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 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!

The timeframe felt almost perfect to me – long enough to learn a LOT, but not so long that I was overwhelmed and exhausted (I did a five-day art retreat once and that was too much). And it felt very appropriate to do this in the Spring, and leave with a fresh sense of beginning and potential. Plus, Vashon is just stunning right now!

[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 had such a great time at Camp and really appreciated the sense of community and connection — it’s always so inspiring to be surrounded by other creative small business owners!

I went into camp not really thinking my business was even a business. The most valuable thing I learned at camp was that my business can be as big as I make it, as extensive as I want. It all depends on how much I am willing to put into it. I think I learned that by simply having the time to talk to and listen to other business owners like me. It was nice to know that we are more alike than different. I also learned that there are are so many lovely people/artists in the community who can share their experience and knowledge.

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 got way more than I expected out of camp. I am still glowing even weeks later! There was so much to process, and I’ve made so many awesome connections, and done so much work to my business since the second I got home. It was a truly incredible experience. Thank you so much!