Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get said enough in the world of handmade business…

You’re allowed to start again.

In fact, for Fran – the maker and co-founder behind Bourne To Shop Designs – starting over was the best thing she could’ve done.

I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Fran on the Handmade Boss podcast to talk all about her journey. And what a journey it’s been, from feeling stuck in a business that didn’t light her up, to creating a brand that’s fun, values-led, and genuinely making sales on Etsy.

Here’s what I love most about Fran’s story... it’s real. It’s not all “overnight success” or curated Instagram perfection. It’s about trial and error, figuring out what doesn’t work, and giving yourself permission to shift.

💡 From Burnout to Born to Shop 

A couple of years ago, Fran found herself building a business selling digital printables. On paper, it made sense. But in reality? It became a chore. She dreaded the social media, felt unmotivated, and just wasn’t excited to grow it.

Sound familiar?

What changed everything was a simple but powerful realisation:

 “I sat down and thought... can I imagine myself still doing this in a year? And the answer was no.”

So she walked away from it. No shame, no failure... just clarity.

And then, things started to click.

She teamed up with her friend Michelle (a fellow CrossFitter and marketing whizz), and together they created Bourne to Shop Designs, a comfy clothing brand celebrating hobbies and interests, from crafting and gardening to music.

Think: cosy sweatshirts with slogans like “Fork Yeah” and “Born to Play.” It’s joyful, it’s bold, and it connects people through the things they love.

💬 Finding the Right Fit (In Business and in Life) 

Fran’s new business isn’t just more aligned, it’s more sustainable. She’s built it around her life, not the other way around.

✅ It fits with homeschooling her daughter

✅ She loves the creative process again

✅ Her business partner handles the marketing (hello, dream team)

✅ And the sales? They’re rolling in!

Fran credits a big part of her growth to the work she did inside the Handmade Business Success Academy (HBSA) from understanding her niche to designing her Etsy shop with clarity and purpose.

 “Because I’d done that research and planning already, we were able to launch so much quicker and we got our first Etsy sales right away.”

🎯 Fran’s Advice to Anyone Feeling Stuck: 

 • If you’re not enjoying it, you don’t have to keep going.

 • Ask yourself: can I imagine still doing this in a year?

 • You’re allowed to change your mind (and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed).

 • Nothing is ever a waste - every step teaches you something.

 • Look after yourself first. The right people and ideas will come.

Whether you’re brand new to handmade business or sitting in that “this isn’t quite it” space… Fran’s story is proof that your best idea might be just around the corner.

And when you follow what feels right – not just what looks good on paper – you create something so much more powerful.