The camp was more amazing than I even expected, so thoughtfully and well organized, such interesting and pertinent classes, good timing and good variety, lots of ways to connect with other makers, and lots of fun as well! I got so much out of it, and loved every minute!

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.

[The most valuable thing I learned ] was that I share the same fears, anxieties and struggles as everyone else. Being around others who are in the same boat gave me a boost of confidence and the drive to keep going. I feel really motivated to get into my studio today, after months of going through a period of struggling with why I’m doing this. Feels like I have my focus back.

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!

I took a leap of faith and crawled out of my comfort zone applying for events by @urbancraftuprising for the first time this year. I also spent the last 3 days on the beautiful Vashon island participating in their Camp Thundercraft retreat with around 70 like-minded, creative, entrepreneurial, badass women! Applying for this opportunity was scary. I didn’t know what to expect. The admission fee was hard to justify at the time. Imposter syndrome screamed loudly that I didn’t belong. aaand… all that was squashed! I can’t emphasize enough how valuable the connections, information, and education I’ve gained from this experience has been. The doubt I felt before taking that leap of faith and applying for these opportunities seems trivial and silly in retrospect. I can’t thank the organizers of this event enough for this incredible experience. 🙏 If you needed a sign to take that leap, apply for the thing, or spend a scary amount to invest in yourself: THIS IS IT!

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 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.

I was skeptical that I could enjoy and benefit as much in year two as I did in year one, but holy crap! I had such an amazing time seeing other repeat campers, meeting new ones, immersing myself in a pool of like-minded people with shared experiences. I’m incredibly grateful. Also, kudos to Lydia for how she built the confidence of everyone she photographed and for sharing her knowledge so freely.

[The most valuable thing I learned this weekend was] that I can do it. That there are resources and people to help me in my entrepreneurial journey. The most helpful were really just the more psychological – mental state teachings about being creative and the struggles that come with it.

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!