When I decided to start my own business, I did so because I wanted control over my life. I wanted freedom.

But in the early years of my jewelry business, it didn’t feel that way. I spent every other weekend in a tent, in the rain, trying to sell my product. I had a business, and I was making money, but I certainly didn’t feel in control of my life.

Fast forward five years, and now I’ve got a business, and a life, that I love.

In 2012, I hit the six figure sales mark in my jewelry business and I did it without spending every waking minute in the studio. In fact, I did it while traveling, taking time off, and exploring other interests.

auman2My business gives me the time and space to not only support me, but to let me do the things I want to do. And that’s what I want for your business.

As someone with a product-based business, it’s easy to get stuck on the hamster wheel. You grow your business, but the reward is more long hours and late nights in the studio. It’s a cycle I see so many makers fall into, and let me tell you, not only is it not sustainable, it’s not fun!

Think back to why you went into business for yourself. You wanted freedom. You wanted control. You wanted flexibility. But as your business has grown, have you gotten more of those things, or less?

There’s plenty of advice online that will teach you how to scale a business. Digital products, virtual assistants, and passive income while you sip drinks in the sand. But how does that apply to your product-based business?

The truth is, it doesn’t. Not only did you go into business for yourself to have more freedom, but you chose the business you’re in because you truly love the products you make. You want freedom, flexibility, and control, but you don’t want to lose touch with your studio, your process or your products.

The Freedom Driven Studio is designed to help you grow and leverage your studio-based business to give you more freedom and control while helping you build your dream life. Maybe it’s more money, more free time, more travel, or just more time to play in the studio. The Freedom Driven Studio is about helping you grow a business that works for you, instead of the other way around.

The Freedom Driven Studio is an exclusive, 90-day mentoring program with Megan Auman, designer, metalsmith, and business educator, that will help you create more income and more freedom in your studio-based business.

This program isn’t about creating info products or outsourcing your production overseas – it’s about figuring out a way to grow your studio-based business that gives you more income and freedom in a way that fits your life and feels good to you.

Freedom Driven Studio is for you if:

-You’ve steadily grown your business, but you feel overworked and under-profitable.
-You feel like you’ve hit a plateau in your business growth.
-You feel burnt out by endless days and nights in the studio.
-You LOVE making, but you also want a break to spend time with your family, travel, or just enjoy life.
-You know the next step in your growth means hiring help, but you’re not sure where to start or how to make it happen.
-You’re ready to let go of the busy work to focus on the parts of your business you’re truly passionate about.
-You’re committed and determined to grow your business.
-You’re not looking for the quick-fix, but are willing to work to build a thriving, sustainable business that supports you in the long-term.
Membership in Freedom Driven Studio is available in two levels, BASIC and MENTOR:

As a BASIC member of Freedom Driven Studio, you’ll receive:

-A welcome group coaching call to help you set goals and visualize your ideal life and business.
-Five lessons in video and audio format with worksheets and action steps to help you develop your own freedom driven strategy.
-Three group coaching sessions. Once a month, you’ll join Megan and the others members of Freedom Driven Studio for a group coaching call that blends accountability and problem solving to help you get the most out of the program.
-Access to a private program site and Facebook group to connect with the other members of the program.
Bonus: As a member of Freedom Driven Studio, you also get full access to the next session of Wholesale Academy (starts May 6) FREE. (That’s a $500 value.)

