Starting a Business With Your Silhouette + Giveaway!

Over the years I’ve had MANY customers ask me about my advise on how to start a business with their cutting machine. So, when I saw that Melissa over at Silhouette School had a book all about it, I wanted to share it with you. It’s a great resource for those just starting their business and even for those with a business already going. Stick around because at the bottom of this post I’m giving away one digital copy of this awesome book I’m going to tell you about…

Are you ready to start having your Silhouette machine work for you?  If you’re looking to turn your crafting hobby into a successful business, Cutting a Profit: The Ultimate Silhouette Guide to Running a Successful Business is exactly what you need!

From naming to branding to marketing to working with customers (even the difficult ones) to taxes, licensing, and watermarking – the latest ebook from Melissa Viscount, the author of the Silhouette School blog (and former Etsy shop owner) is stuffed full of information and resources every small handmade business owner needs to be successful, legal, and profitable.

  • Not sure if you need to register your business?
  • Unclear what taxes you should be paying?
  • Have questions on if you really need an EIN or Business Tax ID and separate bank accounts?
  • Still unclear tax write offs and if you’re taking advantage of the self employment and small business tax laws?
  • Confused about the differences in commercial and personal licenses, copyrights and trademarks?

    Cutting a Profit     includes more than 100 pages of instruction, screen shots, and images, along with 10 worksheets to take you step by step through starting, growing, and running your Silhouette business successfully.

I really hope you take a look at this book, Cutting a Profit: The Ultimate Silhouette Guide to Running a Successful Business. 

It will be a valuable resource for you as you turn your cutting matching into a successful business!

AND… Just so you’re aware, Melissa also has some other awesome Silhouette books and mini guides that she’s previously released that you’ll surely find useful. She even offers them in bundles!!

The Ultimate Silhouette Guide

The Ultimate Silhouette Sticker Guide (Print + Cut)

 

 

 

So, NOW for the fun part!!! Melissa has offered to let me give away one digital download of her brand NEW Cutting a Profit: The Ultimate Silhouette Guide to Running a Successful Business. Simply leave a comment here on this post to be entered to win. A winner will be announced here on the blog on Tuesday, August, 2. Best of luck!

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296 Comments

  1. Wow I’ve watched your videos, bought your products, it would amazing just to learn what you do , and to be able to make a business out of it would awesome and learning from someone as yourself . Thanks for all u do .

  2. LOVE my Cameo!!!
    LOVE using your cut files!!!
    I would LOVE to learn MORE about making my beloved crafting help me make some money … to spend on MORE crafty things 🙂
    THANK YOU for the chance to win!!!

  3. I can honestly say if it hadn’t been for Melissa’s blog and her first book I would have sold my Silhouette as it was just too hard to figure out. Her book and blog showed me how to use it and now I’m cutting up something most days! Her books are turkey worth every penny.

  4. Yo quiero una copia del libro por favor, necesito trabajar y cuidar de mis hijos tambien, pero de no ser la afortunada dejo mi felicitacion anticipada a la persona ganadora.

  5. Thanks for posting about this book. I would love to win and learn. I love my Silhouette.

  6. Would really love a copy of this book, am wanting to start earning from my craft, it would be the ultimate in having a job that really love doing.

  7. I would love to win a digital copy of this book, I live in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa and our ZAR (currency) is sooooo weak against the dollar so winning a copy would be fantastic. I love Cutting for Business email that I receive and I also love Lori Whitlock designs! Keep up the fantastic work that you all do and thank you!

  9. Thx for the Chance to win this book, I´d really love to read what Melissa suggests, as I do think about offering my cutted goodies, so your post just came at the perfect time for me.THX !

  10. In South Africa the resources are so limited for help with the Cameo… I LOVE my Silhouette Cameo and between the two of you I make the most beautiful things for my friends for minimum payment but I really need to expand and make it a business with profit, the university expenses for my kids are getting to much! I would love to win this copy, pretty please! Thanks for all your inspiration!

  11. This book looks amazing. Uve been wondering if I could use my Cameo as a business. This looks like just the book to not only answer the question but also direct me in the right way. I would live to have thus book.

