My First Sale - That wasn't a friend or family member.

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There comes a moment in every small business owner’s journey that feels like a rite of passage. No, I’m not talking about picking the perfect logo or finally figuring out how to price your products without second-guessing yourself (although those are both real struggles).

I’m talking about The First Sale.

Not the “Oh, honey, I’ll buy one” from your mom.

Not the “I love your work! Do you take Venmo?” from your bestie.

Not even the “I’ll support your business!” purchase from your cousin who still owes you money from 2009.

I mean the first REAL sale—from a complete stranger. Someone who doesn’t share your last name, isn’t in your group chat, and gasp actually wants what you made!

How It Happened

So, there I was, minding my own business (literally), when I got The Notification.

You know the one.

📩 Cha-ching! You’ve made a sale!

At first, I assumed it was my sister or a coworker trying to be sneaky. But when I checked the order details… I didn’t recognize the name.

I blinked. Could it be? Was this… a real customer? A stranger? Someone who just stumbled upon my shop and thought, “Yes, this is exactly what I need in my life”?!

The Emotional Spiral

What happened next was a series of completely normal, totally professional reactions:

  1. Denial: This must be a mistake. Maybe they meant to order from another shop, and I’ll have to refund them.
  2. Excitement: OMG, someone out there loves my work!
  3. Panic: Wait. What if they hate it? What if I pack it wrong? What if this is the moment my entire business collapses?
  4. Responsibility Mode: No. Pull it together. They trust you. Time to deliver!
  5. Sheer Joy: I AM A LEGITIMATE BUSINESS OWNER!

Packing the Order Like My Life Depended on It

Let me tell you—no one has ever packed a bookmark with more love, care, and borderline obsession than I did that day. Tissue paper? Perfectly folded. Thank-you note? Handwritten with extra sparkle. Shipping label? Double-checked five times.

I practically held my breath as I dropped it off at the post office, whispering, Go forth, little package. Make someone’s day.

What I Learned from That First Sale

  1. Strangers will buy from you—if you show up and keep putting your work out there.
  2. That feeling never gets old. Every time I hear the cha-ching, I still get excited (and, okay, maybe still panic just a little).
  3. The people who support you in the beginning—friends, family, or strangers—are the foundation of something bigger.
  4. It’s okay to celebrate the wins. Even the small ones. Actually, especially the small ones.

So, if you’re just starting out and waiting for that first real sale, keep going. Keep creating. Keep believing in what you’re building. Because that first order? It’s coming. And when it does, you’ll never forget it.

Have you had your first real sale moment yet? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your story! Oh yea - check out my shop: https://riseupdesignboutique.etsy.com

Until next time,

Jecca

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