More people are starting their own businesses. In fact, during the pandemic, business applications increased close to 60%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and have remained higher than the seasonal average ever since.
Better remote tech and a growing gig economy laid the foundation for this increase. But many small business owners cite the pandemic’s uncertainty and a dissatisfaction with Corporate America — along with a desire to pursue their own passions — as inspiring the leap into business ownership.
Many people have even turned their pandemic hobby into a business.
Owner of Etsy shop Desiderata Clay Co, Laura Rosche, started making handmade polymer clay earrings in the summer of 2020.
“Looking for a creative outlet amidst the overwhelming stress of the early-pandemic life, I found a lot of comfort just fooling around with clay,” she says. “All of the colors and cutters and textures were so fun to play…