  12. Really interested in selling cutting files vs cut creations. Think this book could help!

  13. Oh my god! My dreambook! I am thinking aout starting a business in Hungary selling small embelishments so this guide wouold be essential for me.

  14. So glad Melissa has published her book on starting a business. I have had a stamping business in my home for 19 yrs and went outside to have a retail store for 3 yrs after that. Wish I had the book to help me then. Still have tons of inventory left to sell too. Definitely would love to win this book!!

  17. How awesome! I would love to have a copy. Thanks to you both for the chance to win a copy!

  18. Thanks to both of you for the opportunity to win this book that sounds fantastic and would definitely be handy to hopefully teach us how to use the silhouette more advantage to me , Best of luck to all that enter 🙂

  19. I’m just getting my business started and have so many questions that I’m sure this book could answer. I would love to win! I love your shop and your files!

  20. I didn’t know books like this existed! I’m so excited to see what’s in those pages!

  21. Thanks for this awesome chance to win this incredible book! I feel that I have the craft part down for starting a business but there is so much to learn about the ‘business’ side so this would definitely help.

  22. Spending money to make fun things. Earning money to make more fun things. Win,win! Thank you for the chance to win Melissa’s book.

  25. Wow this book is all I need. I have been trying to start my own business but there’s so many things I have to learn. I hope I got this book. Oh waooo

  26. How sweet! I would be so incredibly honored to win a download of this wonderful book. Thank you so much for the opportunity. I love silhouette!

  27. This book sounds like just what I need. I just retired from my full time job and would love to know how to make a business out of something I love!

  28. OMG! Thanks for this oppportunity!
    I would love to win. I’ve been thinking to start a business but I really don’t know how. I hope to be lucky!

  29. I am an avid follower of your blog as well as Melissa’s and would love to win a copy of her book to help me take my crafting skills to the next level!

  31. Mellissa gives great information in such an easily understood way. She’s great. Thanks

  32. I am always trying to figure out what to charge and how to continue making this profitable.

  33. This has always been and a thought in my mind. Can’t wait to read. Thanks for the chance.

  36. This is so awesome! I’ve had a Silhouette Machine since before it was Silhouette. It would be great to get a better handle on how to use it for business!!

  37. What a great way to take my love for crafting to the next level! Thanks for the chance to win!

  38. This is such a great giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Melissa’s book.

  39. How exciting to start your own business. I would love to be busy doing something I love. Thank you for the chance to win.
    Sandy

  40. I’ve had my Silhouette for a few years and have thought about using it for my small business. This book would certainly help/guide me. Thank you for the chance to win a digital copy of this book.

  41. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book. I have her other books, and they are very helpful for the new Silhouette’er. And i know this one will help to bring my hobby to great heights.

  42. Wow!!! This came right when I need it. I have been considering starting a buisness from home. Why not, I enjoy doing this as a hoppy already. Winning this book, would be a great opportunity to learn all that is needed to begin. Thank you for the chance to win it. To Lori thank you for sharing all your creativeness!!!

  43. I would love to win this book. I really want to start my own business but I have no idea how to start. This book would give me the motivation and help to start a new adventure. Thank you

  44. This is a timely post – a friend and I are considering whether or not to start a business! This book would certainly help.

  49. You definitely give back to the silhouette community and I appreciate it. I’ve used many of your files and tutorials which are easy to follow. Thank you.

  50. This looks like a fabulous book! I’ve had my cameo for about 3 years now & love my machine! I’d love to make some extra cash with it too! Thanks for the great giveaway!

  51. I would love to learn more about the business end of things. Thanks for the opportunity.

  52. This%20looks%20like%20a%20fabulous%20book!%20I’ve%20had%20my%20cameo%20for%20about%203%20years%20now%20%26%20love%20my%20machine!%20I’d%20love%20to%20make%20some%20extra%20cash%20with%20it%20too!%20Thanks%20for%20the%20great%20giveaway!

