Hello + and welcome to my studio!
I’m participating in the weekly photo challenge, Focus on Life. For Week #9, our photo prompt is Knock, Knock! Here you see the doors that open into my studio. This room is my little slice of heaven. Along one wall, my collection of Victorian albums are stacked on the book case. On the opposite side of the room, tools lie in wait on my “work bench”. Dainty figurines and several vintage dress forms keep me company. This is the only pastel room in my house of 5 guys! Stepping into this room, I am inspired to create and dream.
This year I’m taking a new outlook on creating jewelry. My guiding word for 2013 is Intentional. I have taken an intentional path in the past years with my jewelry – and I’m hoping to achieve one of my biggest goals with my wire jewelry book that is due out in the Fall. Now I am turning my attention to the business of creating jewelry. I’ve been taking an amazing online class with Flourish & Thrive Academy that has opened doors for me…and I am looking at what I do in a fresh new way. Through this program, I have learned a great deal from two knowledgeable instructors (and realize I have so much more to learn!). I’ve also enjoyed the support and sharing of information through our very active class FB group. Next up is the famed B-School by Marie Forleo…. this course was a Valentine’s gift from my husband and I’m looking forward to jumping in.
Speaking of jewelry + business, I’ve gathered up a list of resources for jewelry designers…. some are new to me, and some are long-time favorites. I’ve chosen to focus primarily on women entrepreneurs that are experts in their fields. Visit these sites to find all kinds of free articles and information, as well as an incredible number of virtual courses. You may find just the inspiration to help you open the door to growth for your jewelry business.
Resources for Jewelry Designers:
Flourish & Thrive Academy – Robin Kramer and Tracy Matthews really are a dynamic duo, and they have combined their extensive experience to create a one-of-a-kind online jewelry business school. Designer interviews, coaching, webinars and niche programs can be found at F&TA.
Marie Forleo – Marie is a business and marketing genius, and runs the incredibly popular B-School (an online business school for modern entrepreneurs). You can receive Marie’s newsletter to up your business game weekly.
Cassera Communication – Melissa offers a wealth of knowledge on PR through her posts, coaching and online programs. Learn how to build recognition, visibility, and press!
LKR Social Media – Laura Roeder shares information and programs for small businesses focusing on social media and online marketing.
Amy Porterfield – Amy is an incredibly successful social media expert, author, and trainer.
Launch Grow Joy – Andreea Ayers shares great information, webinars, media & store lists, and eCourses to support your business.
Blacksburg Belle – April offers programs and loads of inspiration to help you with your creative business.
Danielle Laport – Danielle is a business strategist, inspirational speaker and author.
Heidi Cohen – Heidi is an actionable marketing expert (her site has loads of resources – you could be reading for hours).
Designing an MBA – Megan Auman is a jewelry designer whose informational site is full of resources and programs for fellow designers and makers.
Marketing Creativity – learn how to market your hobby into a handmade business success.
Stephenie Zamora – Stepheni offers a mix of life-purpose development, marketing, and branding all in one place.
Laura Garnett – Laura helps finding one’s “Zone of Genius” – the foundation of successful branding and business strategy.
Just ask Kim (Kim Castlebury) – Kim’s site offers great information on marketing for online businesses.
Alyson B. Stanfield /Art Biz Coach – Alyson provides everything from regular business tips to art business bootcamp.
More Resources:
Oh My! Handmade Goodness – a supportive community of creative entreprenuers. Fresh stories and resources are shared daily.
Successful Business Talk.Com – Sheila Butler provides fantastic interviews with successful entrepreurs – learn about business practices, social media, and everything in between.
Scoutie Girl– a digital zine and community. Tara Gentile (editor of SG) is a well-known blogger and business coach.
Arts Business Institute – a nonprofit organization providing business education for creative entrepreneurs. Workshops and individual consulting available.
* If you have a favorite business resource not listed, please share!
– Cindy xoxo
by Stephanie Chandler of Business Info. Guide
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{ 33 comments… read them below or add one }
oh my! i am green… with envy… your studio is like a dream… a gorgeous photo… sending good, positive thoughts to you as you begin your business journey… 🙂
What a wonderful peak into your creative sanctuary…and thank you for this list…many I already know, but I am delighted to see some that are new…have a great weekend!!
Cindy, awesome posting. You inspired me to look in a different direction. I am feeling bored with my creativity, so these links are just what I needed! I can not wait for your book unveiling.
Great picture Cindy! Your space is so beautiful. That is a great reference list you have assembled. I’m excited you are taking these courses because I have a feeling you are going to do something great with them!
Oh, my word! The entrance to your studio looks like a set design for some fabulous vintage-inspired show. I’m excited to see your book when it comes out. What a huge accomplishment. Great things are in store for you!
