Working in the hobby

It does seem like it would be a pretty interesting trade to be in... But for me personally, I always think that if I try to make a career out of anything I really enjoy, the stress or even just the repetition will make me begin to resent it... Perhaps that just means I'm lacking true "passion" for it lol

 

I've been dead set on being a teacher since I was in elementary school, so I don't think I would do it.

Perhaps, if I get good at it, it would be nice to consider making items for BJDs on the side though.

 

I actually had a dream that I opened up a doll shop in Atlanta and in my dream it was doing very well. In real life, I doubt there is much demand for such a store though. In my dream, I offered dolls in store for sale (clothing, wigs, eyes, etc.) as well as offered layaway programs for people to order dolls and pick them up once they arrived. I also offered in store esthetic services. It was cool that in my dream, all the dynamics were already worked out and everything was running smoothly, as I'd have no idea how to make it all work in real life haha!

 

In the idea of owning a physical shop: realistically no, never haha. I just could never bring myself to believe it'd be practical, the niche is far too small here for new businesses like that to flourish. Plus I don't think people understand how difficult it is to own an independent business, it is not a cakewalk where you just rent a space and plop some merchandise on a shelf. There are so many small things involved behind the scenes, special tax forms, management of employees, bank accounts etc. Especially not easy in the beginning when you aren't established. I've seen a lot of others try with hobby shops and fail; sadly, we just don't have the market for it right now and a lot of people aren't cut out to run stores. The businesses that we do have here in the states are blessed to be doing as well as they do, but honestly, how many of us knew and lost small shops we loved because there was just not enough support to run it?

In the idea of working at an established & successful shop: I'd consider it part time! I wouldn't ever make it my main job since I personally wouldn't have any skills needed to (customizing, sculpting etc), and I think that even in a an established company it might be hard to be covered for benefits etc. Since even the established ones we know are pretty small, all things considered! And what can I say, I like job security and benefits haha.

But if this was a dreamworld where we could just do things we liked to do and not have to worry about real life issues, I would love to work in some ridiculous doll clothing store. I think it would be a lot of fun to set up displays and get sneak peeks on new merchandise

 

I actually have been learning a lot from this community. The main thing that i can gather is everyone love how unique each sculpt can be. In that note i would love to create my own. I have worked with clay modling in the past, as well as how to make forms, molds, casts, and the like. If i could i would be happy to make my own sculpts for a company. Right now the only thing i make is coffee at the deli. Latte art will only take you so far.

 

When I win the lottery.... (hahahaha)....this is exactly what I would do. Also when I inherit tons of money from a relative I don't know I have, I will also retire from my glamorous life as a nurse and open my imaginary doll shop.

If there was a doll shop near me, I would already be working there. Probably for free. If it wasn't a 16 hour drive to Mint on Card I would again consider leaving my glorious career. I do check the Tonner website once and awhile and pretend

 

Not likely will ever be able to work in a shop, but I may have opportunity to try making a doll. We have a local facility that has industrial tools, including 3D printers, for the public to use. Since my background is art/design, and with access to 3D drafting software (at my job) ... I'm thinking of giving it a go in the future

 

I'd love to work in a BJD-related place.
That's probably not going to happen, but it's on my to-do list to attempt to sculpt at least one doll, for fun. c:

 

I think it would be fun! Even if my job was packing up orders and mailing them, I would love to see what I was sending where and imagine the doll those items were going to. I have some sculpting in my background, so that would definitely be fun, too. Or even just sketching ideas for sculpting and sewing! The only problem would be that I'd spend all the money I made at the job on dolls and doll stuff, haha!

 

I would absolutely LOVE to run an online shop, or work for an American dealer. If I could reasonably support myself doing it, I'd happily quit my current job.

I say American shop because i only speak English, and I think that would cause some major problems working for a shop overseas. XD Also, I don't think I'd really want to deal with the dolls themselves so much as clothing, accessories, props, etc, because dolls are such a huge investment and they can get damaged easier, and I just feel like there would be fewer problems with small extras than resin.

I do have a background in retail, I've managed a chain retail store in the past, I've done inventory, and customer service, and I now am a secretary for a locally owned business and see the expenses of running such a place. I don't think I'd want to run a physical store, since the costs would be outrageous for such an unpopular hobby in my area, but online would be excellent!

 

I had a dream the other night that I went into a mall and it was filled with BJD's who acted as mannequins for the dresses and clothing available. You could get them in dolly size or people size.

I think that would be a really fun shop! Shop for your doll and yourself all in one place ^^

 

*Plans immediate trip to Japan* lol That's amazing! If onlyyyyy

 

Wow! I really need to go there. Definitely would be fun working somewhere like that also and get to see pretty dolls everyday! Thanks for sharing the vid!

 

THAT is very close to my imaginary doll store that I will open when I win the lottery. Except there would be sewing and knitting too. Keep dreaming lady. I can't even get anyone to come to my house and knit doll clothes with me lol!

 

Working in a store--no. Retail is retail and I'm not good at or interested in it.

A LOT of people buy and sell and create bjd things. Some work it up into mini-businesses that are more than just a way to make some bjd spending money. I think if you like sewing or designing or painting or sculpting or whatever, then there's a lot of opportunity in bjd-related business.

I'd do that if I was passionate enough about it, but I'm not, really. I don't really do anything that well that is bjd-related. But there are tons of folk out there who are working hard at it and doing pretty well (not getting rich, but making some sort of wage... maybe enough to live on).

 

I am not that good with everything I tried BJD related hehe so no.. because I don't have the skills to make quality products that can be mass produced.. so I mainly practice these as a hobby

as april there are so many people out there who are making dolls and sell them or work on different stuff doll related.. I came across many with STUNNING skills.. and amazing work.. I am no where near that at this point.. so I feel that they reached a point of mastery that allows them to have really good reputation among doll owners which helps them get more customers.