*** this course is now closed ***
Those who have followed my blog since I started in 2008 know how far my business has come. Mustard Seed Interiors was born after a teary breakdown on my sofa and a strong push from my mom and was launched with hours of painting wooden ornaments at my kitchen counter to sell at a craft fair. MSI has grown to a blog with over 1 million hits a month, a Milk Paint line sold in over 230 retail locations around the world, a book and so much more. Sometimes I even need to pause and be in awe of how an accidental entrepreneur, amateur photographer, self-taught DIYer got here.
My family was so supportive along the way, but I wish I had a community to plug into. People who could talk to me about social media, marketing, taxes, business strategy…just everything. I had some amazing mentors along the way, but I had to figure out a lot through trial and error…especially in the early days. That was tough, because every hour was precious with a baby and a toddler and every penny counted on our budget.
Whether you’re just starting a business, knee deep in things already or you’re still in the dreaming stage, this is a community you can plug into. Jeanne Oliver, Jen Rizzo and myself sharing all of our experiences, opinions, tips, tricks and ideas in this video e-course – Building a Creatively Made Business 2.0.
We look like sisters, don’t we?
Anyway, here is why Jeanne wanted to make this course. I love her words, vision and encouraging spirit.
“I have a heart for women. I am constantly amazed at the depth, quality, beauty, talent and strength of women. I had promised myself when I first started my business that if I ever figured this whole thing out (and I am still learning) that I would share how I did it. Along the way I have always tried to answer emails, encourage and support other small business owners (and dreamers). I had questions at the beginning and I wish I had had a person to turn to. I didn’t have a mentor and I could have really used one. Not because I wanted to do what they were doing…because I wanted the knowledge and support to follow MY gifts. I wanted to create a community of women that I can share my heart and journey with and then in turn they will encourage and support one another. I am so excited to tell you that I have taken all of the best parts of the original Building a Creatively Made Business and have made it even better!
Building a Creatively Made Business 2.0 is full of our experiences in building successful businesses.”
I’ve written a lot of posts about starting and running a creative business, but I think these videos will go beyond that information and I hope will be a valuable resource.
Here is the course description…
Are you a dreamer?
Do you have ideas, dreams and a beautiful product to go with it?
Have you been putting off starting your own business?
Do you feel stuck in the online business you have already created?
Do you just need someone to take your hand and walk you through the process?
It is time to take yourself and your dreams seriously.
Let’s start at the beginning.
Join us for a three week journey in building a “Creatively Made Business 2.0”.
SOME of the topics we will cover …..
- Setting up your business
- Websites
- Social networking
- Promoting your business
- Pricing and staying competitive
- Photographing your product
- Setting yourself apart
- Growing your brand
- Markets and shows
- Lookbooks
- E-Courses
- Manufacturing
- Reproducing your work
- Keeping the books
- We will talk honestly about what worked and what didn’t.
- We will talk about growing pains and when you will know it is time to expand.
- We will talk about all the things we wish someone had told us before we started our businesses.
Each week you will hear from other guest business owners and they will share what they wish they would have known and give you their best piece of advice. You will have access to the jeanneoliver.ning.com community and Facebook group so you can connect with other business owners (or dreamers) in the class.
Each of the three weeks we will have a live chat where you can ask questions.
You will have printable PDFs each week that will help you brainstorm, take notes and see your business with clarity.
All sessions are pre-recorded and available as videos for you to watch at your convenience. You will learn at your own pace and around your own schedule.
You can see a course trailer here if you would like even more information!
Growth, dreams and possibilities are right around the corner.
Registration is now open!
The course will begin May 20th and will be available for one year.
Early registration price is $49. The price will go to $59 on May 1st.
To celebrate the launch of Building a Creatively Made Business 2.0 I am giving away a 1 ½ hour phone or Skype business consultation. That’s a call with just you and me on Skype (or Google Hangout, the phone, whatever) to chat through things that are specific to your situation.
To enter to win a one-on-one consult with me leave a comment on this post sharing what you would love to learn from this course.
For more chances to win a spot you can:
- Facebook about the course (please link back to this post) and then leave a comment telling me you did.
