A course for makers

I recently designed an online course for makers to help grow their business. I thought this might be a good place to give you a bit of background as to what it's about and why.
So I've been making jewellery seriously for about five years and during that time I have achieved my goal of making a living from it. I know there are many with the same dream and thought this was the best way share my experience and knowledge in one place - everything I learnt - so you can streamline and speed up your own business process. It was interesting writing the course from the perspective of remembering myself at every stage, and I've included everything I can think of that I would like to have known on my journey as a predominately self taught designer maker. There's been highs and lows and a lot of trial and error, googling, reading, and chatting to other makers which led me to this point.

This year has been wonderful for me so far, with features on Folksy, The Guardian, Crafts Beautiful magazine and a few really lovely blog posts it feels like I've made it far enough to be able to give others a boost too. It feels great to be more confident that my business can at the very least sustain itself.

So, back to the course. I encourage people to look at firstly the very basics - The way they work and what supports the business, and doesn't, and setting a direction. It's gonna be difficult to go anywhere without these foundations. Then I go over the main aspects of a handmade business, with ideas and exercises to help develop a coherent product range, how to get seen in searches particularly on Etsy, pricing and valuing your time, making the most of social media including finding your tribe, and developing a marketing strategy that actually works for you. Finally we set goals and write a business plan from your learning.

I love being part of our worldwide community of makers and it's so inspiring to see so many other creative people working hard to build a different and a better life for themselves. In a capitalistic world the craft movement has skyrocketed almost it seems, as a solution to the difficulties and dangers of globalisation, not least the problems of unhappiness and poverty due to inequality it can bring. But it also brings us together, enabling ourselves and each other to fulfil our potential can only be a good thing surely! There is a huge wish for individually made handcrafted goods which is why shops like Etsy, Folksy and Not on The High Street do so well. Don't get me wrong, I love Ikea, but I also love paying more for something special - I'm sure I can feel the difference in energy! There's a huge movement in buying less but better too.

It's possible to create a lifestyle and living that is sustainable and balanced with family life, good mental health (its mental health week right now) which fulfils our potential as human beings to reach our best self. - It does require work and commitment, which is why I have chosen to deliver this as a course rather than just another thing to read and forget. Perhaps it's not possible for everyone to give up their day job to follow their dreams but it's certainly worth a try, and even to have your creative business on the side is a wonderful thing for the joy and satisfaction this brings.

I recommend Deepak Chopra's book the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success for an inspirational way of living your life for greater abundance.

If your serious about solidifying your business idea or need a refresh and inspiration , you can find out more about the course here. I would love this to be part of what supports you on your incredible journey! I'd love to hear your thoughts including anything you'd like me to add in to the course!