Have you ever dreamed of selling your handmade creations at the top craft markets/shows/fairs in your country?

Today, I’m chatting with Mona from River Timber Designs, who has built her business up by doing just that!

After starting on the local artisan market circuit, she has focussed on getting her work into the big (and profitable!) markets around Australia – and today she talks about why it’s a great fit for her business, and how you, too, can get your work into these markets!

See her work here: River Timber Designs

Take my Markets 101 workshop inside the Thriver Circle.

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

Watch on YouTube…

Support the show

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

• Leave a review on the C&T FB page.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
• Join the Thriver Circle – without the members of the Circle, this podcast would not be possible.

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Highlights of this Episode…

 

• Mona makes homewares and jewellery from the burls of trees and uses the live edges and resin to make colourful reflections of nature.
• After working in corporate, Mona developed RSI in both arms, and while on sick leave she decided to start her own business. Mona and her partner had a fallen tree in their backyard which they had milled, and this ignited her interest in creating things from timber.A
• After learning of resin work from a friend and doing some research, Mona’s first pieces were timber and resin pendants as this allowed her to learn what worked and what didn’t, but on a small scale.
• Still having the workplace injury, starting out with jewellery was a more sensible option as a piece could be completed in a relatively short time.
• Mona now makes lamps and is the only artist in Australia making this type of piece. At big markets, these lamps are what catches the eye of shoppers and encourages them to look at Mona’s stall.
• What works best for Mona as a full time maker is attending the large design shows / markets that run for 2-3 days, and she travels all across Australia to attend. 
• Markets comprise 80-85% of Mona’s income, with the remainder coming from her website, and a small amount of social media interaction.
• Jess queried the transporting of Mona’s products for the design shows given the weight of some of them. Mona explained that she drives with her products to the various cities, except for Melbourne when she flies and does not take her heavier pieces to show.

‘…When I do shows, I’m very intentional…I’m pricing myself. It’s my time, cost of the product, the materials. And where I find my customers is at these trade shows, at these markets, where people understand it’s handmade. {Mona} 

• Jess discussed the making one-of-a-kind products. This doesn’t work for those selling online as it is too time consuming to take product photos, edit them, write listing descriptions, etc. Mona’s products are all one-of-a-kind and therefore she focuses on market selling where her products will be recognised for their quality and uniqueness.
• Mona stated that many makers start out selling at markets, rather than spending time creating listings on a website.
• Mona also enjoys the social aspects of the markets as she is an extrovert and gets energy and confidence from being around people and getting their feedback.

‘Understanding yourself is a really important part of being a successful business owner, understanding what sort of structure of business will suit you and help you maintain that long term.’ {Jess}

• Mona often is asked to attend other types of shows and expos, but knows that these will not make her happy and fit with her business goals, so she has learned to say no.
• Jess agreed with this, stating that it can be fun to try new things when you first start out in business as this can help you determine what works for you, but makers should choose an area to focus on that helps them achieve their goals.

• Advice from Mona for makers wishing to start out in markets: 

• • Take good product photos so that you can present your work clearly and  accurately to those taking the bookings for the market
  • Develop a good ‘elevator pitch’ so that you can quickly explain what your business is to those who don’t know. What do you make, what makes you different, how is it a sustainable business?
  • Start small, and chat to other market stall holders about their experienceBe intentional about which markets you attend so that your products are not priced out.

• Tips for attending markets:

• • Spend a bit of time making sure your display works, and look at how other stallholders have arranged their products
  • Be aware of customer flow, and how your stall will be viewed from a range of angles. Place your ‘hero pieces’ in full view of the customer access to your stall
  • Don’t be using your phone while customers are walking past, and acknowledge people with a smile, or say hello.

• Jess and Mona discussed how to manage multiple customers at the stall. It’s important to acknowledge each person who is at the stall, even if you are currently serving another customer. This makes them feel engaged and will encourage them to stay and look at more products. Mona also suggested to never take payment until you have finished wrapping their product – This gives them time to keep looking at your products and potentially purchase an additional item.
• Mona spoke about how she manages difficult customers. Negative customers usually only equate to about 0.1% of customers so if you don’t engage, then you are missing out on the other 99.9% of customers. Also, most criticisms come from a lack of understanding of the process of making the product, so should not be taken personally.
• Mona’s RSI and time management was discussed.
• When you work with an injury, allow yourself to not think you are lazy. Accept that this is your reality and put things into perspective.
• Understand how you work. For example, Mona has to work on several items at the same time as she cannot focus on one project. This also helps with her injury as she is not doing the same process for a long period.
• Advice from Mona: If you want to sell products, try different ways of selling. Try wholesale, Etsy, website, markets, and word of mouth. Tell people what you make and sell, and they will tell other people. 
• You can find Mona at upcoming events such as Finders Keepers in Melbourne, and Makers and Shakers in Sydney, and online at rivertimberdesigns.com.au and Instagram.