- Share on Twitter about the course (please link back) and leave a comment telling me you did.
- Blog about the course (please link back) and leave us a comment telling me you did.
- Pin the course on Pinterest (please link back) and leave us a comment telling me you did.
- Share the course on Instagram (please link back) and leave us a comment telling me you did.
This gives you SIX chances to enter for the consult giveaway.
The giveaway will run through May 1, 2014 and then a winner will be chosen and announced. Maybe I’ll just show up at your door with balloons… Only kidding.
It really is such an honor to be a part of this class and I hope you come and join us!
106 Responses
What an awesome idea! I love Jeanne Oliver’s courses and find Jen Rizzo inspiring. I really like the idea of the three of you sharing about the path to your business success! I always say I’m the world’s worst (home) business woman. I do so many different things, but never manage to make much money with any of them! I’d rather just give things I make away. However I need to supplement our income so I’d love to learn how to do that. Right now I’m busy with my alterations business, but I really love the sewing classes I occasionally teach more. I find it exciting to start others on their journey to the joys of sewing! I keep praying for wisdom and direction – and God is faithful and continues to teach me through this!
nice,….
exciting
I’ll be registering this week. Really excited for the course!
Jeanette
YES! This is what I need to jump start my spring. Last year I launched from part-imte to a full-time interior designer, but already I am feeling the need to refine my process and get clarity. This sounds like a lot of “left-brained” tools catered towards those of us livin’ in a right brain world!
I’ve been following your blog for 5 years and am always inspired at your success. Thanks for being so generous with your experience:)
I am so excited for this opportunity! I have found your recent posts about “show” business so helpful, and have been scouring your archives for old posts on starting a business.
I am having trouble with the “buy it now” button… it is taking my to my PayPal page, but isn’t showing the course or price. Is early registration available now? Thanks!
Hi Cassie! I had the same problem so I went to Jen Rizzo’s page and signed up there. I was able to purchase the course!
Facing the same issue 😉 seems to be linked to the PayPal homepage!
The button code is fixed and it’s working now.
Thank you so much! Just signed up and am counting the days til May 20th!
I am beyond excited to read this. I can’t tell you how much I have prayed for the answers to my dilemma. I am so inspired by everything you do. I have Been building inventory of anything I can get my hands on to start y own shop of repurposed, reclaimed furniture and handmade crafts of all types of decor. I have a collection going of Milk Paint. I have 2 of your books, one in which is autographed to me. We are moving in a week and I plan to turn my garage into a workspace/studio in preparation of an upcoming business. The timing of this on line class could not be more perfect, I will be signing up once the move is over. I so look forward to learning everything I can possibly soak in. I have been unemployed and rendered disabled for over three years after a car accident. There is no way I can go back to working for anyone else in my condition. I need to work for myself at my own pace. I refuse to give in to my disability and live the rest of my life depending on a small monthly income. Thank you in advance for such a wonderful opportunity.
Sincerely
Angela Pagels
soooo inspiring! i wish you the best!
Shared your course on my FB business page. Raise the Bar – Vintage.
I’ll be signing up for the course too. Might not be able to have a full time business now, but I’d love to learn from the 3 of you!
I would love to learn where to start when creating a creative business and how to get your name “out there”. I have dreams of starting a photography and vintage party rental business….is it possible to combine these ideas? Should I just focus on one? Heeelp! 🙂 Thanks for this cool opportunity! 🙂
I pinned this! 🙂
This is an answer to my PRAYER! Marian, it would be an honor to win a one-on-one consult with you & I await eagerly to seek all business advice from you three mentors come this May. What I would like to learn from this course is mostly all the criteria you listed & to sponge as much business information as possible, putting a plan into effect immediately. Your course description couldn’t have been more “Spot-on”, I answered Yes, to almost every question & know that if I only had certain people with the “know how” placed in my path (to help fill in the gaps) I could accomplish what God has placed in my heart! This is such a Blessing, thanks for paying it forward!
