

• Glue and embellishments

• Packaging

• Platform fees

• Time

• Profit

Handmade does not mean cheap.

If someone wants the finished design, the convenience, the creativity, the packaging, and the collectible experience, the price should reflect that.

Resource link:
🔗 Chibi Charms Pricing Calculator Link

Collection Crafting Action Steps

If you want to try this with your own inventory, start simple.

1. Pick one target customer.

2. Choose one theme.

3. Pull the toppers or characters you already have.

4. Create one to three base pen designs.

5. Add Character Mounts to your toppers.

6. Let everything cure fully.

7. Package the toppers as mystery packs.

8. Photograph the full collection.

9. Film the snap-on, snap-off process.

10. Launch it as a collectible drop.

Do not overcomplicate the first collection.

Make the prototype, test the response, and adjust from there.

Resource Links Mentioned

Chibi SnapCharm™ System and Sets:
🔗 Chibi SnapCharm™ Collection Link

Chibi SnapCharm™ Bulk Builder Sets:
🔗 Chibi SnapCharm™ Bulk Builder Sets Link

Aleene’s Jewelry & Metal Glue:
🔗 Aleene’s Jewelry & Metal Glue Link

Diamond Bead Reamer Tool:
🔗 Diamond Bead Reamer Tool Link

Silicone Pen Holder:
🔗 Silicone Pen Holder Link

Creation tape:
🔗 Charm Creation Tape Link

Sugar rhinestones:
🔗 Sugar Rhinestones Link

Portable UV light:
🔗 Portable UV Light Link

Mystery bags:
🔗 Mystery Mylar Bag Link

Portable heat sealer:
🔗 Portable Heat Sealer Link

Bead Pen Rods:
🔗 Bed Pen Rods Link

Final Recap

Our most recent TikTok Live event was about more than making one cute pen.

It was about learning how to build a collection customers can keep coming back to.

The Chibi SnapCharm™ system gives crafters a way to make interchangeable, collectible designs using pens, keychains, badge reels, flat charms, acrylics, and character toppers. With the right target market, a simple collection structure, mystery bag packaging, and clear content, you can turn supplies you already own into a themed product line customers can collect over time.

Start with one collection.

Pick the person you are designing for.

Create the base.

Build the mystery.

Show the swap.

And most importantly, price your work like it matters, because it does.

Paid Subscriber Note

Our Charmie Business Insiders go deeper into the business side of this process, including pricing, collection planning, Shopify setup, content planning, and how to turn your craft inventory into sellable product lines.

Consider upgrading your free subscription today!

Discussion Prompt

What kind of SnapCharm-compatible collection would you build first?

A teacher collection, a dragon collection, a princess-inspired collection, a holiday drop, a badge reel collection, or something completely different?

Drop your idea in the comments so we can start building collections with intention.

We talked through new supplies, created a few bead designs together, answered questions about the Chibi SnapCharm™ system, and spent a lot of time on the business side of crafting: pricing, target markets, branding your work, organizing your inventory, and creating collections customers actually want to buy.

If you missed the live, the replay is in this post.

What We Made During the Live

During the showcase, I used several new and recently added shop items to create fancy bead designs using creation tape, rhinestones, flowers, glitter leaves, spacers, charms, and base beads.

A few of the products and techniques we covered included:

• Using clear creation tape on cube and round beads

• Adding metal alloy charms as focal pieces

• Using sugar rhinestones as the final finishing step

• Creating flower-style bead designs with glitter leaf accents

• Using pre-cut circular tape pieces for round beads

• Roughing up the backs of flowers and embellishments before attaching them

• Keeping customer comfort in mind when designing bead pens

One of the biggest reminders from this part of the live was simple: design pretty, but also design smart. If a pen is uncomfortable to write with, too heavy, or covered in sharp embellishments where the customer’s hand rests, it may look beautiful but still create a bad customer experience.

Shop the latest drops: Latest Drops Link
Creation Tape: Creation Tape Link
Sugar Rhinestones: Sugar Rhinestones Link
Flower and Glitter Leaf Embellishments: Embellishment Link
Bead Reamer Tools: Bead Reamer Link

The SnapCharm™ Conversation

We also spent time talking about the Chibi SnapCharm™ system and why it matters for crafters who want to sell more than one-off designs.

The Chibi SnapCharm™ system lets you create interchangeable, collectible designs. Instead of making one pen with one permanent topper, you can create a pen base and offer multiple topper options that customers can collect, swap, gift, and build on over time.

That changes the way you sell.

Instead of saying, “Here’s a pen,” you can say, “Here’s a collection.”

That opens the door for seasonal drops, mystery sets, monthly releases, themed bundles, badge reel collections, notebook bundles, teacher gifts, nurse gifts, sports mom collections, kawaii collections, school staff collections, and more.

Chibi SnapCharm™ Creator Kit and Expansions: Access Link
SnapCharm™ Training Course: Training Course Link
SnapCharm™ Masterclass Replay: Masterclass Replay Link

Brand Your Work

One of the biggest business lessons from the live was this: brand your work.

If a customer takes your pen to work and someone asks where they got it, you do not want them trying to remember your TikTok handle from three weeks ago. You want your branding attached to the piece in some way so your work can lead people back to you.

That can look like:

• A small logo charm

• A tiny UV DTF logo sticker

• Branded packaging

• A branded insert card

• A thank-you card with your shop and social links

• A consistent style that people recognize as yours

Your work deserves credit. If you want customers to come back, refer others, and remember who made their favorite design, make it easy for them.

Stop Organizing the Wrong Things

We also talked about one of the biggest traps new and overwhelmed crafters fall into: spending all their time organizing filler beads instead of organizing the pieces that actually drive the sale.

Your focal pieces matter most.

That means your characters, themes, seasonal pieces, statement charms, acrylics, toppers, and anything that grabs attention first. The spacers, fillers, rhinestones, and basic beads support the design, but they are not usually what your customer is emotionally buying.

Start by sorting your focals into themes or collections. Then ask yourself:

Who would love this?
What do they collect?
What would make this feel like a set?
Can this become a bundle, drop, or limited collection?

That is how you start moving from “I have too much inventory” to “I have collection ideas I can actually sell.”

Pricing and Pre-Orders

We also talked about pricing and why you cannot base your prices on what someone else is charging.

Your price needs to account for:

• Supplies

• Design time

• Packaging

• Platform fees

• Shipping materials

• Customization time

• Profit

• The value of your finished work

If you are taking pre-orders or custom orders, protect yourself. Make sure the customer understands what they are ordering, when it will be fulfilled, and that custom or pre-order items may not be cancelable once supplies are purchased or production begins.

Pricing Calculator: Pricing Calculator Link

Collection Crafting Reminder

The heart of this live was really this:

You are not just making beads.
You are not just making pens.
You are building collections.

