Alright guys, it's time for another edition of the maker version of HGTV. We're doing a studio and today we're excited to introduce you to Keira Schultz' fantastic studio. I love how she's set it up so that she can also use it for background in her photo shoots (check out her Insta to see how she sets up her photos). Check it out!
There often comes a point when makers realize they have more than a hobby on their hands-- they can actually make their passion a business. Kendal of K Keith Designs shares with us her transformation and learning some hard lessons. I was so delighted to meet her in person recently at Craftcation. Like so many of our members, she was incredibly business savvy and generous with her knowledge! I am so impressed with how thoughtfully she has managed her business. Enjoy what she has to share (and keep an eye for her business-- she's headed for big things!).
It's time to get a little nosy and pull back the curtain on another maker's studio! Today we are checking out the Seattle studio of #ahasmember Shelley Engstrom of Story Handmade Designs, a shop of thoughtful necklaces and needle-felted and macrame goods. Get to know her backstory a bit and check out her space! I especially love her sunny window. :)
We're excited today to present another studio tour from one of our members! Holly Marsh of MarshMueller is now on her third studio-- so she has a lot to say about the pros and cons of being at home vs. having a separate studio space. And we are so glad she's been able to adapt in the different phases of her life. Read on to see where she's been and where she's at now!
Ever curious about other maker workspaces? Of course you! Are we are all snoopy and who doesn't love a good studio tour? In this ongoing series, we check out our members' workspaces. Some are home offices and some are completely separate. But it's always fun to see the creative ways they set up their business. Enjoy!
Spring shows are happening! Catch these fine folks at awesome markets around the country. Our members will be at the shows below-- if you are vending or attending, feel free to say hello to them and connect. I would also love to know which shows you will be at this spring-- let us know in the comments. :)
Shows noted with * are members that also host shows/pop-ups
If you've ever wanted to breathe new life into your work, expand your audience and push your skills, then doing a collaboration could be amazing for you. BUT, they can also burn you if you don't go in with the right expectations. We are excited to have #ahasmember Kimberly of Lacelit share her recent collaboration and what she learned in the process.
When you figure out what works in your business, it's such a relief! But frustratingly, the saying is true: What go you here won't get you there. Adapting is hard but necessary. Member and maker Andrea Bruns Vickery shares how she made changes in her product and marketing, but stayed true to herself.
Wholesale is usually where serious maker businesses look to up-level. It also can be fraught with nuance and special knowledge. That's why we love member Lela Barker. She is helping makers wholesale like champs through her program Wholesale Matchmaker (which is open now!). Today she's giving you some of her insider knowledge!
One thing that always astounds me is how much makers are able to juggle. Some of you might be considering juggling more and going back to school to help you get better at your business. That's what #ahasmember Cristiana of Pebble & Fire decided to do and she is sharing her story!
It's not holiday season for shows yet, but there are still A LOT of shows happening right now and through the fall! Our members will be at the shows below-- if you are vending or attending, feel free to say hello to them and connect. I would also love to know which shows you will be at this spring-- let us know in the comments.
At our very first San Francisco Chapter meeting I met Vince of Vincie Bags-- and I know longer worried that we would find good people who cared about craft as part to help our new chapter flourish!
Vince is the kind of person who has honed his years of experience into generous wisdom and also hilarious insights. He is truly a craftsman and gives back unselfishly to his local maker community. I'm excited that he's sharing with us today how he has come to understand the steps of a successful creative business and ways to keep the cycle of "always learning" in your business.
Sometimes your side hustle has side hustles. Or maybe all of your hustle can't be contained. Or maybe you've got a very active left brain and a very active right brain and finding *ONE* good paying job to fulfill both of them is not happening.
Enter makers with multiple jobs. Oftentimes the "end game" of starting your own business is viewed that it's supposed to become an ever-expanding full-time job. Which it might. It totally can. But not everyone wants that. Part-time businesses are still businesses.
Today's guest is fully an artist-- while having a "day job" that has almost nothing to do with being an artist. Except it totally does.
Because our jobs are born out of passion and things we love doing without getting paid, the hobbyiest (or jobbyiest-- you are getting money but you aren't really *making* money for your business) is almost built in to our business. Which is why at some point, most of realize "Hey! That's not how a BUSINESS would do that" and have to course correct in some way.
I'm excited to share with you #ahasmember Meg of Bumblewood Soaps who had a very enlightening experience about what she REALLY thought about her business. Read on to find out how she corrected this.