I just linked this on my Local FB Business Page! Thank you for the opportunity. PS. I was not able to early register through Pay-Pal link provided, there was no purchase option. ;(
Hi Marian (my mother’s name was Marian!),
I am in the “dreaming” stage and want so badly to change my career and start my own business, but just don’t know how to start. I’ve discovered how wonderful and fun it is to transform furniture with milk paint. I dream of hunting more treasures to paint and sell……
I’m trying to register for your course but I am also having trouble with the “buy now” button……?? Can you help? Is there just a problem with the link??
thanks, Jenny
Sorry, Jenny. It’s fixed! You should be able to click and purchase the course now.
I like decor steals on facebook
Pinned! Thanks so much.
Instagram done ! Woo Hoo
Posted on both my personal and blog FB page.
Thanks so much!
Dear Marian, you are such a blessing to so many people. This new course is just what I have been praying and hoping for. I am a very late bloomer creative artist, its always been there, but fear and doubt held me back for years. I too have many creative interests, dreams, and hobbies that I would love to do as my full-time work. Including acting, writing, painting, and home decorating and design. Everything I know and everything I’ve learned have been gifts from God and self-taught through trial and error and books. I did not go to school for anything creative or business, and the idea of another student loan just gives me stomach pains. I can’t even afford to pay back the one I have now. I’m hoping this course can fill in some major gaps, and help me get more business minded. As much as I love the creative process, I find it difficult to organize my thoughts towards the things I need to do an order to start selling them. Truth be known I really don’t want to sell any of it, you become pretty attached after working so hard on a piece of furniture, or finding the perfect vintage item in a shop. But I have stocked piled so much inventory in my little condo, I can barley move around. I definitely need to move my dreams and talents to the next level. Thank you for keeping the course affordable and thank you for all you give back!
Very excited to take this course, Marian!! I will be starting my business over since shutting it down for our cross country move almost a year ago. I used to do Craft/Market shows and had a space inside a brick and mortar (no e-commerce) and loved it but it was/is not my true passion. I know what it is (it’s something I’ve been dreaming about since I was pretty much a teen) and we are now in the place and position to make it happen. I am looking forward to learning from you, Jeanne and Jen!
FYI: I could not purchase the course via your link either but could through Jen’s site.
I look up to the three of you incredible ladies so much. I would love to learn the baby steps you took to get where you are.. it all seems so overwhelming- I find myself just staring at the computer saying where do I start? I have hundreds of pictures of projects I have done and not many posts… my writing seems so boring compared to all of you?? i feel like where do I start???? Hopefully you have some guidance from you amazing ladies…..
Great questions. 🙂 All of these comments are giving me great ideas of what to talk about!
Well, at sixty i might be too old but I need to know about pricing. Not being in the loop I have no idea what women expect to pay for things. I also know next to nil about social networking.
I need to know where to start. I have so many ideas, but feel overwhelmed with the beginning.
I’d love to learn more about photographing my products as I am not much of a photographer, and cannot always rely on my husband to get the effect I am going for when staging my products for photographing. Also, as I have recently moved to a new area where I have to cater to a whole new and different market, I would love to learn more about marketing on a shoestring budget.
Entry #2 – Just pinned the info on my Small & Handmade Business Tips board at pinterest-dot-com-hartsensedesign.
i like design your furniture….is very nice
very very nice information….
Hello Miss Mustard Seed! This so exciting to me I FB’d the link! I am very interested in taking the course u r an inspiration to all us DIYers!
Can’t wait-posting on Pinterest and fb!
Left my job in December in order to pursue “making a life not a living”! Can’t remember who first said that but it fits. Setting up my workroom today so the timing is perfect timing to put a plan to the dream.
So looking forward to this class. Ready to take my dreams to the next step!