As a MENTOR level member of Freedom Driven Studio, you’ll receive:

-A welcome group coaching call to help you set goals and visualize your ideal life and business.
-Five lessons in video and audio format with worksheets and action steps to help you develop your own freedom driven strategy.
-Three group coaching sessions. Once a month, you’ll join Megan and the others members of Freedom Driven Studio for a group coaching call that blends accountability and problem solving to help you get the most out of the program.
-Two private one-on-one sessions with Megan via phone or Skpe. In week two or three, after completing the five core lessons, you’ll sit down with Megan for a breakthrough session to figure out your next steps in creating a freedom driven studio. At the end of the program, you’ll have a second session with Megan to assess your progress and determine where to go from here.
-Two one-on-one touch point sessions with Megan via phone or Skype. Twice in the middle of the program, you’ll check in with Megan to make sure you’re on the right track and get your specific questions answered and problems solved.
-Access to a private program site and Facebook group to connect with the other members of the program.
Bonus: As a member of Freedom Driven Studio, you also get full access to the next session of Wholesale Academy (starts May 6) FREE. (That’s a $500 value.)

Ready to get started?

The first session of the Freedom Driven Studio starts Friday, March 22.

BASIC level registration is $899 or three montly payments of $399. BASIC membership includes the modules, group sessions, and access to the private website and Facebook group. Bonus: As a member of Freedom Driven Studio, you also get full access to the next session of Wholesale Academy (starts May 6) FREE. (That’s a $500 value.)

Register for the BASIC level Now for One Payment of $899!

Register for the BASIC level Now for three Monthly Payments of $399!

MENTOR level registration is $2999 or four monthly payments of $799. This includes the modules, group sessions, one-on-one breakthrough and touchpoint sessions, access to the private website and Facebook group, and access to Megan throughout the entire program. Bonus: As a member of Freedom Driven Studio, you also get full access to the next session of Wholesale Academy (starts May 6) FREE. (That’s a $500 value.)

Register for the MENTOR level Now for One Payment of $2999!

Register for the MENTOR level Now for Four Monthly Payments of $799!

Praise for Marketing for Makers:


The Marketing for Makers e-course was critical in helping me to get passed the mind block that just because I enjoy what I do does not mean I should not take it seriously or make decent money at it. At one point I caught myself saying to a friend "I'm afraid of money" What was that all about? I knew something wasn't right when I said that out loud! The course made me take a hard look at numbers and helped me realize I was practically giving my work away. I am now not ashamed to ask for a fair price for my work. I still have a ways to go in implementing all the info provided but changing my mind set was the first step in the process and my business has only gained momentum by giving it the proper focus it deserved.- Heather McNair Horsey | Sway Silver

The Marketing for Makers course was exactly what I needed to take my young business to the next level. I entered the class not really knowing what all marketing entailed, I just knew I needed to do it. I left the class armed with all kinds of helpful and actionable tips. This was timely as I finished the class just before starting my first open-air market season. Now I have a much better understanding of who my ideal customer is, I've started an email list, created a central location for my business online, and overall have a more focused feeling to my business efforts.- Jessica L.R. Landry | Jessica Rogers Photography

I'm a serial Megan Auman student!! After taking one course, it lead me to another and then another... All of your courses give great guidelines, information and action steps that can be used immediately. After taking the Marketing for Makers course, I was able to define and refine my branding and marketing strategies. Your course has given me a great "go to" bible that I continue to use as my business grows. I look forward to the next course!- Ann Chikahisa | Chikahisa Studio

As a member of the Freedom Driven Studio, you'll get access to five modules that form the foundation of the program:

Module 1: Hone Your Offering - The foundation of a freedom driven studio means understanding exactly what it is your customers value and are willing to pay your for. (Hint: it's not your time!) In Module 1, you'll identify the triggers that make your customers buy, so that you can focus your energy there (and let go of everything else). Honing your offering to match your customers' triggers will set the foundation for all the other changes you'll make throughout the program that lead to a freedom driven studio.

Module 2: Find the Price Sweet Spot - Once you know what your customer values (and how to communicate it), you're able to set a price that drastically increases your profit margin. Building a bigger profit margin into your business is the key to more freedom - it allows you to spend less time on production, enables you to hire help, and lets you take more time off. In this lesson, you'll put your prices into the perspective of your customers' spending habits and match your price to what it is your customers' truly value.

