From Hobby to Hustle: How to Build a Craft Workshop Empire

What if you could turn your creativity into a thriving business? Chloe Winstanley did just that—and her story will leave you inspired to take your own leap! In this episode of Creative Living with Jane Clauss, Chloe shares how she launched New Zealand's first-ever craft workshop business, Creative Otautahi, and grew it into a six-figure success—all while working part-time. She opens up about conquering imposter syndrome, the financial benefits of craft workshops compared to craft fairs, and how staying adaptable helped her thrive in an ever-changing market. Whether you're a lifelong crafter or just discovering your creative side, Chloe offers practical and inspiring advice for turning your hobby into a profitable business. From finding affordable venues to preparing unforgettable craft workshops, her insights are a game-changer for anyone dreaming of creative entrepreneurship. Most excitingly, Chloe is now sharing her tried-and-true strategies in her new online masterclass, “On Your Way to 100K.” This course is designed to help creatives of all skill levels transform their hobbies into thriving businesses, no matter where they’re starting from. If you've ever dreamed of monetizing your creativity and building a six-figure business, this episode is packed with inspiration and tools to help you take the leap. Tune in now and discover how to live better creatively. Check out the talking points of the conversation below if you want to skip ahead and get to points you just can't wait to hear! [0:01:42 - 0:02:22] Chloe introduces her business Creative Otautahi and explains that it is the word for Christchurch, where she started her first craft workshop business in New Zealand. She describes Creative Otautahi as a multi-craft workshop business offering a variety of crafts like polymer clay, earring making, and terrarium building. [0:03:26 - 0:04:22] Chloe shares how she got started in polymer clay crafting during the pandemic when she had a newborn at home. She was looking for a creative outlet and started teaching herself polymer clay, which eventually led to selling earrings online and teaching others how to make them. [0:05:05 - 0:06:12] Chloe discusses overcoming imposter syndrome to start teaching her craft workshops. She explains how she started small with just 5 people in her first workshop, pricing it low to minimize risk. Chloe emphasizes the importance of staying within her comfort zone and using a "feel-good" compass to guide her decisions. [0:07:04 - 0:08:16] Chloe explains the financial viability of workshops compared to craft fairs. She highlights how the workshop model allowed her to earn significantly more per event than selling individual crafts at fairs. [0:09:49 - 0:11:45] Chloe describes the growth of her workshop business from 5 to 20 attendees. She discusses the logistics of hosting multiple workshops per weekend and the importance of finding affordable venues like community centers. [0:12:34 - 0:13:50] Chloe compares the craft workshop market in New Zealand vs. the US. She advises on the importance of researching competition and finding a unique point of difference to stand out in the market. [0:14:34 - 0:16:04] Chloe talks about the differences between in-person and virtual workshops. She notes the benefits of online workshops in reaching a global audience but emphasizes the post-pandemic demand for in-person interactions and the unique experience they offer. [0:16:59 - 0:18:06] Chloe advises on starting a workshop business by leveraging local venues and communities. She suggests exploring affordable options like community centers and libraries and emphasizes the importance of adaptability and pivoting to market demands. [0:18:19 - 0:20:31] Chloe discusses whether starting a workshop business is just a "millennial thing" or if it can be done by anyone. She explains that it requires a certain mindset and comfort with risk-taking but is not limited to any particular age group. [0:23:13 - 0:24:42] Chloe shares her biggest learning moment - the importance of thorough preparation. She explains how her workshops improved significantly once she started investing more time in planning and ensuring all materials were ready for participants. [0:30:59 - 0:32:04] Chloe offers words of wisdom for someone wanting to start a craft workshop business, emphasizing the importance of being willing to try something new, adapt to challenges, and just "give it a go." [0:24:46 - 0:27:01] Chloe introduces her "On Your Way to 100K" master class, which is designed to help others turn their creative passions into profitable businesses. She explains the course content and her motivation for creating it. [0:32:37 - 0:35:25] Chloe shares her perspective on the meaning of creativity and how she aimed to foster a creative community through her workshops. She emphasizes the importance of giving adults the "permission" to be creative. [0:35:55 - 0:37:18] Chloe provides her website and social media ...