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Discussions with my membership, manufacturers and retailers have been circling around the same topic: the challenges of running a creative storefront post-Covid. There's concern and frustration, but there's also a new excitement and energy. The Business of Creating: Making it Awesome is a panel of guest speakers addressing topics like continuing to adapt to the new world of retailing, pricing your products to reflect increases in operations, marketing to the locals and how to be creative when you run out of ideas.
Don't miss the incredible insight these creative rock stars shared! Enjoy! (Recorded March 31, 2022)
Please connect with the event speakers!
Susan Rogers
Susan is one of the owners of Gare Inc, a wholesaler of ceramic bisque, glazes, pottery glazes, and studio supplies to Paint Your Own Pottery Studios across the US and Internationally. Gare started in 1950 and her family bought it in 1983. Susan will have worked at Gare 30 years this October and is the VP of sales. Gare's Facebook page; Instagram page
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is the host of the Creative Shop Talk podcast, founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle coaching group for creative shop owners, and creator of the mega popular course Retail Made Simple for Creatives.
She is kinda crazy passionate about helping independent specialty and creative shop owners go from messy to thriving by giving them the tools and confidence to step into their role as CEO and tame all the crazy things they need to master to run a thriving, profitable (and fun) retail business!
Wendy’s superpower is that she can see the big picture vision, and helps brick and mortar shop owners with the tools, resources, and confidence they need to execute that vision and bring it to life so that they can realize their dream retail business.
Her years in the trenches and her easy personal way, along with her genuine care for her clients, have her a sought-after speaker, industry expert and coach.
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She has the privilege and pleasure of working with hundreds of shop owners all over the world and does so living an imperfectly perfect life with her photographer husband in their crooked cottage by the sea in a tiny fishing village! Wendy's Facebook page; Instagram page
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Kathy Cano-Murillo
The Crafty Chica, is former syndicated newspaper columnist and now a full-time creativepreneur which has led to multiple product lines, and collabs with national brands. She has authored several craft books and novels, and her latest – The Crafty Chica Creates, released in January 2022. She has new products lines with Makers Movement for HSN, Bisque Imports, Madison Park Greetings, and Riley Blake Fabrics. She has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Buzzfeed+ more. Kathy's Facebook page; Instagram page
Fiber Artist and Craft Industry Professional for over 20 years Michele is deeply rooted in the quilt, craft and sewing communities.
Working for Simplicity Creative Group in the craft division for 15 years Michele has presented product lines to major retailers; assisting vendors to understand how their customers will use the products. Michele has also assisted the product development teams bring notions and tools to market that allow makers realize their creative potential.
As the Director of Content and Community Relations for Oliso she is dedicated to promoting a community of diversity and inclusiveness. Oliso believes that helping designers promote their brands (of any size) enhances the craft community at large.
Michele is a consultant to creative brands, a columnist, small fiber business owner, author and trade show logistics manager. She has served on nonprofit boards within the industry to help give back to the industry that has provided her with such an enriching career. Michele's website
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Jo Packham
A leading innovator in the handmade publishing market for 44 years, Jo Packham is currently the creator/Editor-in-Chief of two best-selling magazines: WHERE WOMEN CREATE, Inspiring Work Spaces of Extraordinary Women and WHAT WOMEN CREATE, Inspiration for Your Imagination, and the hardcover book Where Women Create.
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Jo believes we all have a story to tell, and she also believes it is her job to give a venue to those ideas; hence, the magazine 4 magazine titles that she created in the past 15 years. Today, she is following through with her own vision through her partnership with Madavor Media. For the beauty, content, and magnificent design of these magazines, Mr. Magazine™ has included all four of the titles (counted as one entry) into his Baker’s Dozen of fantastic new publications, touting “2018 WAS A GREAT YEAR FOR JO PACKHAM!”
In February 2019, WWC WORK was honored by Samir Husni (Mr. Magazine) and the MPA (Association of Magazine Media) as the HOTTEST MAGAZINE LAUNCHED in 2018. WORK was selected as #1 out of over 700 publications launched in 2018. Jo's Facebook page; Instagram page