 

Thinking about selling your handmade products via wholesale?

In this video and podcast episode, I’ll guide you through 8 steps to follow in order to get your handmade creations stocked in brick & mortar retail shops and boutiques!

If you need more help, and you’re ready to dive into the world of wholesale, don’t miss our Wholesale Know-How course!

AND, if you just want to dip your toe in the water to check if you’re ready to sell via wholesale, download the FREE mini-guide ’10 Steps to Wholesale Readiness’ right here. 

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

Watch on YouTube…

Support the show

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

• Leave a review on the C&T FB page.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
• Join the Thriver Circle – without the members of the Circle, this podcast would not be possible.

Listen Now

“Choose Your Hard.”

I love this quote to live by shared by our guest on the show today – Laurel Taylor.

Laurel and I have a wide-ranging discussion in this episode, where she shares her journey from learning to knit as an aid to focus, to starting and growing her business – Alabaster Purl – through many twists and turns – including moving from Alaska to Oregon to Texas!

Laurel specializes in handmade knitwear and selling at in person shows, and she also has published a handful of knitting patterns.

She has a lot of wisdom to share on how to maintain a handmade business long-term, and we have a lot of fun in this episode, too!

I hope you enjoy it.

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

Watch on YouTube…

Support the show

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

• Leave a review on the C&T FB page.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
• Join the Thriver Circle – without the members of the Circle, this podcast would not be possible.

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• In 2008, Laurel was struggling to focus in school when a friend offered to teach her to knit, thinking that if her hands were engaged, then her mind would follow. This was successful and helped her to focus in class.
• Laurel continued knitting and moved from Alaska to Oregon in 2010 where she decided to make Christmas gifts for all of her husband’s family and posted photos on social media. This prompted other friends and family to place orders with her for knitted items, and her business, Twiddle’s Treasures, was born.
• After a few years in business, Laurel rebranded from her childhood nickname of Twiddle to Alabaster Purl and opened an Etsy shop.

‘…Things have never really taken off for me on Etsy for my finished items, but they do super well at in person shows. That’s my passion now, selling at markets.’ {Laurel}

• 2019 and her family moved to Texas which was a huge culture shock, and there was some doubt as to whether Laurel’s knits would sell as well in a warmer state. With some extra effort leading up to the winter, Laurel had a successful selling season.
• The effect of Covid-19 on Laurel’s business was discussed, and this was a big challenge with many markets being cancelled. This prompted a larger focus on online sales.

• Sales of patterns, particularly Laurel’s ‘Hope Shawl’ took off on Etsy during this period, where previously these had not sold well. Buyers also knitted the ‘Hope Shawl’ and shared their work which helped sales.
• Social media was discussed. Facebook is the preferred platform in Texas however Laurel prefers Instagram. She is also working on creating her own website and getting an email list going.
• Laurel really enjoys making Reels, videos, voice overs, making people laugh and the creative aspects of this process, but this isn’t always the best way to grow her business.
• Jess suggested that TikTok might also be a good platform for these types of videos, however the process can be very time consuming if using multiple platforms. Makers also need to think about which platform their target audience would be using and focus on that.
• Laurel spoke about some of her challenges and goals. Her major goal was preparing for a specific show this year, but she was not accepted, and now is having to shift her focus.
• Smaller benchmarks have been achieved, like reaching 10k followers on Instagram and now being to almost 30k followers.
• Maintaining her business after moving to Texas was also a proud moment for Laurel, proving able to sell knits in a hot climate.
• Laurel feels very blessed and fortunate to be able to run her business full time, rather than as a side gig.
• Recent changes in the economy and their effect on small businesses was discussed as this has had a big impact on many makers, with people having less disposable income.
• Jess raised that Laurel has incrementally built her business rather than trying to do all the things at once. It’s good for other makers to see that you can take time to grow the business.
• Laurel has begun using SKUs to track her products and see which are more profitable. This allows her to focus on popular colours and phase out those that are less so. Some items are one-of-a-kind if they are hand-dyed, whereas some are made in a batch.
• Laurel’s life outside of the business was spoken about. She enjoys the control over her time that comes from being self-employed, as well as the freedom to live where she wants to, and having a quiet life.
• Jess spoke about having annual planning days to plan out one year at a time: run a course at this time, release a new design at this time, etc. Jess also plans out other activities like corresponding YouTube videos, podcast content etc. However, it’s important to be flexible and be able to pivot when life intervenes.
• Advice from Laurel: If just starting out in business, makers should ask themselves the hard question about what your goals are for the business and keep that goal in mind throughout. Do you want a side hustle, or a business that will make enough money to pay your bills/debts?

