Selling from Home — Our Favorite Creative Setup

Business with Heart, Close to Home

— by Solène

We live in the Sunset District of San Francisco — three blocks from the ocean, where the breeze smells like salt, surfers walk by in wetsuits, and the streets are lined with houses, not shops. It’s the kind of neighborhood where people know each other’s dogs, but not necessarily what anyone creates behind closed doors.

One afternoon, we found ourselves wondering: Why should our neighbors have to drive all the way to Walgreens just to buy a card? What if they could find something handmade — drawn and printed right here — just down the street?

But how would they ever know… unless we showed them?

These questions brought back a memory from our time in Switzerland.

A Spark from a Swiss Village

A few years ago, we were living in a small village in Switzerland, where it’s common to see locals selling fresh produce like cheese, eggs, meat, honey, fruits, vegetables, and all kinds of handmade goods — right in front of their homes. All it takes is a small space, a handwritten sign, and a tin for payment. No cashier. Just trust.

We loved the simplicity — the way creativity, food, and community came together naturally.

So we gave it a try. We placed our cards in a cupboard outside, added a payment box, and waited.

What happened next amazed us: people didn’t just buy cards — they paid extra, left kind notes, and told us how much it brightened their day. That tiny cupboard taught us something important: when you offer something honest and handmade, people respond with real kindness.

Back in San Francisco

When we returned to California, we couldn’t shake the idea. With the help of our friend Ed, a talented woodworker, we built a little house-style display and placed it by our sidewalk. It became a home for our cards — and an open invitation to anyone passing by.

Unlike in Switzerland, there’s no payment tin this time. We keep the display locked, and neighbors can ring our doorbell or visit our website to order. A small adjustment, but it keeps the spirit alive.

And it works.

One neighbor spotted it, followed the link to our website, and bought cards. She even posted about it in a local Facebook group, recommending it to others. That kind of support is everything.

Why We Love It (and Why You Might Too)

If you’re a maker — or dreaming of becoming one — selling from home might sound too simple to work. But we’ve learned just how powerful it can be. Here’s why:

• It helps your neighbors discover what you do. Most people don’t know what’s being made right next door — until you show them.
• It builds community. A little display can start conversations, spark new connections, and encourage people to shop local — all while strengthening neighborhood support.
• It works while you’re busy. Unlike a market, your display can stay “open” all day.
• It’s fast, free, and local. Amazon may offer 1-day delivery… but we can walk cards down the street in minutes. No shipping fees, no delays.

If you’ve ever dreamed of selling your art, cards, cookies, or crafts, maybe this is your sign. You don’t need a perfect plan. Just a little space, a little courage — and something you care enough to share.

Your first customer might just live around the corner.

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Other Creative Ways to Sell from Home

• In Oregon, @littlefreelibrarylady has created several “little house” displays — one for exchanging coffee mugs, another for dinosaur toys, or one that gives away free flowers. She’s even built a world map of displays like hers — and we’re now on it!
  👉 Take a look and see if there’s something creative happening near your own home!
• An artist we admire, @inciardi, sells her linocut prints through vending machines. She restocks them like snacks. It’s playful, surprising, and totally unforgettable. Here’s the article about her project.

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🤝 Before You Go

📬 Keep an eye on your inbox this Saturday — we’ll be sending you a short extra note with an announcement about our summer plans and a little surprise!

💌 New here? You can still catch up — read our previous newsletters here.

If you’re ever in the Sunset, come by to say hello — we’d love to meet you.

Solène, for SoliaVenture