Workshop Programme - Building a Thriving Creative Business

Jan 8
3 min read

We have a lot of news to share with you as 2026 is going to be a full-on year. Running workshops at the Gallery in the Creative Studio is something that we started at the end of 2025 and we are putting a lot on the calendar for 2026.

The first that we want to share is something very close to our hearts and that is an inspiring mentorship programme designed for makers, artists and creatives who want to turn their hobby into a thriving business.

From Hobby to Thriving Creative Business – is a 4 workshop programme starting in February 2026 and running through to early May.

The four workshops can be booked seperately on Eventbrite using the following link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/from-hobby-to-thriving-creative-business-mentorship-workshop-series-tickets-1977017482510?aff=oddtdtcreatorwoing or the complete programme can be booked direct with us at the Gallery by emailing gallery@bodmincreativestudio.co.uk — or choose individual workshops that meet your needs. The cost of booking all workshops directly is £120.

Workshop 1 — What to Sell & Why - Friday 6th Feb 2026, 10.00 - 13.00

Introduce yourself and your creative story
Explore how your passion influences your products
Understand what makes your work viable and sellable
Learn how to cost and price your creations
Identify your unique selling point — what makes you stand out

Workshop 2 — Preparing Your Work for Sale - Friday 6th March 2026, 10.00 - 13.00

Getting Your Products Market-Ready

• Discover where to sell — online, at markets, in shops and beyond

• Build your brand and market yourself with confidence

• Understand who your audience is and how to reach them

• Learn how to present your work professionally

• Stand out in a crowded creative marketplace

Workshop 3 — Costs, Finances & Creative Business Structure - Friday 10th April 2026, 10.00 - 13.00. Setting Strong Foundations

Navigate the essentials of setting up a business
Understand key costs, regulations and legislation
Get to grips with health & safety requirements
Create a productive workspace that supports your creativity
Balance creative passion with practical business essentials

Workshop 4 — Creative Business Planning - Friday, 8th May 2026, 10.00- 13.00

Taking Action with Confidence

Turn your ideas into a practical first-step business plan
Set inspired and achievable SMART goals
Keep motivated with the right support systems
Leave with a roadmap that guides your next 6–12 months

The workshops are spaced out so that there is time to act on the topics covered and prepare for the next one if you are attending the complete programme. Attendees will receive a workbook for each session containing a summary of the topics covered and a list of useful tools and links.

Led by Hayley Toms and Jo Hague, experienced creative entrepreneurs and business coaches, each session gives practical tools, real-world insight, and the confidence to take those first exciting steps towards selling their work.

Why join this programme?

Learn from mentors who successfully run their own craft businesses
Gain clarity, confidence and a real plan for selling work
Share ideas, ask questions and grow alongside other creatives
Build valuable connections — with a strong emphasis on group trust and confidentiality
Discover opportunities to collaborate and share resources as grow

Previous participant review

Meriel took part in a previous mentorship programme run by Haley and Jo and said this

"'I gained insights into my own making work from other participants and the expert course leaders. I found I became motivated to look into costs and hourly rate values and benefited from the discussions around pricing for the market appropriate to the products discussed.

There were lots of benefits in terms of ideas to grow a small craft business from the other participants and especially from the course leaders. The group was really supportive and I felt enthusiastic about attending and contributing'. "

Links to all of our workshops can be found at https://www.bodmincreativestudio.co.uk/workshops