Oh my gosh. I would LOVE have a 1 1/2 hour consult!!! This is exactly the reason I started blogging- to meet other experienced people in my creative field to bounce ideas and be inspired. I know it sounds so cliche, but this truly would be a dream come true. Fingers crossed. Definitely signing up for the course!!! 🙂
Hello, Marian. I need your advice. Please pick me 🙂
I recently left a job that I thought God put me on this earth to do. You would have to know me to fully understand, but let’s just say doing so went against my nature and was one of the hardest things I have done. I am in a limbo state at present trying to figure out what God has in store for me next. Should I explore my previous career in a different environment? Should I combine my previous career experience into a creative business? I have been carrying around my “idea book” for a few years, and now I have more time to devote to my creative interests. I have taken the steps that I know how to take. I feel like I am heading in a direction that will allow me to build a business, BUT I am fearful, uncertain, and (worst of all) a perfectionist. I have so many questions—Where do I go next? When do I need to bother with all the legalities of business? How do I approach those legalities? Etc?—and the lack of answers is making it hard for me to take that next step. I feel that having the opportunity to talk with you would help me clear up some of those questions and give me the forward momentum I need.
I want it learn how to build my brand and network with people who are in life where I wan to be.
Hello Marian, Thank you for the opportunity to win a consultation with you! From this course I would love to learn how to narrow down ideas and also how to (if possible) hone an idea so that it is transportable! We move a lot, within the United States and overseas and so it is tricky for me to even begin something because I never know when and if we are moving. Your course sounds super and is sure to encourage and help many people.
Thank you thank you thank you!!!! Your course just answered my prayers!!! Just starting a business upcycling furniture to French Provincial style. This has been a hobby for a few years, first painting for our home, then finishing pieces for friends and lately I have been successful selling finished pieces in the tiny shop in our country town in Australia but know that to get a bigger market I need an online presence. Just loving doing the creative side (funny how whenever I am in the shed painting our kids stay away as they know that Mummy might get them sanding!!!!) but I need guidance on the selling side. I can’t wait to learn about blogging and social media, as well as ecommerce websites, and how to build a profile and audience. I realise that having an online presence and being social media savvy is essential. Thanks again for generously offering to share all your wisdom- I cant wait to begin!
Marian, what a wonderful offer from you three ladies. I would love your advice on promoting a new business, growing our brand, marketing, networking. I could not access the sign up page on your site, but I have signed up with a rush of excitement and relief.
This is awesome! I’m going to sign up and I already spread the word
On Facebook, Pinterest, and coming up on my blog!
I just wanted to say how timely the came. My bf and i run an online shop and last night we had an argument about how we were feeling lost and getting no where with the way we were running it. I went to bed feeling crappy and prayed for guidance. Today I get up, check my emails and see this! This may be truly the answer to our prayers. Thank you so much for sharing.
OMGosh !!!! All three of you talented ladies at once to empower us to get started in business. Nothing could be closer to my heart to do. I have been in the medical field my whole life helping those who can’t do for themselves, and I now find myself in the position that I am disabled by degenerative discs, arthritis and other health issues. I can no longer work for anyone as I need to work when my body says it’s ok, but not give in. Working at home, keeping busy and working hard is what I’ve wanted to do for years. If I could do what I love which is to create, paint, renew, be at my own pace and decorate to boot, I would be one happy girl :-). I’m signing up with you all. What a wonderful privilege to learn from 3 of the best women I know out there. Woohoo !!!!
I just clicked the buy-now button which directly went to PayPal for payment.
I did not fill anything out. Will the course go directly to my email address?
Confused…..
Hi, Marian! I have shared the post on facebook!
Marian, I would love to learn about the business aspects, technical details, etc.
Hope you’re feeling great this week!
Starting up my own creative business is something I have been dreaming about for a while, but its very intimidating. This may be your best giveaway yet. 🙂
My biggest problem is having so many ideas and then zeroing in on the right ones…given the constraints of time, money and physical space. Prayer helps but I would love some practical advice in that regard as well. Also, getting the word out efficiently and effectively…what really works. And time management…I’m pretty good at that but being a one-woman shop can be overwhelming at times!
3 smart creative woman sharing their knowledge and support! Sign me up! And to have the opportunity of a personal consult with you Miriam would be a gift beyond measure. Looking forward to learning from the best on how to better focus my creative brand into a successful business.
Cheers
Hello Marian,
I would absolutely be over the moon to win business consultation with you. It really is challenging here in Australia to find info on how to grow a creative blog & business. This course sounds amazing. Thank you for the opportunity:-).
