Saturday (half day, morning), Room 3

Class Description:

Unlock the secrets of successful leather craft entrepreneurship with a 3-hour masterclass, led by a 25-year veteran of the industry. This comprehensive presentation will take you on a journey through the vibrant world of craft businesses, providing you with invaluable insights and practical strategies to turn your passion into a thriving enterprise. From understanding market trends and developing your unique brand to mastering financial management and scaling your operations, this class covers every aspect of running a successful craft business. You'll learn how to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and balance creativity with sound business practices. Whether you're a seasoned artisan looking to expand or a newcomer ready to take the plunge, this presentation offers a wealth of knowledge, real-world examples, and actionable tips to help you craft your path to entrepreneurial success. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the leader of a 148-year-old leather crafting business.

Introduction (15 minutes) 

A. Welcome and presenter introduction

B. Overview of the presentation

C. Brief history of craft entrepreneurship

II. Understanding the Leather Craft Business Landscape (30 minutes) 

A. Current trends in the industry

B. Types of leather craft businesses

C. Challenges and opportunities in the leather craft market

D. The importance of finding your niche

III. Getting Started (45 minutes)  

A. Developing your craft skills  

B. Creating a business plan  

C. Legal considerations and business structure  

D. Funding options for craft businesses

E. Setting up your workspace 

Break (15 minutes) 

IV. Marketing and Branding for a Leather Craft Businesses (45 minutes)  

A. Defining your brand identity  

B. Creating a compelling product line  

C. Pricing strategies  

D. Photography and product presentation  

E. Online marketing techniques  

1. Social media 

2. E-commerce platforms  

3. Content marketing 

F. Offline marketing strategies

1. Craft fairs and markets 

2. Local partnerships  

3. Word-of-mouth marketing 

V. Operations and Growth (30 minutes) 

A. Time management and productivity tips  

B. Inventory management  

C. Scaling your craft business  

D. Hiring and managing employees or contractors  

E. Balancing creativity and business operations 

VI. Financial Management (30 minutes) 

A. Bookkeeping basics  

B. Understanding profit margins  

C. Tax considerations for craft businesses 

D. Reinvesting in your business 

E. Planning for retirement as a craft entrepreneur

VII. Lessons Learned and Case Studies (20 minutes) 

A. Personal anecdotes from 25 years in the industry  

B. Success stories of other craft entrepreneurs  

C. Common pitfalls to avoid 

VIII. Q&A Session (10 minutes) 

IX. Conclusion and Call to Action (10 minutes) 

A. Recap of key points  

B. Resources for further learning  

C. Encouragement to pursue craft entrepreneurship 

Materials to Bring: Grab your notetaking materials and join Braydan for a discussion about his favorite subject, business and entrepreneurship.