Last year I discovered an amazing resource that I’ve shared several times here on the Art Bead Scene – the Flourish & Thrive Academy. Their informative blog and conference calls were some of the first places I turned to when I started to seriously work on the wholesale line of my jewelry business. I always clicked on Tracy and Robin’s emails because I knew every time I’m going to learn something valuable. So last fall when they opened up registration to their Flourish and & Thrive Academy course, I signed up right away.
It is hands-down the best thing I’ve done for my business. I started the course, knowing I would be in the middle of a move during part of it. But with the lifetime access to the course, I knew I would be able to pick up where I left off and later enjoy listening in on the calls, learning from what others were struggling with each week. Tracy and Robin also offer encouragement and support in a Facebook group for the course, so I knew if I had a burning question about the course they would be there to help.
From an in-depth discovery of who my ideal client was, to creating a collection of jewelry that appeals to buyers, to finding places to market my work and lots of tips for promotions, this 4-week course was jammed packed with just the information I had been searching for. You know how you just wish someone would come along and tell you exactly what you need to do to make your business a success – yeah, that was Tracy and Robin! The bonus material for the class is like getting a big Christmas present at the end of the course. Sort of like, here are all the tools – go make your dreams happen. Along with Tracy and Robins’ wisdom during weekly conference calls we were introduced to other great coaches and resources that offered invaluable insights into our clients and our businesses. Along with the big, lofty questions of branding and advice on rounding out your collection, there were practical tips like putting together a successful line-sheet, ways to merchandise your work and improve customer service.
The designers taking the course ranged from high-end goldsmiths to those who string beads. Each of us learned to tell our own unique story and were given the tools to find the customers who will fall in love with our work. If you have been struggling with your business, whether you want to sell wholesale or retail, I can’t recommend the Flourish & Thrive Academy enough.
Click here for more information on registration.
(Disclosure: I’m a proud affiliate partner with Flourish & Thrive Academy, but even it wasn’t, I’d send you there – they know what they are taking about and I love sharing a good thing!)
Lottie
January 11, 2013 at 12:31 pmAS always totally stunning and original jewellery. I adore your work so much so that I can't bear to use the beads etc that I have bought to make into anything as I am a total beginner and wouldn't be able to do them justice – but I do look at them every day and admire them!!!
One day I'll use them!
Gardanne
January 11, 2013 at 7:29 pmThanks for the information Heather. Definitely need more structure this year.
Kati
January 12, 2013 at 6:48 pmLove your work!
-Kati
Cindy
January 17, 2013 at 5:09 amLooking forward to joining the Flourish and Thrive Academy and learning more about how I can kick it up a notch (or two!) with my business. Thank you so much for the info, Heather!