A Hothouse for talent
09 | 02 | 2012

The Crafts Council’s Hothouse programme selected the brightest new craft talent from across the UK. In September 2011 28 makers were selected to embark on a six-month programme of creative and business support.

So what I have gained from my experience? More than anything else, Hothouse has made me sit back and think about not only my craft but also my life.

What I have learned? Aside from providing workshops with wonderful speakers on pricing, marketing, networking and much more, I have learned that it's okay to take time off and it's important to enjoy now! Yes, it is important to think about the future of your business, but it’s also really important to enjoy where you are.

Before embarking on the programme I’d never really thought about the potential for my business in the long run, but neither had I thought about the knock on effect that having your own business has on your lifestyle.

Aside from my newly gained perspective, I have made some invaluable friendships with wonderful people, whose wealth of knowledge and skills have been priceless.

I think it’s often easy to get pigeon-holed as a “creative”; mingling in the same circles with the same people, who often do similar things. Hothouse has given me not only more confidence and direction but the opportunity to spend time getting to know people I never would have got the chance to meet.

Ellen Thomas

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