Karen
Happily linked to my FB page too.
Pinned too!
Thanks Marian, Posted to FB Page:-)
The spirit of you three ladies is truly beautiful!
Just signed up for the course, and shared on my FB page!! 🙂
Pinned to my Business Sense page on Pinterest!
Comment 1: My ultimate goal is to build a business that will allow me to quit working 2 jobs. I want to learn ANYTHING that will propel me in that direction.
Comment 2: Pinned on Pinterest
I’m a 40 something mom who left a career in broadcasting to stay home with my kids, but now that they are all in school i’ve been dreaming of starting my own business, but desperatly need some guidance.
What a fabulous idea… I love that all three of you are sharing your wisdom!
I shared it with my friend, Anna! We are thinking about starting a business together! Thank you so much for doing this. I had no idea where to start. I’m a teacher by trade and the business world is completely foreign to me. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
My sister and I are in the process of starting our own business. It had been our dream for as long as I can remember. This course looks like it is going to be perfect for us!
Thank you for sharing your collective experiences and wisdom. Always good to see women building each other up!
Shared on facebook!
Pinned on pinterest
I have a booth at an antique mall and am a retailer for a brand of paint. I teach furniture painting classes, but I would like to learn how to get going with a blog and tips on doing some shows to expand. Also, tips for selling paint online (setting up a website, etc) For a year I have been thinking of expanding in these directions (blog, website) but I am overwhelmed! I hope to get some instruction on this and motivation to get going!
What a great course, I am so looking forward to learning what direction to go in. I feel like I am all over the place with no real direction yet. Thanks for sharing, have a blessed day. 🙂
does this course help us start a blog? or do I need to look elsewhere for that info? Thanks….sounds like a great tutorial
So excited to sign up for the course today!
Just linked it to my Pinterest page…..Can’t wait to see what this is all about! Thanks.
I am on pins and needles waiting for the course to start! 3 uears ago I was steps away from opening a rented barn as my own shoppe-finally, 3 kids later and 20 plus years of marriage and living my husbands dream….it was my turn!!! Until the recession hit and the company he worked for closed. Unfortunatley, that led me to have a fire sale of all i collected, refurbished, repurposed and was thrown back into the work force as a registered nurse. I am really wondering, how would I be able to get financing to live my own dream? I live on the bussiest street in our city on 1.7 aecers on a corner lot, perfect space for a new building and small parking lot could be zoned commercial. I have somewhat of a bussiness plan, i am really not sure what my chances are of obtaining the funds to open up shop? What other opportunities could i put in a plan that would generate monies for profit-blogging-i have no clue-advirtisment on my own blog-couldnt tell you where to begin, haveing some stocked items along with custom pieces , believe it or not, i do know-thanks to my husband that worked with many factories in china to produce goods for national chain across the country, hes been to more home shoes than hed like to admit. Anyway-this will be my one and only entry unless i get my girls to help me with the extra chances…HA! Thanks for the opportunity! Have a great day!!!
I want to learn how to establish routines so I can keep up with the production, the marketing, and the online presence. It seems that with the production and errands that the online presence goes by the wayside. This class looks wonderful! And affordable! Signed up!
To add a bit more: I’d like help to prioritize and streamline my client contacts (existing and new), online and otherwise. Thanks so much!
I have had many business in my life. I know what not to do. I’m looking for the knowledge that will help me with longevity. I have so many ideas of what I could do, I just need help wrangling them in and then moving forward.
I just did all that you asked! I pinned it, I shared on Facebook and Instagram, and tweeted about this fantastic course. I will also write a blog post about this course. I am so so excited about joining in with you amazing ladies!! Oh the possibilities!
I love that you guys are going to do this!
I’ve pinned on Pinterest, shared on Facebook, and tweeted about this just now. I will be blogging about your class too. 😉
I am working on growing my blog/business and would love any info that could help me do so!
What would I like to learn? Everything. I started my brick & mortar business in 2011, and since then have added a second location and another separate businesses. If there is one thing I am sure of, it is that you can never learn too much.
