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The annual Tools of the Trades hybrid conference focuses on connecting artisans and makers to business resources in Philadelphia and beyond. This three-day event provides a concentrated period for creative learning to help craft-focused businesses accelerate growth and find success however they choose to define it.
Tools of the Trades delivers a variety of programming and materials – lectures, resource directories, and a collaborative event – to address the needs voiced by our creatives running small businesses. The conference strives to emphasize approachability, affordability, and a supportive environment where everyone can come together and no question goes unanswered.
Thursday, March 21st: Day Two Program (Virtual-Only, Zoom) Virtual – Check Your Registration for the Zoom Link
9:00 AM – The “Why” Behind My Business: Debora Charmelus, Founder and Cultural Strategist
10:30 AM – Turning Passion into Productivity: Jason Lempieri, Tombino/RethinkTANK
12:00 PM – Fighting the Fear of Funding: Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith, Mountain BizWorks
2:00 PM – Maker to Mentor: The Workshop on Workshops: Larissa Huff, Woodworker, Furniture-Maker, Teacher and Melissa Guglielmo, NextFab
3:30 PM – Introduction to Retail Readiness: Sharif Pendleton, LaserPhilly
9:00 AM – The “Why” Behind My Business: Debora Charmelus, Founder and Cultural Strategist By embracing diversity and giving back, you’re not just ticking boxes, you’re finding the deeper connection to your “why.” You’re building a legacy that extends beyond profit and loss to one that leaves a lasting positive impact on the world around you. Choose a purpose that resonates with your values and watch your business flourish not just financially, but also in its contribution to a better future.
In this discussion, we’ll sit down with two mission-driven businesses, and hear how their stories started well before their businesses. They’ll discuss how finding their businesses helped their impact and how you can start to make strides with your practice without breaking the bank.
10:30 AM – Turning Passion into Productivity: Jason Lempieri, Tombino/RethinkTANK How do you take your unique skillset and expand it into a range of products, services, and revenue opportunities? Hear from two makers who transformed their initial strengths into multiple revenue streams, while staying focused on their original work. Joy London has been an active contemporary artist since 2001 and expanded that practice into Project Joy Studio to create art kits, making art accessible everywhere. Alecia Dawn Young is an artist and entrepreneur who is diversifying her initial art career into a successful yoga practice and creative studio.
Both will define the framework of how they physically and mentally create new forms of revenue and discover what will resonate with your audience to be profitable.
Does your product resonate and reverberate in a competitive product marketplace? Hear how Jason Lempieri – architect, product designer, and educator leveraged his love of research to create a unique, niche product that resonates with audiences. He’ll tell us about how he embraced procrastination as part of his design process, and how he’s pushed past introverted tendencies to communicate his product story to retailers and customers.
2:00 PM – Maker to Mentor: The Workshop on Workshops: Larissa Huff, Woodworker, Furniture-Maker, Teacher and Melissa Guglielmo, NextFab Feeling stuck with just selling your crafts? You’re not alone! Many makers discover a hidden passion and unlock new financial opportunities by sharing their expertise through workshops and teaching.
In this discussion explore the exciting world of turning your making skills into income-generating knowledge. We’ll delve into why teaching is a powerful (and profitable) revenue stream for makers, discover different teaching styles, platforms, and pricing strategies to suit your niche and audience and uncover the potential of online platforms like Skillshare, Patreon, and Udemy to reach a global audience. By the end of this talk, you’ll be equipped with the tools needed to teach your craft.
Ever dreamed of seeing your handcrafted creations gracing the shelves of a charming boutique or popping up at a trendy market? The transition from passionate maker to retail-ready entrepreneur can be exciting, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this discussion, we’ll equip you with the essential knowledge and tools to navigate the world of retail, increase your chances of landing coveted store placements and pop-up opportunities, and ultimately turn your maker dreams into a thriving reality.