Last week Wednesday ~ Saturday I was in St. Paul, MN {tee hehe, about 25 minutes from my house} at The Creative Connection. Have you heard of it? Ohhhhh, where do I even start in describing it?! TCC is one of my favorite conferences because of the women that are there in attendance. It’s such a powerful, crazy awesome event :]
If you have a handmade/creative shop you MUST attend The Creative Connection. I wish I had room here to list off all the success stories of women that attend, because it really is unbelievably amazing.
The Creative Connection started in 2010 ~ just last year, and it was INCREDIBLE — I learned so much about my business, established some incredibly sweet relationships… I even met Heather Bailey and Amy Butler, plus Liv Lane ~ a local radio host who then interviewed me {what?} and is now my coffee/date pal ;]
I knew attending TCC this year would be just as fabulous as last year’s event, and… I was sew right —wink! There were awesome after awesome introductions, it’s like someone knew what they were doing when they were planning the speaker & attendee list. Just last week I met Carol of Burda Style, 3 adorable girls that work for Etsy, The TomKat Studio, Jen of Tater Tots & Jello, Amy of The Idea Room, Shelley of House of Smiths, Kelly Rae Roberts [!!!] and Sarah Jane Studios ~ the point is that The Creative Connection is THE CONFERENCE to go to for some of the best introductions & opportunities in the handmade industry.
I loved my roommates this year, too: Laurie Turk of Tip Junkie, Marie of Make & Takes and Stephanie of S. Bryant social marketing. We had the best “think tank” sessions in our room with Kim & Kris of The DIY Dish, and I learned so much from them ♥
Kim, Kris, Laurie, Marie & Steph, I’m so glad we’re friends and appreciate your knowledge!
One of my favorite sessions was on monetization & blogging, in which I learned of this website ~ Crafting an MBA, and I have been hooked since!
A few tips I continued to hear over & over at TCC —
+ build relationships with others in your industry
+ spotlight great community members {blog/twitter/facebook}
+ pick a few social media sites and stick with those {no need to do them all}
I have a few more tips and links to share from that session, but I’m saving it for another post {I promise it’ll be worth the wait}.
Some of my favorite instagram pics from TCC…
What inspires you? Do you have a favorite blog or handmade conference? Share it with us below!
I was there! It was definitely inspiring and amazing. I was looking for a Gussy Sews shop in the Market. I guess I need to read your blog a little better! Anyway, I am so inspired and can’t wait to do it all again next year!!
Oh I really really want to attend next year. Had to spend the money on my business this year. I know it was fabulous! Thanks for the tips sweet girl. Keep~um’ comin’! ;)
xo
I was there on Saturday! It was so much fun. I got to meet Jana of Izzy and Ivy designs and take a sewing class with Patty Young of Mod Kid! I had a blast! I loved the market too!!
I soooo want to attend next year! I had better start saving my pennies now, lol!
I’m so thankful to you for sharing with those of us who are just still in the “thinking” mode of starting our own
small business. Your enthusiasm,knowledge, sharing,spirit really shines through to so many of us.
hugs
-missy-
Seeing your smiling face gave me a morning smile! It was a pleasure to have met you at TCC this year I know Sew Big Things are headed your way!!!
oh my, that looks like a fabulous time. :) you are one of my favorite blogs, as well as casey wiegand, a beautiful mess(red velvet), rockstar diaries, the vintage pearl, pretties by meg, and there are too many more to write! i (hopefully) will one day make a product/products that are worth me learning to market/sell/strategize at a conference like tcc. whew! (too much typing makes this girl thirsty) :) have a lovely day.
Gosh, it is SO wild that we had to go to a conference in our own metro to meet, right? Happy one year anniversary, lady! ;o)
That looks like SO MUCH FUN! I definitely want to attend a few conferences next year!!! I have to say that your blog along with The Pleated Poppy are my favorite hand made blogs/shops!
I am so going next year – what fun! Can I tell you how totally envious I am that you met Heather Bailey AND Amy Butler?! My two favorite fabric mavens!
i am so glad that you were so inspired, friend! :) reading all the great things you say about ANY blog conference makes me want to attend one!
Wait – what – how did I miss this – you went BROWN? When did this happen? Do you love it? Are you keeping it? We need details – at least I do if I’ve somehow missed this before :)
Your curly blonde locks are so beautiful in your header pictures but I think you are just as cute with brown hair too! Can you come style my hair… like every day? :)
i went brunette just over 2 weeks ago — ;] so glad you like it! it was a huge change from the blonde but it’s something i normally do in the fall. xoxo
So wonderful to meet you, Maggie! Thanks for the link!