‘…Define success for your family, for you, for your business, before you even get started. Because if you jump into it and define success for you as you’re going, you could let yourself down and think that you’re failing when you’re not. You might have defined success incorrectly for yourself.’ {Laurel}

 

• QTIP or Quit Taking It Personally: This is especially important when selling at markets as you have to deal with the in-person rejection of your products. 
• Don’t fight for the customers who don’t value your work.
• ‘Choose your hard’ is Laurel’s quote that she lives by. Some decisions and steps are difficult to take, but they are worth it.
• You can find Alabaster Purl on Instagram, Facebook for finished items, Ravelry and Etsy for knitting patterns, and later in the year on her website: alabasterpurl.com.

This has been a tough year for handmade business owners.

 I’ve seen so many people closing up their shops – even people who’ve been in business for well over a decade.

With the economic crisis; the rise of platforms like Shein, Temu, Amazon; the increased cost of postage and materials; and the downfall of Etsy – is it game over for handmade business – especially online?

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

Watch on YouTube…

Support the show

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

• Leave a review on the C&T FB page.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
• Join the Thriver Circle – without the members of the Circle, this podcast would not be possible.

Listen Now

So you’ve got one Etsy shop… but you want to sell something that doesn’t quite fit there.

You’ve been thinking about opening a second shop, but aren’t sure if it’s a good idea.

In this video/podcast, I’m going to outline the pros and cons of having more than one Etsy shop so you can go into it with your eyes wide open and make the decision that’s right for you! 

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

Watch on YouTube…

Support the show

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

• Leave a review on the C&T FB page.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
• Join the Thriver Circle – without the members of the Circle, this podcast would not be possible.

Listen Now

There is so, so much that goes into having a successful online craft business.

Truly, the path is long, and can be hard, and has so very many steps.

However, I’ve been in the handmade business for a long time now, and over the last decade+ I’ve built up my businesses to the point where they support our family.

Some days, I can’t quite believe that I’ve reached this point. When I started, it seemed like a pretty unattainable dream.

But here we are. I am lucky enough to be making a living making beautiful things – doing something I love.

I don’t say this to brag or toot my own horn, I say it to give you hope.

Not a false hope. Not a hollow – you will succeed if you just do what you love.

No.

But if you’ve dreamed of doing what I do – making a living from selling your craft, I’m here to tell you that it IS possible.

No, it’s not easy.

No, it’s not a quick process.

No, there’s no ACTUAL ‘secret formula’ to success (those what I’m going to share will REALLY help).

But it can be done. I, and many other artisans, are living proof.

Today, I thought I would dig deep into those years (and YEARS) of trial and error to share with you 10 things that I believe are absolutely crucial to the success or failure of your online handmade business.

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

Watch on YouTube…

Support the show

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

• Leave a review on the C&T FB page.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
• Join the Thriver Circle – without the members of the Circle, this podcast would not be possible.

Listen Now

So you want to sell your handmade crafts online… but you’re not sure if you should use Etsy or Shopify?

Today I’m going to help you answer this question: should you use Etsy, Shopify… or both?

I’ll take you through the pros and cons of each platform, before comparing them to see which one is better across a range of criteria.

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

Watch on YouTube…

Support the show

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

• Leave a review on the C&T FB page.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
• Join the Thriver Circle – without the members of the Circle, this podcast would not be possible.

Listen Now

Sick of relying on Instagram and it’s increasingly worsening algorithm to drive traffic to your handmade businesses?

Ready to tap into one of the fastest-growing marketing platforms on the internet instead?

I’m talking Pinterest – and I believe it is one of THE best potential drivers of traffic to your handmade business.

Those of you who’ve been in the Thriver Circle for over a year may remember the Pinterest Challenge from previous years.

