The IDRS Acorn Project is hosting a live online workshop for artists and craftsmen of the Torres Martinez community who are interested in learning how to sell their goods through Etsy.  Etsy is the leading global marketplace for selling handmade and vintage goods to more than 40 million customers. IDRS has created the Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship Workshop for Native artists/crafters that are looking to expand their customer base beyond the boundaries of their own community and sell to consumers world-wide.

The course is taught by award-winning Cherokee artist, MaryBeth Timothy.  MaryBeth and her husband operate MoonHawk Art LLC, an art business located in Muskogee Oklahoma which specializes in Native American and wildlife art.

MaryBeth creates new original art and through sublimation printing, offers her and her husband’s images on a variety of items, such as ceramic decorative tiles, coffee mugs,  cuff bracelets and t-shirts.  While MaryBeth primarily sells through venues such as gift shops and art markets, she has been able to expand and reach a worldwide market through her Esty store.

The Etsy class will take place over four 2-hour sessions.  The first session will be on Thursday,  January 13th at 12:00 pm Pacific.  The second through fourth sessions will be at same time on Thursday, January 20th; 27th; and February 3rd.

This workshop will be delivered online utilizing the Zoom platform. The workshop can be taken on computers and smartphones.

This program is open to Torres Martinez TANF participants only.  If you’re associated with Torres Martinez TANF, please contact Keturah Chavez at kchavez@tmtanf.org to register.

Course Agenda

Day 1
Introductions
Break
Course overview
Why sell on Etsy?

Day 2
Recap of session 1
Homework discussion
How to stand out on Etsy
What you need to do before opening your Etsy store
Break
Taking great product photos

Day 3
Recap of session 2
Homework discussion
How to list your items on Etsy
Break
Etsy search engine optimization
Indian Arts & Crafts Act
Pricing & fees
Etsy payment
Developing your store policies

Day 4
Recap of session 3
Homework discussion
Creating your store profile
Sales strategies
Break
Communicating with customers
Shipping products
Collecting sales tax
Promoting your store on Social media
How to set up coupons and special offers
Where to get help.

This workshop is being funded in part by the USDA Rural Development, the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, Bank of America Charitable Foundation, and MUFG Union Bank Foundation.