Perfect timing! So excited about this course! I’m just in the beginning stages of starting my business. My husband and I have dreams and goals of the business being able to support us full time so my husband can pursue going to seminary. I don’t have a mentor so Thank you all for sharing!
I started my frame business 2 years ago. I have only been working on it very! part time because I have been a mommy first. My youngest will be starting school this fall so it is time to focus more on my business. I am looking forward to learning as much as possible! I sell the majority of my product through local boutiques and word of mouth. My online presence and blog needs work as does photographing my product. I still have so much to learn… Thank you for the opportunity!
Thank you for teaming up to offer something like this to those of us just starting out! I look forward to learning from all of you and “meeting” new creative friends!
I’ve always wanted to own my on business!! And now is the time to do it! Very excited to learn from such talented ladies.
I pinned it!
I face booked it too!
I am a nerd, I can’t figure out how to Instagram it. I guess the area I would love to learn about would be the technology aspect, social media too. Well, actually everything past the creative part! Very excited to sign up.
Regrammed the course offering on Instagram 🙂
I would love to a moment to talk to you about where I’m at and where I’m stuck. Being stuck and fearful is so paralyzing. All I know is that I’m a creative person and always have been. I would love to be able to support my habit and doing what I love. The part I have a problem with being responsible. I would love to hear what are the first things to do when setting up a business…..sales tax ID, do I need to become an LLC, should I get an account right away and the list could go on.
Oh a different note, I love seeing what how Miss Mustard Seed has blossomed over the years. It is very inspiring and I wonder how you have the time to do it all!
I signed up for the course several days ago. I’m really looking forward to networking with other women business owners. I would also love to find other wholesalers to fill in items in the shop I started a year ago, with the inspiration of MMS at my back!!
Hi Miss Mustard Seed,
I am a young mom who has a small business on Etsy who has followed your journey for over 4 years. You are an inspiration to me! It would be an honor to win this giveaway! I have been praying for someone to come into my life and help me grow my business and show me the ropes.
Posted this link in my business Twitter, Pinned and on my Facebook page.
Thank you!
Katie
I would love to learn how to use social media to promote my business and how to set up a functional blog/website! Thank you so much for sharing all of your knowledge!
Just posted on my personal and business facebook page and pinned on Pinterest! Thank you again! I can’t wait! 🙂
I am so excited! I wanted to verify if there is a time limit to sign up for the class. I know it’s $49 until May 1st then it goes up to $59 and that it starts May 20th and is available for a year, but I want to confirm if we can sign up anytime within that year or if it has to be before May 20th? Thanks for the help!
Abby
I have signed up for the class, not sure what’s next or what to do?
Thank you,
Donna
Can’t wait to be a part of this e-course! I let everyone on Facebook & Twitter know! Such an inspiration….. :o)
I can’t wait to be a part of this e-course. I currently rent space at a local antique mall and also have a website but both have come to a stand still lately. I have so many ideas in my head and want to learn how to grow my business and move to the next level.
Well, I, for one, am confused. I just paid for a course that I’m not sure how to access. Hopefully I’ll get an email or something explaining it???? When I paid with PayPal I didn’t have to enter any information. When I went to the website mentioned it looked like I was just joining a free forum. Am I taking the right steps for enrollment?
Thanks,
Kim
Signed up and looking forward to it!
Is it too late to sign up? I’m brand new to the blog, am in the middle of a house move, but would really love to take this course so that I know if the idea my girlfriend and I have to launch a wool-based creative business is realistic for where we are in life.
I signed up for the course thru Jeanne Oliver Designs but have never heard another word. Please let me know what to do and what I have missed.
Signed up for the class and enjoying all the information you are sharing in the videos. I am so inspired.
Will you be offering another course sometime in the future? I certainly hope so!
Is it too late to participate in this class? I am VERY interested and would love to learn as much as I can from a course like this. If it is too late, will you be offering this course again in the near future.
I am wondering the same thing; is it too late to sign up for this class? I am in the same position as you were, Miss Mustard Seed, when you decided to start your business. I could so relate to everything you were saying! I recently discovered your blog, and have been reading through posts every chance I get away from my three little ones! Love your blog!