The Pinterest Challenge helped many of you grow your Pinterest accounts – and therefore, your website traffic.

Pinterest is one of the top drivers of traffic to my own businesses, and if you’re not already using it – or not using it to its full potential – this challenge aims to help you up your Pinterest game, and drive more people to your online store.

🔥This challenge will run for 2 weeks, from June 3rd, 2024!

If you find Pinterest overwhelming; you don’t know where to start; or you’ve fallen off the wagon (i.e. out of the habit of using Pinterest regularly) then this challenge will help you!

🔥What is the Pinterest Challenge?

Basically – it’s a chance to grow your Pinterest account (and therefore traffic to your website!) via a two-week-long challenge in a group setting.

The basic gist is that you will spend a minimum of 10 minutes every day working on your Pinterest account.

And – bonus! – I will also be sharing one Pinterest tip or hack with you each day inside the Thriver Circle forum on Facebook.

I’ve got lots of juicy Pinterest suggestions for you!

🔥Ready? Sign up here.

If you’re not sure how Pinterest will help you grow your business, check out this week’s podcast, where I share 8 reasons why it might be the right choice for you!

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

Watch on YouTube…

Support the show

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

• Leave a review on the C&T FB page.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
• Join the Thriver Circle – without the members of the Circle, this podcast would not be possible.

Listen Now

Today’s interview is with Michelle Danielson of Grandma Skills and Make Your Mark Labs.

Michelle Danielson is a veteran creative who is an expert on selling handmade goods at markets.

She opened her handmade product business Grandma Skills® in 2013. After many years of continued success and growth she knew she had something worth sharing.

In 2021 she started the education side of her business Make Your Mark Labs which focuses on teaching handmade business owners how to successfully sell at in person markets.

Today Michelle shares the progress of her business since 2013 – and how it has evolved and remains a successful business alongside her part-time healthcare job and raising her son – especially in the face of some serious health challenges that led her to re-structure and learn how to delegate aspects of her business.

She also shares her top tips for selling in person at markets and shows, including some pitfalls to avoid and clever hacks to make it easier to engage potential customers!

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

Get access to my Selling at Markets 101 Online Workshop!

Ever thought about selling your work at markets and shows, but don’t know how to get started?

In this workshop I’ll take you through the basics you need to think about – things like choosing a market, taking payments, making stock, creating a stall design, and how to sell on the day!

Thriver Circle members can attend live (May 30, 2024) or watch the workshop recording on demand.

Get The Workshop

Watch on YouTube…

Support the show

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

• Leave a review on the C&T FB page.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
• Join the Thriver Circle – without the members of the Circle, this podcast would not be possible.

Listen Now

Show Notes

• Michelle was always creative but didn’t start seriously until after graduating college, when she would craft at home after work.
• After trying to climb the corporate ladder with little results, Michelle decided to focus her efforts and talents into her craft business and reap the rewards, although she still works in healthcare part time.
• The business started in 2013, selling at markets which is her passion, and has recently started helping to educate other makers in how to succeed at markets.
• Michelle is in the United States and has kept her healthcare job so as to continue with health insurance and benefits, but only works part time so she can also stay at home with her son.
• Following a health incident, it became obvious that Michelle couldn’t continue to do everything herself, so began to delegate parts of the production to others.

‘…I would keep working on the things that made me, me, were profitable, and the things that were uniquely my skill.’ {Michelle}

• Michelle started out crocheting baby hats, but now does mostly sewing of luxury winter apparel, and some kitchen and baby lines through her brand, Grandma Skills.
• The brand name is in honour of Michelle’s late grandma, who taught her to crochet and sew.
• Michelle’s working week was discussed, and how she balances her time. Tending to the business ebbs and flows, depending on Michelle’s health, energy levels, time she needs to spend with her son, etc. 
• The pull of these conflicting obligations was discussed, as it can be difficult for Michelle to focus on one thing, when she feels like she should be elsewhere and doing something else. This is a part of her life that Michelle is working to improve so that she has a clear idea of her vision and product line, and knows where to spend her time and energy.
• Jess spoke about how constrictions can be useful in a creative business as it helps makers really prioritise and focus on specific tasks and ideas. 

