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Getting Crafty in Business is a series of workshops and one-on-one mentoring conducted by industry experts covering areas such as marketing, branding, social media advice, video, visual storytelling, and e-commerce.

Nichola Lockhart, Chief Executive of the Ards Business Hub, said, “The craftsmanship in this area has a wonderful tradition, exemplified by the many events that take place each year during Craft Month in August. Getting Crafty in Business aims to equip these talented craftsmen with the skills to build and grow their own successful businesses. “

The next Get Crafty in Business program will take place in September at the Ards Business Hub and will culminate in a Christmas showcase event (subject to Covid restrictions). Run in 2020, the course helped many manufacturers focus on their business and gave them the confidence to sell and develop their handcrafted products in a wider market.

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Michaela Phillips from Sunshine and Grace

The participants praised the tutors Rosemary Morrison from Directus Business Consultancy and Ashleigh Watson from Copper Square Communications as well as the interesting guest speakers who were invited on various topics.

Painter Carla Hodgson said the program helped her tremendously. She works on large format artwork, like the amazing purple squid mural painted during the Open House Festival, as well as portrait and community art projects. The course gave her the confidence to grow her business significantly.

She explained, “I felt like they were supporting me and telling me that I could do that. For me, art has always been more than a hobby; it’s a real passion. It meant so much that these business people believed in me. I have a new focus on the business side and understand what my customers want and need. “

Co-worker Tracey Ayre at Bluebird Designs said the course helped her reorient her business in a new direction during the lockdown. “I used to sell at craft fairs, but that stopped during the pandemic. Nichola Lockhart of the Ards Business Hub suggested this course and another one with Women in Business; both were invaluable, ”she continued.

Painter Carla Hodgson who painted an octopus mural during the Open House Festival

Tracey works mostly with polymer clay and during the lockdown she developed do-it-yourself craft kits.

Tracey said: “So many people have started new hobbies in the last year and working with Fimo is very relaxing and fun. I’ve developed two kits that people can make at home, one for a necklace and bracelet and one for a tealight holder. The courses gave me the impetus to take my work to the next level. “

Michaela Phillips from Bangor has turned her hobby of making handcrafted wooden signs and gifts into a full time job. She had previously worked in childcare for 22 years and loved doing handicraft projects with the children.

“My business, Sunshine and Grace, has really grown since the course; It gave me a lot more insight into selling and also helped build my confidence in my work, ”she explained.

Bluebird Designs Craft Kit by Tracey Ayre

The painter Melanie Clark Pullen from Books By The Sea in Ballyholme creates beautiful mermaids and sea scenes. She explained that an unexpected benefit of the course is the supportive community of artisans that has emerged.

“As a group, we really bonded and worked together. They are all great people and we support each other. It was wonderful to build a network of people who understand the same challenges and are there to cheer you on, ”she added.

To learn more about the free Get Crafty in Business program, contact Ards Business Hub on 028 9181 9787 or email [email protected]

A message from the editor:

Artwork Melanie Clarke Pullen

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