The Slowmade Mission
Through engaging conversations and shared experiences, Slowmade provides a space for learning and growth, helping artisans navigate the challenges and triumphs of building meaningful, sustainable businesses.
Looking for a supportive community?
At the Slowmade Collective, we understand the solitary moments that come with our craft. Those times when you hit a roadblock and a quick Google search just doesn’t cut it, or when the passion you pour into your work makes you yearn for a deeper connection.
I founded the Slowmade Collective because I’ve been there—I know how vital it is to have a community that truly gets you. A place where your victories are celebrated, your struggles are supported, and where seasoned tips and invaluable resources are just a conversation away.
Our Collective is more than just a group; it's a sanctuary for passionate makers. It's a space where you can dive into the intricacies of your craft and business with peers who bring diverse experiences and backgrounds. Here, you'll find a safe, inclusive environment to share, learn, and grow together.
And it’s all available to you whenever you need it, for the price of an average cabochon.
The Slowmade Collective
Welcome to your virtual sanctuary—a vibrant global hub for metalsmiths and jewelry artists who are passionate about forging connections and finding sustainable support. Here, you’ll discover a community dedicated to nurturing your creativity, offering unwavering encouragement, and guidance at every stage of your artistic and business journey. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your craft, this is the place where your ambitions and challenges are met with shared wisdom and collaborative spirit.
What’s included?
Themed discussions and peer support—Dive into conversations with your peers tailored to address your unique business needs, helping you tackle real-world challenges and discover fresh ideas.
Quarterly guided challenges—Take part in actionable challenges that push your business forward with concrete steps and practical outcomes.
Build genuine connections with fellow artists who understand your journey and are there to celebrate your wins and lift you up when needed.
Weekly virtual co-working sessions—Join our online co-working space that simulates the energy of a shared studio, giving you a productive yet fun environment to work alongside others.
Enjoy casual meetups, both online and in-person, organized by our members, where you can relax, network, and share stories.
Guest speakers—no sales pitches, just valuable knowledge and inspiration.
Virtual studio tours—Take a behind-the-scenes look at the studios of fellow artists and makers, sparking creativity and offering fresh perspectives.
Community making challenges—Participate in collaborative projects that spark creativity and strengthen our collective spirit. Think “Project Runway” with more time!
A politics free zone.
The Collective is here to support you!
The Slowmade Collective is member driven and we're all about evolving together. Our offerings grow and adapt based on what our members need, and you'll never have to pay extra for anything or share your email with our guest speakers.
You get to choose how involved you want to be—dive in as much or as little as you like. But remember, the more you participate, the more you’ll get out of it and the stronger the connections you'll build with fellow members.
Imagine the relief of talking to someone who truly gets it…
The way you feel when you don’t have to explain why a particular custom order stresses you out or why posting a reel on Instagram can feel overwhelming. In the Collective, you’ll connect with fellow makers who instantly understand your challenges and celebrate your triumphs. It’s a space where you can dive into the details and nuances of your craft without having to spell everything out. Here, you’ll find the support and understanding that only comes from being surrounded by people who share your passion.
This is what you’ll find inside The Slowmade Collective.
Membership
Monthly membership offers great flexibility to start and stop as it works for you, while annual membership comes with the perk of two months free. No matter which membership option you choose, I’m certain it will be worth your investment.
“Where does my money go?”
As a member of the Slowmade Collective, your support directly sustains our podcast. Membership dues help cover the production costs of each episode, maintain our website, and fund our virtual community on Mighty Networks. Additionally, your contributions help us organize events and invite guest speakers to enrich The Collective. Thank you for being an integral part of our community!
Sometimes it takes a village…
Running a business takes real grit. We’ve all faced the ups and downs of sales, and despite our best efforts, there are times when we feel like we’re hitting a wall. We turn to our families for support, but often we're also trying to convince them that our business is not just a passion project—it’s a serious endeavor. And, let’s face it, they don’t always get the specifics of what we’re dealing with.
I remember venting to my husband about the struggle to get noticed on Instagram. His solution? To try getting my handmade jewelry on QVC. Yes, QVC.
That’s why having a supportive group of colleagues who truly understand what you’re going through is so invaluable. They get the unique challenges of our world and can offer the empathy and practical advice that really makes a difference.
When I started my business 20 years ago, I really didn’t know what I was doing…
I spent a lot of time struggling to figure things out on my own and, to be honest, I stumbled through a lot of mistakes. But everything changed when I joined a close-knit community of metalsmiths on Etsy. Many of those members are still friends of mine today. From those early days to growing my business beyond my wildest dreams, I’ve leaned on these colleagues for guidance and encouragement through the tough times.
I’ve invested thousands of dollars in courses and mentors within the jewelry industry. While I picked up some useful tips, most of it didn’t really fit my business model. I wasn’t interested in creating complex sales funnels or outsourcing my work to overseas production companies.
That’s why The Collective is so special. It brings together a variety of experiences and sparks meaningful conversations among makers. It’s a supportive space where we can lean on each other and navigate our unique challenges together.