‘It think it’s nice to have that flexibility, and I think it’s important too for wherever you’re at in the season of life, to honour that season, and be realistic in the time that you have and the goals that you have.’ {Michelle}

• Jess noted that she sees many makers that have a lot of tension between what they need to do and what they have time to do. Sometimes it is better to stop fighting the constraints, and work around the ebb and flow.
• Jess and Michelle spoke about the constant need to grow, push forward, hustle, etc. Makers should remember that they don’t have to put this pressure on themselves and should do what makes them happy.
• Michelle noted a book that she read called ‘In the Flo’ by Alisa Vitti, and how this impacted her. Jess agreed with this examination of ‘cycles’, and how they can impact women particularly, but also businesses which can follow cycles rather than being always go, go, go. For example, there are busier periods like Christmas, but then there should be quiet times when makers can take a break to recharge and avoid burnout.
• Markets were discussed as this is Michelle’s specialty, with the biggest challenges being that makers find it hard to focus on one task and instead feel that they need to do everything themselves. Many market stallholders also think that they need to have a grand booth display to start out which simply is not the case.
• Jess queried how makers should choose the best market to sell at that suits their wares. Michelle stated that makers need to know who they are making their products for, then they can establish where they shop, and which markets they visit.
• This is why Michelle attends markets because that’s where her people shop.
• Jess suggested that new makers try all avenues initially, then they can figure out what works for them, and who and where their customers are. Put products out there in the real world and see what happens.
• Michelle highlighted for makers that there is no success or failure when it comes to markets, there are simply results and lessons that you can use to determine your next move. Pay attention to everything that happens, then you can decide to pivot or change.
• Michelle commented on pricing, as you cannot price things high without demonstrating the value of that item, and making sure that it is a quality item.

‘This also comes down to branding and how you are showing your business to the world… It takes time to develop a brand and a following, and I find that part of that can be where you sell’ {Jess}

• Tips for makers selling at markets include: 
• • Doing things prior to the market that ‘fill your cup’, as selling and customer interaction can be draining, especially for introverted people. 
  • Don’t just make products and expect them to sell because they are at the market, think about how you can sell them. 
  • Have a script of 10 or so phrases to help you start a conversation with a buyer, for example compliment them on something. 
  • Know what is unique about your product and how it will benefit the customer.
• Michelle noted for stallholders that the product line should be clear to customers, so they know what it is that you make, and also what your brand is. Makers should also consider what they wear to attend markets as this is representative of your brand.

• Top 3 tips:
• Honour your creative space and protect that. 
• Stay in your lane, don’t compare yourself to others, but compare to the previous year’s markets and learn from them what went well / not so well, what would you like to try next year. 
• Networking at markets is important as this can lead to some great outcomes, and friendships. 
• Do what you enjoy.

• Jess enquired how makers can work on their self confidence and belief in themselves. It was suggested to choose three things to improve on each year that will boost your confidence. For example, take a course in something that you feel is a weakness in your work. 
• Further, don’t focus too much on negative feedback. If you need to, fix the problem, and learn from the experience. Otherwise, don’t dwell on this too much as it can affect your confidence.
• Quote from Michelle is from Romans 12:12: Be joyful in hope, patient in trials, and faithful in prayer.
• This quote was helpful to Michelle during her health challenges, but it can be applied to a lot of seasons of life. 
• You can find Michelle’s educational products on Instagram @makeyourmarklabs, and the website: makeyourmarklabs.com
• You can find Grandma Skills on Instagram, Facebook, website, and Etsy.
• Michelle also has seven templates available for market stalls including hang tags, care instructions, signage etc.
• Grab Michelle’s Market Printables Template Pack.
• Jess briefly raised QR Codes for customers to access social media, and how these can also be used for mailing lists to encourage people to sign up, but makers should remember who their customer base is as they may not be savvy with QR Codes.

Laurie Caffery grew up in Boone, North Carolina, a small town surrounded by the peaks and valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Encouraged by her creative parents – a painter mom and a custom home designer and builder dad, Laurie spent her childhood enthusiastically exploring different mediums, primarily painting and drawing.

Laurie received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Studio Art with an emphasis in ceramics in 2014.

Her artwork is exhibited and collected nationally and internationally.

Currently, Laurie continues to create her narrative-driven, decorative ceramics from her home studio in Asheville, North Carolina alongside her husband, son and dogs.

In this episode we talk about her creative education & journey – and how illustrating on clay happened by accident!

We discuss how she’s grown a successful independent business – and how that’s enabled her to charge what her work is worth, and grow a following of people who love to collect her work.

