On Full-Time Creative Entrepreneurship And Burnout: Benh Pham of Year 901
What does it look like to pursue your side-hustle full-time? As we gear up for our fall craftHER Market, we’ll touch base with a few of our vendors who have scaled their small businesses to support themselves and other employees.
Today, we’re spotlighting Benh Pham, the Austin-based creative behind Year 901. In this interview, Pham chats with us about creative burnout, finding a healthy work-life balance and slowing.
This interview has been conducted and compiled by Divina Ceniceros Dominguez.
Benh Pham of Year 901
WHO: Benh Pham with Year 901
I'm Benh, a metalsmith based in Austin and the maker of all things at YEAR 901. At YEAR 901, I make fun and light-hearted jewelry that’s inspired by playful shapes and all the squiggly things. When I’m not making jewelry, I’m dabbling into other crafts like ceramics and punch needling. I also love being in the kitchen testing out new recipes.
1.) When did you start your business?
I would say that the official start of YEAR 901 was in 2015 when I launched a website. Before then, it was an on/off hobby where I was taking orders via instagram. It felt 'real' once the site went live and my jewelry was out in the world.
3.) What motivated you to start?
I had a job in marketing that was extremely fast-paced and high stress and I started making as a creative outlet. I wanted something to put all of my energy towards. Something that was completely mine. I picked up all sorts of hobbies during that time like sewing, leatherwork, scrapbooking—anything to keep my hands moving. When my hands were busy, my mind was clear. Jewelry is the one thing that really stuck. I loved the slow process it took to turn metal into something shiny and beautiful.
4.) Looking back, what were some challenges you experienced that you weren’t expecting?
It is a challenge as a creative to not only put a price tag on your work but also rely on said work to pay the bills. Sometimes it feels impossible to separate yourself from your work but for me it is necessary. I used to (and sometimes still do) take every rejection or disappointment very personally instead of looking at it objectively. My designs are not for everyone and that is okay! There will be people that gravitate towards your work and some that don’t but none of that is a reflection of you personally or as an artist. There are plenty of handmade goods and customers to go around.
5.) We’re curious about your creative process. How do you make things and get in the headspace to make things?
My creative process starts with my environment. I surround myself with lots of color, plants and objects made by other artists to keep me inspired. If I’m making something that isn’t turning out the way I’d like, I step away from it. I’ll come back to it maybe a day/week or even a month later with a new set of eyes.
6.) Let’s talk about time management—how do you find work/life balance as a creative business owner?
It took me a few burnouts before realizing that spending time doing things that make me feel better, in return makes my work better. Last year, I took a lot of time to reflect on what I want for myself and a reoccurring theme was to slow it down. I often ask myself how I can accomplish all things I want to do at a pace that feels right to me.
7.) How have you pivoted or adapted to the COVID-19 regulations or changes? What did this pandemic bring up for you? (This answer does not have to be positive-just truthful.)
Fortunately, I have a home studio and do most of my business online. But like many other small business, we also rely on in-person events for income and to grow relationships with customers and vendors. Nothing beats the face-to-face interaction where I get to meet and chat with customers and they get to touch and try things on. I miss the energy of popup markets and can’t wait to see everyone again.
8.) Is there any final advice or lessons you want to share with others looking to start their own business or taking that leap from side hustle to full-time?
In the beginning stages of full-time YEAR 901, I read tons of interviews on this question. For me, I never got to a point where I was ready. At times it felt like the world was pushing me towards a direction and I had my feet planted in the ground trying to stop the movement while exclaiming that I wasn’t ready, it’s not time yet. Maybe in a year when my work looks more polished.
It took lots of tears and sleepless nights for me to realize that I don’t have to be ready. All I need to do is take a few steps and then a couple more after that. I allowed myself to let go of the resistance and to figure it out as I go. I knew I had a deep desire to make jewelry and put it into the world and just focused on that. Before I knew it, a year had passed and I figured out all those problems. More years passed, more problems solved and more things were accomplished.
Some people jump right in and others (like me) start with a few steps but there is no wrong way to do it. I hope this encourages you to keep moving forward even though you may not feel ready.
Want to meet Benh at craftHER?
Head here to join us in October. You can also learn more about Benh and her work at Year 901’s website.