When you pick a target market first, your designs become easier to plan, easier to photograph, easier to price, and easier to sell.

Start with the person you are designing for. Then build the collection around what they love, collect, use, gift, or buy seasonally.

That is how you turn supplies into sellable collections.

Final Thought

If you are feeling overwhelmed by your craft room, your inventory, or all the ideas in your head, pause before buying more.

Sort what you have.
Find the themes.
Pick the target market.
Build one small collection.
Test the response.
Then adjust, bundle, or expand.

You do not need to do everything at once. You just need to start building with intention.

The goal of the class was simple: learn how to use the Chibi SnapCharm™ system with confidence, understand how the 1.0 and 2.0 components work, and begin building products that feel intentional, branded, and collectible.

What We Covered in the Masterclass

During the session, we walked through the Chibi SnapCharm™ system from both a product-building and business-building perspective. The training included an overview of the 1.0 and 2.0 systems, proper character mount setup, base bead design, character stands, glue recommendations, safety labeling, packaging, branding, and how to start building full collection sets instead of one-off products.

One of the biggest themes was the mindset shift from:

“I make bead pens.”

to:

“I create themed collections people can collect, gift, and come back for.”

That is the heart of Collection Crafting.

Chibi SnapCharm™ 1.0 vs. 2.0

We reviewed the main differences between the 1.0 and 2.0 systems, including weight capacity, magnet placement, character mount improvements, and base design options.

The 1.0 system works well for lighter characters, while the 2.0 system is designed to support heavier toppers and create a stronger magnetic hold. In the class, we discussed that the 1.0 system supports characters up to approximately 0.6 ounces, while the 2.0 system can support characters up to approximately 1 ounce.

We also talked about keeping completed pens comfortable for daily use. As a general best practice, finished pen designs should stay under 2 ounces total weight so they are still practical and enjoyable to write with.

Helpful Resource Links:
Chibi SnapCharm™ 2.0 System

Building a Collection Instead of a Single Product

One of the featured examples from the class was a themed summer collection concept. We used that example to show how a creator can take individual pieces, such as a base bead, character, charms, rhinestones, spacers, colors, and packaging, and turn them into a full product experience.

A strong collection should feel cohesive. That means thinking through:

The theme
The color palette
The character or topper style
The base bead design
The add-on charms
The packaging
The safety labels
The thank-you card or care card
The customer experience after they open it

This is where Collection Crafting becomes so powerful. You are not just selling the supplies or the finished piece. You are creating something that feels intentional, giftable, and connected to your brand.

Character Mount Best Practices

We also walked through how to attach character mounts properly using the correct adhesive process. The class covered how to apply jewelry and metal glue, how to keep the magnet area clean, and why it is important to allow pieces to cure before using or shipping them.

The biggest reminder:

Let your character mounts cure for 24 hours before handling, snapping, packaging, or shipping.

That cure time helps protect the bond and gives your finished product the best chance of holding up during regular customer use.

Recommended Resource Links:
Jewelry & Metal Glue
Liquid Fusion Adhesive
Creation Tape

A Note About Glue and Magnets

We also discussed glue safety and magnet compatibility. Based on reported issues, B7000-style glues are not currently recommended for use with magnets in this system due to potential chemical reaction concerns. The training notes will be updated to reflect this guidance.

For the Chibi SnapCharm™ system, always follow the adhesive recommendations provided in the training materials and allow the full cure time before use.

Branding Your Collection

A major part of the class focused on branding. If you are building finished pieces to sell, your designs should include small touches that remind customers who made the product and where it came from.

That could include:

A small logo charm
A custom established date charm
A branded thank-you card
A care instruction card
Consistent packaging colors
Safety labels
A branded unboxing experience

We talked about using subtle branding elements that do not overpower the design but still make the piece feel professional and memorable.

Branding Resource Links:
Custom Branding Charms
Packaging Supplies

Safety Labels and Product Responsibility

Safety was another important topic. If you are selling products that include small parts, magnets, beads, charms, or decorative add-ons, you need to treat labeling seriously.

At minimum, creators should be including:

Choking hazard labels
Magnet safety labels
Care instructions
Age guidance when appropriate
Business contact or brand information

We also discussed the importance of business setup, liability insurance, and selling under your business name as you grow. This is especially important as Collection Crafting becomes more than a hobby and starts becoming a real product-based business.

Safety Resource Link:
Safety Labels

Packaging Matters

Packaging is part of the product experience. In the masterclass, we discussed how collection packaging can help turn a simple product into something that feels special, giftable, and worth collecting.

A strong package can include:

A coordinated bag, box, or display card
A branded thank-you card
A care instruction card
Safety labels
A small bonus charm or surprise
A clean presentation that matches the collection theme

When customers open the package, they should immediately understand the theme, the brand, and the purpose of the collection.

Free Business Coach Tool Access

As a special thank-you, attendees who supported the 1.0 and/or 2.0 system are receiving access to the Chibi Charms business coach tool.

This tool was created to help makers think through their target market, product ideas, collection themes, packaging, pricing, and business strategy. It is designed to help you stop guessing and start building your products with more intention.

A link to the GPT tool will be emailed to everyone who supported the 1.0 and 2.0 system. If you supported us with our launches (purchased a Chibi Snapcharm system and/or component from April 3 - May 26) you will qualify to get this GPT Business Coach Tool for free - send us an email at: info@chibicharms.com if you don’t get access to the tool for free so we can make sure we get you access!

Final Thoughts

This masterclass was not just about how to glue a magnet or build a pen.

It was about learning how to think differently as a maker.

The Chibi SnapCharm™ system gives creators the ability to build interchangeable pieces, themed collections, character-based products, branded sets, seasonal launches, and collectible experiences that customers can come back for again and again.

That is the future of Collection Crafting.

Start with one theme. Build one cohesive set. Brand it clearly. Package it with care. Then keep going.

Shop Chibi SnapCharm™ supplies here

This replay is all about the next evolution of the Chibi SnapCharm™ system, including the upgraded 2.0 magnetic system, the new side profile bead, stronger character support, embellishing tips, and how to start thinking less like a one-off pen seller and more like a collection crafter.

Because that is really the bigger picture here.

Yes, we are making pens, badge reels, keychains, and beadable designs. But with the SnapCharm™ system, we are also creating something customers can come back to again and again.

They are not just buying one finished product.

They are buying into a collection.

