Native Artisans Collective | CA

The IDRS Acorn Project is now accepting applications for our Native Artisans Collective.

This free, three-month business development program supports Native artisans in launching and growing successful Etsy shops. Participants receive:

• A combination of virtual and in-person training
• One-on-one guidance to set up their Etsy store
• $200 grant for photography and shipping supplies

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👤 Who Can Apply

Applicants should meet all the following criteria:

•  18 years or older

• Native resident in the Owens Valley area (preference given to those living in a rural Native community with a population of less than 50 thousand people.

• Actively selling handmade products at in-person events or online (Current Etsy sellers are welcome)

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📝 How to Apply

Interested in joining the Indigenous Artisans Collective?

👉 Click here to apply

🗓   Deadline to Apply Extended to: Saturday, July 5th

📬 Selected Participants Notified: By Wednesday, July 9th

❓ Questions: contact

Lynn | lynn@idrsinc.org, or Paige Sills | Paige.e.sills@gmail.com

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⏳Time Commitment

Total Program Length: 3 Months – July, August, September
Estimated Weekly Time Commitment: 3–4 hours

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🎁Program Benefits

• $200 in Shipping & Photography Supplies
  A starter kit to help fulfill your first orders

• Personalized Etsy Shop Setup Support
  One-on-one assistance to guide you through launching your Etsy store

• Custom Graphic Design Services
  A professionally designed shop banner featuring your connection to the Native Artisans Collective

• IACB Source Directory Listing Assistance
  Help applying to the Indian Arts and Crafts Board directory (for citizens of federally recognized tribes)

• Social Media Spotlights
  Promotion of your work via the IDRS Acorn Project social media platforms

• Ongoing Training & Opportunities
  Continued access to training, coaching, and promotional opportunities even after your shop is launched

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📅 Training Dates

💡 You do not need to be part of the cohort to attend virtual training sessions.
👉 Click here to register for virtual sessions.

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👩‍🏫 Meet Your Program Guide & Instructors

Paige Sills is an enrolled member of the Bishop Paiute Tribe who was born and raised on the Bishop Paiute Reservation, where she continues to live and create. A talented fiber and craft artist, Paige specializes in handmade crochet items such as beanies, bralettes, and amigurumi, and is also expanding her skills into resin and Cricut crafts. As a graduate of the IDRS Acorn Project’s Etsy training program, Paige now brings her passion and experience to a new role as the program guide for the Native Artisans Collective cohort in her community, where she looks forward to supporting other Native makers as they build their creative businesses.

MaryBeth Timothy and Lynn Wilson, two Cherokee artisans who have experienced tremendous success selling through Etsy, will lead the cohort.

MaryBeth is a renowned Cherokee artist who operates Moonhawk Art LLC with her husband, Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizen John Timothy. MaryBeth shares her affinity for Oklahoma wild birds, animals, and wildflowers through her work. MaryBeth and John creates original art but also reproduce their images on various items. MaryBeth has been an Etsy seller since 2017 and has been an Etsy instructor since 2019.

 

Lynn creates jewelry and home decor items.  Each piece she creates is inspired by Cherokee history, culture, legends, and language.  She started her Etsy store in 2021 to learn more about the platform so she could assist Native clients looking to expand their business through e-commerce.  Shortly after starting her store, she realized there was a lot of interest from other Cherokee citizens looking to connect to their culture and purchase authentic items, which encouraged her to continue her creative journey.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a cost to participate?

No, the program is entirely free.
Selected Participants also receive:

• Professional product photography

• $200 in shipping and product photography supplies

• Custom branding

• Ongoing business support

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2. Do I need to already be selling my products to apply?

Yes. This program is designed for makers who are already actively selling their handmade items at:

• In-person events (e.g., art markets, powwows)

• Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram)

• Their own website or e-commerce store

To participate, you must also have a minimum of five (5) handmade products that are replicable or produced in small batches, ensuring your shop is ready to meet customer demand when it launches.

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3. Does my business need to be officially registered?

No. You do not need a formal business license or registration with the state to apply.

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4. Can I apply if I already have an Etsy shop?

Yes, if you currently have an Etsy shop, you are eligible to join the cohort.

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5. What kind of computer skills do I need?

Basic computer skills are required. You should feel comfortable using:

• Zoom

• Email

• Google Drive

• Canva and similar online tools

You will also be expected to:

• Scan and upload documents

• Transfer images from your smartphone to your computer

A smartphone, internet access, and a computer (preferably a laptop) are required.

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6. How much time will I need to commit?

Throughout the 3-month program, you should plan to spend 3–4 hours per week on training, assignments, and shop setup.
This includes:

• Live training sessions (or watching the recordings)

• In-person workshops

• Homework, such as uploading product photos and writing listings

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7. What if I can’t attend all the training sessions?

The in-person product photography workshop is mandatory, so only apply if you’re able to attend.

All live virtual sessions will be recorded. If you can’t attend live, you can watch the recordings. To remain in good standing, we ask participants to engage with all training content each week, either live or via recordings.

Program managers check in regularly to support your progress. If a participant consistently falls behind without watching recordings or completing tasks, we may offer the spot to someone on the waitlist who’s ready to participate fully.

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8. What types of products can I sell?

Participants must sell handmade or self-designed products. These may include jewelry, clothing, accessories, beadwork, artwork, pottery, home décor, and other items that reflect creativity and craftsmanship.

All products must follow Etsy’s guidelines for handmade, vintage, or craft supplies. For this program, however, only handmade items qualify. While you can add vintage or craft supply listings to your store later, you must have at least five (5) handmade products ready for launch.

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9. Will my shop be promoted?

Yes! Upon completing the program, your Etsy shop will be featured and promoted through the IDRS Acorn Project social media platforms, helping you reach a broader audience.

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10. I’m interested, but I’m not ready to commit to the full program. Can I still participate?

Yes! You’re welcome to attend the virtual training sessions, even if you’re not accepted into the cohort. These sessions are open to the public and designed for anyone interested in learning best practices for Etsy, regardless of Native status. You can register for the virtual sessions.

Click here to register for the free virtual training.

Jun 27, 2025 02:00 PM

Jul 11, 2025 02:00 PM

Jul 25, 2025 02:00 PM

Aug 8, 2025 02:00 PM