  56. Awesome giveaway! The book looks really helpful & promising. Good luck everyone.

  57. I love Melissa’s books and tutorials, always so clear and concise! What a great giveaway!

  58. Awesome! I’ve been thinking of starting a business using my machine. This is perfect timing! Can’t wait to read it.

  59. This would be so handy for me as I venture into starting my craft business. I am already a business owner, but the rules have all changed from 20 years ago and with my current business being bikes, I am looking to expand to another market….one that uses my creative side 🙂

  61. I would love to win this book and learn how to start my own business. I am also looking forward to meeting Melissa and everyone a t the conference in November. It will be my first time to attend. So excited!!!

  64. Just became a stay at home mom after 7 years of working! Looking forward to starting my own business with personalization! This book would be amazing!!!

  66. That Melissa sure is talented and savvy! I would love to learn how to start a business from her. Thanks for the chance to win, Lori. I love your designs, you are amazing!

  69. Received a Cameo from my beloved husband for Christmas and have been so enjoying it!! Would love to learn more and wish to thank you for the chance to win!!

  73. I LOVE MELISSA and I’m not just saying that because we share a name! I have always been told that people with the name Melissa are smart cookies. Melissa @silouetteschoolblog is One smart cookie!

  75. This would be amazing! I just opened my first ETSY shop called Jen’s Jubilee and would love more insider advice!
    P.S. Did I mention it’s my birthday tomorrow? Just sayin 😉

  78. I would love to have a chance to read this book. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  80. Awesome giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win such a great book that would help so much.

  81. Hi!
    Thanks for the great chance! Thinking about starting a business with cards made with Silhouette… Don’t want to go back to the office where I was working before my baby break…
    That book would – for sure – help me to decide!

  83. Thank you for the opportunity to win this great resource!!! Would be absolutely awesome to be able to earn some cash while doing something I enjoy.

  87. I love the crafty side and f business but I am no good at the business side of business! I would love to receive this book!!! Thank you for the opportunity!

  88. This is exactly what I need. Melissa is a very talented and nice lady. I heard about your giveaway through her.

  90. Thank you Lori for all you do!! I have Melissa’s Silhoutette books and her sticker book! Having her new book would be awesome! I became pretty familiar with my Silhouette but learned quite a few things with the help of her books! They are so great!!

  94. Melissa has saved me more times than I can count! She breaks everything down into easy to understand instructions. I’m trying to get a business up and running and I know her book would be a key in being successful.

  95. Thank you for this opportunity to win this book! I love learning all the possibilities with the Cameo and now to learn the business side of it. Thank you!

  99. I just started my business a few months ago and I need all the help I can get!

  103. Wow, this books looks exactly like what I been pondering about in the back of my brain for awhile now. Thank you!

  106. I would love to win Melissa’s new book! I have no doubt it is packed with all the information needed to run a successful Silhouette business!

  109. Melissa has helped me so much on my silhouette journey. I would love love love to win her book

  110. Just what is needed, looking to start a business with my silhouette now that I am comfortable with using it.

  111. I would love to win this, I have another of her books and really do enjoy the book and find it so helpful.

  112. Thank you for the opportunity to win Melissa’s latest book! My husband would definitely be overjoyed if I would learn to make some money with my Cameo rather than constantly spend, spend, spend! 😀

  113. I don’t have a business. I started making shirts and decals for Soldiers on the base and now I have orders to fulfill!!! I am thinking about starting a business now

  115. Would be very interested in this book, as I’ve been wanting to start a business for some time now! Thanks for the chance to win!

  117. As someone who is just starting out this book would help me out tremendously in navigating the business aspect of the silhouette world! Good luck y’all!

  118. Thanks for making this offer available! I love all of the great resources on the web for learning to use my Cameo!

  119. I just got my Cameo. My imagination is on overdrive with ideas of I can do with it. This book would be so helpful!

  120. I just ordered my first machine. I’ve been waiting on the Silhouette 3. Snagged it today. Cannot wait until it arrives! Sooooo excited!!!!