Module 3: Map Your (Studio) Time - Creating a freedom driven studio means matching your design, production, and sales process with your own creative flow. In this lesson, you'll learn to map your calendar in a way that helps you maximize freedom and income. You'll learn to match the ebbs and flows of your business and creative flow to create a schedule that works for you. This is the lesson that lets you define exactly what a freedom driven studio should look like for you.

Module 4: Make Cash Flow - This is where the rubber meets the road in the Freedom Driven Studio. In this module, you'll determine which revenue streams match your unique skills, desires, and offerings. You'll learn to match your business model (wholesale, retail, or something in between) to a creative process that highlights your strengths and the lifestyle that you desire. You'll develop a business model and revenue streams that work with you, and you'll learn how to further hone your offering to make cash flow on your schedule and not someone else's.

Module 5: Get Help - The secret to a freedom driven studio is that you can't do it alone. In this lesson, you'll identify the tasks that only you can complete (they're probably not what you think) and come up with a longer lists of areas where you can get help. Then, you'll evaluate those areas to come up ways to build the best team for you - whether that's employees, contractors, virtual assistants, or outsourcing (but in a good way). You'll learn how giving up control in certain areas of your business can give you more control over your life and the systems and processes for finding, hiring, and managing (without micro-managing) a team.

Bonus module: Do/Teach - Even though this program is about helping you leverage your product-based business, it doesn't ignore another, rapidly growing potential revenue stream, online learning. In this bonus module, you'll learn the basics for turning your unique creative skills into desirable online courses and digital trainings. You'll evaluate your skills to find the topics that most appeal to the growing community of online learners, without creating a program that simply teaches others how to copy your production line.

Each lesson includes downloadable video and audio, plus PDFs from the video, worksheets, and action steps.

The Freedom Driven Studio understands that each person's creative practice, goals, and strengths and weaknesses are different. That's why you'll get access to all five modules (plus the bonus module) in week one of the program. Each lesson will include tools to evaluate how you fair in each of the action areas and, when paired with your one-on-one breakthrough session in week two or three, will enable you to spend the program focusing on the exact areas of your business that need work.

The Freedom Driven Studio starts with a roadmap and gives you the tools to develop a business and a life that work for you.

Freedom Driven Studio schedule:

Friday, March 22, 10 AM Eastern Time - Kick off the program with a group coaching call to set goals and visualize your ideal business and life. (BASIC + MENTOR level members)

March 25 - 29 - One lesson each day for five days, plus the bonus Do/Teach module on Saturday. (BASIC + MENTOR level members)

Monday, April 1, 1 PM Eastern Time - Group coaching call to answer your questions on all the program modules (BASIC + MENTOR level members)

April 2 - 12 - One-on-one breakthrough sessions (MENTOR level memebers only)

Monday, April 15 - One-on-one touchpoint sessions (MENTOR level members only)

Monday, April 29, 1 PM Eastern Time - Group coaching call (BASIC + MENTOR members)

Monday, May 13 - One-on-one touchpoint sessions (MENTOR level members only)

Monday, June 3, 1 PM Eastern Time - Group coaching call (BASIC + MENTOR members)

June 10 - 21 - One-on-one breatkthrough sessions (MENTOR level members only)

Praise for Wholesale Academy:


Wholesale Academy with Megan was the right investment at the right time for us. Being part of the academy gave us the motivation to think about our short-term and long-term goals, our line and branding, our strategy as it relates to wholesale shows, and how to maintain revenue, and all the while being mindful of Megan's constant reminder to think like a buyer.- Karen Shryock | 1canoe2


Megan's class gave me the confidence to take the next steps for my business and to really focus on what is important for my business. Her class gave me the tools to decide to take on a regional road rep, design a new line in a different material, and to move on from some consignment relationships. Thanks Megan!- Amanda Lockrow | Amanda Lockrow Jewelry

Ready to get started?

The first session of the Freedom Driven Studio starts Friday, March 22.