Laurie is launching her latest collection the day after this goes live, check out her work right here – lauriecaffery.com

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

Watch on YouTube…

Support the show

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

• Leave a review on the C&T FB page.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
• Join the Thriver Circle – without the members of the Circle, this podcast would not be possible.

Listen Now

Show Notes

● Laurie started working with ceramics in high school, but this was more of a hobby, and illustrating her main creative focus. While at college, ceramics became more of a serious interest and eventually became Laurie’s career choice in 2016.
● Laurie’s mother, Debbie Arnold, is an artist, and her father a bespoke home builder so Laurie grew up in a very artistic environment. Here she naturally excelled in illustrating and painting, and with a shy, introverted personality, it was assumed that she too would choose a career within the creative arts.
● Laurie discussed how she came to switch to ceramics as her medium during a college
wheel-throwing course. She found the media incredibly challenging and was determined to better understand it. Ceramics is an art form based more on muscle memory, skill, and the products you use, than artistic talent and really keeps you engaged.
● Laurie has an added layer to her ceramics which is illustration of her products. This was something she fell into at a time when she was teaching ceramics and a scholarship came up for a course at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, one of the best craft schools in the United States. The only course available was illustration of ceramics which Laurie almost declined, but she did go, and the course changed everything.
● During college, there was pressure to create more sculptural and academic works even though Laurie’s interest was in functional ceramics. Therefore, when she began working in ceramics again, she had no particular style and was able to start from scratch.

‘Part of the draw with functional ceramics was that I could figure out how to do it
myself… from creating the piece, to marketing, to selling the piece on my own without
relying on galleries.’ {Laurie}

● Laurie started out selling at craft fairs, and moved to 40% online, 60% consignment, wholesale, etc. When the pandemic happened, craft markets and galleries were shut down so Laurie switched to selling only online, though recently she has taken on some
wholesale work with a gallery.
● Marketing was discussed. Laurie uses Instagram for 95% of her marketing, and DMs (Direct Messages) have made a huge difference in this process.

‘It has been so wonderful to truly build authentic relationships with my customers… we have become friends and they have become my cheerleaders.’ {Laurie}

● While Laurie has a modest follower count, this is not that important; it’s more important to have organic growth and have authentic relationships with her customers.
● Email lists have also proved successful for Laurie’s business as a way to directly reach out to her client base.
● As a ceramicist, Laurie has the benefit of a client base of collectors, and therefore
markets her work differently to someone who relies on single sales. Laurie needs clients who value her work, who know who she is as a person, and who know the quality and time taken to create her work so that they will pay fairly for her products. This is because ceramics are generally deemed to have low value. Laurie originally sold through Etsy and this was a great platform to start off with, however Etsy retains customer email addresses which isn’t ideal if you are wanting to contact customers directly.
● Instagram was discussed as this is a constantly changing platform and requires regular posting of a range of different formats, e.g. Carousels, reels, etc.
● Laurie has four releases per year, and her designs change depending on the season.
She currently doesn’t have capacity to sell all year round due to her studio size.
● Work life balance was raised as Laurie has always struggled with workaholism, but since having her son, she has had to reevaluate how she works to allow time for her family. Laurie’s husband is a huge part of the success of Laurie’s business, helping to construct her studio, taking on childcare duties, etc.
● The creative process was discussed. Laurie has a list of themes that she wishes to explore and whittles this down to the theme of the new release.
● Laurie spoke about a spreadsheet she uses to track sales, income, expenses, and
individual items. The constraints of this spreadsheet and list is important to Laurie as it helps her focus on the creative process and make it more fun.
● The biggest challenge for Laurie has been motherhood; while it has been wonderful it
has also been difficult adjusting the business.
● The biggest highlight has been her online store as this has met exactly with her goals
and grown to be a sustainable business.
● The future for Laurie’s business was discussed. She has achieved what she wanted with her online sales, however would like to have more ease and stability, and take more regular weekends off with her family without worrying about the business.
● Jess noted that it’s good for other makers to see that it’s ok to stay a small business; you don’t need to grow beyond where you feel comfortable and fulfilled.
● Advice from Laurie to other makers is don’t underestimate marketing. There is a fine balance between marketing your products whilst also focusing on good craftsmanship at the same time.
● Quote: Choose discomfort over resentment, Brené Brown. For Laurie, this means saying no to things that you don’t want to do, rather than agreeing and being resentful. This is important to Laurie at this stage in her business as it protects her peace and her time.
You can find Laurie on Instagram, lauriecaffery.clay and on her website,
lauriecaffery.com