The impulse buy…😬 Laser Engraving

Hey there, Jess here!

Boy, do I have a story for you. Grab a cup of Joe and stick around for a while. It’s going to be a good one.

February 2nd, 2026

I just took Sumita’s and Anuj’s course on On-Site Engraving. Now, if you don’t know Homebounf Decor, they are an amazing couple who does great business. I’ll put their link below.

So, I just finished their course and was F-I-R-E-D up. I was thinking “Oh I can do this, no problem!” (Like everyone does when they haven’t even started).

I kept looking on XTool’s website at the F2 Portable. It was so compact and the perfect size. Well, I kept second guessing myself about the purchasing it. It was about $1900 + the air filter $300. I was getting nervous, psyching myself out. “Would I be able to make on-site events happen, or would I have a sitting duck machine?”

Of course, what do as creatives we do? We ask everyone and anyone for their opinion. 🤦‍♀️

Majority of people were telling me not to spend the money. But honestly, they didn’t know about the niche of On-Site Events. They were just trying to protect me from losing money on another machine if I’m not going to use it.

Then, I sat with my thoughts and those opinions for a few hours. I started to play out the numbers. “Okay, if I can get one gig, maybe I can pay off this machine.”

I was reassuring myself that if I bought the machine, I would NEED to make it happen. Can’t sit back and wait, go for it!

When no one was around, I went for it and clicked purchase. I was so nervous, because when you get a machine, you can’t just leave it sitting. You guys know what I’m talking about.

February 27th, 2026

I received a notification that is was about to be delivered. Waited at the window all day just starring. Once I saw that FEDEX truck, I bolted outside!

I did an entire unpacking of the XTool F2 if you’d like to check that out. But right after I got it, no testing materials, I started messaging businesses about my new service! Was I crazy for doing that? YES!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVT8GMwgeRA/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

A few businesses said no, some said maybe, but it only takes ONE yes, to start the fire. I got that one yes…from Bookish. A local Indy Bookstore in my area.

I could NOT believe it. I landed my first paid gig!

I’m going to be honest with you, it did not pay off the laser, but it did open up new doors for my business.

This gig was $200 for 25 Custom Engraved bookmarks. The bookstore had sponsored them and with every purchase of $50+ customers would come to me and get a custom bookmark!

I literally was shaking on the first few bookmarks I did 😅

In the end, it all turned out amazing! And I actually walked away with $100 extra, because I did sell some more bookmarks after those 25 sponsored bookmarks were gone.

What I learned from this experience was that sometimes you just have to go for it. Don’t be scared to receive a No from someone. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. I whole heartedly believe that.

Well, sadly, that is the end of the story. I hope you enjoyed your morning Joe and a good story. If you’re thinking of On-Site Laser Engraving, I highly suggest taking Homebound Decor’s course. I will link that as well as an affiliate link for the XTool F2 I purchased.

See you at the next event!

Signing off,

Jess ✨

Homebound Decor https://www.homeboundcustomdecor.com/

Book a laser consultation call https://www.99artdesignz.com/booking-calendar/laser-business-consultation?referral=service_list_widget

XTool Affiliate Link https://www.99artdesignz.com/links?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnJ3sA8db1_9r5V94pVS59nC7wivQNHNTZ6B4dq1tnntUnpx3dNroZ5ZjrDN8_aem_ormfvtH6uOdvu8uLFM89HA