Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Ocean-themed resin art resonates strongly — tourists want beach memories preserved
• •Local flowers, shells, and sea glass make unique inclusions with island story
• •Limited local competition — resin requires specialized knowledge and setup
• •Smaller items travel well — tourists can pack jewelry and coasters easily
• •Resin supplies ship reliably to the island — relatively lightweight materials

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Master small pieces (jewelry, keychains) before large projects

   • •Small pours use less resin — mistakes cost $5, not $50
   • •Faster cure times let you iterate and learn quickly
   • •Small items sell faster at markets — build skills while building inventory
2. 2
   Develop a signature style or specialty rather than making 'everything resin'

   • •Ocean art, botanical jewelry, memorial pieces — each has different buyers
   • •Being known for one thing builds reputation faster than being scattered
   • •Focused production is more efficient than constantly switching techniques
3. 3
   Prioritize safety setup before your first pour

   • •Resin fumes require proper ventilation — health first, always
   • •Uncured resin is a skin sensitizer — proper gloves and workspace are essential
   • •Professional safety practices become habits that protect you long-term

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Buy resin in larger quantities — gallon kits are 40-50% cheaper per ounce than small bottles
• •Make your own silicone molds for custom shapes — cheaper than buying specialty molds
• •Collect free inclusions — dried flowers, beach finds, shells cost nothing
• •List on a local marketplace for free — no website fees to start selling
• •Share workspace with other resin artists — split rent and equipment costs
• •Offer classes to monetize skills while building your customer base

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Resin ties up cash — materials before sales, especially for larger projects
• •Small items (jewelry, keychains) sell faster than large art pieces
• •Custom memorial work should require deposits — 50% upfront covers materials
• •Holiday season and wedding season are peak — build inventory ahead

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Start small while keeping your day job — resin work fits evenings and weekends
• •Molds, tools, and unused resin all have resale value
• •Test designs at markets before making multiples
• •Start with jewelry and small items — lower material investment per piece
• •Document your process on social media — resin videos perform well and build audience
• •Offer multiple price points — $15 keychains to $200+ memorial pieces

Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Ocean-themed resin art resonates strongly — tourists want beach memories preserved
• •Local flowers, shells, and sea glass make unique inclusions with island story
• •Limited local competition — resin requires specialized knowledge and setup
• •Smaller items travel well — tourists can pack jewelry and coasters easily
• •Resin supplies ship reliably to the island — relatively lightweight materials

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Master small pieces (jewelry, keychains) before large projects

   • •Small pours use less resin — mistakes cost $5, not $50
   • •Faster cure times let you iterate and learn quickly
   • •Small items sell faster at markets — build skills while building inventory
2. 2
   Develop a signature style or specialty rather than making 'everything resin'

   • •Ocean art, botanical jewelry, memorial pieces — each has different buyers
   • •Being known for one thing builds reputation faster than being scattered
   • •Focused production is more efficient than constantly switching techniques
3. 3
   Prioritize safety setup before your first pour

   • •Resin fumes require proper ventilation — health first, always
   • •Uncured resin is a skin sensitizer — proper gloves and workspace are essential
   • •Professional safety practices become habits that protect you long-term

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Buy resin in larger quantities — gallon kits are 40-50% cheaper per ounce than small bottles
• •Make your own silicone molds for custom shapes — cheaper than buying specialty molds
• •Collect free inclusions — dried flowers, beach finds, shells cost nothing
• •List on a local marketplace for free — no website fees to start selling
• •Share workspace with other resin artists — split rent and equipment costs
• •Offer classes to monetize skills while building your customer base

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Resin ties up cash — materials before sales, especially for larger projects
• •Small items (jewelry, keychains) sell faster than large art pieces
• •Custom memorial work should require deposits — 50% upfront covers materials
• •Holiday season and wedding season are peak — build inventory ahead

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Start small while keeping your day job — resin work fits evenings and weekends
• •Molds, tools, and unused resin all have resale value
• •Test designs at markets before making multiples
• •Start with jewelry and small items — lower material investment per piece
• •Document your process on social media — resin videos perform well and build audience
• •Offer multiple price points — $15 keychains to $200+ memorial pieces