Links Mentioned During the Live

Chibi SnapCharm™ 2.0 Starter Kit Pre-Order:
SNAPCHARM 2.0 STARTER KIT LINK

Chibi SnapCharm™ 1.0 Starter Kit:
SNAPCHARM 1.0 STARTER KIT LINK

Chibi SnapCharm™ Magnetic Base Beads:
MAGNETIC BASE BEADS LINK

Chibi SnapCharm™ Character Mounts + Stands:
CHARACTER MOUNTS + STANDS LINK

Chibi SnapCharm™ Flex Bases:
FLEX BASE LINK

Chibi SnapCharm™ Side Mount Beads:
SIDE MOUNT BASE BEAD LINK

Aleene’s Jewelry & Metal Glue:
ALEENE’S JEWELRY & METAL GLUE LINK

Bead Reamer Tool:
BEAD REAMER TOOL LINK

Sugar Rhinestones:
SUGAR RHINESTONES LINK

Floating Display Cases:
FLOATING DISPLAY CASE LINK

Mini Logo Charms / Branded Charms:
MINI LOGO CHARM RESOURCE LINK

Quick Note: The Last 2 SnapCharm™ 1.0 Kits Are Still Available

I still have 2 Chibi SnapCharm™ 1.0 kits available.

These are the final 1.0 kits, and once they are gone, I will not be making more of this version. The 1.0 system is still compatible with the SnapCharm™ system, and these kits ship right away.

The 2.0 kits are currently on pre-order and begin shipping on May 26 in first-order, first-out order.

So if you want one of the last 1.0 kits before everything fully shifts into the 2.0 system, this is the time to grab one.

Last 2 SnapCharm™ 1.0 kits:
SNAPCHARM 1.0 STARTER KIT LINK

What Makes the SnapCharm™ 2.0 System Different

The biggest update with the 2.0 system is the stronger magnetic support.

The original 1.0 system supports lighter characters beautifully, especially smaller acrylics, flat backs, and lightweight toppers.

The 2.0 system was designed to support heavier characters, with the ability to hold up to approximately 1 ounce when using the full 2.0 setup.

That matters because not all toppers weigh the same.

Some characters are lightweight. Others feel heavier because of the material, size, shape, or density. If you are working with larger acrylics, resin pieces, clay-style characters, or thicker flat backs, that weight matters.

This is also why I always recommend testing your designs before you sell them.

A pen may look adorable, but if it is too heavy to write with comfortably, your customer will feel that.

Design for the Customer, Not Just the Photo

One of the biggest reminders from this live was this:

You have to design for your customer’s actual experience.

A pen should not just look cute in a photo. It should still be usable.

If the finished pen is too heavy and causes hand cramps after writing a few sentences, that is something you need to know before it gets to your customer.

That does not mean you cannot create detailed, decorative, collectible designs. It means you need to be intentional.

Think about:

How heavy the final pen feels
How the topper balances on the bead rod
Whether the customer can comfortably write with it
Whether the design is sturdy enough for real use
Whether the character stays in place when handled
Whether your badge reel or keychain design makes sense for daily use

The SnapCharm™ system gives you flexibility, but you still want to build smart.

What Comes in the SnapCharm™ 2.0 Starter Kit

The 2.0 Starter Kit gives you a foundation to begin creating interchangeable collectible designs.

The updated system includes base beads, character mounts, character stands, and the design wand. The big difference with 2.0 is that you can customize the color experience more than before.

You can choose colors for:

Base beads
Character mounts
Character stands

That means you can match your kit to a theme, collection, character set, season, brand color palette, or customer style.

For example, if you are building a rainbow-inspired collection, you can coordinate the base bead, character mount, and stand to make the whole product feel intentional.

That is how you move from “I made a pen” to “I created a collectible set.”

The 1.0 and 2.0 Systems Are Compatible

One of the most important things to know is that 1.0 and 2.0 are still compatible.

If you purchased 1.0, you are not being left behind.

The updated 2.0 pieces are designed to continue working within the SnapCharm™ system. You can still use the character mounts and base beads across the system as intended.

The strongest hold will come from using the full 2.0 setup together, especially when you are working with heavier characters. But the system itself was built so crafters can continue expanding without having to throw away what they already purchased.

That was important to me.

The goal is to help you build a system, not force you to constantly restart.

Why the Character Stands Matter

The character stands are not just extra pieces.

They are part of the collectible experience.

If your customer buys a pen with two toppers, one topper can be on the pen while the other sits on the display stand. If they buy a three-character set, the extras can be displayed instead of tossed into a drawer.

That changes the feel of the product.

Now it is not just a pen with interchangeable parts.

It is a small collectible system.

Your customer can display the pieces, swap them out, and keep coming back for new characters, new seasonal drops, and new themed sets.

That is where the business opportunity opens up.

The New Side Profile Bead

One of the exciting updates shown during the live was the new side profile SnapCharm™ bead.

This bead is designed so the magnetic connection sits on the side of the bead instead of the top.

That opens up new options for:

Keychains
Badge reels with bead rods
Side-facing acrylics
Flat charms
Beadable accessories
Interchangeable hanging designs

This means you are not limited to just pen toppers.

You can now start creating interchangeable designs for keychains and badge reels where the charm needs to face outward from the side.

This is a big addition because it allows your customers to use the same collectible pieces across different product types.

A charm could go from a badge reel to a keychain to a pen, depending on how you design the collection.

Side Mount Base Bead:
SIDE MOUNT BASE BEAD LINK

The Flex Base Expands the System Even More

The Flex Base is what allows you to bring the SnapCharm™ experience to flatter surfaces.

That includes things like:

Badge reels
Flat backs
Notebooks
Display pieces
Flat keychain surfaces
Other smooth craft bases

If you have customers who already buy badge reels from you, the Flex Base lets you create interchangeable topper sets for those items too.

So instead of selling one badge reel with one permanent design, you can sell a badge reel with a rotating collection of charms.

That is a much stronger offer.

Stop Selling One Pen at a Time

This was one of the biggest business points from the live.

If you are only selling one pen at a time, you are making yourself work harder than you need to.

The SnapCharm™ system lets you build collections.

That could look like:

One pen with two interchangeable characters
A three-character topper set
A monthly character drop
A seasonal badge reel collection
A mystery topper bundle
A rare and standard character system
A collector display set
A pen, badge reel, and keychain bundle

This is how you start building repeat customers.

Instead of someone buying one pen and disappearing, they can come back for the next set of toppers, the next theme, the next seasonal collection, or the next rare design.

That is the mindset shift.

You are not just a bead crafter.

You are a collection crafter.

Show the System, Do Not Over-Explain It

When you are selling in person, especially at craft shows or vendor events, do not spend five minutes explaining the system before people understand why it matters.

Show them.

Pop one character off.

Snap another one on.

Write with the pen.

Drop it gently on the table.

Switch the topper again.

Show the badge reel version.

Show the keychain version.

Let the product become the conversation starter.

People do not need a technical explanation first. They need to see the magic.

