Since 2009 Indie Business has supported over 1,500 creative entrepreneurs worldwide in achieving their dreams of being business owners through our series of interactive online workshops. For 2012, Indie Business kicks off the new year with the Indie Business: Compass e-course, followed by the in-depth world of Indie Business: Northstar in Spring of 2013.
Developed by business owners & online teachers Leigh-Ann Keffer and Jill Munro, Indie Business has been embraced by the blogging community and has grown tremendously since 2009 and has gained trust and success stories with every session. The following is an overview of the past Indie Business workshops, along with samples of what our students had to say about their time with us:
The First Workshop
Our debut workshop, Indie Business was developed in 2009 by Leigh-Ann Keffer of Freckled Nest and Jill Munro of Lune Vintage, as a way to help others on their new business journey. Teaching through personal experience, example, and the sharing of industry tips– the first class of Indie Business students experienced a new way to look at building creative business in March 2010. One on one teacher/student mentorship was a unique part of this intimate learning experience, enhancing a 3 term session based workshop which spanned over 5 weeks.
Here’s what students had to say about Indie Business:
Jacquelyn said “…it’s fresh and working knowledge of the business and it’s given in bite sized and digestible pieces. The tone is cheerful and the sessions are displayed in a colorful manner as they break the steps of starting an indie business into doable steps. I highly recommend this class to beginners as well as those who have owned their business for quite some time now.”
Donna said “I can see clearly now…”
Gillian said “Indie Business will continue to be a great tool for me to come back to as I build my Indie business. Jill and LA create a genuine atmosphere for learning by teaching from their own lived experience and welcoming the students into a trusting and open community of artists and crafters.”
Indie 2.0
Indie Business 2.0 was taught in 2010 by Leigh-Ann Keffer of Freckled Nest and Jill Munro of Lune Vintage, and featured teacher Elsie Flannigan of Red Velvet. The workshop was offered through a member’s only blog with 26 sessions, 7 DIY projects and 3 live chats aimed to give you all the tools you need to establish yourself and achieve success with your small business! The course also included a printable workbook with original illustrations by Elsie and room for all your homework, notes and ideas.
Here’s what students had to say about Indie Business 2.0.
Moorea of Moorea Seal “When I took Indie Biz 2.0, I was still debating over whether I wanted to run my Etsy jewelry shop as a hobby or a business. Taking the class confirmed that I wanted to turn my jewelry business into a full time job, and within a year after taking the class, I made my dream a reality! I have been self employed for a year now and I absolutely love it! Indie Biz gave me all of the tools to market my business well with a clear vision, taught me how to produce my work more effectively, and so much more. My blog following, twitter following, and all of my social media sites began to really buzz after taking the class which is a really important thing in trying to promote your business online. The skills I learned in Indie Biz are what have given me the opportunity to be featured on 50+ blogs and websites, featured in magazines, and interviewed by multiple websites and businesses that I absolutely adore. And my jewelry is stocked in over 20 stores across the globe. It’s all thanks to Indie Biz!”
Meagan V. said “Thank you so SOOOO much for the amazing class full of information, inspiration and encouragement. It couldn’t have come at a better time for me. Honestly, almost impeccable timing. The last day of class… and guess what? I’ve just quit my day job and am moving to a new state so my husband can begin school and I’m going to… BEGIN being a Mogul and running my own creative business! Thank you three, for preparing me for the next step in my life.”
Kel said “I was so unsure about signing up for this class but thought I might as well take a chance because playing it safe has gotten me nowhere and bored of it… never did I imagine the wealth of information, inspiration and friendship I would walk away with. It’s such a blessing to be involved with so many wonderful and uniquely talented people and I am so ready to push forward with my business now when I was debating on quitting 2 months ago. Thank you again.”
MeeshOne said “This class was so much fun! Not only did I learn a lot about my business but I learned a whole lot about myself. I found every session to be valuable in some way or another and I’m honestly a little sad its over. I also couldn’t be more grateful to have had the opportunity to meet such amazing people with incredible talents (through the student community), I don’t think I would’ve found them any other way!”
Indie 3.0
In March 2011 Indie Business 3.0 was taught by Leigh-Ann Keffer and Jill Munro, and featured teacher Lisa Leonard of Lisa Leonard Designs. It was hosted in a member’s only blog and included 27 thought provoking sessions, 7 creative business related DIY projects and 3 interactive live Q&A sessions to give you the tools you need to establish yourself and achieve success with your Small Business! This course also included the Indie 3.0 printable workbook developed specifically to record your thoughts, ideas and progress throughout the 6 week course and beyond. Access to a student lounge was included so participants could share, network with and learn from fellow classmates!
Here’s what students had to say about Indie Business 3.0.
Jennifer of Lucky Jackson “The Indie Business course is essential to anyone starting a creative business venture. I have read books upon books on starting and running a small business but they did not offer the clear guidance, resources and support that this course provides. For those looking to start or improve upon their new ventures look no further than Indie Business.”
Janmary of Janmary Designs “Taking the Indie 3.0 has been a turning point for my business. I have learned so much, grown in confidence and no question was ever too silly to ask. I’m already recommending the course to other small businesses. I have already seen concrete benefits including increased sales and most importantly belief in my own abilities!”
Frances Williams of Bibeez Baby “I learned so much from this course. I was expecting to have a ‘lightbulb moment’ here and there, but I had one everyday! I learned something new or was inspired each time I sat down to have “IndieBiz Time”, whether it was from the Teachers or the awesome network of Students that I could connect with in the Student Lounge! This class truly was not what I was expecting, it was SO MUCH BETTER!”
Dianne Knight of Simply Design “Indie 3.0 helped me re-evaluate and take a fresh look at my business. Even though I’ve been working on my own for a few years, it was valuable to see experiences from other classmates, and learn from the amazing teachers. Owning a business is a journey, it is constantly evolving and never ending and it’s important to keep a fresh outlook. Indie helped me do just that!”
Marilyn of Pulp Sushi “The instructors for Indie Business do a wonderful job with guiding you on starting or managing your business. Their passion and enthusiasm is contagious. They break the big picture down in order to show you how attainable your dream can be. Well worth the investment and highly recommended.”
Indie Business: Compass & Indie Business: Northstar
In 2011, Indie Business was re-imagined by Leigh-Ann Keffer, Jill Munro and new member of the Indie Business Teaching Team- Kyla Roma. In response to student demand, this year the Indie Business experience is available in two parts- the Indie Business: Compass and Indie Business: Northstar. These tools will partner to prepare business owners who are in the first steps of their journey and to re-energize veteran business owners. This new chapter in the Indie Business story will be available year round, and will continue to grow with our students and their needs.
We’re excited to welcome you into this new part of the Indie Business world & hope you join us for the journey!
