Crafted Conversations
The Crafted Conversations Series is a virtual, bimonthly education series open to all makers. Each session is taught by an experienced maker who will share their paths to success, practical insights, and lessons learned as they’ve navigated building their craft-based businesses.
September: Pricing to Pay Yourself with Kolika Chatterjee of Kanch by Kolika
Kolika Chatterjee of Kanch by Kolika is a full-time glass artist with an MBA! This hands-on session about pricing strategy is fueled by Kolika’s background in corporate consumer research, quantitative decision making, experience design, and product development. Join us to learn about:
Pictured: Kolika Chatterjee. Photo provided by Kolika.
Cost versus value pricing
Handy formulas for calculating cost, net margin, price, and value
Performing your own market research
Price modeling based on the stage of your business
For this session bring:
A calculator and notebook, or a spreadsheet
Your current year’s sales data (optional)
July: Making a Profit at Markets with Paul Fruehan from Wood-N-You-Like It
Pictured: Paul Fruehan. Photo by Kitoko Chargois
Paul Fruehan of Wood-N-You Like It started woodworking at a young age in the family workshop. With more than 35 years of experience running a successful handmade business, Paul will share practical strategies for building a more profitable, sustainable creative business. In this free session, you'll learn about:
Planning for profit
Understanding and controlling costs
Evaluating event expenses and market performance
Knowing your competition and making smarter business decisions
May: The Butta Brand Blueprint: From Handmade to High Demand with Naptural Beauty Supply
Pictured: LaShesia Holliday. Photo curtesy of the maker.
LaShesia Holliday of Naptural Beauty Supply is the owner of a Pittsburgh-based handmade beauty brand specializing in body butters, oils, and self-care products. In this presentation, she will share what she has learned about building a brand that goes beyond logos and into a cohesive, recognizable experience. Drawing from her work at markets, pop-ups, and through wholesale partnerships, she will walk through real examples and practical strategies to help makers strengthen their brand, connect with customers, and increase perceived value and sales.
March: Succeeding at Markets with Engaging Displays with Clark Morelia
Pictured: Jocelyn and Rob sewing. Photo curtesy of makers.
Jocelyn and Rob of Clark Morelia have been selling their handcrafted leather goods at markets since 2019. In this presentation, they share what they have learned about setting up a booth that draws people in and keeps them browsing. From display design and visual merchandising to the things you can and cannot control at a market, they walk through real examples and practical strategies to help makers improve their setup and make the most of every market day.