Once they see it, then you can explain the collection options.

Why I Recommend Aleene’s Jewelry & Metal Glue

During the live, I also showed how I use Aleene’s Jewelry & Metal Glue with the SnapCharm™ system and embellishment designs.

This is the glue I stand by for this system because it works well with metal, plastic, resin, rhinestones, and embellishments. It is also a gel-style glue, which gives you more control than thin, runny glues.

That matters because thin glues can drip down your bead, ruin your design, or create cloudy residue.

With this glue, a little goes a long way.

A few tips from the live:

Apply glue to the base surface instead of trying to hold a tiny piece covered in glue.
Use a small amount. You do not need to flood the piece.
Give the item time to fully cure before packaging or selling.
Use a paper towel to clean small excess areas before it sets.
Avoid alcohol wipes on fresh glue because that can cause issues with blooming.
Let finished customer pieces cure for 24 hours before packaging.

During the live, I was able to show pieces holding quickly, but that was for demo purposes.

For customer orders, let your pieces fully cure.

Aleene’s Jewelry & Metal Glue:
ALEENE’S JEWELRY & METAL GLUE LINK

The Flower Charm Demo

In this live, I used metal flower charms, rhinestones, and the pearl-style base bead to show how you can decorate around the magnetic area without interfering with the topper.

That part is important.

When decorating a magnetic base bead, make sure your embellishments do not block the area where the character or topper needs to connect.

You do not always know which charm your customer will use. Some pieces may be wider, taller, or shaped differently.

Leave enough room for the interchangeable pieces to snap on cleanly.

The goal is to make the base bead beautiful without making it harder to use.

Use a Bead Reamer or Design Wand to Keep Control

Depending on the type of SnapCharm™ piece you are working with, the design wand or bead reamer can help hold your piece steady while you decorate.

For top-loading base beads, the design wand is helpful because it gives you a way to hold and turn the bead while designing.

For side profile beads, a bead reamer can help because the bead has a hole that goes through it, making it easier to stabilize while you work.

That control matters when you are working with glue, rhinestones, flowers, or small embellishments.

Bead Reamer Tool:
BEAD REAMER TOOL LINK

Branding Your Finished Pieces

Another big point from the live was branding.

If you are creating finished pens, keychains, or badge reels, your work should have your brand on it.

I showed the mini logo charms I use on my own designs. These are small branded pieces that can be added to your pens or finished products so customers remember who made them.

This matters especially if you glue your pens closed or sell finished pieces that customers may gift to others.

Your brand should travel with your work.

If someone sees the pen, loves it, and wants one too, they should be able to trace it back to you.

Mini Logo Charms / Branded Charms:
MINI LOGO CHARM RESOURCE LINK

Think in Collections, Not Random Inventory

The system also helps solve a common problem for crafters: too much random inventory.

Instead of thinking, “I have all these characters and I need to sell them somehow,” start grouping them into collections.

You can build around:

Color palettes
Characters
Themes
Holidays
Professions
Fandom-inspired aesthetics
Seasons
Events
Customer lifestyles
Giftable moments

For example, instead of selling a single pen, you could create:

A pen
Two interchangeable toppers
A matching keychain
A character stand
A decorated display case

Now it feels like a set.

And when it feels like a set, customers understand the value much faster.

Subscription Ideas for Collection Crafters

One of the business ideas mentioned in the live was using the SnapCharm™ system for subscriptions.

This could be a monthly collection model where customers receive new toppers, new pens, or new accessory pieces on a recurring basis.

For example:

Monthly pen + topper club
Monthly character topper set
Seasonal badge reel topper subscription
Mystery character drop
Collector bundle of the month
Holiday-themed SnapCharm™ set

This works because the customer does not have to rebuy the entire setup every time.

Once they have the base system, they can continue collecting new pieces.

That is what makes this different from a standard one-time pen sale.

The Masterclass Reminder

The SnapCharm™ Masterclass is happening Saturday at 2 PM Eastern.

This is included for those who purchased the SnapCharm™ system, and it will walk through how to use the system, how to design with it, and how to think through the business side of selling collections.

The class will be recorded, so if you cannot attend live, you will still be able to watch the replay. An article will be posted here on our Substack Account with the article notes and any links we discussed will also be shared.

Final Thoughts

This live was really about more than the product itself.

Yes, I showed the SnapCharm™ 2.0 system.

Yes, I showed the side profile bead.

Yes, I showed glue, embellishments, character mounts, stands, flex bases, and how the pieces work together.

But the bigger message is this:

You have the ability to create a product experience that feels collectible, intentional, and different from what everyone else is selling.

You do not have to compete by making the cheapest pen.

You do not have to keep selling one item at a time.

You can create collections, bundles, rare versions, seasonal drops, matching sets, and customer experiences that make people excited to come back.

That is what the SnapCharm™ system was built to support.

Shop the SnapCharm™ 2.0 pre-order here:
SNAPCHARM 2.0 STARTER KIT LINK

Grab one of the last 2 SnapCharm™ 1.0 kits here:
SNAPCHARM 1.0 STARTER KIT LINK

Not because we talked about some magical “secret strategy.”

But because we talked about something way more important:

How to stop building a business that only works when you’re actively online.

That mindset shift changes everything.

During the Live, we covered:

• Why your business needs systems instead of dependency

• How to make sales while you sleep

• Why your storefront matters more than constantly being live

• How I structure my business-focused subscriber calls

• Using AI to prototype designs before wasting product

• Repurpose.io and multi-platform content distribution

• Moving away from dependency on character IPs

• Creating original products and collections you fully own

• Building recurring educational content around your brand

• Why small businesses need to think bigger than “just TikTok”

And honestly? The biggest takeaway from the night was this:

A small business should not collapse because you took a day off.

During one of my previous business calls, I literally had an order come through while teaching. That moment perfectly proved what I’ve been trying to teach:

You do not have to be live 24/7 to make money.

You do not have to depend entirely on craft shows.

You do not have to panic every time life happens.

You need infrastructure.

You need systems.

You need a storefront that works for you.

That’s the difference between a hobby and a scalable business.

One of the Most Important Conversations We Had: IP Dependency

We also talked about something that makes a lot of creators nervous:

Over-dependence on existing character IPs.

A lot of small businesses build entirely around characters they do not own. That creates stress, uncertainty, and limits your ability to scale long-term.

So we talked about gradually shifting toward:

• Original collections

• Original themes

• Original characters

• Original systems

• Products you can confidently grow without fear

That does not mean abandoning what currently works.

It means starting to build assets that belong to you.

That is how brands become sustainable.

AI Prototyping is Saving Creators Time and Money

One of my favorite topics from the Live was using ChatGPT image tools to prototype product ideas before physically making them.

This is a game changer for creators.

