of Opportunity

By Dawn Marie Legatt, Boards + Co.

Have you ever wanted more time in your day? We probably all have, right? Well, that’s exactly where I was back in 2016 when I was spending hours working on custom signs. I knew there had to be a way for me to scale my business, but I wasn’t sure how since I was already busy enough with my creative ventures, plus being a mom to 7 young kids!

I’m not just going to tell you my story here but also let you in on a little secret that changed the game for me. It’s not just about making and selling; it’s about teaching and sharing. I learned that I could take the same amount of time as it took me to create a custom sign and teach a class instead! It’s about turning one project into an experience that many can enjoy and learn from, and yes, it also makes better financial sense!

So, whether you’re a laser enthusiast, a curious beginner, or just someone who loves a good entrepreneurial tale, stick around. I’m about to take you on a journey from my rocky beginnings to a thriving business, all while juggling the chaos of being a mom to seven amazing kids. Join me as I dive into the world of creativity and business and turn the unexpected into success!

In the midst of all the chaos that surrounds a home filled with 9 people, I found myself craving something more - a creative outlet and some much-needed adult interaction. My husband, a hardworking power lineman at the time, was often on the road, leaving me to manage the (joyful) craziness at home. That’s when the idea struck: I needed to do something that not only fueled my creativity but also got me out of the house! (hello, adults!)

What if I could figure out how to make signs from the pallets my husband was bringing home from work? It seemed like the perfect blend of art and entertainment and something that could keep my creative juices flowing. However, I quickly realized that spending three hours on a single custom piece wasn’t the most efficient use of my time, especially with a house full of energetic kids. I needed to find a way to turn that same amount of time into more profit. And that’s when the idea of DIY sign-making classes – or ‘parties,’ as I like to call them – came to life.

In the beginning, I knew next to nothing about making signs, let alone teaching it. There weren’t any groups or coaches I could turn to for guidance, at least none that I was aware of. But I was determined to figure it out. I convinced someone to host my very first sign-making party. Truth be told, I did just about everything wrong that first time. But something magical happened – the ladies attending knew nothing about my struggles and had an absolute blast! The pictures from that party were shared online, and just like that, my business began to take off.

It seemed like a nice little addition to my routine, a way to meet new people and share my love for creativity. But to my surprise, the demand for these parties was overwhelming. It turned out that there was a real desire for this kind of creative gathering. Within the second month, I was hosting more parties than I had initially aimed for, and I quickly surpassed my own expectations.

Looking back, those early struggles were crucial. They taught me the ropes of both sign makingwhat worked and what didn’t - and conducting a successful class. More importantly, they showed me that even when you start with little knowledge, determination and a willingness to learn can lead you to unexpected successes. It was this journey from uncertainty to triumph that laid the foundation for my business today.

The decision to start hosting DIY sign-making parties was a game-changer for me. What began as a personal need for creativity and social interaction quickly turned into a bustling enterprise. Initially, my goal was modest - a few parties here and there, and ultimately 1 per week. But before I knew it, the concept took off, and I was hosting between 5 and 7 parties every week by myself! The demand was incredible, and I quickly realized I couldn’t do it all alone.

Six months into this venture, I hired my first instructor. This step was crucial in scaling my business. By the end of my first year, the numbers were beyond my wildest dreams: up to 9 parties a week, 6 instructors on my team, and over 200 parties hosted. This rapid expansion was a testament to the power of shared experiences and having fun while crafting!

What made this approach so effective was the shift in my business model. Instead of spending hours on a few custom signs, I was now facilitating experiences for groups, multiplying the profit potential of those same hours. It wasn’t just about the crafts anymore; it was about the experience, the community, and the joy of creating together.

For anyone with a passion for crafting or those curious about starting their creative journey, I can’t recommend this model enough. Teaching others how to make or paint their own creations isn’t just financially rewarding; it’s also a fantastic way to embed yourself in the community. This involvement can lead to collaborations and support from local businesses, fostering a network that helps everyone grow.

Thinking outside the box is key. There’s so much potential beyond the traditional business models. And for those who are more digitally inclined, this model opens another lucrative avenue: creating and selling online courses to other creatives. It’s a way to share your knowledge and passion with a broader audience, further expanding your business’s reach and impact.

In summary, the shift from crafting individual pieces to hosting creative parties didn’t just transform my business—it redefined it. It allowed for exponential growth, community engagement, and new opportunities in the digital space, all of which contributed to a successful and fulfilling creative enterprise.

Dawn Marie Legatt is a ‘no-fluff’ business coach who helps creative entrepreneurs expand their streams of income with craft parties and course creation so they can turn their passions into profit. She can be reached at dawnmarielegatt@gmail.com and her website www.dawnmarielegatt.com.