Always be looking for Advantage In the world of making, a Competitive Advantage is the specific reason a customer chooses you over the guy standing five feet away from you selling a similar product. It is the "edge" that makes competition irrelevant. There are alot of ways a small-scale maker can create advantage: 1. The "Niche" Advantage (Specialization) - The Concept: You don't make "leather goods"; you make "heavy-duty holsters for local ranchers." - The Edge: By narrowing your focus, you become the expert for a specific group. Your competitors are "Generalists" (they do everything okay), but you are a "Specialist" (you do one thing perfectly). 2. The "Channel" Advantage (The Gap) - The Concept: Your competitors are all fighting for attention on Etsy or at the big Downtown Craft Fair. You, however, sell your products through a local high-end Interior Designer or a specialized Hobby Club. - The Edge: You are the only person standing in that "room." You don't have to lower your prices because there is no one else there to compare you to. 3. The "Speed or Service" Advantage (The Experience) - The Concept: You offer 48-hour local delivery, or you include a hand-written "Story of the Wood" card with every piece. - The Edge: You provide a level of care or speed that a big faceless company or a lazy competitor won't touch. Three Sources of Advantage Alot of the time you don't have to invent an advantage; you usually just have to notice it. It usually comes from one of three places: - Your Skill Set (The "Specialist" Edge): You can do something 90% of other makers find difficult or annoying. (Example: You are a welder who understands electronics, so you make lamps that actually work and last.) - Your Location (The "Local" Edge): You live in a place with a specific vibe, a specific history, or a specific lack of competition. (Example: You live in a tourist town with 50 gift shops but zero people making local souvenirs on-site.)

Seems like a lifetime ago when I worked at Macomb County Bank in Richmond, Mi as Secretary (called back then) to the President and Supervisor for Customer Service (yes all same time) Fast forward: Today I am Oma to two active boys, love to travel and rockhound accross Mi. I have followed business trends as I always wanted to own my own tea and crystal shop. I have been a wellness advocate for 10 years and what I have learned through life's adventures is to be flexible, try to eat as clean wholesome food and be mindful of things around you. I have been married for 46+ years, so I'm a local! Since one should never stop learning, I am ready to expand my biz by bringing clean products to you.

Hello everyone! I’m Justin Sebra, and I’m here to help you bridge the gap between being a talented maker and a successful business owner. For the last eight years, I’ve owned Armade in Michigan, a storefront dedicated to launching local small businesses. My background is rooted in Marketing and Business Administration, but my heart is in the workshop. Whether I’m flying (I’m a licensed pilot), laser engraving, 3D printing, or running my CNC machine, I love the creative process. I have "enough gear to be dangerous," but more importantly, I have the experience to know that creativity alone doesn't pay the bills. The Shift: From Hobbyist to Owner I’ve walked countless makers through the fire of turning a passion into a full-time career. To make that jump, you have to be willing to do more than just create; you have to be willing to grow. In this program, we are going to dive into the things that might make you uncomfortable: - The Numbers: Tracking what actually matters. - Internal Audits: Being honest about your strengths and where you're stalling. - The Business Mindset: Moving past "crafting" and into "enterprise." My Commitment to You My only goal is to see your business grow. I am an open book and I welcome every question you have. I’ve watched creatives turn into entrepreneurs by building themselves up as much as they build their products—and I’m here to help you do the same. Let’s get to work and make this real.

Make sure to introduce yourselves! Tell people you passion, Your goal with it and where you are now! Feel free to ask questions!