Instead of:

• wasting rhinestones

• ruining a focal bead

• redoing glue work

• testing five failed versions

…you can mock up the concept digitally first.

For example:

• “What would this pen look like with pink rhinestones?”

• “Would white gems overwhelm this focal?”

• “Should this bead have gold accents or pearl accents?”

• “Does this layout actually work visually?”

That kind of testing used to cost time and inventory.

Now you can validate ideas before touching your supplies.

We Also Talked About Content Distribution

Another topic everyone seemed excited about was content automation.

We discussed:

• Repurpose.io

• Multi-platform distribution

• Creating content once and pushing it everywhere

• Why creators need discoverability outside TikTok

Because relying on one platform is risky.

Your content should work for you across:

• TikTok

• Instagram

• Facebook

• Pinterest

• YouTube Shorts

• Substack

The more places your content exists, the more opportunities you create for discovery.

Resources Mentioned During the Live

Shopify Training Series

SHOPIFY SERIES LINK

Repurpose.io

REPURPOSE.IO LINK

ChatGPT Design Prototype Tutorial

CHATGPT TUTORIAL LINK

Chibi SnapCharm™ Information

SNAPCHARM SYSTEM LINK

Business Calculator Mentioned During the Live

BUSINESS CALCULATOR LINK

Branding Charm with Engraved Logo

Engraved Branding Charm

This Week’s Business Challenge

I want everyone reading this to complete this challenge before next week.

The “Make Money While Offline” Challenge

Your goal is to identify ONE area of your business that currently depends entirely on you being actively present… and create a system that allows it to work without you.

Choose ONE:

Option 1: Build a Storefront System

• Add 5 products to your storefront

• Improve product descriptions

• Add better photos

• Create a featured collection

• Add FAQs or shipping information

Option 2: Create Evergreen Content

Make one piece of content that:

• answers a common customer question

• teaches a process

• explains your product

• demonstrates value

Something that can continue bringing in views and sales long after you post it.

Option 3: Create a Product Ecosystem

Instead of selling one random item:

• create a collection

• create matching add-ons

• create bundles

• create expansion packs

• create a reason for repeat purchases

Option 4: Prototype a New Product Using AI

Before physically making anything:

• mock it up digitally first

• test colors

• test layouts

• test embellishments

• validate the design visually

Save yourself time, frustration, and wasted inventory.

Final Thought

A lot of small businesses unknowingly build themselves into a trap.

If you stop posting, the business stops.

If you stop going live, the business stops.

If life happens, the business stops.

That is exhausting.

Your goal should be to slowly build systems that continue working even when you step away for a moment.

That does not happen overnight.

But every storefront improvement, every article, every automated workflow, every evergreen video, and every original product moves you closer to that goal.

And that is exactly what we’re building together.

If you’re treating this like a hobby, it will pay you like a hobby.

And the timing of that conversation wasn’t random.

Because on May 1st, we launched SnapCharms 2.0.

That launch wasn’t just about a new product.
It was the result of a complete shift in how I approached this business.

The Mistake That Keeps People Stuck

Most people start in the same place:

• “Where do I buy beads?”

• “What should I make?”

• “What’s trending?”

And I get it. That’s the fun part.

But that’s also where people start going in the wrong direction.

Because if you don’t know who you’re selling to, none of that matters.

You’re just building inventory without a plan.

And eventually, that turns into overwhelm, wasted money, and frustration.

The Shift That Changed Everything

I shared this during the live, and it’s still one of the most important realizations I’ve had:

I literally teach people how to do things for a living.
Why wasn’t I applying that to my own business?

That was the moment everything clicked.

I stopped thinking like a crafter.
I started thinking like a business owner.

Instead of just creating, I started:

• Building systems

• Making intentional product decisions

• Teaching strategy alongside products

And within a few months, I made over $10K without losing money.

Not by doing more.

By doing it differently.

Target Market Comes First. Always.

This is where most people try to skip ahead.

There are only two real ways to approach your business:

Option 1:
Look at what you already have and figure out who would actually buy it.

Option 2:
Decide who you want to sell to, and build specifically for them.

Both work.

But what doesn’t work is guessing.

If you can’t clearly answer:
“Who is this for?”

Then you’re not ready to scale anything yet.

Why I Tell People Not to Buy Anything Yet

This is the part that surprises people the most.

When someone asks me where to buy beads, my answer is:

You shouldn’t be buying anything yet.

Because if you don’t know your customer, you’re just creating future problems for yourself.

I’ve seen it too many times.
And I’ve lived it myself.

Spending money feels productive.

But without direction, it’s just expensive clutter.

From Selling Live… to Building a Real Business

I also talked about this during the live because it’s important to be honest about it.

Yes, I made good money selling live.

But I also:

• Gave up a large portion of my profit in platform fees

• Had to constantly show up to make money

• Built something that depended on me being “on” all the time

At some point, I realized:

That’s not a business. That’s a job.

So I shifted.

Now I use TikTok Lives to teach, not to rely on for income.

And that shift is exactly what made something like SnapCharms 2.0 possible.

SnapCharms 2.0 Was Built From Strategy, Not Just Creativity

The May 1 launch wasn’t about “here’s a new product.”

It was about:

• Expanding a system

• Increasing product versatility

• Creating more ways for customers to build and collect

It was intentional.

Because when you understand your market, your products stop being random.

They start becoming part of something bigger.

Where You Should Start (If You’re Serious About This)

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Okay… I need to do this differently,” here’s where to start.

Start with the free resources here on our Substack account:

Inside, you’ll find:

• Target market breakdowns

• Product strategy ideas

• Pricing tools and calculators

• TikTok Live replays (including this one)

If you want deeper strategy and direct access to me through a live weekly call, consider upgrading to a Paid Subscriber account on Substack:

That includes:

• Weekly Tuesday live calls (7PM EST)

• Full live call replays if you miss them

• Real business strategy, not surface-level advice

• The ability to ask questions and get direct feedback

Final Thought

You don’t need:

• More beads

• More supplies

• More random ideas

You need clarity.

The April 30 TikTok Live wasn’t just a conversation.
It was a reset.

And SnapCharms 2.0 launching the very next day is proof of what happens when you stop treating this like a hobby and start building it like a business.

The SnapCharms 2.0 system is open for Pre-orders here.

If you’ve been stuck between creating and actually selling…

This is your moment to shift.

Now that kits are starting to land in your hands, I wanted to slow things down and walk through not just what the Chibi SnapCharm™ system is, but how to actually use it the right way and more importantly, how to turn it into something that sells.

If you missed it or want to rewatch while following along, just click play on the video.

What the Chibi SnapCharm™ System Actually Is

At its core, the Chibi SnapCharm™ system is an interchangeable magnetic pen topper system designed to turn your bead inventory into functional, swappable products.

