Quilter's business doubles in just three years thanks to membership
Rebecca Bryan is a quilter writer, author and business owner who is the creator of Bryan House Quilts. Rebecca has revolutionized the world of fabric with her unique collection of thread and fabrics and also teaches in-person quilting workshops. She began her journey and pursuit of a more effective means of supporting her family. In addition, she took time to follow her love of art. Learn more about how changing to an online service gave Rebecca the stability in her finances and peace of mind that she wanted.
Why did you decide to work in the area of information commerce?
My quilting career started with the publication of my first book of contemporary rainbow quilts. After that, I began teaching classes at quilt shows and guilds all across the United States. My teaching schedule coincided with the publication of my book 2: Modern Triangle Quilts.
My husband sought out an chance to work in a different location and relocated our family, which included four kids who were in school to the Netherlands. The fact that we were located in the Netherlands meant it was impossible for me to go back to the US for a classroom visit!
I had thought of hosting my classes online. This change, however, was just the push I needed.
The first digital item you created? What was the reason you decided to make it available?
When I began my journey, I made the choice to begin the very first workshop that I that I taught by using the Modern Triangle quilts book "Design Improv using Triangles". For the class, I instruct the participants in various interactive activities that ultimately lead them to creating their very individual Modern Triangle quilt blocks. This class was chosen due to the fact that it was my most recent book and also because I could understand the length at which an online class can compare to a 3 hour or six-hour live class. (See my Equilateral Sampler quilt, which is shown in Rockport, Mass.)
Could you provide additional details about the results of the workshop, which was a one-time purchase?
I really enjoyed the complete online experience that I provided for my pupils. The first time I saw it, I was surprised. it completely surprising my how much excitement I was having teaching on camera as well as via Zoom. It's impossible to quantify the amazing (painfully!) cameras-phobic my previous experiences have been, but stepping onto the stage in front of my student's cameras was so enjoyable. In addition, I came to visit my students as we enjoyed moments of fellowship even though it was online. It was all wonderful!
Thus, I began to offer additional online classes starting with a calendar for the entire year. As we quilt, we refer to these "Blocks of the Months" Every month we create an entirely brand new quilt block. Then, at the end of the year, we put the quilt blocks together so that we can make an entire quilt. Woohoo! (See Rainbow Remix, my 2018 BOM.)
Was the reason behind your decision to launch an online subscription service?
The number of my "Block of the Month" programmes grew from three to in a row, it was possible for me to offer my students more benefit and assistance through integrating my "Modern Triangle" initiatives in the same membership. So, during the month of March in 2020, I officially began the process of opening doors to "Make Modern Triangles" the official organization that helps quilters design the designs make, construct, and create blocks that are modern blockbuster style triangle quilts.
They can select which particular projects they wish to make. They will also receive guidance and support to help them achieve their desire to "bust the blocks" by joining the same quilter community all over the world. This "Triangle Chatter" community is wonderful! Every day, I am blown away by the work and progress photos that people share.
How did the intended recipients feel about your email?
Favorably, I'd say!
They Block of the Month products can be fun to make from my experiences as an educator. It's much more fun in the context of the community, the anticipation of each step, as the piles of blocks grow; the regret when something goes wrong and feeling satisfied after completing every step. And then, the excitement of saying "ta da!" together! This whole journey is amazing, and part of our bond in common.
What do you know about the subscription you received, and how it are you able to use it to benefit your company?
Oh my. The most useful lesson I've learned, through the hard work of others, was that I'm responsible for way over my own needs. Therefore, I'm always seeking ways to decrease my work workload.
When I began my own venture, the most important thing that I sought to accomplish was to earn enough funds to pay for my family's support without the need to find an "real" work. My first venture began at the age of 4 when my kids were infants with the hopes of bringing my earnings up to the same amount as the salary of a "real" job.
I had a dream of creating an online venture which allowed me to work maybe 25% of the day working on my computer while spending the rest of my time sewing in my sewing area.
Someone with a remarkable imagination with a passion for teaching, it was very easy to become absorbed by my quilts that I had designed, as well as creating a brand unique product that I could sell. You can imagine that I was extremely busy at work! The stress of this actually led me away from my sewing room and from my goal.
In order to make things simpler and make things simple. I'm currently focusing (mostly!) exclusively on the membership. I've cut everything down to a single offering.
What effect did the introduction of subscription-based service have had for your business?
By simplifying and focusing on the expansion of my income and membership, I've seen my earnings increase by 50% over the past 3 years (thanks for your sweet analysis!). I've achieved my dream of creating a company that can support my family as well as one one in which I'm not dependent on my computer. I can work from my home office and create artwork.
It's a relief. I'm happy about the services I'm offering my fellow members. I am enjoyingwatching my members' work. Additionally, I'm able take more time. I'm relaxed. Peace of mind clears me from the burden of my daily life. Although it's not perfect, I'm aware of the things I'm building and how I can make it better. I'm also aware of what to expect from future expansion and changes in the next couple of years.
My membership gives me peace of mind. A majority of the times I can see the entirety of my business' revenue annually. It's not like I'm expected to display my most recent projects or bring items to sell. My main focus is creating incredible content and connecting with my readers. I also create myself my own content. Plus, I can be agile and flexible in caring for my children and family members.
How could you help you to achieve the results you've always wanted?
My goal was always and was to be simple. This has been an absolute achievement. It's not difficult for online businesses to become complex in just a few minutes. It's a program that helps make life more simple and I'm all in favor of using it. Everything I need is in it. This is in combination with other software (from older times that I didn't use ) I have a particular use of.
What suggestions would you provide those who are considering launching an online business that relies on subscriptions?
Try to push yourself into the "Beta" variant. Maintain the version you have chosen to call "Beta" for more period of time than you think required. I wished I'd kept mine in beta mode longer. While in beta mode, you'll discover what works as well, then take it to the next level. Then, you'll be able to invest your time and effort polishing and perfecting those things that are working. Stay simple and remain at the moment and focus on things that are simple. Start your test right now. If you are waiting longer and the longer it takes, the more difficult test that you'll need to complete!
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