You make beautiful things. But running a business? That's different.

You're talented. Your products are gorgeous. You know people would love what you make.

But when it comes to actually selling - building a website, pricing your work, getting found online, standing out at markets - everything feels overwhelming.

You see other makers who seem to have it all figured out. Their Instagram looks perfect. They're selling at the best markets in Edinburgh. They talk confidently about their prices.

Meanwhile, you're stuck wondering:

  • Am I charging enough? (Probably not, but you don't know how to work it out)
  • Where should I even start selling? Etsy? Instagram? My own website? Markets?
  • How do I make my products stand out in a crowded market?
  • Should I trademark my name? Do I need insurance? What about terms and conditions?
  • Is everyone else making money except me?

You've watched enough "6-figure business in 6 months" nonsense online. You don't need hype. You need practical, honest guidance from people who've actually built product businesses - right here in Scotland.

The Foundations Experience: Your first step into confident business ownership

Half a day. A cosy cottage studio. Two experienced Edinburgh entrepreneurs. Everything you actually need to know to start selling with confidence.

The Foundations Experience brings you to Kerry's idyllic Midlothian cottage studio - a working maker's space where the magic happens. Over an intimate morning with a small group of fellow Edinburgh-area makers and creators, you'll learn the actual foundations of running a profitable product business.

No fluff. No get-rich-quick schemes. Just the practical, proven steps that work for real craft businesses in Scotland.

This isn't a lecture. It's a conversation around the fire with coffee, cake, and people who get it.

JOIN US ON 11th FEBRUARY AT THE FOUNDATIONS EXPERIENCE

What you'll learn in your Foundations Experience...

Business Foundations: Setting Up for Success

JOIN THE 11th FEBRUARY FOUNDATIONS EXPERIENCE

  • Business Foundations: Setting up for success

    Get the boring-but-essential stuff sorted from day one:

    • Choosing and protecting your business name (domains, social handles, trademarks)
    • Which platforms you actually need (and which ones are a waste of time for Scottish makers)
    • Legal essentials: sole trader vs limited company, insurance, copyright protection
    • Simple bookkeeping that won't make your eyes glaze over
    • Understanding postage costs and avoiding expensive mistakes

  • Pricing for Profit: The numbers you can't ignore

    This is the session most makers wish they'd had from day one. You'll learn:

    • Why makers undercharge (and how to stop doing it)
    • The real cost calculator: materials, time, overheads, and the costs everyone forgets
    • How to confidently price for both retail and wholesale
    • Working out your actual desired hourly rate
    • Pricing research without copying your competitors
    • The confidence piece: why your work is genuinely worth it

  • Where to Sell: Finding your best sales channels

    Website, Etsy, markets, Instagram, wholesale - where should you actually focus?

    • Pros and cons of each platform for Scottish makers
    • What complete beginners should start with
    • When to invest in your own Shopify or Squarespace site
    • Making the most of Edinburgh and Scotland's craft fair / market scene
    • The hybrid approach that works for most makers

Why the Foundations Experience works...

Intimate & Personal

Maximum 10 people in Kerry's beautiful cottage studio. You're not just another face in a corporate conference room.

Taught by real professionals

Kerry and Helen have both built successful Edinburgh-based businesses. They've made the mistakes so you don't have to.

Actually in Scotland

No generic American business advice. This is specifically for product-based businesses selling in Scotland and the UK.

Proper support

Pick-up from the local train station included. Delicious home made cake and refreshments provided. Take-home workbook and super valuable and practical resource pack.

Ongoing community

Join the Create & Commerce community and access our regular workshops in Edinburgh throughout the year.

No nonsense

We're busy - we don't have time for that. We cut through the noise of "hustle culture" and get-rich-quick schemes. Just honest, practical guidance that works.

Is The Foundations Experience right for you?