Instead of gluing characters permanently to a pen, you’re creating a system where toppers can be swapped in and out instantly.

That means:

• One pen can support multiple designs

• Customers can collect and switch characters

• You’re selling a system, not just a single product

The key to all of this is the patent-pending magnetic base bead, which creates a strong, stable connection between the pen and the topper

Why the Magnet System Matters (And Where People Get It Wrong)

This is the part I really want you to pay attention to.

Not all magnets are created equal.

The base bead inside the system uses a specific embedded magnet designed to:

• Hold the topper securely

• Prevent wobbling

• Allow movement without falling off

• Keep the topper stable even during use

Trying to shortcut this with random magnets, especially things like refrigerator magnets, is not going to work the same way.

If you don’t use the right components, the system fails and it’s not the design, it’s the materials.

What Comes in the Kit (And Why It Matters)

Inside your kit, you’re getting the foundational pieces to build the system correctly.

That includes:

• Magnetic base beads (the core of the system)

• Character stands for display

• Magnets for toppers

• Design Wand to help you design your base bead and grab your magnets

The character stands are intentional. Most of us are collectors, and we don’t want our pieces just laying flat on a table. This gives your designs a display function as well, which increases perceived value

Design Isn’t Just About “Making Something Cute”

This is where we shift from crafting to product creation.

A lot of people have inventory sitting around. Beads, characters, charms, all of it.

But inventory doesn’t make money until it becomes a product.

What we talked about in the live:

• Designing with a purpose, not just aesthetics

• Building collections instead of one-off pens

• Creating interchangeable value instead of single-use designs

• Thinking about how a customer would buy, not just how you would make

This is the shift most people are missing.

How to Start Thinking Like a Product Creator

Instead of asking:
“What can I make with this?”

Start asking:
“What would someone actually want to buy multiple times?”

That’s where the system becomes powerful.

You can create:

• Character collections

• Seasonal swaps

• Themed bundles

• Expandable product lines

This is how you move from selling one pen to building repeat customers.

Resources Mentioned in the Live

I always include everything I talked about so you don’t have to go hunting for it.

Here are the tools and materials referenced:

• Chibi SnapCharm™ Creator Kit

• Magnetic Base Beads (22mm, Patent Pending System)

• Character Expansion Pack

• Adhesives (Jewelry & Metal Glue, Liquid Fusion, etc.)

• Branding Charms

Training, Community, and What’s Coming Next

If you bought a kit, there’s more support coming your way.

I mentioned this in the live, but here’s what you can expect:

1. Training Course

You already have access to the full training breakdown here:
Chibi SnapCharm™ Training Hub

This walks through setup, design, and how to use the system step-by-step.

2. WhatsApp Community

All kit buyers are being invited into a private group where we:

• Share designs

• Ask questions

• Get feedback

• Build together

If you haven’t received your invite yet, it’s coming. I’m sending them out individually to make sure no one gets missed.

3. Live Masterclass (Coming in May)

This is where we go deeper.

We’re going to:

• Build collections together

• Walk through product strategy

• Set up your offers step-by-step

This is hands-on. You won’t just watch, you’ll actually create alongside me

Final Thought

This system isn’t just about making bead pens.

It’s about changing how you use your inventory.

Most people are sitting on hundreds or thousands of dollars in supplies that aren’t doing anything.

The goal is to turn that into:

• Products that make sense

• Systems that scale

• Designs people actually want to buy

We’re going to keep building on this together.

More lives are coming. More training is coming. And more ways to use this system are coming.

If you haven’t started yet, start simple.

Build one design.
Then build a second.
Then figure out how they connect.

That’s where this starts to click.

It was about shifting how you think about your entire business.

If you watched it live, you already felt it.
If you’re catching the replay, this is your roadmap.

✨ The Big Shift: From “Selling Pens” → Building Collectible Systems

The biggest takeaway?

You are not selling individual pens anymore.

You’re building:

• Collections

• Interchangeable systems

• Repeat-buy products

The Chibi SnapCharm™ system turns one customer into multiple future purchases because:

• They don’t need a new pen every time

• They need more characters, more styles, more swaps

That’s where your long-term revenue comes from.

💡 What Makes Chibi SnapCharm™ Different (and Why It Stands Out FAST)

This isn’t just “another bead trend.”

It solves real problems your customers already have:

✔ They want variety without clutter
✔ They want customization
✔ They want something fun and interactive

With Chibi SnapCharm™:

• One pen = multiple looks

• One customer = ongoing engagement

• One product = scalable income

🎯 How This Helps You Stand Out (Online AND at Craft Shows)

This is where things clicked for a lot of you last night.

At Craft Shows:

Instead of saying:

“I sell beaded pens”

You now say:

“These are interchangeable collectible pen toppers”

That alone changes:

• Perceived value

• Customer curiosity

• Sales conversations

💡 Live Demo = Sales Magnet
People will literally stop just to watch you swap characters using your Chibi SnapCharm™ system.

💰 New Revenue Streams You Can Start Immediately

We talked about this in depth, but here’s the breakdown:

1. Starter Kits (Your Core Offer)

This is your entry point product.

👉 Chibi SnapCharm™ Starter Kit

2. Expansion Packs (Where the Money Scales)

This is where repeat purchases happen.

👉 Chibi SnapCharm™ - Base Bead Expansion Pack

👉 Chibi SnapCharm™ - Character Magnet & Stands Expansion Pack

3. Character Drops (Limited Releases)

Create urgency with:

• Themes

• Holidays

• Collections

Think:

• “Princess Drop”

• “Spooky Pack”

• “Pastel Dream Set”

All built to expand your Chibi SnapCharm™ collections.

4. Branding Charms (GAME CHANGER)

This was one of the biggest moments from the live.

You can:

• Add your logo

• Create signature identity pieces

• Build brand recognition instantly

👉 Branding Charms with Logo

🧠 The Strategy Shift Most People Miss

This system works best when you stop thinking like a crafter…

…and start thinking like a brand.

Instead of:

• Random designs

• One-off products

You move into:

• Structured collections

• Repeatable systems

• Scalable offers

All powered by your Chibi SnapCharm™ ecosystem.

📦 Tools & Resources Mentioned in the Live

Here’s everything you’ll want to grab or reference:

• 👉 Chibi SnapCharm™ Starter Kit

• 👉 Chibi SnapCharm™ - Base Bead Expansion Pack

• 👉 Chibi SnapCharm™ - Character Magnet & Stands Expansion Pack

• 👉 Branding Charms with Logo

• 👉 Recommended Glue / Tools

• 👉 Packaging Supplies

(Pro tip: Bookmark this section. This is your build list.)