  122. Your cut files, Melissa’s books, the Silhouette Cameo. What else does a girl need?

  126. I would love a chance to win this I love my cameo and would love to add this book to my library for a little extra info and help .

  134. Melissa’s books are awesome this would go nice with my other too 🙂 a newbie but would love to start a business thanks

  135. Melissa is awesome to help! So thankful for her.
    Thank you for your help, as well.

  136. Would love to get my hands on that book!! Dreaming about a new job where I have control and can work from home. My parents live with me and I’m not able to get out as much. This would be the perfect opportunity for me to get going and make a good living.:)

  137. This is a must have book. It was announced at the exact time that I was beginning to think that I wanted to look into starting a business. I hope that I will win, that way I will know that this idea was meant to be. Good luck to meeeeeeee!!!

  139. Would ❤️ to win this! Love your blog! Thank you for providing the opportunity to win this book!

  140. Everyone keeps telling me, “you should start a business” and I need to know how! Thanks for the chance to win.

  141. Everyone keeps telling me, “you should start a business,” and I need to know how! Thanks for the chance to win.

  142. Pretty new at all of this! Such an exciting new adventure and this book would be a great road map! Fingers crossed I win this copy!

  143. I want this book so bad. I’m just starting out and know it would be perfect to use.

  145. Don’t have a business yet, just been a hobby! If this book is as good as all her tutorials, it definitely a winner! I’ve learned so much already from her!!

  146. Thanks for the chance to win. I’m a huge fan of yours and of Melissa’s. It’s pretty cool how this Crafty community supports each other!

  150. I’ve just recently started using my Cameo and I love it. I love Silhouette School and would love to win this book! Thanks so much for the chance to win!

  151. I already have a cutting business, but I need
    Direction Melissa’s book will be my perfect guidance
    To have.
    Thanks

  152. I would love a chance to win this book! I am new to the craft business and this would be extremely helpful. Thank you!

  153. I love my silhouette!!!! I have started to sell to family and friends but need direction on small business. I love Silhouette School and have learned lots from it. Thank you!

  155. I soooo need this and intended to pre-order it when she offered a discount but time slipped away so maybe I’ll WIN it instead! Thank you for the opportunity.

  156. Love Lori Whitlock and Silhouette School Blog – pair the best files and fonts with the best tutorials and you get one bang up team! Way to go girls! So excited to see all the new and creative and fun things I can play with!

  157. Would love to learn! I am new to silhouette and have just started making things!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  158. This would be a great book to win! I’ve wondered how people run an effective and successful business. Thanks for the giveaway!

  160. This would be awesome! I am new to Silhouette but have enjoyed reading all of the blogs!! So much to learn 🙂

  163. I would not be where I am today with my Silhouette if it weren’t for Melissa! She is truly amazing and so talented!

  164. OMG! This is pure awesomeness! Will keep my fingers crossed! Good luck to everyone! ❤️

  165. As a beginner who’s literally just started, these books would be amazing 🙂 love my cameo so far! Can’t wait to discover it’s full potential.

  166. Praying I win just getting started. Melissa is one of my heroes I try to read everything she posts.

  167. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity of winning. Melissa helped me know to bite the bullet and get started. I can’t wait to see what I could do with this book!!

  168. I love my Cameo! Definitely going to save up for the 3. These books would be awesome for my business.
    Thank you!

  169. I just pre-ordered my very first silhouette cameo and I am so excited to get started in decorating and personalizing so many things around my house. I can’t wait until Christmas time so I can ssee e the look on everyone’s face when I hand out personalized gifts for everyone!!!! Lori and Melissa please pick me for the digital book give away I’m sure it will come in handy for a beginner like myself!!

  170. I’ve had my silhouette for a few years. I’ve made a lot of things for family and friends, but I’d love to learn how to start my own business. These books look like just the place to start!

    Thank you!

  171. Wow ! What a fantastic book. I always wanted to start up a sticker business with my Cricut but didn’t know if I could. Would this apply to a Cricut? I don’t have a silhouette.