Looking forward to seeing your book! I bet you’ll be glad to have you life back, too, once the book is out. I know how much work books can be. I really love your New Year’s resolutions for entrepreneurs. I already have done work on #1. I’m no longer shipping Etsy orders on Saturdays. It makes for more work on Mondays, but somehow it feels like I’ve given myself a little extra time.
What a nice introduction to your life and work!
Love the picture of the entrance to your studio! Your staging is worthy of photography awards! Now I can’t wait to see more pictures of your sanctuary! Loved your pictures for your book too! You could just make a bunch of copies of the jewels you wre wearing and sell those! <3
Your studio looks like it has beautiful light! Looks so peaceful.
Thanks for sharing those links.
Love the door to your studio – and as I’ve said before – your dress forms! 🙂 Marie’s videos are awesome and the fact that you’re attending B-School is so cool – you’ll have to share your experience. Thanks for all the other ‘doors’ that you’re sharing w/all of us today so that we too may live with “Intention” this year.
Your studio looks AMAZING!! You have great vintage style! I can’t wait for you to get to Texas to the Round Top Antiques Fair. You will go crazy 🙂 Thank so much for sharing all these great resources. I will always be appreciative of your generosity and helpfulness. Can’t wait for your book to come out. Congrats sweet lady!!
FANTASTIC post! I pinned, tweeted and G+ this one!! thank you for sharing
What a wonderful glimpse into your creative space. I LOVE the shabby turquoise table and vintage touches. Congrats on the book and whatever your future holds.
Cindy, Love the peak into your studio, especially the table and the dress form ~ just what I would have expected.
I’ve been following most of the resources and kicking myself for not taking the F+T class. You are so fortunate to be taking Bschool. Marie’s videos are inspiring. Megan’s recent webinar was one of the best.
So looking forward to your book – a title yet?
Cindy you always take such awesome pics. I too lived in a house with all the rest of the family being male. Thanx so much for all the links. I’m sure they will be very helpful.
What an absolutely gorgeous studio, Cindy! I am so envious! Hoping your “intentions” lead to a serious business increase for you this year!
What a generous post! Thank you. Your studio does indeed look like a slice of heaven.
That seems like a gorgeous studio, and those doors are awesome!
What a beautiful photo and studio entrance! I think you are the envy of everyone today!
That studio looks like something out of a pottery barn catalog. And serves as a warning to me to never share my corner in the living room…my squalor really, where I make my jewelry 🙂
And you are super sweet to share these resourced with us! We will all definitely be opening doors to new opportunities with them! Thank you!
Cindy your studio looks gorgeous with all the light and french doors and vintage goodness! I would want to be in there all the time! As soon as I get more time I am looking forward to going to some of the links you provided, they all sound so interesting. I can’t wait for your book to be released, fall seems like such a long time away but I know it will be here in a blink! Will you be attending beadfest in April?
First of all your studio looks heavenly..can I come and stay there..I promise I will not make a mess…well maybe a little mess..
Thank you so much for the amazing links..I have already saved a few and look forward to reading them.
Your wonderful my friend!! xoxo
Oh my, your studio is beautiful!!! Thank you for all of the lovely links! I will make sure to check them out.
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE your studio. Looks so charming and creative. Thxs for sharing!
Your studio looks stunning-I so want to see more of it! Looks like you have some really nifty finds. I can easily see how it is your little slice of heaven. I also love the angle of your photograph, it is a really beautiful image. I vote for out next gathering to be held in your studio! 😉
Your studio looks amazing, no wonder such great things come out of it!
What a beautiful space. Love that blue table and I am envious of that wonderful thread box. Thanks for the great info too.
Thank you everyone for your kind comments! What you don’t see though is the mess on the left….that is where you’ll find my desk, nestled against the windows and piled high with tools and spools of wire! Just showing you the pretty angle. 😉
What a lovely view of your studio!! I love how you have it decorated with some of your most treasured finds! 🙂 I’m so happy for you about the upcoming release of your book and all the exciting things you are looking into. Thanks for sharing so many interesting links…I’m familiar with many and will enjoy checking out the others. Hugs to you, sweet friend!!
Hi Cindy – I just noticed that my comment is “waiting for moderation” … I was having a lot of trouble last week with my blogger/google account! Just wanted to let you know that this was such a great post – so full of good information, I want to spend time coming back to this one!
We want to see your mess!! So looking forward to your book! Working my way through your spots!
Absolutely a stunning studio! I will thank you as many of those above for the information about the jewelry and business! And please let us know how is it going at Marie’s B-school. Wish you endless amount of creative ideas, abundance and success!
Hi Cindy, thank you SO much for including me on your list of resources. I’m honored to be in such good company. My mission is to help women realize they can have it all – a successful business and family life. Love your jewelry and super excited that you’re doing what you love and making a difference in the world. Thanks again!