🚀 If You’re Just Getting Started

Start simple:

1. Grab your Chibi SnapCharm™ Starter Kit

2. Make 3–5 designs

3. Create a small “collection” for your target market

4. Start showing the swapping on video

That’s it.

You don’t need:

• Hundreds of beads

• A massive inventory

• A perfect setup

You need movement and visibility.

💬 Final Thought From the Live

This isn’t about replacing what you already do.

It’s about evolving it.

The creators who win with Chibi SnapCharm™ are the ones who:

• Lean into the system

• Build collections

• Stay consistent

And most importantly…

👉 They stop thinking small.

If you watched the live, I’d love to know (leave a comment):
What was your biggest takeaway?

And when you build your first Chibi SnapCharm™ set…
you already know I want to see it. 💖

We also had some candid conversations around the bead craft business,

oin me for my next live video in the app.

Get more from Bead & Build Studio in the Substack app

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Get the app

Read more

Here is the truth most bead creators do not realize right away:

You do not have a supply problem.
You do not have a creativity problem.
You have a strategy problem.

Once you fix that, everything else starts working.

The Real Problem: You’re Organizing Wrong

Most people organize their beads by:

• Color

• Shape

• What looks cute together

It feels right, but it does not lead to consistent sales.

Customers do not shop based on random combinations. They shop based on identity and interest.

That is why this idea matters so much:

Themes tell you what you have.
Markets and tailoring your theme collections will tell you what will sell.

The Shift That Changes Everything

Instead of organizing by colors or what looks cute, start organizing by collections for your target market.

Examples:

• Character lovers

• Teachers

• Nurses

• Moms and self care

• Glam and luxury styles

• Kids and playful designs

When you make this shift:

• Your designs become more intentional

• Your content becomes easier to create

• Your products become easier to sell

Designing With Purpose

During the live, I showed how to take flat back charms and turn them into high value bead designs using a simple process.

The goal is not just to make something cute.

The goal is to create:

• A recognizable style

• Repeatable designs

• Sellable collections

That is how you move from making crafts to running a brand.

Products and Tools Used

Here are the exact items I used and talked about during the live. Add your links where needed.

Core Products

Creation Tape (double sided rhinestone tape)
Chibi Charms Assortment of Creation Tapes

Flat Back Charms
Hello Kitty Charms on Temu

Base Beads (clear, plate, shaped bases)
Chibi Charms Assortment of Base Beads

Spacer Beads and Embellishments
Chibi Charms Bead Accessories

Tools

Bead Reamer/Hole Shaper
Chibi Charms Bead Reamer Tool Set

Silicone Nail Tools
Silicone Nail Tools on Amazon

Clear Drying Glues/Silicone Rhinestone Glue
Chibi Charms Glues

UV Gel Foundation and Top Coat Gel/Nail Foils Kit
Beetles Nail Foil Kit

Hello Kitty Rhinestone Tray
Rhinestone Trays on Temu

What We Did on the Live

Here is what we covered step by step:

1. Turning flat back charms into custom beads

2. Layering designs using Creation Tape

3. Improving the finish and hiding imperfections

4. Designing with a specific customer in mind

5. Creating multiple variations from one idea

Everything focused on making designs that look polished and can be recreated easily.

The Business Lesson That Matters Most

You do not need more inventory.

You need better positioning.

When your products are aligned with a clear market:

• Your content becomes easier to understand

• Your shop becomes easier to navigate

• Your customers are more likely to buy again

If You’re Ready to Grow

Start with this:

• Pick one target market

• Create 3 to 5 designs for that group

• Make content showing how they are used

• Sell them before scaling

Keep it simple and focused.

Summary

• Stop organizing by colors and start organizing by collections for your target market

• Design for a specific buyer, not just aesthetics

• Use simple tools to create higher value designs quickly

• Focus on repeatable systems

• Sales come from clarity, not more products

If you were on the live, thank you for being there.

If you missed it, this is your starting point.

Build with intention and your business will follow.

Read more

Let’s talk about the part no one really wants to say out loud.

If your products aren’t selling, it’s usually not because the market is saturated.
It’s not because the algorithm is against you.
And it’s not because you “just need more content.”

It almost always comes down to a few core issues that are fixable once you can see them clearly.

Tonight, I’m breaking these down live, but I want to give you the foundation first.

Read more

They struggle because they’re trying to sell the same product to the same people everyone else is selling to.

Pens. Keychains. The same formats. The same buyers. The same conversations.

In last week’s live training, I walked through a very different way of thinking about your designs, your supplies, and your business. Not as individual products, but as systems that can live in multiple markets at once.

This post breaks down that concept and shows you how to stop limiting your work to one audience.

The Core Problem Most Designers Don’t See

If you are only designing for one use case, you are unintentionally shrinking your audience.

A bead pen is not just a bead pen.
A charm is not just a charm.
A “cute design” is not just something for one type of buyer.

What you’re really creating is a signature design language. And once you understand that, you can place it into entirely different markets without reinventing your work.

Signature Design First. Market Second.

Before you think about where to sell, you need to understand what you already have.

Most creators are sitting on thousands of dollars in supplies and designs with no clear direction. Not because they bought the wrong things, but because they never grouped or positioned them intentionally.

A signature design is built by:

• Grouping what you already own by character, theme, or style

• Identifying what you have multiples of

• Turning those into a repeatable series instead of one-off products

Once you do that, markets become obvious.

Why This Changes Everything

When you design with a specific market in mind:

• You stop competing on price

• Your products feel intentional instead of random

• Buyers understand who your work is for

• Your content becomes clearer and more focused

And most importantly, you stop selling only to other designers.

What This Training Covered

During the live session, I walked through:

• How to identify a signature design using what you already own

• Why limited and seasonal series create stronger demand

• How the same design can work across completely different audiences

• Why focusing on one lane accelerates growth instead of slowing it

I also introduced 16 different markets that bead designers and creators can realistically tap into without learning new skills or buying new tools.

That full breakdown, including:

• What to sell in each market

• Who buys it

• How that market grows over time

is available below for paid subscribers.

FULL MARKET LIST

One Signature Design. Multiple Markets.

1. Mechanical Keyboard + Desk Setup Market

What you sell
• Keycap bead toppers
• Light-up fidget keycaps
• Desk fidget accessories

Who buys
• Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts
• Desk setup creators
• Tech and productivity audiences

How it grows
• Limited character series drops
• Seasonal designs
• Collaboration builds with creators (many designers already create custom chibi characters, making collaborations a natural fit)
• Selling the same design as a pen topper, keychain, or keycap

Market summary
This market thrives on collectibility and aesthetics. If you enjoy character-driven designs and limited drops, this is a strong entry point that allows one design to live in multiple formats.

