I learned that anyone or can be an artist, and you don’t have to do in life what people tell you. You can live as creative or as colorful a life as you choose for yourself. You can be whatever kind of person or artist you want to be, you don’t have to sit at a desk and make phone calls to have a job, you can host comic book events, art shows. Life is yours to be as little or as much creative as you want.

The best things about camp, for me, as someone just starting out are as follows: First, just believing I deserved to give this dream a serious go was important. Going to camp was literally and symbolically about investing in myself. Second, talking with people and hearing their stories and being asked to describe and explain my business helped me to clarify what I really want to do. Third-being around people who actually wanted to listen and who generously gave me such thoughtful and creative ideas, who are also going through similar things was extremely validating! Last, but not least, I made connections with people face to face and exchanged contact information thus expanding my support network!

It is hard to put into words. I feel reenergized and unstuck. Big perspective shifts happened because of having this space and time. I keep telling myself this year is about evolution not growth. And to stop feeling guild around that

I think the most valuable thing for me was the networking and connecting with other people in my industry. I went in with hopes of learning a ton from the workshops…and while some of them were good, I learned a ton just from talking and connecting with other people.

It’s hard to say what the MOST valuable thing I learned is when everything was so valuable. I learned a lot about wholesale and E-Commerce sites – but I think the most valuable piece is the connection and networking with other like-minded makers.

I got SO much out of this weekend – information, friends, time spent in surroundings that helped me recenter, delicious food, hope and insight. I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity.

It’s invaluable to learn so many do’s and don’ts from teachers & other makers, both in an out of the classrooms at Camp Thundercraft. The “yes we can” vibe is inspiring and rejuvenating which is precisely what a solopreneur needs at the start of a new year! Thank you so much for using your limited time and energy to connect makers and help us be more successful through sharing ideas, resources, motivation, and support!

I had an amazing time! Attending Thundercraft has changed things for me both personally and in business over the last year. This year was even better than last, I learned a lot and met some awesome new people! A year ago I attended my first Thundercraft, I entered a cabin with three other women that I didn’t know and we became instant friends. We now meet up monthly and text and chat daily. Not only have I made friends because of it, I’ve pushed through several blocks I’ve had with my business, including pursuing wholesale and making decisions on branding and new product designs. One of the items I came to get feedback on last year, has become my top seller. I came back to camp with new roadblocks and ideas waiting in the wings that just need a little extra push to come to life, hopefully the magic of Camp will prevail once again! This morning I’ve worked down half a dozen items on my to do list, hoping by the time my postcard reaches me in November, I’ll have accomplished or at least started on the pathway to accomplishing my next big goals. Dream big peeps! And, thank you to Kristen & Lindsey for putting on this amazing event!

The variety of classes available each day made it possible for me to hit an amazing sweet spot between “decompress and find creativity again” and “get reenergized about the business side of things.” Also I really didn’t expect this (I’m a raging introvert), but I made some truly amazing friends/connections. People showed up and were authentic and vulnerable, made the weekend so uplifting.