Start a Business with Limited Time: 8 Tips for Busy Creatives
It’s absolutely possible to start a creative business with limited time — whether you’re a parent, working full time, or simply stretched in lots of directions.
You don’t need to wait for a big clear stretch of time. That day may never come. What matters most is starting — gently, and consistently.
Here’s how.
1. Growing your audience takes time — start now
The most time-consuming part of building a business is growing your audience. That’s why it’s important to begin this as soon as you can.
You don’t need a website or a logo to begin. Just start sharing online — your process, your thoughts, the things you’re working on. Over time, people will begin to notice. Then you can invite them to join your newsletter.
2. Set up your email list early
Starting an email list early is one of the best things you can do when you start a creative business with limited time. (More on this in my free guide).
Social media is a powerful tool for building an audience — but it’s not something you own. Platforms change. Algorithms shift. Accounts get restricted.
Your email list is different. It’s yours. It’s the foundation of your business.
Over time, your list will become one of your most valuable tools. It’s where you build deeper connections, share your creative journey, and gently invite people to support your work.
3. Accept that life will get in the way sometimes
This isn’t negative thinking — it’s just the truth. Unexpected things will always come up. Kids get sick. Work gets busy. Energy dips.
You may even decide not to pursue your business idea long-term. That’s okay too. But the sooner you start exploring the idea, the sooner you’ll know if it’s something you truly want to grow — or not.
The worst thing is staying stuck in indecision for months or years. Try something now, even if it’s small.
4. Use what time you do have — even 30 minutes
Carve out small windows of time each day. Maybe it’s 30 minutes in the evening. Or an hour before everyone wakes up. That’s enough to start.
Little chunks of focused time can really add up.
If you find yourself scrolling or watching TV, gently ask yourself if that time could be used for your business instead.
I haven’t watched TV in over a decade (well, I sometimes watch things online, but rarely). I made that choice so I could use those quiet in-between moments to build something meaningful.
When my children were small, I wrote and self-published my books during nap times. These days, I often write Instagram posts first thing in the morning, before anyone else is awake.
5. Use your “in-between” time to stay inspired
Use other moments — like walking, driving, or folding laundry — to listen to podcasts or audiobooks.
Lately, I’ve been enjoying Daniel Priestley. His books and talks are motivating and full of practical ideas.
These small boosts can help you stay focused on your goals.
6. Focus on one task each day
Each day, decide on one thing you’ll focus on. One task that will move things forward.
It might be writing your newsletter. Planning your Instagram posts for the week. Or outlining a new blog post.
Doing one thing well is better than juggling too many and finishing none.
7. Momentum matters more than perfection
It’s so much better to show up consistently — even in small ways — than to do a big push and disappear for weeks.
There’s magic in the rhythm of showing up regularly. You’ll build confidence. And people will start to notice.
Keep the energy going by doing just a little bit each day.
8. Create something once and sell it again and again
If you have limited time, consider creating a digital product.
It could be a recorded class, a PDF guide or a bundle of templates. Something people can download and use again and again.
Digital products are powerful because you make them once, and they keep working for you. You can still offer handmade or custom work alongside this, but I strongly recommend adding a digital element to your business too.
It’s one of the most sustainable ways to earn from your creativity in the long term — especially when time is tight
Final thoughts on starting a creative business with limited time
Don’t wait for more time. Or the perfect idea. Or the right moment. (It may never happen).
Start now — with what you have, and where you are. You don’t need to do it all. But you can start a creative business with limited time — and let it grow steadily, day by day.
You’ll learn as you go. And little by little, your creative business will begin to take shape.
A free guide to help you begin
If you’d like a bit of guidance as you take your first steps, I’ve put together a free guide for you:
👉 Download The Creative Business Blueprint
It’s a quick-start guide with simple, practical steps to help you share your work, grow an audience, and begin building a business from your creativity — at your own pace.