  172. I love all of this stuff! I will see Melissa in Birmingham at the end of September. I am so excited!

  174. I’m seriously considering starting a business after selling to family and friends for the past 3 years. This would be so helpful! I love following both of you amazingly talented women! Thanks for all your inspiration!

  175. Living over sea’s this would be so nice to get info from a different point of view! I am trying to get a business set up. Just got a heat press, and 3 orders.

  176. I love Melissa’s blog and have learned so much from her. This book would be amazing to own.

  181. Since being out of work since January and needing to generate an additional income for my family, I would LOVE to get this book!!

  185. The timing couldn’t be better, I could use all the help I could get with starting my new business. Thank you for the chance to win.

  186. So many of my Facebook friends are making money with their Silhouette, I want in on the action! Thanks for sharing.
    Terri

  189. Thanks for the chance of getting what sounds like a wealth of information for a crafter! This is just great! Many thanks!

  190. This Book sounds amazing and I would love to have it. Thank you for a chance to win one and also just for letting us know about it!

  191. I’ve been reading a lot of reviews about this book and I am intrigued by it! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy! (I do own several of her other books and love them)

  193. Wow! It would be so great to have this information from someone who has really made it work! Keeping my fingers crossed!

  196. First off, I LOVE your designs Lori. You are so talented!

    And, Melissa rocks! I would love this book from her. Thanks for the chance to win!

  200. Thanks for the post I absolutely love my cameo. Look forward to checking out your site

  201. Starting a business using my Silhouette machine would be awesome! I would love to create some crafty goodies for others!

  202. This would be amazing! I am slowly starting a small buisness with my machine so this would be perfect!

  204. Been thinking about sharing Silhouette-made crafty items, and making a little coin! Great Book!

  209. I’d so like to win this! Her original book has been so very helpful to me! Thank you for the chance to win!!

  212. Would so love her nook, enjoy her tutorials and need to go to the next level.

  216. I have had my silhouette for years and always felt like if I had some direction I could use it as a business. Thanks for the giveaway and hope I win!

  220. I have really been kicking around starting my own business so I could definantly use this book

  221. This would be perfect! Really have enjoyed card making over the years, my Cameo has expanded my creativity :o) Thank you for a chance at winning.

  222. I’ve been considering using my Silhouette for business for awhile, but clearly have no clue how to go about it! Thank you for partnering with Melissa on her new book 🙂 Blessings to you both! xoxo

  227. This is so great! I’ve been having family and friends wanting me to make them things. But I just wasn’t sure what to charge them or how to go abut it the business way.

  228. That is wonderful! Thank you so much for the opportunity!! Good luck to everyone 🙂

  229. This would be so helpful. I have been making stuff for family but now people are asking to buy stuff. So nervous but ready.

  233. I would love to win. I have been trying to come up with a business idea for years to help support my family. Thank you!

  235. I love my silhouette cameo. Turning it into a business would be fantastic and fun book sounds amazing

  236. I have been considering starting a side business with crafts done on the Cameo. I would love to read this book. If I don’t win here I will download on Aug 3rd!

  238. What a great giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win what I am sure is an amazing book.

  239. I’d love to win this book. I’m new to the Silhouette world and have been following Melissa on facebook and her blog, I’ve learned so much from her already 🙂 Thank you for the opportunity!

  240. I have heard such great things! It seems to have all the answers! This is just what I need to take the next step. Thanks so much!!

  242. This book sounds fabulous. I love Silhouette School and have found it so helpful. This book is going to make someone really happy.. Thanks for the chance to win it.. 🙂

  243. This%20book%20sounds%20fabulous.%20I%20love%20Silhouette%20School%20and%20have%20found%20it%20so%20helpful.%20This%20book%20is%20going%20to%20make%20someone%20really%20%20happy..%20Thanks%20for%20the%20chance%20to%20win%20it..%20%3A)

  244. This is amazing. How do you get the time to write these wonderful books? Thanks for the chance to win.

  246. I%20didn’t%20know%20there%20were%20books%20out%20there%20for%20us%20Silhouette%20beginners!

  247. I enjoy her books and find them really helpful.the business one and the pixscan book are my next ones. They all have such great information and easy to follow

  249. I am so excited I found this page! This is going to be invaluable to me!!

  250. I bought two of Melissa’s books when I purchased my silhouette. They are extremely helpful. I would love this new book. Preparing to start my new craft business.