  • It's perfect if you're:

    • A maker, designer, or creative in Edinburgh or the Lothians
    • Just starting out and feeling overwhelmed by where to begin
    • Already selling at markets but ready to move online
    • Making sales but barely any profit
    • Stuck at a plateau and not sure how to grow
    • Tired of conflicting advice and ready for clarity
    • Looking for a supportive community of fellow Edinburgh makers

  • Not quite right if you're:

    • Already running a six-figure product business (you're beyond foundations!)
    • Looking for a quick fix or magic formula
    • Not willing to put in the work
    • Based far outside the Edinburgh/Lothians area (travel would be difficult unless of course you don't mind the travel!)

Meet your hosts...

  • Kerry: Candle Maker & visual merchandising expert

    Kerry runs Can to Candle, a successful candle business based in Midlothian. With years of experience selling online and at Scotland's top markets Kerry knows exactly what makes products sell - and what doesn't.

    Her expertise in visual merchandising, product styling, and market success has helped countless Edinburgh makers present their products beautifully and attract the right customers. Kerry's eye for design is second to none.

    When she's not making candles or hosting workshops, you'll find Kerry planning her next market display or testing new fragrances.

  • Helen: Website Designer & former e-commerce business owner

    Helen is a Shopify and Squarespace specialist who works with creative businesses across Scotland and beyond. But before she was building websites for others, she ran her own successful e-commerce business - so she knows the challenges makers face from the inside.

    Helen cuts through the technical jargon to help product-based businesses get online without the overwhelm. She specialises in websites that don't just look beautiful, but actually convert browsers into buyers.

    Based in the Borders, Helen is passionate about helping Edinburgh's creative community thrive online and build businesses that work for their lives.
BOOK YOUR SPOT IN FEBRUARY'S FOUNDATIONS EXPERIENCE

What's Included in your £55 investment?

✓ 3 hours of expert teaching and guidance

✓ Intimate group session (maximum 10 people)

✓ Pick-up and drop-off from the local train station

✓ Welcome refreshments (proper coffee and homemade cake)

✓ Comprehensive workbook with space for notes and planning

✓ Take-home resource pack including:

  • Pricing calculator spreadsheet
  • Postage quick wins
  • Scottish market organisers event guide
  • Craft fair preparation checklist
  • Welcome to marketing checklist
  • Legal essentials checklist

✓ Curated goodie bag

✓ Access to The Makers' Circle community

✓ Priority booking for Studio Sessions in Edinburgh

✓ Ongoing support and resources

After your Foundations experience

The Foundation Experience is just the beginning.

Once you've nailed the basics, join us for our regular deep-dive workshops in Edinburgh covering a range of relevant topics giving you the chance to take a deeper dive into a different area of your business. A taster of what's to come includes - Photography for Success, Marketing your business, Online Success, Branding and more...

Frequently asked questions...

I'm a complete beginner - is this too advanced for me?

Not at all! The Foundations Experience is specifically designed for beginners or those just feeling stuck with their business.

I'm already selling on Etsy/at markets - will I still learn something?

Yes! Most people who are already selling discover they're missing crucial foundations (usually around pricing and profit margins). You'll also connect with other Scottish makers at similar stages.

Do I need to bring anything?

Just yourself, an open mind, and we'd love it if you could bring a few samples of your products if you'd like to share them with the group. We provide everything else including your workbook, resources, and refreshments.

What if I can't make the February date?

We run the Foundations Experience regularly. Join the waitlist and we'll let you know as soon as the next date is announced.

Can I come without being picked up from the station?

Absolutely! If you're driving or getting a taxi, just let us know and we'll send you the full address.

Will you be running this in Edinburgh city centre?

The Foundations Experience will always be at Kerry's cottage for that special, intimate experience. Our regular workshops throughout the year are held at venues in central Edinburgh.

What's your refund policy?

We understand life happens. Cancel up to 14 days before and receive a full refund. Cancel 7-13 days before and receive a 50% refund or transfer to the next Foundation session. Less than 7 days notice - no refund, but you can transfer your place to someone else.

Will this help me quit my day job?

We're honest about this: most successful product businesses start as side hustles. This workshop gives you the foundations to build profitably, but we won't promise you'll replace your salary in 6 months. Sustainable business takes time.

Ready to build your confident, profitable product business?

Join us in February for the Foundations Experience. Limited to 10 makers.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

QUESTIONS? EMAIL US OR DROP US A DM.