2. Fidget and Sensory Market

What you sell
• Quiet fidget keychains
• Desk fidgets
• Tactile bead builds

Who buys
• Adults who use fidgets at work
• Sensory-seeking audiences
• Parents, teachers, caregivers

How it grows
• Sensory-focused collections
• Texture-based designs
• Spinning designs on bead pens and keychains
• Portable vs desk versions of the same build

Market summary
This market is driven by function and feel. Small design changes allow the same build to serve multiple needs, making it ideal for creators who enjoy purposeful, tactile designs.

3. Gaming and Streaming Community

What you sell
• Desk decor pieces using short bead rods as figurine stand legs
• Stream-visible fidget bead pens and keychains
• Headset accessories

Who buys
• Streamers
• Gamers
• Content creators

How it grows
• On-camera friendly designs
• Creator collaborations with large streamers
• Subscriber-only or limited drops

Market summary
Visibility fuels this market. Designs that look good on camera gain traction quickly, especially when paired with creators who already have built-in audiences.

4. Event and Celebration Market

What you sell
• Custom pens
• Keepsake keychains
• Table decor or favor items

Who buys
• Weddings
• Baby showers
• Sweet 16s
• Quinceañeras
• Bridal showers

How it grows
• Pre-set packages
• Minimum quantity orders
• Color-based customization instead of full custom work

Market summary
This market values consistency and meaning. Structured options keep your workload manageable while still offering a personalized experience.

5. Senior Living Communities

What you sell
• Easy-to-build pen kits
• Cute themed charm sets
• Seasonal activity kits

Who buys
• Senior living communities
• Activities directors
• Residents

How it grows
• Bulk pre-paid registrations
• Donating one hour to lead the activity
• Repeat bookings across communities
• Seasonal refreshes

Market summary
This is a relationship-driven market with strong repeat potential. Simple, joyful designs paired with in-person experiences create long-term opportunities.

6. Community Workshops and Group Crafting

What you sell
• Beginner build kits
• Group activity bundles

Who buys
• Libraries
• Community centers
• Youth groups
• After-school programs

How it grows
• Seasonal workshops
• Family craft nights
• Holiday gift-making sessions

Market summary
Group crafting markets favor accessibility. If you enjoy teaching and designing for beginners, this market scales through events rather than individual sales.

7. Corporate and Workplace Gifting

What you sell
• Desk pens
• Fidget accessories
• Small decor items for corporate giveaways

Who buys
• HR teams
• Event planners
• Corporate offices

How it grows
• Bulk appreciation orders
• Seasonal employee gifts
• Repeat contracts

Market summary
This market prioritizes volume and reliability. Clean, professional designs with minimal customization perform best.

8. Fundraisers and Non-Profit Campaigns

What you sell
• Awareness color designs
• Keychains
• Simple bracelets

Who buys
• Schools
• PTA groups
• Sports teams
• Non-profits

How it grows
• Cause-based collections
• Event-specific runs
• Percentage-back fundraising models

Market summary
Emotion drives purchasing here. Designs tied to a mission or cause often sell in higher quantities with less resistance.

9. Schools and Teachers

What you sell
• Teacher pens
• Desk decor
• Incentive items

Who buys
• Teachers
• Schools
• Parents

How it grows
• Classroom theme kits
• Back-to-school drops
• End-of-year gifts

Market summary
Teachers value practicality and charm. Seasonal rhythms make this market predictable and repeatable.

10. Therapy, Counseling, and Wellness Spaces

What you sell
• Sensory fidgets
• Calm desk accessories
• Texture-based builds

Who buys
• Therapists
• Counselors
• Occupational therapy centers

How it grows
• Sensory-specific collections
• Bulk clinic orders
• Quiet, calming design lines

Market summary
This market rewards intentional design. Simplicity, texture, and calm aesthetics matter more than trends.

11. Pet Lovers and Animal Communities

What you sell
• Animal-themed pens
• Paw print keychains
• Pet-space decor

Who buys
• Pet owners
• Pet boutiques
• Animal rescues

How it grows
• Breed-based collections
• Rescue collaborations
• Seasonal pet themes

Market summary
Pet buyers are emotionally invested. Themed collections and collaborations work especially well here.

12. Seasonal and Holiday Markets

What you sell
• Holiday garlands
• Seasonal decor
• Limited themed accessories

Who buys
• Home decorators
• Gift buyers
• Event planners

How it grows
• Time-limited drops
• Predictable annual demand
• Reusing base designs yearly

Market summary
Urgency drives this market. One strong seasonal design can be reused and refreshed year after year.

13. Local Small Businesses

What you sell
• Counter decor
• Gift-with-purchase items
• Small branded accessories

Who buys
• Salons
• Coffee shops
• Boutiques
• Yoga studios

How it grows
• Monthly decor refreshes
• Seasonal swaps
• Subscription-style decor packages

Market summary
Local businesses value consistency and relationships. Small recurring orders add up quickly.

14. Memory and Legacy Keepsakes

What you sell
• Custom color garlands
• Memorial keepsakes
• Milestone designs

Who buys
• Families
• Event planners
• Private clients

How it grows
• Referral-based work
• High emotional value
• Structured customization

Market summary
This market is deeply personal. Clear boundaries and intentional offerings keep it sustainable and meaningful.

15. DIY Creator Collaboration Kits

What you sell
• Co-branded kits
• Signature series builds

Who buys
• Other creators
• Their audiences

How it grows
• Shared marketing
• Built-in demand
• Scarcity-based launches

Market summary
Collaboration multiplies reach. These kits work best when both creators bring aligned audiences.

16. Bead Garland-Specific Niche Markets

What you sell
• Decorative garlands
• Themed bead strands

Who buys
• Teachers
• Home decorators
• Event planners
• Therapy spaces
• Senior communities

How it grows
• One base design
• Multiple themes
• Custom lengths and seasonal updates

Market summary
Garlands are one of the most adaptable products. A single style can serve many audiences with minimal changes.

How to Decide Which Market to Focus On

You do not need to tackle all of these at once.

Ask yourself:

• Which market aligns with what I already own?

• Which audience excites me to create for?

• How much effort can I realistically put into serving that market well?

The goal is not to sell to everyone.
The goal is to be unmistakably clear about who your work is for.

As always, thank you for being here and for supporting this space. Whether you’re just starting or refining what you already built, you’re not behind. You’re learning how to focus.

I’m sharing a private replay with you this week as a thank-you for supporting my work. This session focuses on signature series design and how to turn one build into a multi-use product that works across pens, key caps, and fidget items.

You can watch the video below:

Paid subscribers receive early access. This video will be released to free subscribers in about 30 days. I hope this helps you start thinking about your designs as systems, not single products.

• - Sasha, Chief Chibi Charm Creator