A few weeks ago, Tara and I recorded this little video. (And yes, we’re in a Panera. And yes, I make a lot of funny faces in the video.) We frequently talk business when we get together, and here we talk about building our own creative empires, how our businesses are perceived by those around us, and why it’s ok to make a profit. And because we’re so passionate about these topics, we also talk a little about a new project we’re launching soon to help you build your creative empire.
Building a Creative Empire from tara gentile on Vimeo.
If you’re interested in learning more about The Creative Empire, please join our mailing list by signing up below. NOTE: After adding your email address, you’ll be sent an email confirming your subscription. (We promise we won’t spam you, we just want to help make your business into the fantastic empire we know it can be!)
Bravo ladies! I’m excited to see what comes next.
thanks bridgett!
I share the same thoughts as Megan..I want to create really fun, well paying jobs that give people confidence and hope for the future!
Thanks for sharing!
Megan and Tara – What an uplifting video! This is just what I needed to hear this morning. I completely agree with everything you said, especially that the more people who succeed at this will help all of us in the long run. And there’s definitely room for everyone, because we all have something to offer. I can’t wait to hear more from you guys. Thanks!
I have to say, I really admire both of you, for being pioneers and supporters of the craft movement as well as small business owners AND championing more women to embrace ‘profit’. And I LOVE it that you use the word empire. I never thought of owning an empire but that is a wonderful and empowering word!
thank you!
Lisette
This is Excellent!
Right on! I love the direction you guys are moving and I think it’s time for a Creative Empire too! I’ve been learning a lot about what it is to value your own work and build a biz from you both. Thanks so much for sharing your ideas. What a great way to start the day, you guys totally inspire me!
Right on! I was recently laid off from my day job and can’t conceive of doing anything else right now but living off of my creativity (mostly pottery, but now venturing into jewelry.) I like that you see yourselves running several businesses and having multiple strategies. You’ve got me thinking now. Thanks!
Great video!!! Love it!
Megan, when you are ready to step out in to your local community, I think the Chamber of Commerce is a great way to do that. I joined mine last year and think it is a great way to go!
Thank you both!
Thanks ladies! Loved it! excited to see what’s next:)
I love all of the projects you to are doing together. Makes me wish I was closer to Pennsylvania – you guys have so much creative energy bursting at the seams. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
Love it. Very refreshing to hear all this. I have my “wares” in an artisan craft market, which I really enjoy, but I find that the vendors there have been doing the fair “forever” and have few new ways to do business. (It is a full time, daily market, if we choose to go daily). I want to diversify and am grateful for the online community I have found that just seems to keep growing…and sparking my own ideas.
Sounds great — I attempted to sign up for the newsletter but it didn’t give me any kind of confirmation so I’m not sure if it worked or not. It only reloaded the page with an empty form. (I did it two or three times, so hopefully I didn’t clog up your mailing list with repeated requests!) Looking forward to the launch. Love your blog!
I just realized I got e-mails asking me to confirm the subscription. Just a suggestion that this would be a little less confusing if you indicated on the page that I would be getting an e-mail I would need to respond to. Thanks!
amy – thanks for subscribing – i made that change to the original post
Hi Ladies,
From nearly 3000 miles away, I am so excited to involved in the communal empire building!! I am also a jewelry designer here in San Francisco…have been in business for 5 years – and I am certainly ALWAYS looking for ways to grow my business and collaborate with other creative minds. Keep on what you’re doing and please keep me updated! Thanks a million, Colleen Mauer
Thanks for that great video! I
‘m still not sure quite why (I’m not a crafter, but do own a business where my husband crafts bread and I want to use our storefront to support local artists), but I just eat up all of your info! (Maybe it’s good for you to know that the wisdom and passion you transfer are so widely applicable and universally awesome!)
Anyway, I have a brick and mortar business in a small town, but it seems that most of the truly innovative information/blogs out there about business and creativity are more about selling to the “world market” on the internet. Can anyone in this deliciously inspiring community recommend any bloggers/thinkers who may address this sort of topic (building a creative empire) from a more local, brick and mortar standpoint?
I can get 2-3 blog posts out of this easy. Are you going to have a transcript?
PS… More videos! It’s nice to see you guys talk about this stuff. Bummed that I’ll be missing out the talk you and Sara are giving at the Crafters Guild. Maybe there’s a Scoutie/CraftMBA Youtube Channel in the making?
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I always tell my husband I am building an empire. I am not sure how much he believes me, but I believe myself. I am signing up for the mailing list and cannot wait to see what comes next!
I have the empire dream as well. Let the Creative Tide Rise.
Not sure why I have such hard time calling myself an Entrepreneur, probably the same reason I had such a hard time calling myself an artist. I am spreading the craft gospel here on the west coast.
If the 1880’s & 1900’s had the Arts & Crafts Movement then I hope the 2010’s are called The Handmade Movement, and I love being apart of it. Keeping going girls.
In 1975, at the age of 22, I bhuogt a 73 Malibu, the very first great car I ever bhuogt and paid for. As fondly as I try to remember all those days, I do not have any desire to very own an American car from that era. I have owned several GMs, Mopars and Fords. The instances I enjoy remembering, although the cars? Not a great deal.
Thanks for the insight and inspiration ladies! I’m loving the “empire” concept! I’m determined to one day rule my empire, if not as Queen, as Princess of quite alot!
But seriously…I admire your generosity in helping others in their quest for creative success.
I am all signed up! Love the video! Love learning from you both!
I had an “Ah-ha” moment watching to the video. I have been running my own business for nearly twenty years, but I have a freelancer mentality…..who knew!! I have been struggling to build my empire and now I see that how I have been viewing my business, has been holding me back. It’s a BIG shift from the freelance mentality to the empire building mentality. Thank you for this insight!
Thank you so much for this very uplifting video. I am so glad that I found a place in the Handmade community where I can be creative and still help support my family! Life is way to short to not be doing what you love.
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