BASIC level registration is $899 or three montly payments of $399. BASIC membership includes the modules, group sessions, and access to the private website and Facebook group. Bonus: As a member of Freedom Driven Studio, you also get full access to the next session of Wholesale Academy (starts May 6) FREE. (That's a $500 value.)

Register for the BASIC level Now for One Payment of $899!

Register for the BASIC level Now for three Monthly Payments of $399!

MENTOR level registration is $2999 or four monthly payments of $799. This includes the modules, group sessions, one-on-one breakthrough and touchpoint sessions, access to the private website and Facebook group, and access to Megan throughout the entire program. Bonus: As a member of Freedom Driven Studio, you also get full access to the next session of Wholesale Academy (starts May 6) FREE. (That's a $500 value.)

Register for the MENTOR level Now for One Payment of $2999!

Register for the MENTOR level Now for Four Monthly Payments of $799!

FAQs:

When does the class start? Freedom Driven Studio starts Friday, March 22 and finishes at the end of June.
What if I can't make one of the calls? Calls are the cornerstone of the program, but I also understand that sometimes life gets in the way. If you must miss a call, you'll have the opportunity to submit questions in advance and listen to the recording afterwards. You'll also be able to schedule your two one-on-one sessions to accommodate your schedule.

Can I participate from anywhere in the world? Yes, you can join the program from anywhere with an Internet connection. The group coaching calls are scheduled to best accommodate those in the US, Canada, and Europe.

What if I'll be traveling or away during part of the program? The Freedom Driven Studio is designed to work for you, even if you're traveling. (After all, this is a program about helping you find more freedom!) You'll get all the lessons and coursework during the first week of the program and we'll be able to schedule your one-on-one sessions to accommodate your schedule.

What do I need to participate in the program? You will need a computer with high speed internet access to view and download the lessons and call recordings (lessons can also be accessed through an iPad with the Vimeo app installed) and a phone or Skype account to join the group calls and one-on-one sessions.

How is this different from the Honors Program? Will the Honors Program be offered again? The Freedom Driven Studio is shorter in duration than the Honors Program and features entirely new content. The Freedom Driven Studio provides more one-on-one mentoring than the Honors Program. Currently, there are no plans to offer the Honors Program again.

I'm interested in working with Megan, but I'm not sure this is the right fit? Currently, I am only working with clients one-on-one through the Freedom Driven Studio. The program is structured to address the needs of your growing business through one-on-one sessions, while giving you the benefit of a structure and group coaching calls to keep you accountable.

How are payments handled? Payment is securely processed via PayPal and can be made using your PayPal balance or credit card.

What happens after I register for the course? After you complete your payment, you'll be directed to a page to complete your registration. (If you aren't directed to that page, please email megan(at)craftmba(dot)com. You'll receive an email from me within 48 hours welcoming you to the program. You'll receive more details and course log-in information the week of March 18th.

Other questions? Email megan(at)craftmba(dot)com

Ready to get started?

The first session of the Freedom Driven Studio starts Friday, March 22.

BASIC level registration is $899 or three montly payments of $399. BASIC membership includes the modules, group sessions, and access to the private website and Facebook group. Bonus: As a member of Freedom Driven Studio, you also get full access to the next session of Wholesale Academy (starts May 6) FREE. (That's a $500 value.)

Register for the BASIC level Now for One Payment of $899!

Register for the BASIC level Now for three Monthly Payments of $399!

MENTOR level registration is $2999 or four monthly payments of $799. This includes the modules, group sessions, one-on-one breakthrough and touchpoint sessions, access to the private website and Facebook group, and access to Megan throughout the entire program. Bonus: As a member of Freedom Driven Studio, you also get full access to the next session of Wholesale Academy (starts May 6) FREE. (That's a $500 value.)

Register for the MENTOR level Now for One Payment of $2999!

Register for the MENTOR level Now for Four Monthly Payments of $799!

(c) 2013 - Megan Auman - Policies + Disclaimers