From Hobby to Business: How I Built a Profitable Laser Business
My messy, beautiful journey from mom with a Glowforge to full-blown laser entrepreneur
If you had told me in 2020 that I’d one day be running two Etsy shops, stocking handmade products in retail stores, designing laser files for a growing community of makers, and owning two lasers… all while raising two little ones under one roof—I probably would’ve laughed and gone back to the chaos that was the hospitals, because 2020… and I was working as a nurse on the floor in a major hospital.
But here I am. And let me tell you—this business journey has been one wild, heart-filling ride.
The Beginning: One Laser, Big Dreams, and Nap Time Hustles
It all started in 2021 with a vinyl cutter, making decals and wedding signs and a heart full of curiosity. I wasn’t sure exactly where this would take me—I just knew I loved creating and did not know how to sit still, even with a newborn on my hip. During nap times and late-night stretches (when I probably should’ve been sleeping), I’d be in the zone—cutting, testing, failing, learning.
That tiny spark of a super small side hustle quickly grew into something bigger.
By 2022, I was selling physical laser-made products with my new Glowforge.
By 2024, I expanded my business once more by stepping into the world of digital products—offering SVG files designed specifically for other laser makers. This opened up a whole new revenue stream and allowed me to support creators all over the world with ready-to-cut designs that save time and spark creativity. I realized I could serve people like me—makers who wanted to skip the overwhelm and get straight to creating.
The Growth Years: Thunder Nova, Etsy Success & Retail Wins
In 2023, I took the leap and added a Thunder Nova 51 to my workspace. It felt like a graduation day! That upgrade unlocked the ability to scale, fulfill more orders, and experiment with more complex designs. My Etsy shop was growing steadily, and I began stocking products in retail locations—an achievement I never imagined in those early nap-time hustle days.
Behind every win, though, were real challenges:
Managing customer service while bouncing a baby on my hip and being pregnant with my second baby
Learning the hard way about inventory planning during a holiday rush
Balancing the mental load of motherhood and entrepreneurship
Some days were chaotic. Others were slow and discouraging. But through it all, I kept going—because the joy of creating and connecting was greater than the chaos.
Lessons I’ve Learned (So You Don’t Have To)
If you're standing where I once was—filled with big dreams and maybe a bit of doubt—here’s what I’d tell you:
1. Start before you’re ready.
Perfection is a myth. I started with messy listings, beginner photos, and imperfect products. And I learned from every step.
2. Community is everything.
Don’t build your business in a bubble. Connect with other makers. Ask questions. Share wins and struggles. That support is gold.
3. Invest in tools and systems that grow with you.
Upgrading to a Thunder wasn’t just about speed—it was about giving myself room to grow.
4. Don’t underestimate digital products.
SVG files opened up a new stream of income and let me serve fellow makers in a totally new way.
5. You can be a present mom and a thriving business owner.
6. Learn to say no—and let the numbers guide you.
Not every job or offer is the right one. If a product or partnership isn’t profitable and doesn’t bring you joy, it might be time to let it go. Look at the data, track what’s truly moving the needle, and make space for the work that fuels both your purpose and your profit.
7. Get clear on your why.
There will be hard days. Weeks, even. The kind where you want to throw your hands up and walk away from it all. What keeps you going is your why. Know why you started, what your goals are, and where you're headed. Revisit that often. It’s what will ground you when everything feels too heavy. I’ve had many, many late nights asking myself if this is all worth it—and remembering my why has kept me moving forward.
8. Sometimes it’s okay to just be.
You don’t have to constantly be launching, selling, or pushing. Rest is part of the process. Make a calendar for your year or quarter, write out your goals (and rest periods), and track your wins in a way you can see every day. Don’t delete them—cross them off. It’s a reminder of how far you’ve come. Because even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment, every single small step forward is still progress. Keep going. You’re doing more than you think.
Today: Creator, Pinterest Enthusiast, Mama, Business Owner
Now, in 2025, I run two profitable Etsy shops (M and A Creations AB for laser cut and engraved goodies and M and A Designs AB for beginner friendly and laser ready files), sell laser files that help others make money, stock stores with physical products, and teach laser business owners how to grow, too.
I’m especially passionate about Pinterest marketing—because it’s one of the tools that helped me consistently grow my traffic and sales, even on the busiest weeks.
And more than anything, I love cheering you on. Helping you grow. Helping you see what’s possible.
Ready to Build Your Dream Laser Business?
Whether you’re still in the hobby stage or ready to take your side hustle full-time, I’d love to help you create a plan that’s simple, clear, and actually doable.
Start here with my affordable Laser Business Quick-Start Guide designed to walk you through the steps to launch your laser business without the overwhelm. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a solid foundation and a clear path forward.
Whether you're just getting started or looking for a solid foundation to grow from, this guide will walk you through some foundational steps you may need—from overview of different types of lasers to pricing, branding, marketing, and customer retention.
You’ll get:
Small business setup guidance
Pricing formula to ensure profit
Trusted supplier recommendations
Marketing and branding strategies
Customer retention tips for repeat sales
Bonus: A printable worksheet to track your progress and stay on track and free SVG templates to start with!
Get the guide and start building your dream laser business today!
Curious what’s actually selling right now? Check out this blog post featuring The Best-Selling Laser Products in 2025 to help you brainstorm, validate, and get inspired by what’s working in the market today.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. These resources were created to support makers like you—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
Because your dream business? It’s closer than you think.
Let’s stay connected!
Follow me for more laser business tips, product trends, and free resources.
Pinterest – See what’s trending and pin your way to success!
Shop Products and Shop SVG – Browse my laser-cut designs and digital files.
Instagram – Behind-the-scenes and community support.
Website – Explore my other blogs, free guides, and courses.
The SVG Society – Access laser-ready designs that match your unique style and help your products stand out.
Turn your passion into profit and take the first bold step toward your dream laser business today!
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