Business Plan
1. Executive Summary
Business Name: Left Hand Crafts Studio
Website: teresafiehnmillies.com
Mission: To provide intuitive tools and practices that support artists in reconnecting with their creative selves through journaling, stitching, symbolism, and slow-making rituals.
Vision: Establish a sustainable creative studio that offers products and experiences fostering creative recovery, clarity, and trust.
Current Status: Transitioning from a product-focused model to a holistic creative practice studio, with new offerings in development.
2. Business Overview
Structure: Sole Proprietorship (consider transitioning to an LLC for liability protection and potential tax benefits).
Location: Aurora, IL
Legal Considerations: Ensure all necessary business licenses and permits are obtained. Consider consulting with a legal professional to discuss intellectual property rights for your original content and products.
3. Offerings
Current:
Quilter’s Inspiration Deck: A foundational product serving as a creative tool for quilters and artists.
In Development:
Wild Card Sessions: Seasonal journaling and stitching experiences designed for artists seeking creative rejuvenation.
Fool’s Journey Books: Self-paced guides exploring tarot through various artistic mediums.
Unblocked Zines: Printable zines offering journal prompts to navigate and overcome creative blocks.
Future Considerations:
Workshops and Retreats: Hosting virtual or in-person events focused on creative practices.
Collaborations: Partnering with other artists or brands to expand offerings and reach.
4. Market Analysis
Target Audience:
Artists, writers, and creatives experiencing burnout or seeking to reconnect with their practice.
Individuals interested in intuitive and symbolic creative tools.
Customers looking for non-traditional, process-oriented creative experiences.
Market Trends:
Growing interest in mindfulness and slow-living practices.
Increased demand for digital and printable creative resources.
Rising popularity of tarot and archetypal exploration in personal development.
Competitor Analysis:
Identify and analyze similar offerings in the market to understand positioning and unique value propositions.
5. Marketing and Sales Strategy
Branding:
Emphasize a poetic, reflective, and intuitive brand voice.
Maintain a consistent aesthetic across all platforms and products.
Channels:
Website: Central hub for information and offerings.
Substack: Primary platform for content distribution and community engagement.
Social Media: Utilize platforms like Instagram to showcase work and connect with the audience.
Strategies:
Launch a newsletter to build and maintain a community.
Offer free resources or samples to attract and engage potential customers.
Collaborate with other creatives to expand reach.
6. Operations Plan
Short-Term Goals (Next 3-6 Months):
Finalize and create new product offerings.
Update website to reflect new direction and offerings.
Grow newsletter subscriber base.
Long-Term Goals (Next 1-2 Years):
Host workshops or retreats.
Expand product line based on customer feedback and market trends.
Explore opportunities for collaborations and partnerships.
7. Financial Plan
Revenue Streams:
Sales from physical and digital products.
Workshop and retreat fees.
Potential collaborations and partnerships.
Expenses:
Production and material costs.
Website and platform maintenance.
Marketing and advertising expenses.
Funding:
Self-funded initially; consider exploring grants or small business loans for expansion.
8. Appendix
SWOT Analysis:
Strengths: Unique offerings, strong personal brand, engaged community.
Weaknesses: Limited initial product line, transitioning business model.
Opportunities: Growing market interest in creative and mindful practices.
Threats: Market competition, economic fluctuations affecting discretionary spending.
Milestones:
Launch of new product offerings.
Growth in newsletter subscribers.
Successful hosting of first workshop or retreat.