Talking craft subscriptions as a Rebel business!
Small business meets silicon valley
I’m excited to announce that I’m on a podcast! 2 years ago I was inspired to start Craft Box Club when I attended a week with the Rebel Business School. They taught me how to get my craft box subscription business off the ground with out spending loads of money. I started by testing ideas at local craft workshops for a year before really going for the subscriptions.
Alan now has a podcast which is in it’s 2nd season. I’ve listened to every episode. It’s great entertainment and inspiration when I’m making up craft kits. It’s always brilliant talking business with Alan and it was awesome to be able to talk to Silicon Valley guru, Jennifer Vessels. They gave me loads of ideas and support to help me take my small craft business to the next level.
You can listen here.
Do you have a dream business that you’d like to get off the ground? Well have a listen to the podcast and check to see if the Rebel Business School is coming to your area to run another one of their brilliant free business courses!
Check them out here.
What did I learn?
I just loved talking to Alan and Jennifer about Craft Box Club. They have so much experience and energy between them! To start with, I guess it feels like I’ve arrived. It has been just a dream for so long so it was pretty cool to be on a podcast as an entrepreneur. When I met Alan the course, he asked me what the product was. I think I said “errr creative things to do for everyone!”. I had no idea what I was doing really.
It took me months to work out that I wanted to make eco friendly, accessible craft kits made from natural materials. I love it when people subscribe as I’m passionate about helping people make creativity a habit! It’s good for us if we can make time for ourselves to create on a regular basis. I’m pleased to say that a few hundred eco friendly creatives so far have liked the idea!
I find it really useful to knock ideas around with people who are keen to give you constructive criticism. We jumped into my website and found a few points that needed improvement. It’s important for potential customers to have a super easy experience when they sign up.
One of the takeaways was that I needed to make the key selling points of the craft kits more obvious on the website. I think I said they are, to learn new skills, boost your self confidence through making and help with mental health. I’m still not sure I’ve cracked this but I’m still working on it!
There were also a few ideas like getting people to craft together over zoom which I tested briefly but haven’t really given enough energy. I love the idea of helping people to connect through craft!
How’s Craft Box Club Today?
I’ve spent the past few months making the whole business better for my awesome customers. I’ve done some boring stuff like updating my systems which makes sending out the kits easy so I can spend more time on good stuff. The business is now more eco friendly. I’ve switched to wind energy, I get the printing done by a carbon negative printer and the materials and supply chain are greener than ever. I’ve also made the guides better with printable photo guides to complement the videos. The website is easier to use and I think it does a better job of telling visitors what we’re all about!
I can’t wait for the next steps of my Craft Box Club journey. Thanks so much to all of my customers. You are just brilliant, lovely and creative. I’m here to support your creativity and I’m committed to making Craft Box Club better and greener for you. If you have any thoughts about what you’d like to see from us in 2021, let me know by email or in the comments below!
Not a member yet?
If you’d like to get creative now, join Craft Box Club today and we’ll get your first craft to you asap. Your purchase will also help to planet urban trees!