Here we are in the first days of 2016. Are you full of renewed energy, hope and dreams for the coming year too? Whether you make resolutions, set goals, or just start the new year with a different mindset, now is the perfect time to harness that energy and make positive and definite steps in the direction of your dreams.
As makers and creatives we often find it daunting to turn our ideas into a business – we make the products, have the goals and the motivation but feel overwhelmed or lack the confidence to pursue our dreams. If you’re nodding your head in agreement you’re going to love Etsy Resolution.
The Etsy Resolution program
Etsy Resolution 2016 is a free four week online bootcamp commencing on 25 January, mentored and led by Australian makers and small business owners who have made successful creative businesses on Etsy. It will help you overcome common barriers such as lack of confidence, time and fear of failure, and will cover the entire process of starting an Etsy shop and growing it into a thriving online business.
Yes, it’s free! And it’s collaborative. You won’t have to navigate those roadblocks alone – you’ll have access to tried and tested tips, tricks and lessons, direct from the people who have done it successfully themselves. A series of self-paced online lessons will be released over four weeks, with a dedicated Facebook group to connect with mentors and other participants, share progress, ask questions and get feedback.
Together with being part of an invaluable support network you’ll learn everything from crafting your brand, to nailing your photography, effective marketing and how to be found by potential customers.
Helen Souness, Etsy’s Managing Director for Australia and Asia, says “We know there are so many talented creatives out there who have long considered sharing their work with the world and starting an Etsy shop, but need a little extra information, inspiration or just some encouragement. Etsy Resolution aims to deliver all that and more, making the whole process simpler with fun, practical and collaborative lessons for anyone from aspiring full time creatives to those looking for a creative outlet or just a little extra income.”
The Mentors
Who better to guide you through the process than creatives who are successfully managing their own online businesses? You’ll benefit from the knowledge and lessons learned by the four mentors:
Laurie Melia
Self-taught artist and maker Laurie Melia likens the growth of her Etsy shop to popular video game The Sims: “ I just kept tending to it and watching it grow little by little”. That careful attention and patience paid off, with Laurie now making and selling her irreverent ceramic sculptures, jewellery and homewares from her West Australian home full time.
“The Etsy programs are an invaluable source of information and support for new, and existing Etsy sellers who need a bit of a kick in the pants to get their shop open or to dedicate a bit more time and energy to improving their existing Etsy shop.”
Adam Jelic
Knowing your lifestyle is a reflection of your dreams, Adam Jelic formed Mi Goals in 2010 with the help of close friend, designer Alec Kach, hoping to help set people up for success. Their idea? Create beautifully designed stationery to help you change your life, carefully structured to encourage goal setting then motivate you to make them a reality.
“Just start, if we (Mi Goals) waited for the perfect product or timing we would still be waiting.”
Kristy Tull
Fox & Ramona is a Melbourne-based homewares brand offering hand crafted concrete products that taps into maker Kristy Tull’s “serious love of accessories, interior design, homewares, art and fashion” and her background in the architectural industry. The business started as a creative outlet but has grown to become Kristy’s full time job as well as her passion project.
“I love seeing other small businesses be successful - it inspires me to work harder and think outside the box.”
Jess Van Den
Jess Van Den is a Brisbane-based silversmith who turned her jewellery-making hobby into a full-time occupation (bringing her husband on board too!). As well as creating eco sterling silver pieces for her label, Epheriell, Jess is the founder and editor of Create & Thrive where she helps others turn their handmade hobby into a successful business.
“Learning alongside other people who are passionate, creative, and in the same boat as you is invaluable. So often, people starting a handmade business struggle to get support from family and friends - so having the friendship and help of other creatives is absolute gold.”
Join Etsy Resolution 2016
Etsy Resolution 2016 starts on Monday 25 January. There’s no better time than now to take positive steps towards your resolutions and goals, so sign up for the Etsy Resolution free creative business bootcamp and take advantage of this inspiring opportunity. Find out more here.
A bonus for We Are Scout readers
If you open an Etsy shop and use the promo code: wearescout2016resolution you will receive 20 free listings to get you started on the road to kicking big goals this year. Let’s go Scouts!
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Etsy Australia. We only partner with brands that are a good fit with our blog, our aesthetic and what you, our readers, enjoy. Photos supplied by Etsy.