  254. This would be just the boost I need to start my business! I would love this!

  255. The business side is the area I need the most help! Thanks Lori and Melissa!

  257. I would LOVE this book!! I use my silhouette every week and I’m currently making cards to sell.

  258. This sounds exactly like the info I need to get my business started. Thank you for all the tips and tricks I’ve picked up from your blog! Diane

  260. You team up so well with eachother! I’d love to get my hands on this book, because I am sure I can run a business on paper crafted goodies without shopping for at least a year *wink*! But seriously: thanks for the opportunity to win a digi copy, I’d love it.

  261. You%20team%20up%20so%20well%20with%20eachother!%20I’d%20love%20to%20get%20my%20hands%20on%20this%20book%2C%20because%20I%20am%20sure%20I%20can%20run%20a%20business%20on%20paper%20crafted%20goodies%20without%20shopping%20for%20at%20least%20a%20year%20*wink*!%20But%20seriously%3A%20thanks%20for%20the%20opportunity%20to%20win%20a%20digi%20copy%2C%20I’d%20love%20it.

  262. WOW this would be so Amazing to win!! I got hurt at work back in 2009 and I Have been teaching myself different crafts and then I bought myself a Silhouette last Christmas and I signed up to the Silhouette School blog and I have learned so much from Melissa and I wish I had the extra money to buy her books so I could move forward with my own craft business!! Thank you so much for a chance to win!!

  263. Sounds like a wonderful book. My husband would really appreciate it if I could start to support “my habit”!

  264. Sounds like a wonderful book. My husband would love it if I could start to support my habit!

  266. Id love to win this book bc it would be so helpful taking my little side thing to the next step!

  268. Love your designs. After almost a year of practicing with my SIL, I am ready to venture into turning my crafting into a business. This book looks like the right one to guide me in the best direction.

  269. Love your designs. After almost a year of practicing with my SIL, I’m ready to venture into turning my love of crafting into a business. This book looks like the guide that I need!!!

  270. Melissa Viscount and Lori Whitlock are my Silhouette Mentors and Gurus. I have learned so much from both and wouldn’t be able to use my machine without their much-appreciated knowledge and guidance. I would love the opportunity to win this fabulous book! Thank you both for all you do to keep us crafty! 😀

  272. This is a great prize! I already have the USG and would love to WIN the new one as I have just started my business. I find the ebooks so easy to use and upgrade.

  273. I would love to win this. I learn so much from both you and Melissa. Thanks for the chance to win this informative book!

  274. I would love to win this book! I’ve been wanting to start an etsy shop and this would be the perfect tool!! Thank you!

  276. Learning the ins and outs of my Curio and look forward to developing business. Videos helped me choose the machine that fit my needs and give me hints on how to complete projects.

  279. This book would be so helpful.Would love to be able to extend the use of my Cameo.

  281. Thank you for taking the time to share this book. I am looking forward to reading this book. I need it like yesterday. Continual Blessings to you and yours!

  282. Thank you for sharing this book resource. I’m very grateful to have found this post. I definitely need this book as I am expanding my craft into a business. Blessings to you and yours!

  285. Awesome. Thank you so much for the chance to win the book. Enjoying my crafting time with my Silhouette. Hoping to create more in the future.

  286. Awesome.%20%20Thank%20you%20so%20much%20for%20the%20chance%20to%20win%20the%20book.%20%20Enjoying%20my%20crafting%20time%20with%20my%20Silhouette.%20%20Hoping%20to%20create%20more%20in%20the%20future.

  288. I would love this book, I’ve always wanted to start a crafting business, but just don’t know where to begin.

  289. i SO need to have this in my library! i have her other e-books, but this is a MUST HAVE for me!!!

  294. I would love to learn how to start a Silhouette business. Thanks for the chance to win this book.

Comments are closed.