Workspace Tour: Jstar Jewelry Designs
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!
Meet your new Portland Chapter Leader: Ullika of UP Design Studio
Last month we launched our Portland Chapter! We are so excited to have two amazing women at the helm and I'd love for you to meet one of them-- Ullika or Ulli as we sometimes call her. :) If you are interested in starting a chapter near you, let us know! You can get the details here.
Meet our new online chapter leader Adrienne of ReFluff
While Academy of Handmade has six local chapters, we also work to develop a supportive and robust online community with the help of our "online chapter" leaders. They create programming and facilitate our weekly online chats. I am excited to introduce our first Canadian to be part of AHAS leadership! Please say hello and meet Adrienne. :)
Turning a mistake into an opportunity for growth and reinvention
We don't know what we don't know and oftentimes in business we can beat ourselves up for mistakes. We can fail to see each mistake as an opportunity to expand our knowledge base. But if we build into our business the expectation that mistakes happen because we are ALWAYS learning, then it's less of a huge mental setback when they happen.
That's why I love today's post from #ahasmember D'Shawn of of Southern Elegance. Her mistake not only taught her a valuable lesson, it opened her up to new avenues and opportunities!
Not Another Awkward Party: What You Need to Know About the AHAS Awards
A PSA about our most important event of the year. I wanted to share with you an email I sent to out yesterday. First if you didn't get this email-- WHY AREN'T YOU ON OUR LIST? :) I wrote this because I know that introverts make up a huge portion of the handmade demographic-- and I know many are not into parties because they can be cliquey and awkward. I want you to know that is not what our awards are about!
GROW Your DIY Business Panels
We've not event had our kickoff event yet (THIS THURSDAY) and have now just announced two May events! Author and indie business supporter Eleanor Whitney is curating two SoCal GROW Your DIY Business Panels in support of her new book!
Her book, Grow: How to take your do it yourself project and passion to the next level and quit your job, addresses the issues many entrepreneurs and solopreneurs face when starting out. Whether their projects are based in independent publishing, music, food, art, craft, activism or community work, Grow enables readers to clarify their project vision, get organized, set goals, create a plan, raise funds for, market, and manage their do-it-yourself project.
“I see it as a practical field guide for creative people with great ideas for independent projects that shows the way to success and sustainability on one's own terms,” Eleanor told us.
The Academy of Handmade is excited to be sponsoring and participating in her LA and OC events. Both panels are chock full of speakers who have been on the front lines of a growing an indie business (KC and Sharon are blushing to be included on both panels). These events are sure to spur great discussions and connect people with varying degrees of DIY business experience to each other. We're all about a community and support here!
Check out the panels and panelists below and please do RSVP so we can get a rough idea for refreshments. Excited to connect with you there!
LA PANEL
Friday, May 17 at 7 p.m.
Stories bookstore
Echo Park
PANELISTS:
Shannon Flaherty Randall: writer and creative consultant with Sunland Studios
KC Cooper Sears: Co-Founder of the Academy of Handmade Artists and Supporters, owner of craft business Make. Shop. Live.
Sharon Fain: Co-Founder of the Academy of Handmade Artists and Supporters, owner of Right Brain PR
Grace Juhn: Owner of craft food business Cake Bar
OC PANEL
Sunday, May 19 at 3 p.m.
Creative Outlet Studios
Costa Mesa
PANELISTS:
Delilah Snell: Co-Founder of the Patchwork shows and Craftcation DIY business conference, and owner of The Road Less Traveled in Santa Ana
KC Cooper Sears: Co-Founder of the Academy of Handmade Artists and Supporters, owner of craft business Make. Shop. Live.
Sharon Fain: Co-Founder of the Academy of Handmade Artists and Supporters, owner of Right Brain PR
Michaele Musel: Artisanal food consultant
Dave Conrey: Creative business consultant, graphic designer and owner of the blog Fresh Rag